Is AAA Worth It? Membership, Cost, And Functions

Automobiles are sometimes embarrassing and frustrating when they accidentally break down, especially on a lonely highway.

If you’ve ever had to call for help to fix or toll your car hundreds of miles from home, I’m sure you’d appreciate the AAA.

In such situations, being a member of the AAA becomes a decision worth every cent spent getting a membership. Or maybe not.

Because we have correctly looked at the pros and cons of becoming a bonafide member of the AAA, we bring you this article to intimate you with all you need to know about the AAA.

How it operates, and all the benefits you stand to gain as an association member.

The American Automobile Association, according to Wikipedia, is a federation of motor clubs throughout North America.

Also called the Triple-A, It is a privately held nonprofit national member association with over 60 million members in the United States of America and Canada.

How Was the American Automobile Association formed

The American Automobile Association (the “AAA” or “Triple-A”) was founded on March 4, 1902, in Chicago, Illinois, when in response to a lack of roads and highways suitable for automobiles, nine motor clubs with 1,500 members banded together to form the AAA.

Those individual motor clubs included the Chicago Automobile Club, Automobile Club of America, and Automobile Club of New Jersey, with The Automobile Club of Buffalo joining in 1903.

In 1904, the AAA merged with the first American automobile organization, the American Motors League, under the direction of the first chairperson.

During this period, it published road maps and began printing hotel guides a few years later.

What Does The AAA DO?

They provide services to its members and members of the public, including roadside assistance, tour guide, hotel review, van towing, piggybacking, and others.

As of 2006, the Automobile Association of America sponsored a series of car racing under the national racing board.

They give driving lessons to those who want them. Of course, you would pay for it.

The US Department of State also authorizes them to issue international driving permits in the united states.

They can help you tow your car if it spoils in the middle of nowhere. However, it would interest you to know that there are other free alternatives for car towing. Want to find out? click here

Is AAA Membership Worth it?

It is no rocket science to understand that people always want value for money spent. To this effect, the question on the lips of most people about the American Automobile Association remains, “is AAA worth it?”.

So many other companies offer the same services like the American Automobile Association, road help inclusive.

So therefore, consider if AAA is worth it before deciding on membership. While weighing your options, you must consider the following…

  • The benefits
  • Discounts,
  • Costs associated with each tier, which vary by territory
  • How does your local club operate

You may find that another service meets your needs well enough or that the discounts make AAA worth it for you and your family.

Whatever the case, be sure to get an insurance quote to find out if you can save even more money by using other organizations. Finding out these things will answer the question, “Is AAA worth it”?

What Are The Benefits Of Becoming A Member Of The AAA?

The following are some benefits you stand to gain as a registered member of the AAA for the basic level membership.

  • A mechanical change: If your responder thinks getting your vehicle operational on-site is possible, they’ll try to do so. That might include jump-starting the battery, changing a flat tire, charging an electric vehicle, or delivering fuel (you pay the fuel price).
  • If none of that solves the problem, your car will be towed to the destination of your choice. Your choice of destination must, however, not be farther than 7 miles.
  • If your keys are locked in the car, AAA covers retrieval.
  • Roadside help, in some areas, can include bicycles. AAA won’t fix a flat, but they’ll drive you and your bike as far as they would tow your car.
  • It connects services to the member, not the vehicle. That means you can call in AAA to help, whether you’re the driver or a passenger, in your car or someone else’s, up to four times yearly.

To enjoy these benefits, you must become a member.

To attain membership status for the AAA, an annual $75 must be paid (in Colorado, it varies by state), plus an additional $15 for new members. Suppose you want to add another person, like a family member (e.g., a spouse or child) for $37 per person per year.

Can I get AAA’s Assistance in Europe?

Yes, you can. How you might ask; well, the American Automobile Association has international affiliations with reciprocal arrangements.

In principle, it offers the members of the affiliates the same benefits as members of the American Automobile Association while traveling in the United States. In contrast, it gives American Automobile Association members equivalent benefits traveling within the territory of the affiliates.

So, therefore you need not be scared when traveling in unfamiliar territories.

However, such territories must have similar auto clubs affiliating with the American Automobile Association. I would love to think this answers some of your questions: is AAA worth it?

What Other Services Does The AAA Membership Guarantee?

The American Automobile Association also offers direct and indirect insurance services.

As a member of the AAA, one criterion that solidifies your membership includes purchasing insurance. However, the discounts accruable to you regarding your membership status can cover the insurance expenses.

Some local AAA clubs have their own insurance company offering home, renters, life, and auto insurance but not all forms of insurance.

While in some regions, they only act as agents offering insurance policies to their membership, connecting the membership to partner insurers rather than its own company.

In these situations, your discounts remain as part of your membership benefits.

As with any company, the AAA rates for auto insurance vary according to your region, driving history, and other personal factors.

However, they will have their agents review your policies and offer you the best possible advice. These services lend credence to the belief that AAA membership is probably worth it.

More about AAA

AAA’s federation includes 27 regional clubs throughout the United States and eight in Canada.

If you move from one territory to another, AAA transitions seamlessly. All you have to do is call the number on the back of your membership card, says Edmonds.

AAA also certifies auto repair shops that meet its standards for equipment, customer satisfaction, and technician expertise, among others. Members get 10% off repairs, up to $50, at these locations, and it guarantees most repairs for two years or 24,000 miles only, whichever comes first.

How do I become a member of the AAA?

Like every well-standing organization, there is a registration process to be followed by intending members of the AAA. If you would love to find out more about that or register with the American Automobile Association and start enjoying the many services they offer, click here.

Terms and conditions apply.

Conclusion

AAA membership, no doubt, offers peace of mind. The knowledge that help can come to you by just making a phone call makes it much better, especially if you are still trying to manage your old beater for another year or two.

In this precarious situation, membership with AAA is probably worth it.

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