AAA membership - worth it?

dawgfan · 08-20-2007, 08:55 PM

So I had an issue with my car this weekend where it wouldn't start (problem was corroded battery cables as it turns out) and needed to have it towed to a shop. Cost me $103 for just 1.3 miles of towing.

So naturally I'm thinking about signing up for AAA so as to avoid costly towing charges in the future. Obviously I'm not expecting to need a tow frequently, so I'm wondering from those who have it if the various other benefits (discounts, etc.) make it worthwhile above and beyond the towing and roadside assistance benefits.

MrBug708 · 08-20-2007, 08:58 PM

Yes. You never know when you're 60 miles from a mechanic you can trust...

gstelmack · 08-20-2007, 09:01 PM

I love the safety net. Plus the discounts and TripTiks every time we go to Disney.

I don't know if it has paid for itself or anything like that, but the peace of mind is worth something all by itself.

Galaril · 08-20-2007, 09:04 PM

What does a membership run for AAA.

Noop · 08-20-2007, 09:05 PM

I think its worth more then a porn membership to be honest with you.

gstelmack · 08-20-2007, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Galaril

What does a membership run for AAA.

Pricing info for the Carolinas can be found at http://www.aaacarolinas.com/Membersh...comparison.htm

Just go to aaa.com and enter your zip code.

clintl · 08-20-2007, 09:08 PM

I think it's definitely worth it. You only need to get towed once for it to pay for itself, and I've saved significantly on the rare occasions when I needed a major car repair. And aside from the discounts at various places, of course, there are the free maps.

molson · 08-20-2007, 09:09 PM

Hell yes it's worth it.

I'm not sure how exactly the business relationship works between AAA and the local tow companies, but I'm always amazed how quickly they get out to where you are and fix your problem.

stevew · 08-20-2007, 09:09 PM

I'd say it's more worth it if you have an older car. You never know when it might need to be towed. Also, sometimes you can get benefits at stores like Circuit city, etc.

Although for the towing, etc, you might be able to get all that added to your vehicle insurance policy as well.

JeffNights · 08-20-2007, 09:12 PM

The first time you need a tow, you have paid yourself for the cost of your yearly mebership. It well worth it, you get discounts to popular vacation spots, AND I KNOW THAT EVERYBODY IS DIFFERENT! But my lowest car insurance rates are from AAA...so yes, its worth it.

molson · 08-20-2007, 09:12 PM

Aside from the towing, of course, it's also nice insurance against locking your keys in the car or leaving your lights on in the middle of the night.

Clark · 08-20-2007, 09:21 PM

I have American Family Insurance. They offer "Emergency Road Service", cost me $4 every 6 months per car, it's just part of my premium. I've had 3 vehicles towed, never cost me anything, just submitted the bill to my agent and next week I have a check. I don't think the service has gone up in cost in 5 years. I have to believe this is much cheaper then AAA? Check your insurance company maybe they offer it?

dawgfan · 08-20-2007, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clark

Check your insurance company maybe they offer it?

Good call - I'll have to check that out.

Yeah, the towing part with AAA is nice and all, but if it's ~$54 for membership in my location, I'm wondering how much additional benefit I can expect out of the other discounts (mainly travel/lodging I would assume).

Karlifornia · 08-20-2007, 09:28 PM

It's always been worth it to me, but I drive an old beater car.

FBPro · 08-20-2007, 09:49 PM

Without a doubt. You would have likely paid for a year membership maybe more with just that $$ you spent.

cuervo72 · 08-20-2007, 10:20 PM

Yes. Definitely. I did a 180 off the road going down Route 15 - in a heavy snow - a few years ago, and once I called AAA (after some good sams tried to get me back up the small embankment went down with no success), a local towing company was there to get me out very quickly. They've also been great with discounts, maps, triptiks, etc.

sterlingice · 08-20-2007, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by molson

Aside from the towing, of course, it's also nice insurance against locking your keys in the car or leaving your lights on in the middle of the night.

Done the locking keys in car once. They were there in under 10 minutes and it was free to get them out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuervo72

They've also been great with discounts, maps, triptiks, etc.

That's the other benefit. The free guidebooks and maps are great if you're going on vacation. Plus, the hotel discounts are pretty good.

SI

stevew · 08-20-2007, 10:41 PM

You guys still use maps? I usually mapquest/googlemap out any trips I'm going to make. Maybe I just usually tend to know where I'm going, though. I'll probably buy a GPS for xmas this year.

