Topic: Why auto clubs like AAA suck.

[ktm525]

I have never been a fan of roadside assistance programs/clubs. Why? Because when you need them there is a big chance that everyone else needs them too. On the radio they announced that AMA (like AAA) has a 24 hour response time. Thanks, I'll walk.

[airbalancer]

In Ontario CAA is pretty good, never had to long of wait for  their assistants

[articsteve]

I have never been a fan of roadside assistance programs/clubs. Why? Because when you need them there is a big chance that everyone else needs them too. On the radio they announced that AMA (like AAA) has a 24 hour response time. Thanks, I'll walk.

Well that is true on the big bad weather days.  I have no complaints with the service up in my area.  Being outside of a city is a big assist because there is a much higher ratio of service trucks to users.

On a side note, if you travel in the USA much, the discounts I get on my CAA card cover my "Premier" annual dues.

[Angry Chicken]

I have never been a fan of roadside assistance programs/clubs. Why? Because when you need them there is a big chance that everyone else needs them too. On the radio they announced that AMA (like AAA) has a 24 hour response time. Thanks, I'll walk.

Might as well blame the weather!   

[safristi]

.............AAA..is that like fer Major DRUNKS........................ ...


 last two calls to CAA........................10 minutes response time....................dead battery
 2 years ago in the Millenia......................2 months ago dead starter on the Ranger........
 both Winter calls...one on a foggy damp day..............

 plus as Artic says the discounts on Motels and other travelling needs is more than made up.....and the free maps etc is a bonus too...............towing should ya need it.....well worth it.......sure complain about "response" time at the Malls on black Friday or Boxing Day sales too doofus....................i'm sure U can arrange a Helicopter rescue service 24/7 for a mere $65.........

[ktm525]

Travel discounts good.  Waiting 24 hours for a boost, not so much.

[safristi]

..tell yer woes to Oprah...........................we ain't giving U CLOSURE..........

[PJungnitsch]

I've only had to use it once, when my old motorcycle broke its engine, and that one number on the back of the card was kind of a handy thing. The truck came right away.

Still good to have a few tools and supplies in the vehicle. Just picked up a booster pack on sale from CT for  $50.00.

[safristi]

..mine cost $29,99..................................................

[dr_spock]

All the times I've broken down, CAA has been pretty quick arriving with the tow truck service.  Then again I've never broken down during a major snow storm.   Usually I am not on the road for those weather events. 

[tenpenny]

I have never been a fan of roadside assistance programs/clubs. Why? Because when you need them there is a big chance that everyone else needs them too. On the radio they announced that AMA (like AAA) has a 24 hour response time. Thanks, I'll walk.

Why would you need them when everyone else needs them? The only time I've used them was when a coil went wonky on my Subaru, and the engine wouldn't run in the rain.  I can't see that there would be a sudden epidemic of that.

[The Mighty Duck]

I have never been a fan of roadside assistance programs/clubs. Why? Because when you need them there is a big chance that everyone else needs them too. On the radio they announced that AMA (like AAA) has a 24 hour response time. Thanks, I'll walk.

CAA et al. are for breakdowns/flats/running out of gas... not if you're in an accident. Why would everyone need them at the same time?

[safristi]

..

I have never been a fan of roadside assistance programs/clubs. Why? Because when you need them there is a big chance that everyone else needs them too. On the radio they announced that AMA (like AAA) has a 24 hour response time. Thanks, I'll walk.

Why would you need them when everyone else needs them? The only time I've used them was when a coil went wonky on my Subaru, and the engine wouldn't run in the rain.  I can't see that there would be a sudden epidemic of that.

 it's like the SHWEIN FLUE!!...every bugger want's a lil prick @ the same time..............like SuerBOWEL & Grey COUPE time...........

[johngenx]

Suppose it's -46.1C and there are hundreds of people calling for a tow or boost.  Yeah, it's going to be 24hrs, but they do triage the calls to get cars out of traffic and dangerous spots.

Thing is, CAA membership or not, you're going to wait.  The difference is that the AAA service is prepaid by you.

I belong because I can get the Scoob towed 320km if I have to (never needed it, yes, my CAA dues/insurance are wasted) and for many discounts that we get.  It's insurance, and personally, I'll pay the premiums to know that if I need a big rescue, it's there.  A longer tow can cost 5+ years of dues, or more.  We got a tow (someone else's car) that was $1300 and my CAA membership covered all but $100.

We save on hotels and other travel stuff all the time.

[No H2O]

I'm a CAA Plus member for the first time in 35 years of car ownership. I chose to buy some added security in case I needed a tow for a 14 year old vehicle I bought some distance from home.

Prior to being a CAA member, I've only needed one tow. That was two years ago and it ran me $120 which is far less than 33 years of membership fees. I rolled the dice in the past and I'm ahead.

Will I renew? I don't know. Maybe with a 10+ year old daily driver I might. I just wish the CAA would offer more than they do. Compared to other countries, they are lagging far behind in services.

[Brigitte]

I went through this odd three-year era of flat tires at inconvenient moments, when there was a lot of construction in my neighbourhood.  CAA was a big help every time.  Worth the $65/year.

[overtakeyouintheleftlane]

CAA is worth the money to me. I have upgraded to CAA Plus because of the towing of up to 200KM. Not much more money in the year.

I've used them twice in 11.5 years of driving. No complaints. The calls are put on priority. If your battery is dead and it's safe in a driveway or parking lot compared to a car broken down on the road, you will be waiting as your car is in a safer place (where I'd rather be than the road).

I haven't had to use them during a snowstorm/weather event as I stay off the road when that is happening or I leave earlier to go to work or leave work later to avoid the traffic.

[sailor723]

In recent years our vehicles have been covered by the manufacturer's roadside assistance programs. We may keep the MINI for awhile so I'd look at CAA once the 4/80 is up.

[Shnak]

Well considering I get a similar service basically free through my insurance company, I have nothing to complain.

But we've used roadside assistance two times, both times for flat tires. One with VW's service and the other with Kia's service. A truck arrived within 20-30 minutes both times.

And saying AAA sucks because there's a long wait time during winter storms doesn't make much sense... Try to call a tow truck company directly in similar conditions and you'll see that you will wait just as long... if anything, AAA might be able to find that one tow truck company that still has availability while you'd need to call 10 companies yourself before you found it.

They're worth it, IMO.

[Railton]

My Wife called CAA this morning. She (how do I say this delicately...has a lot on her mind, you know, Law, Tax, Judges, stress, dumb-ass Husband...) left her keys in her truck overnight (again... )
CAA was called and 7 minutes later was there to open up the door.
Great service. She always gives them good tips too! Maybe that helps.
Railton