I got the flyer in the mail. I've had the car not start maybe twice in the last 4 years, remedied by either willing it into submission (luck) or banging on the starter with a hammer.

I'm interested in what our little community here has to say about AAA.

Have it, have used the services, can't really say I love it.

When I met my wife 15 years ago, she had AAA. Since then, we've always bought annual subscriptions and about once a year/two we seem to use it for our vehicles one way or another. Last time we used it was to get our Jeep towed to the dealer 60 miles away when the tranny had problems. Basically, it's just another form of insurance, that you hope to not need but is nice to have when you need help.

Never found their travel services (air fares, etc.) of any value since you can get better deals from sidestep.com, etc. We have used them for their travel map services though and those have come in handy.

Is it worth $60 a year?????? Probably not.

Mike

I've never used any towing/lockout/gas services, but I do use it for the discounts.

I get a discount on parts at my local NAPA store, but mostly for discounts at motels/hotels, as I travel often for business.

Even though she has not had to use it, I also have it for my wifes use if I was out of town.

The discounts add up to more than the price of membership for me.

OK, the free towing is a huge plus if you have a real breakdown, and the hotel, renatal car, and even insurance discounts (great members rates) are killer. Very pleased.

Agree with the discounts. Depending on your state, it's also used as a bond card. When you get a ticket, if your state keeps your driver's license as bond, you can give them the AAA card instead. Not that I have any personal knowledge of that...

If you're only interested in towing coverage, it's cheaper just to add it to your auto insurance policy.

Have used it once for a tow from Duluth to the Twin Cities. Saved me a ton of cash. I figure if I use the tow/jump services once a year her in MN it's worth it. Discounts are nice too.

With three children very close in age it was (is) a struggle to keep their vehicles (what we could afford for them) on the road thru high school and college. Late models would break down due to age and AAA was a godsend more than once towing to the local garage as well as pulling them out of the ditch a couple of times :thmbsp:

I have been a AAA member since 1987. I have used their road service a couple of times, have used their TripTiks, obtained umpteen free maps, used my AAA-discount at hotels, Hertz etc., obtained passport photos.

Best AAA story: I had a '92 Chevy Silverado that needed to be towed to the dealership because the starter gave out. The serviceman that AAA sent over got the truck started so that I could drive it to the dealership rather than have it towed.

Worst AAA story: I had a '92 Jeep Wrangler that needed to be towed to the dealership because the clutch slave cylinder gave out. AAA said they'd tow it BUT they would not allow me to schedule a time convenient to me and the dealership. Not a big deal but still...

All in all, they're pretty good to deal with.

AAA? They won't have me till I graduate from AA

Used to use them when I lived Outside, as their travel flip maps were great for cross country trips. But once I moved here with both roads it's a little excessive. Half the town owns 4x4's so finding a tow is never a problem, and I tow lots of people myself with my truck.

Member since 1989, feel like my money has been well spent. ONE tow bill will likely cover your membership investment (If it's far enough, it might cover two or three years...), and as has been noted above the discounts add up if you're willing to make yourself aware of them and ask for them.

It's worth it to me just for my peace of mind when the wife is traveling without me. :yes:

Got me out of a few Jams. Locked keys in truck, I now keep a spare in my wallet, Blown tire from metal in road, rear passenger side 95 north by Woburn 3:30 maybe 4:00 sort of a blind curve. Not me, I'm not laying out there to put that bottle jack under without lights behind me. Alternator quit. Flatbed to service center where I live. Well worth it if you are on the road a lot.

Used it for 30% off at Lenscrafters and discount at a hotel in Hawaii and Hertz rental. For that it was worth the price. Will also use it as a bond card if state troopers catch me speeding on my way to football games in the Fall.

