How To Join AAA And Make Sure You Have Roadside Assistance Coverage?

Car insurance agencies provide roadside assistance as an affordable add-on option, but an AAA membership has its perks! AAA, or American Automobile Association, is a national, nonprofit association for drivers that offers various membership tiers. The 100-year-old AAA provides various services to its members, such as membership discounts, identity theft monitoring, and a wide variety of roadside assistance services. 

So, if you’ve ever wondered what to do in a horrible situation on the road, AAA is a possible option. But you need to join first to get all the benefits.

Getting The AAA Membership

Joining the AAA involves you providing basic information. You can pick one of the available plans while joining AAA online or in person at a local AAA office. 

To join AAA online, visit the website: www.aaa.com. The website will ask you for information, including:

• Your first, middle, and last name
• The number of additional members you want to add to the membership and their names
• Mailing address, including street address, city, state, and zip code 
• Your email, ID, phone number

To become an AAA member in person, visit the local AAA office. You can find information on the nearest branch on the website or by calling 866-222-6595.

Buy A Plan

Irrespective of whether you apply for a membership online or in person, make sure to compare plans. AAA offers three membership bands, and you must choose the service that works best for you. AAA members get a default enrollment to their popular roadside assistance program. However, some services are free, and you must pay for extras.

Classic Membership: 

• Get a tire change with an inflated spare.
• Get a battery boost.
• Get gasoline at pump rates.
• Get lockout services for up to $50.
• Get your vehicle towed up to five miles.

Plus Membership:

• Get a tire change with an inflated spare.
• Get a battery boost.
• Get free gasoline delivery.
• Get lockout services for up to $100.
• Get your vehicle towed up to hundred miles.

Premier Membership:

• Get a tire change with an inflated spare.
• Get a battery boost.
• Get free gasoline delivery.
• Get lockout services for up to $150.
• Get your vehicle towed up to two-hundred miles and three to 100 miles.

You will have someone to help you if you end up stranded on the side of the road. 

The Pros And Cons Of AAA

AAA is a membership-based organization, and drivers buy an annual membership in addition to their standard car insurance coverage. The price point is the first drawback, as membership costs vary depending on which local AAA services your area. A basic membership may cost you around $50, while a top-tier membership might cost you around $160. This makes the AAA an expensive option for roadside coverage. The second drawback is the low towing range of five miles provided as a part of the classic membership. However, there are also benefits of being an AAA member:

• 24/7 roadside assistance coverage. It’s applicable for any eligible vehicle you’re driving or riding in, even if it’s someone else’s car. 
• Top-tier AAA membership allows you to add coverage for vehicles like motorcycles and RVs.
• Membership covers up to four road-service calls a year.
• AAA membership gets you discounts at a wide range of restaurants, hotel chains, and stores.

Tips To Follow While Calling AAA For Assistance 

If you ever get into trouble on the road and need assistance from AAA, here are a few tips that might come in handy. 

• Keep your AAA membership card handy when you head out because the benefits are meant for members, and it is not tied to a particular vehicle. Members can use the membership on any car they are riding in, whether it’s their own or a friend’s. The call should, however, be made by the person with their name and phone number registered with AAA. 
• Let the operator know of a hostile situation to get priority services. 
• Give detailed location descriptions to the operator so that help would arrive quickly.
• If your car is in a dangerous spot, inform the local authorities, and you will get assistance from sheriff’s vehicles to help you tow your car. 
• The AAA can renew your membership over a call in case you need their services right away. However, they won’t allow you to upgrade your plan to get extra towing instantly. 

Summary

AAA membership has perks but is not a substitute for your insurance. The insurance company should know about the mishap to help you get a valid claim. In most cases, it is beneficial to take roadside assistance coverage offered as an add-on to your insurance plan. AAA has benefits that the regular roadside assistance services don’t cover.

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