Does AAA Still Matter In the Age of Uber?
Adam Luehrs January 13, 2020
Is something like AAA still worth it in the age of Uber? Some people might view AAA as nothing more than a holdover from a time when “discount clubs” were a thing. However, the fact is that AAA is essentially in a class of its own when it comes to the perks that are offered. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why AAA is as relevant as ever!
The Benefits of AAA Classic Membership:
- Roadside assistance for up to four tows spanning three to seven miles per year.
- Service for flat tires, empty fuel tanks, and dead batteries.
- Car lockout support up to $50.
The Benefits of AAA Plus Membership:
- Four tows per year up to 100 miles each.
- Free fuel delivery.
- Car lockout support up to $100.
The Benefits of AAA Premier Membership:
- All AAA Plus benefits are included.
- One 200-mile tow.
- Three 100-mile tows.
- Car lockout support up to $150 for your car or home.
- Free one-day rental car with tow services.
The fact that membership services start at just $38 per year means that using a service that’s included in your membership just once could put you ahead. Keep in mind that actual membership costs can vary based on your region. The bottom line is that you’re going to be very glad you have AAA if your car stops on the road. Keep in mind that AAA will act as a liaison to get a tow truck out to you as soon as possible using its network of tow drivers if you get stuck on the road.
Discounts, Discounts, and More Discounts
It’s easy to dismiss AAA as just a service that’s there to help you out if you’re in a jam. However, AAA is as much a perks club as it is a roadside-service company.
Some major car rental companies including Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty offer AAA discounts for their members. Flyertalk members have had their underage fees at Hertz (20-24 years old) waived when they used their AAA discount. Another way to save money with AAA is discounts at theme parks and zoos. For example, the San Diego Zoo offers 10 percent off a one-day pass for AAA members. Universal Studios and Disneyland, and Disney World also offer discounts.
For frequent travelers, a AAA membership can pay for itself with discounts at hotel chains. Marriott provides a substantial discount to AAA members. Hyatt and Hilton also offer up to 15 percent off to AAA members.
Travel Support
The fact is that AAA can feel a lot like a friendly face out there on the road if you travel frequently. AAA offers an app called AAA Mobile that actually helps you plan your entire trip. The app will even tell you where to find the cheapest gas as you’re driving! AAA will also help you out with a passport photo if you’re leaving the country. Don’t forget that all AAA members are automatically covered for bicycle roadside assistance.
DMV Services
If you hate going to the DMV, AAA may be for you. They can help with registration renewal and a host of other services such as helping you get an International Driving Permit. In some cases, having one is a must!
Why AAA Still Matters
The big thing that gives AAA lasting value is the fact that you’re going to get a response at any time of the day or night if you’re stuck on the road needing a tow. There’s no need to try to hunt down a local tow company on your own. What’s more, membership will probably pay for itself if you use AAA even once a year. The peace of mind you’re getting is really going to be worth it for most people. The other big thing to remember is that your membership could pay for itself strictly based on the benefits you’re going to get with certain companies and retailers. What should you do? Many Flyertalk members find that the discounts alone pay for the cost of a membership.
In my area AAA offers battery replacement service. When the battery on my car started having trouble due to age, I called AAA. 45 minutes later there was a guy in my driveway replacing my battery, and at a discounted price. Can't get more convenient than that. Last month I went in the local office, got 8 maps and 4 Tour Books - free - for a road trip. The maps were very useful when our GPS had problems getting a signel in North Carolina.
I used all 4 tows last year on my 1998 Mazda. Is a great value and could tow 100 miles. Also have left keys in my car and AAA comes out and solves problem quickly. It is a great value and never paid any extra above annual fee at this point for all the service.
Why are they comparing Uber to AAA? Totally different business models. I would never call uber to change a tire and I would never call AAA for a ride someplace. With the internet some of AAA's services like the tour books and map planning are useless but sometimes the discounts are better than my corporate rate (although now that i'm over 50 AARP rates can be just as good) and they've come in handy a couple times when I've had a flat and didn't want to change the tire myself.
My father’s ghost would come haunt me if I dropped my AAA membership. Luckily it’s been decades since I needed the roadside service and there is no need for a triptik these days, but the discounts, passport pictures, and occasional travel advice will keep me a member for life.
My parents discovered the hard way that AAA varies state by sate. We loved our SoCal AAA and got great car insurance and care through them for 30 years. In TN, it was a nightmare. So disorganised and unprofessional. One person they talked to ended up fired and they had to start all over again as the agent had done something wrong. Different benefits. We were surprised. So definitely check state by state to see if it's worth it.