Got it primarily for my daughter's use driving to college and back. She used it once, and so did I while traveling with a friend. His car was covered if I was a passenger. Have also taken advantage of some discounts, and think it is definately worth the money.
Regards,
Jim

Tried them once and felt the value was OK, but not worth sticking with year after year, but if you have a wife and kids it's probably worth it. I use Google and Yahoo for maps these days, have towing coverage with my car insurance, and use AARP for all the other discounts folks have mentioned. :)

Hi All,
I have it for my wife's car, it pays for itself with one tow call. :thmbsp:

My wife has gotten her membership as a Christmas present every year since college. When we got married I joined. Last year during the evening and the thermometer reading below subzero temps I got a flat on an ice covered lonely country road. I was going to a party and dressed in my Sunday suit.
I went to change the flat and I could barely walk to the back of the car it was so slippery. I knew my jack would be unsafe to use. AAA was there in about 20 minutes with a jack that was appropiate and got me going in minutes. I never have to worry about my wife getting stuck.....priceless.

Have had it for 26 years, would not be without it. Have their auto insurance, used their travel service for vacations, and their DMV service is worth the money right there. Two service calls that come to mind was when the coil on my 68 GTO quit at the Home Depot they sent a tow truck but when the driver saw the car decided that it would be better/safer to have it put on a flat bed so arrainged it for me and got it home. Just last week I needed a jump as the 5 year old battery gave up in the cold, they told me it would be a half hour they driver was there in 15 minutes and had the car running in seconds.

Don't have, never had it, don't need it.
I've got roadside assistance through both
a. my manufacturer's warranty and
b. my automobile insurance policy

One time when I had an older car that I managed to get buried in the snow, I used the roadside assistance provided through my insurance company. They had a tow truck there pretty quick and got me back on my way. I was pleased with the service. The gecko done good that day.:thmbsp:

Don't have, never had it, don't need it.
I've got roadside assistance through both
a. my manufacturer's warranty and
b. my automobile insurance policy

same here:yes:

I needed a tow two weeks ago. Basically, chained and pulled back onto the road, $114. How much is the towing rider on an auto insurance policy? AAA is $80 a year, I've gleaned.

Triple A uses your money to lobby against motorcycles , Corvettes , Z28s , etc. It is one more bunch of nanny-state assholes that want to run your life for the benefit of insurance companies.

My wife and I both got our flyers yesterday and I promptly filed them in the recycle bin.

Nothing against AAA as I had them for several years, it is just that my auto insurance policy (you know the one where 15 minutes will save you....) has Roadside Emergency coverage which does everything AAA does for you in that area for waaay less $. As for the discounts on hotels and things I can even get many of those from my auto policy as well because they have members club that does not cost anything but gives you discounts at a lot of retailers. Between those discounts,what I can get through Sam's Club and/or my Visa card there really is not a service AAA can provide me with for the $ they charge.

I needed a tow two weeks ago. Basically, chained and pulled back onto the road, $114. How much is the towing rider on an auto insurance policy? AAA is $80 a year, I've gleaned.

My roadside assistance cost me about 30 bucks a year extra on my ins premium. $14.60 x 6 months. Gecko rocks.

I have helped all kinds of people with AAA. Love it!

Triple A uses your money to lobby against motorcycles , Corvettes , Z28s , etc. It is one more bunch of nanny-state assholes that want to run your life for the benefit of insurance companies.

Did you know the gecko company tried to have radar detectors outlawed in all 50 states?

Had it, they told me my car wasn't worthy. Many years ago, back when I had it, my car got stuck in sandy spots and they said I had to be towed to much so I didn't qualify anymore. Recently we got it for my daughter in college. She did not use the car often and consequently the battery died in between uses. They informed her after using the service twice, that if she used it again she would no longer be eligible. I don't really have any use for AAA.:no:

Did you know the gecko company tried to have radar detectors outlawed in all 50 states?

Doen't surprise me a bit. I checked with them for a quote 6 years ago and they wanted the SSN of my (then) 6 mo. old daughter. I think we can guess what (and how) I told them.:scratch2:

I just wan to thank everyone for their votes and comments.

The wife and I just bought an '04 Jeep Liberty and I (knowing Jeeps) went for the extended bumper2bumper coverage which includes roadside et al. No AAA for me.

Of course, this leaves the other car wide open to failures...didn't think of that one.

The wifes van has roadside through the ins co also. About $30 a year.

On a related note, where I drive allot of the time there is no cell phone signal and very little traffic.

Having seen people die in a snowstorm just a few miles out of town because they could not be found even with a cell phone How many here carry an emergency kit?

I drive a reg cab dodge truck and have everything behind the seat with room to spare. In the wifes van it all fits into a small storage tote under the back seat.

