Is AAA worth getting?

[Kaido]

Their website stinks, I'm having a hard time finding info. I have a 2 hour round trip to work each day and don't want to be hosed if I have car problems...is AAA worth investing in?

 

[DivideBYZero]

How much would a Tow truck cost if you did get hosed?

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
How much would a Tow truck cost if you did get hosed?

lol, no idea, never been towed. it's like $50/year for AAA tho.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
How much would a Tow truck cost if you did get hosed?

lol, no idea, never been towed. it's like $50/year for AAA tho.

This is the equation. If you reaslly want to see if it's worth it, call up a tow company and ask them how much a tow would be. It'll prolly be 3x the AAA price for just one tow.

It's insurance and will give you peace of mind. For $50 i say do it.

Is your car reliable?

 

[kranky]

Short version: you can have up to three road service calls a year. Towing up to 3 miles unless you get the "Plus" membership (costs more) which is like 100 miles if necessary. If you have the basic plan you can get towed more than 3 miles but you have to pay for the extra miles.

Other than that, you can use them for vehicle title transfers, driver license renewals, buying travelers checks, free maps, free TourBooks (which list places to stay/things to see). They also have a travel agency and sell insurance but I've never checked those out.

They also have a program called "Show Your Card and Save" which gives you discounts at different places. For me, their LensCrafters discount just about covers my whole membership fee when I get new glasses.

I think it's worth it, but you need to make sure you understand the limits of coverage for road service if that's your primary motivation.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
How much would a Tow truck cost if you did get hosed?

lol, no idea, never been towed. it's like $50/year for AAA tho.

This is the equation. If you reaslly want to see if it's worth it, call up a tow company and ask them how much a tow would be. It'll prolly be 3x the AAA price for just one tow.

It's insurance and will give you peace of mind. For $50 i say do it.

Is your car reliable?

Yeah, it's a new Saturn on lease. Still, it's just a machine, and machines break.

 

[Muadib]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
How much would a Tow truck cost if you did get hosed?

lol, no idea, never been towed. it's like $50/year for AAA tho.

You need to find out before you invest in AAA. I'm betting it's more than $50. I talked my mom into getting it last year, and sure enough her car broke down last winter. Her car is a real pos, but she won't get a new one.

 

[Red]

I think it's worth for sure. I think it was closer to $70 for whichever membership we bought. I used the road service twice in the last year... once when my I30 broke down on New Year's Day (alternator died) and then again when I had to have the I30 towed back to my house from the dealership because my after market warranty wasn't going to pay very much for the alternator. One tow was over 3 miles so I had to pay about $20 out of pocket, but the tow from the dealership to my house was like 3.2 miles and the guy didn't charge me extra!

AAA has paid itself off in my case.

 

[Anubis]

yes, we have the permium one, costs more, but we get like unlimited tows and such, worth it IMO

 

[Spencer278]

I would not recommend the regular membership if you live or work outside the city. The AAA rate once you go past the first 3 miles is more then the normial rate.

 

[leftyman]

hi, my name is leftyman and im an alcoholic

 

[mitmot]

Originally posted by: leftyman
hi, my name is leftyman and im an alcoholic

:thumbsup:

 

[RedCOMET]

I have AAA plus compliments of my parents. In fact both my older brother and sister are still under my paretns AA plus.

I say its worth it. I was traveleing back to philly from pittsburgh via the PA turnpike and the alternator on my car crapped out. Its a 2000 GMC Jimmy, with about 99K and change miles. The car runs great and we never had any issues with it. Having the AAA was awesome. It only cost me 90 dollars to have it towed 130 miles. Apperently it costed 3 per mile extra becuase I broke down on the Turnpike.


My parents don't ever have car issues with their vehicles but it does provide a peice of mind for that "just in case moment." Also, some hotels give discounts to AAA members.

 

[mattocs]

If you have a cellular phone, they may offer a roadside rescue option similar to AAA. Check it out.

 

[Crono]

Originally posted by: leftyman
hi, my name is leftyman and im an alcoholic

Shouldn't you be seeing more A's instead of less?

 

[gigapet]

the hotel and travel discounts pay for the membership itself. All the other perks are just a major addon. IMO if you have a car and don't have it and can afford it your a fool.

 

[sixone]

Originally posted by: OBW96
If you have a cellular phone, they may offer a roadside rescue option similar to AAA. Check it out.

That's if you want roadside rescue only, and my cell phone provider charges $3 per month. A good option if you don't often travel for recreation, or have parents who pay for it if you do. The reason AAA is so expensive is that if offers a lot of benefits, but you get what you pay for.

 

[GasX]

Keep their 800 number in your car. If you ever get stranded, call that number and give them your credit card. You are now a member and they will come and tow you for free. Infinitely cheaper than paying for a tow.