Aaa Roadside Assistance: Why It's Worth The Upgrade

Roadside assistance is a useful feature to have in case of emergencies, such as a flat tire, a dead battery, or being locked out of your car. While many auto insurance companies offer roadside assistance as an add-on, AAA is a well-known company that provides this service as part of its membership package. AAA's basic membership starts at around $50 to $65 annually and includes towing, fuel delivery, and jump starts. In contrast, insurance providers often charge a nominal fee of $5 to $15 per car, per year, for roadside assistance. However, the level of service provided may vary, with some insurance companies only covering towing to the nearest repair facility. AAA, on the other hand, offers more comprehensive services, including towing up to a certain number of miles, and additional perks such as travel discounts. When deciding between AAA and regular road assistance auto insurance, it's important to consider factors like cost, accessibility, and the relative value of benefits offered by each option.

Cost comparison: AAA vs. regular insurance

AAA insurance is generally more expensive than other providers. According to MarketWatch, AAA's annual full-coverage rates are 14% more costly than the market average. The average full-coverage car insurance quote from AAA is $2,293 per year or $191 per month, while the national average is $2,008 per year. AAA's average annual full-coverage cost is over $1,000 more than the national average.

Geico, for example, typically offers more affordable insurance coverage than AAA, with rates that are hundreds of dollars cheaper. However, AAA provides more discount opportunities. AAA's insurance rates also vary depending on the region and the specific auto club.

AAA offers three membership plans: Classic, Plus, and Premier. The annual cost of these plans ranges from $64.99 to $124.99. The Classic plan offers towing, jumpstarts, fuel delivery, lockout service, and more for $64.99 per year. The Plus plan includes additional benefits such as lost baggage insurance for $99.99 per year. The Premier plan offers the highest level of service, including trip interruption coverage, travel accident insurance, and a free one-day rental car with every tow, for $124.99 per year.

When deciding between AAA and regular insurance, it's important to consider the specific costs and benefits offered by each provider, as well as your own needs and budget.

Perks and benefits of AAA membership

AAA, often referred to as "Triple A," is a national company that offers location-based coverage. Each region has its own auto club, providing assistance to members in specific areas. AAA offers a range of benefits and perks to its members, including:

Roadside Assistance:

AAA is known for its reliable roadside assistance services, which include towing, fuel delivery, flat tire changes, and vehicle extrication. The level of service depends on the membership tier, with the Plus and Premier tiers offering extended-range towing and additional calls for assistance at no extra cost.

Discounts:

AAA members are eligible for a wide range of discounts with national companies. These include services at Napa Auto Parts, LensCrafters, Penske Truck Rental, and The UPS Store. Restaurant discounts are also available at places like Hard Rock Cafe, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and Joe's Crab Shack. Entertainment venues such as AMC Theatres, Busch Gardens, Cinemark, Disneyland, and SeaWorld often offer reduced prices for AAA members. Technology purchases from brands like Dell, HP, Samsung, and T-Mobile may also be discounted.

Travel Services:

AAA provides various travel services and discounts, including car rental companies like Hertz, Thrifty Car Rentals, Dollar Rent A Car, and The Parking Spot. Hotel discounts are available at major chains such as Best Western, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and MGM Resorts International. AAA also offers travel planning tools, foreign currency exchange, and passport photo services.

Insurance Services:

AAA offers a range of insurance products, including auto, home, renters, life, and small business insurance. Their insurance agents review existing policies and provide advice as part of the membership.

Additional Perks:

AAA membership includes perks such as free notary services, discounted passport photos, international AAA maps, and 24-hour travel assistance. Certain locations and higher-tiered plans may also offer credit toward home locksmith services, identity theft protection, and legal defense reimbursement.

The benefits of AAA membership vary based on location and membership tier, so it's essential to check with your local AAA club for specific details.

Quality of service: AAA vs. regular insurance

AAA is a full-service auto owners' organization, whereas regular insurance companies focus on insuring your vehicle. AAA has been providing roadside assistance for over 100 years and is one of the most trusted names in this space.

