Originally Posted by
Boraxo
In sum I endorse AAA for the peace of mind, particularly if you or your loved ones need roadside service at night. However, if you are a single guy who doesn't mind changing his own tires or doesn't drive far from home, then maybe it would be a waste.
Yeah, I've been a member forever, and I probably need a tow or jumpstart once every 3 years or so. I suspect I could arrange comparable coverage for the 50 bucks I give AAA every year, but I don't bother to look. As a frequent traveller, I request maps and tourbooks from them all the time, so I figure that's worth $25/year. I think their hotel discounts are rarely better than other offers, but you sometimes get a buck or two off admissions and other discounts. That's probably worth at least $25 to me in a year as well.
So is AAA membership the greatest thing since sliced bread? Definitely no. But if you travel a bit, you'll at least get your money's worth. And you'll have the peace of mind to deal with car breakdowns. FWIW, I don't pay extra to have my spouse covered, since we usually travel together and I can get her car towed with my card.