Thoughts on a AAA membership?

i've been a AAA member for a long time. but here in MA it's a nearly-mandatory exercise since it gets you a major discount on your insurance. i think i save 10X my annual membership fee - it's stupid.

i've never used them on the side of the road stranded. i've only used them for cars in the driveway that wouldn't start - and they've been great.

friends of mine who drive all over the country a lot use them for the travel planning and trip books and the like and LOVE it.

fwiw,
doody.

 

if you drive a Ferrari, expect to be towed at some point in time. Get the premium membership, they're good for 100 miles towing trips. Oh, carry a cell phone whenever you are in the car. AAA is no good if you can't call them. Those emergency phones by the side of the road are a total joke.

 

It's (sometimes) good for travel discounts and easier in terms of NOT having to go to the DMV for reg. renewal. All of my cars have roadside assistance as part of the warranties but I keep AAA anyway, for the convenience.

You never know...........

DL

 

HEY DAVE

YOU TOLD ME YOU JOINED AAA ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS ASSOCIATION

 

Yeah, Thats it!! You know?? The tow trucks with the coolers on them!!

DL

 

Hmm..... And the problem with AA is????

<notes 16+ grateful years clean and crazy... and sober>

As for AAA, Geiko basically provides the same towing/etc included in my policy for an added $15/yr as i recall.

 

I think it's worth it. With the discounts on hotels etc. it will easily pay for itself. And, it will give you the piece of mind for the trip. For $40 or whatever how can you not do it?

 

I was given AAA as a gift many years ago, and the first time I needed a jumpstart to get to work on time, they told me it would be two hours minimum before they got there. I was furious, and they didn't give a flip. Now, everytime they sent me a renewal invite, I refuse it. Not worth the money IMHO. regular insurance can add towing for a lot less.

C

 

Ditto

Wouldn't have it anyother way

 

I wont even walk past my F car without a fully charged cell phone and a AAA premium card in my wallet

 

I've been a very happy AAA member since 1972! When my 328 wouldn't start in my garage a couple of weeks ago, they were there in 45 minutes and got me on my way. The maps, TourBooks and discounts are great.

 

I've been a member for over 10 years, best deal if you travel a lot.

 

Have been a premium member for years. My wife likes the maps & free travel guides, and of course from time to time merchants offer a "AAA discount." IMO the towing service is next to worthless for local emergencies, unless you have a couple hours to burn. Last time I needed help, I called AAA and got the usual "couple hours" reply, then called a local gas station who sent someone right out. I cannot imagine bothering with AAA if stranded on an interstate somewhere.

I suspect we earn back our annual fee via the discounts.

 

I agree. Get the premium membership with extended towing area. I got it when I bought my first F-car. Haven't had to use it yet...

 

Ditto everyone else's comments. Have had my 308 for 3 years and have AAA Premium. Bought it when I got the 308. Used it twice - for my Saturn. 2 20+ mile tows to the house. It's great piece of mind.

 

I also agree that it is a good back up, just in case.

 

Get the AAA plus.. The 100 mile towing is paid for after the 1st use! I used it 3 times. Let them know you need a flat bed and they always sent one.

 

DO IT!

If you own motorcycles, make sure add $26.00 for the recreational vehicle packages. They will tow your bikes, RVs up to 50 miles (instead of 8 on regular cars), still 4 tows per year.

 

I've had AAA for about 10 years. Compared to the complimentry service most luxury cars provide, AAA is better.

Depending on where your located, they take about 20-45 minutes so show up.

I used to have national when I was 18 years old. I had a blow out day after christmas and they never showed, waited 2 hours in downtown L.A. near 5th street (where the bums are).

I ended up driving on a the tire, then the rim back to west los angeles.
Luckily this car was a 71 chevelle/rims are cheap.

 

Well worth it - Never used it for the F car, but a few times on the P car. I told them needed a flatbed...no problem.

I think the best deal about them is a centralized 800# and no matter where you are, they can service the area...

 

Best investment you have ever done!

Get Plus for $ 80/year. Get you 4 tows up to 100 Miles. Just one tow will bring in the annual fee and more!

 

AAA helped me out last year when I was stuck on i88 in between Albany and Binghamton around 11:30PM last year - they were at my car within 40 minutes helping me fix my flat (I left my wrench home!). Great investment!

 

I hesitate to mention this, perhaps it is simply a reflection of their culture, but in France, there is an association called the "AAAAA" which rates the quality of Andouie sausages. Nuff said.

 

I just signed up for regular membership online... didn't see an option for PLUS. How do I upgrade my membership to that?

Byron