Picture this: you’re cruising down a picturesque desert road, admiring the stunning scenery and relishing the freedom of the open road. Suddenly, your car starts coughing and spluttering. You pull over to the side, and before you know it, your engine gives up the ghost, billowing steam. You’re miles away from civilization, with no gas station in sight. What on earth do you do?
Well, if you have AAA roadside assistance, you simply make a call and request help. A tow truck will swiftly arrive at your location and transport you and your vehicle to the nearest repair shop. But the benefits of roadside assistance extend far beyond being stranded in the wilderness with a broken-down car. You may have the option to add roadside assistance to your car insurance policy or explore third-party options like AAA. So, is it really worth it? Let’s dive in and find out!
What is AAA Roadside Assistance?
AAA, or the American Automobile Association, is a national nonprofit organization comprised of motor clubs across the country. One of the most well-known benefits of AAA membership is their roadside assistance service. For an annual fee, AAA members can call for help whenever they need it, whether it’s a dead battery, a flat tire, or a more serious issue. The coverage extends to the member, meaning you’re protected no matter whose car you’re driving.
In addition to roadside assistance, AAA offers a range of perks to its members, including discounts on travel, dining, identity theft protection, and even auto insurance policies.
AAA Membership Costs
The cost of AAA membership varies depending on your location and the level of coverage you choose. Prices differ from region to region, so it’s best to reach out to AAA directly for accurate pricing details.
There are three membership tiers available: AAA Classic, AAA Plus, and AAA Premier. While the base prices are for one named member, you have the option to add other family members at an additional annual cost, which is more affordable than each person having an individual membership. Here’s an overview of the average cost ranges for each membership level:
- AAA Classic: $50-60 per year
- AAA Plus: $80-95 per year
- AAA Premier: $125-165 per year
Benefits of AAA Roadside Assistance
AAA roadside assistance offers numerous benefits in addition to the obvious ability to call for help when your car breaks down. Let’s take a look at some of the key advantages of having a AAA membership:
24/7 Roadside Assistance
The primary benefit of AAA membership is access to 24/7 roadside assistance. Regardless of your location or the time of day, you can receive prompt help, providing extra peace of mind for every journey you undertake. Roadside assistance includes services such as towing, flat tire repair, battery jumping, and stuck vehicle retrieval. AAA even extends its roadside assistance to bicycles, so if you’re cycling and find yourself with a flat tire, help is just a phone call away.
Travel Discounts and Benefits
In addition to roadside assistance, AAA offers a wide range of travel-related discounts to help reduce your travel expenses. You can enjoy deals on hotels, flights, car rentals, and even travel guides. AAA also provides trip interruption coverage in case your vehicle becomes immobilized while you’re on vacation.
Automotive Discounts and Benefits
AAA also offers several noteworthy automotive-related discounts and benefits. As a AAA member, you can enjoy a 10% discount on repairs at approved service centers, up to a total of $50. Depending on your location, you may also be eligible for a free car inspection, discounted Carfax vehicle history report, and other valuable perks.
Additional Perks
Depending on your location and the membership tier you choose, you may be eligible for additional benefits. These could include free notary services, discounted passport photos, credit for locksmith services at home, and even discounts on international maps. To discover the specific benefits available to you, contact your local AAA auto club.
Drawbacks of AAA Roadside Assistance
Like anything in life, AAA membership has some drawbacks. Let’s explore a couple of the downsides:
Additional Expense
It’s important to note that AAA membership is an additional expense on top of your car insurance. While many people find the added perks to be worth the cost, others may struggle to justify the extra expenditure.
Limited Towing in Classic Plan
One of the primary reasons for obtaining roadside assistance is to have access to towing services. However, the Classic plan offered by AAA has limitations on how far they will tow your car. This means you may incur an additional fee if your vehicle needs to be towed to the nearest service center.
AAA or Insurance-Provided Roadside Assistance?
If you’re considering roadside assistance, AAA is not your only option. Many insurance providers offer their own roadside assistance services either as part of a policy or as an optional add-on. Depending on your insurer, this coverage may be sufficient to assist you if you find yourself stranded while traveling. However, AAA does have perks that most insurers don’t offer.
The choice ultimately depends on several factors, such as:
- How frequently do you use your car? If you rarely venture far from home, roadside assistance provided by your insurance should be more than adequate to cover you.
- What can you afford? A classic AAA plan for one member could cost around $50 per year, but that’s for minimal coverage. You may find that the roadside assistance offered by your insurance provider is more budget-friendly.
- Will you make use of AAA perks? If you travel frequently, AAA might be the better option. With numerous discounts available, AAA membership can help you save on travel expenses, potentially offsetting the cost of membership relatively quickly.
If you’re still undecided, consider contacting both your car insurance provider and your local AAA auto club to get quotes. Comparing the coverage and costs will help you make an informed decision.
Our Recommendation
The value of a car roadside assistance program depends on how often you anticipate needing it. If you use your car frequently, embark on long-distance trips, drive an older vehicle, or have limited financial means to cover unexpected assistance expenses, a AAA membership is worth considering. Additionally, AAA can be a fantastic choice if you plan to take advantage of their available discounts, allowing you to save on hotel stays, flights, car rentals, and vehicle maintenance.
However, if your car insurance provider already offers roadside assistance, it’s worth exploring that option too. While it may be less comprehensive than AAA’s coverage, it is likely more cost-effective, and you won’t receive the additional perks that AAA provides.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Still have questions about roadside assistance and which option to choose? Let’s address some common queries to help you make an informed decision:
How can I request AAA roadside assistance?
The easiest way to request AAA roadside assistance is by dialing 800-AAA-HELP (222-4357) from anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. You can also request assistance through AAA’s website or their mobile app available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. Additionally, some credit cards offer roadside assistance as a benefit, allowing you to access emergency services conveniently.
How do I claim reimbursement with AAA?
To claim reimbursement for roadside assistance, you’ll need to fill out the “Road Service Reimbursement Request” form. It requires your membership number, contact information, and details about the service provided. Reach out to your local AAA auto club to obtain a copy of the form.
How do I add roadside assistance to my insurance policy?
The process of adding roadside assistance to your insurance policy varies depending on your insurer. The best approach is to contact your insurance provider directly and inquire about the details, including the services covered and the associated cost, whether it be a monthly or annual fee.
Remember, having reliable roadside assistance can be a lifesaver in unexpected situations, so consider your needs, budget, and travel habits when deciding whether to opt for AAA or insurance-provided coverage.