Now these items are geared to where I live but think about it for a second. Just a thought.:scratch2:

Items I carry;

SLEEPING BAG
BLANKET (MYLAR 2)
BLANKET (WOOL)
CHAPSTIK
CANDLES (10 HOUR 3)
COFFEE CAN (WHAT I KEEP THE MRE'S IN)
DUCT TAPE
FIRST AID KIT
FLARES, AUTO
FLASHLIGHT LED
FOOD, MREs (3 MEALS W/HEATERS)
GARBAGE BAGS
GLOVES
HAT
HEATERS CHEMICAL 10
KNIFE
MATCHES & FIRE STARTER
PAPER & PENCILS
PAPER TOWELS
TARP
PONCHO
BATTERY RADIO
ROPE
TOW STRAP
TOOL KIT
SOCKS (1 PAIR)
TOILET PAPER
TOWEL
WATER
WIRE
WHISTLE

Did you know the gecko company tried to have radar detectors outlawed in all 50 states?

That is old news from back in the Eighties.

It was part of a safety campaign to stop speeders along with giving radar guns to local PD's (who oddly enough are responsible for a fair number of highway deaths each year). "Car and Driver" framed it as a move to increase the number of people who have speeding violations and therefor increasing premiums/income of the insurance companies.

The more severe injuries and deaths associated with traffic accidents affect premiums for more people and at a greater amount of money over the long term than a few points for a speeding ticket. But hey why waste a good conspiracy theory with facts........

AAA plus is the best money I have ever spent!

That is old news from back in the Eighties.

It was part of a safety campaign to stop speeders along with giving radar guns to local PD's (who oddly enough are responsible for a fair number of highway deaths each year). "Car and Driver" framed it as a move to increase the number of people who have speeding violations and therefor increasing premiums/income of the insurance companies.

The more severe injuries and deaths associated with traffic accidents affect premiums for more people and at a greater amount of money over the long term than a few points for a speeding ticket. But hey why waste a good conspiracy theory with facts........

Was my statement correct or not? It would appear that you are confirming the accuracy of the statement. I do not condone willful speeding, but I believe we have the right to possess and operate a detector as a measure of protection against "speed traps" and I would not choose to patronize a company that sought to curtail my right as such.

an ill tell ya why. i used to tow for them here in mass. this doesnt go for every member but.. heres the truth an deal. when you call for help here in mass the call is picked up in the northern part of rhode island, then the automated call center puts it through to your local area, which is a 100 mile big circle,

then its switched from there to a more local area towards you. then the local garage gets the aaa computer dial up ringing. the local garage dispatches to the nearest driver, only!!!!!!!!!!!

now mind you when we get the call on the 2-way we might still be in the middle of another road side distress call. so between your call an us showing it might be between 15 mins up to a half hr!!!!! an when we show up we only got the call bout maybe 10 mins ago!! the whole process is wicked slow!!

heres another thing. on how aaa drivers get paid,

a flat tire change/ drivers get 10 bucks!
a basic tow up to 3 miles / 7 bucks
a plus member with a 100 mile if i member right 14 bucks
a outta gas call basic members remburse the driver 3 gals worth of money
a plus member doesnt remburse the driver 5 bucks
a jump start / 6 bucks that was the only reason i got outta triple a
an to boot we are on call 24/7 365 days of the yr 366 on the leap yr
lock outs {lock your keys in the car} 5 bucks
some nites its so busy i can remember goin to bed an ten mins later getting a call, i had enough of that!!! as for being an employee for them an how the drivers get payed .... im all set, id rather find a local mom an pops garage.
tow it to their shop an have it fixed :smoke:

Used it for 30% off at Lenscrafters and discount at a hotel in Hawaii and Hertz rental. For that it was worth the price. Will also use it as a bond card if state troopers catch me speeding on my way to football games in the Fall.

What is this? I have never heard of it. Cop asks for drivers license, and registration, gives warning, or ticket. And unless drugs, or alcohol is involved you get your license back, free to go, and pay the fine, or see you in court. Sometimes I am glad I do not live west of the Appalachians.

I have been an AAA member for years. Even if you don't use the towing or lockout services just the DMV services they offer justify the price.