Is AAA Worth It?
Many individuals are interested in a AAA membership but wonder if it makes sense. This article should help with that decision.
Many individuals are interested in a AAA membership but wonder if it makes sense. This article should help with that decision.
The American Automobile Association was founded in 1902 in Chicago, Illinois, and since then, AAA has become an American institution. AAA answers over 30 million calls by motorists per year, but it also provides other services. These include car rental discounts, cellular service, vacation planning and packages, and assistance for troubled motorists.
AAA memberships depend on the level of coverage and the member’s location but can range from $50 to $165 per year. Many people wonder if an AAA membership is worth it, depending on their needs and those of their families.
There are three tiers to AAA’s membership structure, depending on location and type of plan.
Classic Membership
This plan includes up to four tows per year of 3-7 miles and flat tire, fuel, and battery services. The Classic Membership also provides car lockout services ranging up to $50. This plan costs approximately $60 per year.
Plus Membership
AAA’s Plus Membership builds on the Classic Membership benefits, offering up to four tows per year of 100 miles, free delivery of fuel to troubled motorists, and a lockout limit of up to $100. This membership category also provides free passport photos for those seeking to travel, costing approximately $95 annually.
Premier Membership
The Premier Membership includes the most benefits but is the most expensive. This tier includes one car tow for 200 miles and three tows up to 100 miles, and a free rental car for one day along with the tow. The Premier tier also includes a $150 lockout reimbursement for home and car, $10K in identity theft insurance, and coverage for trip disruption up to $1,500. This membership costs members $120 per year, approximately.
A Note on All Memberships
It is important to note that all memberships extend from the member to anyone else in their household. Plus, AAA memberships vary based on the region, so other services may be provided in specific areas. These could include:
-Auto loans
-Car-buying services
-Driving Lessons
Discounts also vary with location, but many popular extras are available nationwide. AAA’s popular deals and discounts include:
-Electronics from certain companies
-Museums, movies, and amusement parks
-Cellular service
-Dining and flower delivery
-Moving truck rentals, car rentals
-Vision care and prescription discounts
When an auto repair shop meets the American Automobile Association’s standards for the expertise of technicians, customer satisfaction, and excellent equipment; AA certifies the shop.
As a result, AAA members not only know they are receiving exceptional service but receive discounts at these certified shops, such as 10% off repairs up to $50. In addition, repairs are typically guaranteed for 24,000 miles or two years.
Some of us remember when AAA would supply spiral-bound mapping guides called TripTiks to its members. While these guides are now a thing of the past, AAA can still help its members plan national and international trips. In addition, AAA offices are full of travel professionals who can consult on the travel route and help with hotel reservations and car rentals.
For individuals to purchase AAA insurance, they must be members. The insurance discounts, however, usually make up for the membership fees.
Many AAA offices have their own insurance companies that offer life, renter, home, and auto insurance, depending on the region. In addition, the AAA club will act as an insurance agent in some locations, connecting customers to insurance partners who provide membership discounts.
AAA’s auto insurance rates fluctuate depending on where customers live, their driving history, and other factors. However, AAA’s agents will provide advice regarding existing insurance policies as part of the individual’s AAA membership.
The question regarding AAA being worth it for individuals is based on factors such as income amount and family size. However, after looking at the facts, we have arrived at some strong conclusions.
Before signing up with AAA or another company, price out AAA’s tiered offerings. Since the prices vary by location, the costs, deals, and discounts might be an affordable choice for some individuals and families. Spending time on the local AAA’s membership site in addition to researching other roadside assistance companies will also help the decision-making process.
Some individuals will find that the Classic Membership makes sense for them. A couple who own older cars, for example, may find that this membership saves them enough money on towing and flat tires to make paying $60 per year more than worth it.
However, a family with valuable homes and vehicles, who travel often, might find that the Premiere Membership saves them a substantial amount per year, and that the kids love the perks.
On the other hand, for individuals who only want basic roadside coverage and do not have families, paying more for AAA’s discounts and additional benefits may not make sense.
An AAA membership may also not be the correct choice for individuals and families who do not venture out on many road trips, or who have a vehicle already covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Instead, these individuals can take advantage of apps such as Honk or Blink, which provide roadside assistance without an annual membership. Adding roadside assistance to the individual’s car insurance policy is also more affordable.
Some people decide that AAA’s discounts in their area make it worth it, while others find another more beneficial service. We have provided the information, but the choice is up to you.
Select blog category below and DELETE this text element