AAA ... the Auto Club

[Ride1949]

AAA won't go most places I go and cell phone service is iffy at best. If things go south, I'm on my own. I had Allstate insurance for years and they had free emergency road service and towing. (First 100 miles free, you pay after that.) I never did use either. They got greedy on rates (no accidents or tickets) so I bid them adios.

 

[Jeepnik]

The mention of tow companies not going places brought up a thought. When I started off roading in the 70's there was no one to come and get you. But you didn't need anyone. Because the first person to come by would stop and help. And everyone who followed until you situation was resolved would do the same. It didn't matter what type of vehicle you drove.

Things are so different today. I've seen folks drive right passed a stuck or stranded vehicle without a word. I ask one fellow why he wasn't stopping and his answer came in two parts. First it wasn't his problem. And second he was afraid of being held liable for anything that happened.

To combat this lack of human compassion there are now companies that will come out on the trails and get you out. You just better have very deep pockets. I know folks who simply walked away from vehicles rather than pay to have they extracted.

 

[Ordguy]

Don't know AAA current vehicle insurance policy but in 1976 the Michigan branch canceled mine when I was in the military and leaving the state again.

 

[MaxMan]

My son had a "project car" It broke down so much they eventually told us they weren't going to two us anymore. Can you get a similar service through your insurance?

 

[vito]

I've been with AAA for several decades. Twice in the last several years I needed a tow and AAA seemed unable to provide one for me in a reasonable time, so I called a local tow service and AAA fully reimbursed me. Plus my coverage includes my motorcycle and covers the tow for up to 100 miles, not to just the nearest repair facility. Not cheap, but with a 9 year old car and a 14 year old car it seems prudent.

 

[redhawker]

The membership for a spouse is, if I recall, a $29 add-on. If you have a large truck or pull a trailer (any trailer, even a little utility trailer or a small boat, etc.), or drive a motorhome, it might be worth it to get the RV enhancement. Bottom line on the Auto Club is if you have to have one tow, you will save more than your membership costs you. Also, depending on the state you live in, the DMV services they can do for you may save you hours of standing in line. You also mentioned getting older, yeah, in my case, if I'm in my truck, there's no way I'm changing a flat anymore. Those tires/wheels on that beast weigh around 100 pounds, I think. Way more than I can handle anymore anyway. If you don't end up using the membership because you had no problems, you might think it was a waste of money, but wait until you have a problem, then you'll think it was worth many times what you spent.

 

[Yaworski]

If you don't end up using the membership because you had no problems, you might think it was a waste of money, but wait until you have a problem, then you'll think it was worth many times what you spent.

Same thing with road hazard protection on tires. I never got road hazard protection until one summer my wife managed to break two tires. Sporty tires, late 80s about $150 a pop. Road hazard protection was $11 a tire.

The last time that I paid for a simple patch on a tire (ca. 1995) it was $30. That $11 was looking pretty good.

Last time I was at the tire store, a woman in her early 30s was buying tires and the guy asked about road hazard protection. She demurred and I said, "Get it. One flat and it has paid for itself." She replied, "That's ok, I don't get flats." Really?

 

[GypsmJim]

My Dad had AAA for several years. Those were the days when we were "poor" and the car broke down often.

Every single freaking time it was a hassle and we got **** poor service. So, he quit.

In recent years we got a car with ONStar. Awesome good, perfect. The price is reasonable.

AAA can stick it.