ISiddiqui · 08-20-2007, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevew

You guys still use maps? I usually mapquest/googlemap out any trips I'm going to make. Maybe I just usually tend to know where I'm going, though. I'll probably buy a GPS for xmas this year.

Well, it's hard when you are somewhere new and can't get to a computer if you get lost

.

Karlifornia · 08-20-2007, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevew

You guys still use maps? I usually mapquest/googlemap out any trips I'm going to make. Maybe I just usually tend to know where I'm going, though. I'll probably buy a GPS for xmas this year.

Never hurts to have a map as a backup.

SunDevil · 08-20-2007, 11:41 PM

st.cronin · 08-21-2007, 12:15 AM

I think a AAA membership is my favorite consumer product in any category. Just an absolutely awesome company.

Vinatieri for Prez · 08-21-2007, 01:35 AM

I'm not sure if this is possible anymore, but my brother signed up for AAA when he needed his first tow. So, if you don't have AAA and your car breaks down, call them up and sign up then. Best of both worlds. I can't remember if he actually signed up with the guy who came to get the car or right over the phone. Worth a try anyways.

sterlingice · 08-21-2007, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karlifornia

Never hurts to have a map as a backup.

Amen.

SI

sterlingice · 08-21-2007, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vinatieri for Prez

I'm not sure if this is possible anymore, but my brother signed up for AAA when he needed his first tow. So, if you don't have AAA and your car breaks down, call them up and sign up then. Best of both worlds. I can't remember if he actually signed up with the guy who came to get the car or right over the phone. Worth a try anyways.

Keep in mind, regular AAA membership means free towing within 3 miles. The gold membership is needed for the 50 or 100 mi (I forget) long distance towing. It's about $30 more per year.

SI

fjvieane · 08-21-2007, 06:44 PM

I love my AAA membership.

I also have my car insurance there as well. It may cost a little more than other companies, but the times I have had to make a claim has been seamless. No hassle for me, well except to get the car fixed, lol.

DolphinFan1 · 08-21-2007, 08:25 PM

I have used AAA for 15 years. But I have the plus membership. It gives you 100 miles of FREE towing to the destination of your choice. It can be used for any car you are in. If you go somewhere with a friend with their car and it breaks down, you can use your AAA card to get it towed.

cthomer5000 · 08-21-2007, 08:28 PM

Yeah, definitely worth it IMHO.

SackAttack · 08-21-2007, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by molson

Aside from the towing, of course, it's also nice insurance against locking your keys in the car or leaving your lights on in the middle of the night.

And if you're anywhere near as scatterbrained as I can be when it comes to my car, you'll realize why that's so nice to have.

SFL Cat · 08-21-2007, 08:56 PM

Garmin > TripTik

However, I was always completely satisfied with the service I got while a member of AAA. Can't beat the towing / emergency road service.

gstelmack · 08-21-2007, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFL Cat

Garmin > TripTik

Garmin $$$ >>> TripTik $$$

And how often does your Garmin get updated with recent data?

Mr. Wednesday · 08-22-2007, 01:04 AM

Google / Mapquest is unbeatable for street-level detail, but I like the AAA road atlas better for looking at state-level detail.

08-20-2007, 09:01 PM	#3
gstelmack Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Cary, NC	I love the safety net. Plus the discounts and TripTiks every time we go to Disney. I don't know if it has paid for itself or anything like that, but the peace of mind is worth something all by itself. __________________ -- Greg -- Author of various FOF utilities

08-20-2007, 09:05 PM	#5
Noop Bonafide Seminole Fan Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Miami	I think its worth more then a porn membership to be honest with you. __________________ Subby's favorite woman hater.

08-20-2007, 09:28 PM	#14
Karlifornia Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: San Jose, CA	It's always been worth it to me, but I drive an old beater car. __________________ Look into the mind of a crazy man (NSFW) http://www.whitepowerupdate.wordpress.com

08-20-2007, 09:49 PM	#15
FBPro College Starter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SE	Without a doubt. You would have likely paid for a year membership maybe more with just that $$ you spent. __________________ GM RayCo Raiders-est. 2004-2012 Charter member of the IHOF-RayCo GM GM Tennessee Titans PFL 2011-2014 GM Tennessee Titans FOWL 2020-2025

08-20-2007, 10:20 PM	#16
cuervo72 Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Maryland	Yes. Definitely. I did a 180 off the road going down Route 15 - in a heavy snow - a few years ago, and once I called AAA (after some good sams tried to get me back up the small embankment went down with no success), a local towing company was there to get me out very quickly. They've also been great with discounts, maps, triptiks, etc. __________________ null

08-20-2007, 08:58 PM	#2
MrBug708 Head Coach Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Whittier	Yes. You never know when you're 60 miles from a mechanic you can trust...

