AAA worth it?

phareous · 07-20-03, 10:03

I am buying a new accord and decided the extended warranty isn't worth it. I've had my previous accord for 5 years and never needed it. I got to thinking the only reason I would want one is for the roadside assistance.

So I looked into AAA for just that. I am pretty much ready to join but wanted to see if anybody else was in it and had used the service. Any experiences?

Sqard · 07-20-03, 10:42

I have it, definately worth it even just for peace of mind. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to find jumper cables sometimes. If your car needs to be towed, they do that also. One towing alone probably costs more than a membership.

Mr. Clean · 07-20-03, 10:50

We have been members for 19 years, following in the footsteps of my GrandParents who had been members even longer. We have had the opportunity (misfortune?) to use the services at least once or twice each year. Several times we have needed to use it in areas where we wouldn't have known who to call. It was nice to have a reliable (at least in our experiences) reference. It is also provides peace of mind for both my wife and daughter knowing they could call someone if I wasn't available. (Luckily that situation hasn't presented itself.)

Their service is not always as fast as I would hope for, but it has always proven reliable. The service providers have been very pleasant and professional.

If travel much at all, why not try it for a year and see what you think.

phareous · 07-21-03, 06:21

Just curious...do you have the Basic or Plus Membership?

Brad B. · 07-21-03, 06:37

We don't have the insurance but...

I have the Plus Membership and believe it's worth every penny. I have used it on several occasions and it's simple. Every podunk place in the country knows about AAA and accepts it and their network is huge.

We originally got it when we were starting to Concours classic cars allover the country. If we had breakdowns hundreds of miles from home (and we have) what would happen. AAA has bailed us out.

We kept it when we got the AWD Audi S4 and the Porsche Boxster because if you say, "Send a flatbed, not a towtruck." That's what they do. You don't have to worry about some yahoo trying to yank your nice ride behing some tow truck.

Plus they have terrific travel and map services..all free. We use that all the time. We are always dropping in for free maps. It's cool!

DFTowel · 07-21-03, 07:37

I had AAA for 25+ years, great service... until I discovered that I could get exactly the same service from my insurance (GEICO) for $6.00 a year! We've used it three times now and the service was speedy and professional. Last week my wife had a flat and the guy actually fixed it (plug) on the spot, no charge at all.

vmunoz · 07-21-03, 08:16

Yeah I have roadside service through my insurance co. too. But if yours doesn't offer it I would say to get AAA. I'd have alot more piece of mind about my loved ones (or even me) being out.

You'll definitely feel it's worth it the 1st you have to use them.

Take care........V

Mosca · 07-21-03, 09:01

The roadside assistance is the same as you get anywhere; what you get is a "dispatching service" and someone else footing the bill. Be it your insurance co., AAA, or the mfr, they all call the same people.

Phareous, Honda has roadside assistance up to $50 for the first 3 years as part of the mfr's warranty, I'm pretty sure. The service contract should raise that to $100, if you made that choice. Otherwise, if you want AAA only for the roadside assistance, wait until 3/36 is almost up.

Cars almost never need roadside assistance these days. The real value of AAA, IMO, is the discounts available from affiliated merchants and companies. When we went on vacation last year, the AAA discount using Hertz rental car was a better deal than I could get using any of my other contacts or sources (and I work in the car business). I wear an expensive eyglass prescription; AAA offers 33% off at Lenscrafters. The AAA rate at most hotels and motels is as good as any corporate or other discount rate you can get.

The heck with the roadside assistance, AAA is an all-American discount card with no haggling.

Mosca

Shiny Lil Detlr · 07-21-03, 09:07

I've had AAA since I got my drivers' liscense (parents got me started with it) and I've used it several times to get out of a jam... its well worth the small yearly investment. Besides, I love being able to go in and get a map that includes knowledge of major road construction that I'll encounter along the way (they seem to be on top of this)

Mmmph · 07-21-03, 09:10

AAA Plus is the way to go.

The basic membership is too limiting. If you travel a lot,
you'll recoup your membership on the discounts alone.

Mr. Clean · 07-21-03, 09:11

Good point on the discounts Mosca. We use the hotel discount every year. We maintain only the basic membership. I don't remember the specific differences, but more towing distance is the only thing that comes to mind.

Guess My Name · 07-21-03, 10:37

I use AAA for travel discounts at hotels, rental companies etc......

Also youy can get discounts at local stores and things......for that AAA is worth it.....