AAA's roadside assistance package is more comprehensive than similar programs offered by other car insurance providers. It includes towing, fuel delivery, tire changes, vehicle lockout assistance, and more. The package is offered in tiers, with each tier providing additional benefits. For example, the AAA Plus membership tier offers towing for up to 100 miles annually, while the Classic tier provides up to 5 miles of towing.

AAA also provides efficient service by positioning tow trucks in high-traffic areas to reduce wait times. They are dedicated to transparency, clearly outlining what their policies do and do not cover. AAA also offers a mobile app, making it easy to access their services and check estimated arrival times.

In contrast, regular insurance companies' roadside assistance programs are usually cheaper than AAA but may not offer the same level of detail and comprehensiveness. For example, personal auto insurance policies typically describe towing limitations as "to the nearest towing facility," which could vary significantly in distance depending on your location.

When comparing AAA with specific insurance companies, it is worth noting that:

• Geico's roadside services are similar to AAA's Plus membership, but Geico does not provide additional discounts or services beyond roadside assistance.
• Allstate offers similar roadside assistance services but with higher costs for additional members and increased renewal fees.
• State Farm offers a low annual fee for roadside assistance, but their services include several restrictions and conditions, such as only covering the first hour of service per call-out.

In summary, AAA stands out for its quality of service in roadside assistance due to its comprehensive package offerings, efficient and transparent operations, and additional benefits like discounts and a mobile app. Regular insurance companies may provide cheaper alternatives, but their programs may lack the detail and breadth of coverage that AAA provides.

Response times: AAA vs. regular insurance

Response times are a key differentiator when it comes to choosing between AAA and regular insurance for roadside assistance. While both options can provide valuable help in the event of a breakdown, the time it takes to receive assistance can vary.

AAA Response Times:

On average, AAA responds to calls for roadside assistance within 23 minutes. However, this response time can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, weather conditions, and the complexity of the service required. In urban areas, response times tend to be quicker than in rural regions. Additionally, response times may be longer during weekends, holidays, or adverse weather conditions. The availability of technicians in your area and the type of service requested also play a role, with simpler services typically resulting in shorter wait times.

Regular Insurance Response Times:

Response times for roadside assistance through regular insurance can vary widely depending on the insurance company and other factors. Some insurance companies, like Geico and Allstate, offer roadside assistance services that are similar to AAA's offerings. However, they may use third-party service providers, which can impact response times. Additionally, insurance companies may have different levels of priority for roadside assistance calls compared to AAA, potentially affecting how quickly you receive help.

Factors Affecting Response Times:

Regardless of whether you choose AAA or regular insurance, several factors can influence response times:

• Location: Response times in urban areas are generally faster than in rural areas due to the higher number of technicians available.
• Time and Day: Response times may be longer during peak travel times, weekends, and holidays when the demand for roadside assistance is higher.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather, such as blizzards or storms, can significantly increase response times as more drivers may require assistance.
• Service Complexity: Simpler services, such as a battery jumpstart, typically result in shorter wait times compared to more complex services.
• Number of Available Technicians: The number of technicians or tow truck drivers in your area can impact response times.
• Environmental Emergencies: Local environmental emergencies or incidents can also affect response times, as resources may be diverted to those areas.

In summary, while both AAA and regular insurance providers offer roadside assistance, response times can vary. AAA has a reputation for providing efficient and timely assistance, positioning tow trucks in high-traffic areas. However, response times for both options can be influenced by various factors, and it is always a good idea to contact your chosen provider for specific information about response times in your local area.

Customization options

AAA offers a tiered membership system, with the cost depending on the number of people and vehicles included in the plan. You can add drivers to your AAA membership for a slight increase in membership fees. The AAA Classic membership is the most basic level, while AAA Plus and AAA Premier are higher tiers.

AAA Plus and AAA Premier memberships allow you to add RV and motorcycle roadside assistance to your membership for an additional fee.

AAA's regional subgroups allow for better customization of the services customers are seeking. For example, some fleets are outfitted for snow management, while others are designed for long and remote distances, accommodating drivers in various regions.

AAA also offers a range of discounts and perks that other companies or organizations may not offer or have access to. For example, AAA offers a Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership.

When choosing a roadside assistance company, you can also consider customization options such as regionality and distance, digital or easy access, costs and additional fees, response time and delays, and the number of vehicles covered.

Frequently asked questions