08-20-2007, 09:04 PM	#4
Galaril Pro Starter Join Date: Jan 2004	What does a membership run for AAA.

08-20-2007, 09:08 PM	#7
clintl College Starter Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Davis, CA	I think it's definitely worth it. You only need to get towed once for it to pay for itself, and I've saved significantly on the rare occasions when I needed a major car repair. And aside from the discounts at various places, of course, there are the free maps.

08-20-2007, 09:09 PM	#8
molson General Manager Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: The Mountains	Hell yes it's worth it. I'm not sure how exactly the business relationship works between AAA and the local tow companies, but I'm always amazed how quickly they get out to where you are and fix your problem.

08-20-2007, 09:09 PM	#9
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	I'd say it's more worth it if you have an older car. You never know when it might need to be towed. Also, sometimes you can get benefits at stores like Circuit city, etc. Although for the towing, etc, you might be able to get all that added to your vehicle insurance policy as well.

08-20-2007, 09:12 PM	#10
JeffNights College Prospect Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Michigan	The first time you need a tow, you have paid yourself for the cost of your yearly mebership. It well worth it, you get discounts to popular vacation spots, AND I KNOW THAT EVERYBODY IS DIFFERENT! But my lowest car insurance rates are from AAA...so yes, its worth it.

08-20-2007, 09:21 PM	#12
Clark n00b Join Date: Oct 2003	I have American Family Insurance. They offer "Emergency Road Service", cost me $4 every 6 months per car, it's just part of my premium. I've had 3 vehicles towed, never cost me anything, just submitted the bill to my agent and next week I have a check. I don't think the service has gone up in cost in 5 years. I have to believe this is much cheaper then AAA? Check your insurance company maybe they offer it?

08-20-2007, 10:41 PM	#18
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	You guys still use maps? I usually mapquest/googlemap out any trips I'm going to make. Maybe I just usually tend to know where I'm going, though. I'll probably buy a GPS for xmas this year.

08-21-2007, 12:15 AM	#22
st.cronin General Manager Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: New Mexico	I think a AAA membership is my favorite consumer product in any category. Just an absolutely awesome company. __________________ co-commish: bb-bbcf.net knives out

08-21-2007, 01:35 AM	#23
Vinatieri for Prez College Starter Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Seattle	I'm not sure if this is possible anymore, but my brother signed up for AAA when he needed his first tow. So, if you don't have AAA and your car breaks down, call them up and sign up then. Best of both worlds. I can't remember if he actually signed up with the guy who came to get the car or right over the phone. Worth a try anyways.

08-21-2007, 06:44 PM	#26
fjvieane Mascot Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: California	I love my AAA membership. I also have my car insurance there as well. It may cost a little more than other companies, but the times I have had to make a claim has been seamless. No hassle for me, well except to get the car fixed, lol.

08-21-2007, 08:25 PM	#27
DolphinFan1 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Connecticut	I have used AAA for 15 years. But I have the plus membership. It gives you 100 miles of FREE towing to the destination of your choice. It can be used for any car you are in. If you go somewhere with a friend with their car and it breaks down, you can use your AAA card to get it towed. __________________ GM of the Milwaukee Muscle Men of the ZFL. The 1st team in ZFL history to have a perfect losing season. I am on a quest to show that the Dolphins can win the Super Bowl. Or should I say Front Office Bowl, with FOF2K7. The revival of an old favorite, FOFC Wrestling Dynasty

08-21-2007, 08:56 PM	#30
SFL Cat College Starter Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: South Florida	Garmin > TripTik However, I was always completely satisfied with the service I got while a member of AAA. Can't beat the towing / emergency road service. Last edited by SFL Cat : 08-21-2007 at 08:56 PM.

08-22-2007, 01:04 AM	#32
Mr. Wednesday Pro Starter Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: South Bend, IN	Google / Mapquest is unbeatable for street-level detail, but I like the AAA road atlas better for looking at state-level detail. __________________ Hattrick - Brays Bayou FC (70854) / USA III.4 Hockey Arena - Houston Aeros / USA II.1 Thanks to my FOFC Hattrick supporters - Blackout, Brillig, kingfc22, RPI-fan, Rich1033, antbacker, One_to7, ur_land, KevinNU7, and TonyR (PM me if you support me and I've missed you)

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)