AAA ~ What do you think?

[TTFN]

I haven't seen anyone mention movie discounts...I use that AAA feature a lot. I pick up discounted passes at the AAA office, and see movies for less than the theater's matinee price. We also have the plus service, and have had to use the longer distance tow once or twice.

 

[Marseeya]

Add me to the list of satisfied AAA customers.

It has paid for itself again and again and again this year. We did the plus, because we'd planned on driving from PA to FL for our WDW trip. DH has used them to change a tire, bring him gas, and tow twice (you only get 4 roadside emergency assists a year). I used them once when I locked the keys in my car -- it took them 5 minutes to get here because I live a block away from the towing company. We've been getting the hotel discounts, but I haven't really paid attention to other discounts you can get with it.

 

[golfgal]

We love AAA. I have used it for hotel discounts, jump starts, flat tire repair. DD and I were driving home one night and were about 30 miles from home and had a blow out. IT was about 30 below zero with the windchill and there was no WAY I was getting out to change the tire. Called AAA, they had someone come out. IT was about a 40 minute wait, but that was ok. Usually they are faster.

A couple years ago we had our van breakdown on the way home from DH's family Christmas. The tow truck came and had a big enough cab that we could all get in and since we had the Plus package, towed us all the way home. It was great! I think the basic plan has a tow to the nearest service station, which is ok if you live in a major metro area, but us rural folk don't have that option.

 

[caitycaity]

i've had it for more than 10 years and it is great. i definitely consider it a must.

a few services i use it for:

1) peace of mind - i know how to change a tire, but do i really want to have to do it myself? especially if i am in a nice suit or something? nope.

2) we had to get a tow to the service station when our starter died and then another time our battery died and the aaa people came out to replace it within 30 minutes. it was great!

3) discounts on hotel rooms/amtrak/tickets at local amusement parks/etc. plus you cannot beat the 30% discount at lenscrafters if your health insurance doesn't cover or only gives a minimal discount on glasses. dh and i both have glasses so this save us hundreds of dollars alone.

4) free triptiks and maps. i use these a lot - whenevr we go on a roadtrip. i also always keep local area maps in the glove compartment. dh used to make fun of me, but a few weeks ago he got in a mess in virginia and was lost. guess what - he used the maps and found his way home.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

I bought it for the first time last year to get a discount on a Resort in Tucson that we wanted to stay at. It was the only discount I could find and the amount we saved more than paid for the membership fee. I used it at a couple of restaurants during the year, and then in December for a WDW trip with my Mom -- so we got a pretty good value from it. I went ahead and renewed it this year.

I just got an Auto Insurance quote from them and it is about $180 a year less than what we are paying with Allstate. We haven't decided whether or not to switch yet though, I've been generally pleased with Allstate's customer service so I'm reluctant to switch just over money.

When my son turns 16 in August, I will most likely get him a card....that is if I ever get over my fear of letting him drive.

 

[crazelion]

I loved AAA they have save be from many car problems when I could not get some to come and get me.

The discounts is great. The maps and travel books is good to.

 

[Potus]

Can't add much more than what's already been said.

Except, I've been a member for 23 years and never been sorry that I have been.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Picture this...At the end of 1994 I am 6 months pregnant with my 2 1/2 year old in the car...we go to a mall about 30 minutes away and eat at BK--the tire goes flat. This was a minivan where the tire is underneath the car too. What did I do? I called AAA! Plus it was December! DH used it last winter when he got a flat while we were at the movies and it was BONE CHILLING cold, and he has had to use the "out of gas" service a few times. Every time we drive far away I get a triptik and I just saved $400 on a WDW package. . Buy it!
Robin M.

 

[safetymom]

I have the plus and wouldn't leave home without it. Since it covers the person not the car no worries if I am driving a different car.

I also save more than the cost of membership every year with the great discounts they offer.

That was one of the first rules I made for my kids when they started to drive. They had to buy AAA. That way if the car breaks down or they have a flat they call AAA instead of trying to fix it themselves.

 

[DwarfMaster]

SOLD!!


I'm taking all the great info & signing up now. No more flat tires for me.

 

[mom2boys]

I wouldn't be without my AAA. I have a very capable husband - who works odd hours & is out of town every time I have an issue with the car. I have more than paid for my membership with the lockout service alone.

 

[Chicago526]

I've had for years. Ironicly, my car has never broken down (knock on wood!), so I haven't used it for the car benifits! But I've used it for discounts on hotels and the no-fee travelers cheques. And the peace of mind knowing I can call AAA to change a flat or tow the car is priceless. DH works nights and isn't always available to "rescue" me!

As for wait times, it varies but I've heard it's usually less than an hour. I've heard of wait times of 2 or 3 hours during bad winter storms (cars in ditches) or cold snaps (dead batteries) and EVERYONE is calling them. There are only so many tow trucks afterall!

 

[Hillbeans]

We have AAA and I had a flat tire this morning also - they're doing a roofing project in my neighborhood and it was only a matter of time before I ran over a roofing nail.

Anyway, I didn't call AAA but I called my SAAB roadside assistance - some newer cars have a roadside assistance program included in the cost of the car which you may forget about during an emergency situation.

Just a reminder - when I called my husband this morning to tell him, he reminded me of the roadside assistance plan. We have AAA which I mostly use for discounts but would use in our other car that doesn't have the RA plan.

 

[DwarfMaster]

Anyway, I didn't call AAA but I called my SAAB roadside assistance - some newer cars have a roadside assistance program included in the cost of the car which you may forget about during an emergency situation.

OMG
I do have Ford Roadside Assistance. Why didn't I think of that.

Oh Well ~ I'm going with the AAA anyways

 

[Lynn CC]

We get a 25% discount on our auto insurance each year, that is the main reason why I renew. I've had it since I was a teenager, over 20 years.
I've used it for a dead battery, frozen door, and flat tire over the years. It's nice to know someone will come and help!

 

[Mimi Q]

My father and I were about an hour from home one day when I apparently ran over something in a construction zone. Wound up with two flat tires. AAA was wonderful!! Arrived quickly and took us to a nearby Sears to get two new tires.

 

[KAMLEM]

Here's a somewhat related question - when you use the AAA towing service do you tip the tow truck driver?

 

[Serena]

I was driving my daughter's friend home last winter. It was about midnight and a storm hit right as we were leaving. I get halfway there and it was so slick I hit the curb right on a jagged edge.
Luckily there was a restaurant about a block away and we stayed there while waiting. They said more than an hour, but they were there in about 30 minutes.
They towed the truck to an all night tire service. I tried to tip the guy but he said they weren't allowed to take it.