AAA...Is it worth it?

[thomsbrain]

i've actually used it more when riding in other people's cars than in my own (only needed them once), but it has been very helpful.

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: The_good_guy
I am a member of AAA for 8 years now.. (according to my card) though I am actually in year 7 not year 8 (after 4 years they issue cards every 2 years).

I have used it over time.. its been worth my time.. I use AAA for DMV stuff and discounts and even for lock out stuff.. its been worth it.

how do you use aaa for dmv stuff?

 

[anxi80]

you can pay your registration at the aaa office rather than wait in line at the dmv. they give you the stickers right there also. the whole process takes about 10 minutes. i dont know about your dmv, but if i went there and tried to pay my registration, it would 10 minutes just to get my name on the waiting list!

 

[virtueixi]

Definitly gives you peace of mind, especially if your driving a POS.

 

[SuperTool]

It's nice to have if you have an older car.
So far, I've used it twice, once to change a flat, and once to jump start my car after I left the interior light on for a night. And I got the maps from them, and a discount on hotel.

 

[Modeps]

Dont forget the money you save in movie tickets!

 

[RossMAN]

Yes it's totally worth it and I saved $20.

$60 retail, I paid $40.

 

[Thegonagle]

Yeah, it's worth as far as I'm concerned. Use their services once, and the membership has almost paid for itself back. If that's not enough, you enjoy many discounts just by showing the card, and you can get free maps and stuff at their service centers.

 

[Thegonagle]

Originally posted by: XietyCOM
do AAA members have to put that ugly sticker on their bumper?

No.

 

[Feldenak]

Definately worth it. Maps, tourbooks, cheaper travel, roadside assistance, AAA garage discounts, etc...

 

[jagec]

yes, AAA is worth it, because sometimes AA's are too big.

 

[flot]

I think it really depends on how you maintain your car and how/when/where you drive.

You can save yourself $40-60 a year by:

1) Knowing how to change a tire (and making sure your spare is drivable, just check it yearly)
2) Keeping a set of jumper cables in your car
3) Hiding a spare key somewhere underneath your car (somewhere secure, on my last car I duct-taped it to the underside of the trunk, and then coated it with underbody liner.. no one ever would have found it, but in an emergency I could get it out in 2 mins)

Bad things just happen to some people all the time. If you're one of those people, might be a good investment. If you have a newish car and you're rarely too far from home, and/or you have a large "support group" of friends or family who live in your area... doesn't really seem worth it.

In 12 years of driving I can think of 3 times I've ever had my car towed, and I think one time it cost me about $100 (unusual circumstances, in the middle of nowhere and pulling a trailer), and the other two times were probably about $40-50, and I'm pretty sure one if not both of those 2nd tows were picked up by a 3rd party. (in one case my insurance co, in another case the dealer who screwed up the work on my car)

 

[Feldenak]

Originally posted by: flot
I think it really depends on how you maintain your car and how/when/where you drive.

You can save yourself $40-60 a year by:

1) Knowing how to change a tire (and making sure your spare is drivable, just check it yearly)
2) Keeping a set of jumper cables in your car
3) Hiding a spare key somewhere underneath your car (somewhere secure, on my last car I duct-taped it to the underside of the trunk, and then coated it with underbody liner.. no one ever would have found it, but in an emergency I could get it out in 2 mins)

Bad things just happen to some people all the time. If you're one of those people, might be a good investment. If you have a newish car and you're rarely too far from home, and/or you have a large "support group" of friends or family who live in your area... doesn't really seem worth it.

In 12 years of driving I can think of 3 times I've ever had my car towed, and I think one time it cost me about $100 (unusual circumstances, in the middle of nowhere and pulling a trailer), and the other two times were probably about $40-50, and I'm pretty sure one if not both of those 2nd tows were picked up by a 3rd party. (in one case my insurance co, in another case the dealer who screwed up the work on my car)

It's not just the car service that makes AAA worth the money...it's the travel money that can be saved as well. Member benefits include maps, tourbooks, cheaper hotel rates, etc...

 

[KK]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Yes it's totally worth it and I saved $20.

$60 retail, I paid $40.

Where or how can one get it for $40?

 

[BooGiMaN]

plus here in southern calif you can go to the aaa for most of your DMV needs...when my registration for the car is due i go there pay and have my tags the same day

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Yes it's totally worth it and I saved $20.

$60 retail, I paid $40.

HOW???

 

[JEDI]

btw- i find hotel/car rentals cheaper than AAA by going to orbitz.com

 

[DrPizza]

I'll repeat what someone above said:

CHECK with your insurance company...
I have Geico (actually did save me a fortune - several hundred dollars) And, it also provides roadside service for us.
Plus, our warranty on the car provides roadside service.

As far as the other savings.. there are other ways to get those.

 

[shopbruin]

Originally posted by: BooGiMaN
plus here in southern calif you can go to the aaa for most of your DMV needs...when my registration for the car is due i go there pay and have my tags the same day

me too. that was one of the best perks, being able to handle my DMV needs there.

they also have the travel agency, i have AAA insurance, and i can use it for discounts to theme parks, car rentals, etc. of course if you search around you will find better rates but sometimes its nice in a bind.

plus the free maps are great.

 

[Squisher]

It really isn't all that worth it unless you drive beaters.


But, I've been a member for 31 years.

AAA gives nice rates on house insurance too and they'll knock some money($300/yr. for me) off your car insurance if you get both policies through them. They'll also cut your rate if belong to a credit union.