BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA

Subject: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 05:33 PM

Two weeks ago, for the first time in my life, I purchased a membership in the AAA club. i have never needed emergency road service but thought the car was getting a bit older and maybe...

So today, we left work early just as the storm turned ugly and of course my battery was dead. After a few choice words and observations I remembered my new AAA membership, pulled the card and called. A very nice lady apologized profusely and said I would probably have to wait at least an hour and probably more because of the storm. She took my number and promised to call back.

I had my emergency kit handy. Pulled out a heavy afghan, a bag with extra hats, scarves and gloves, a candle, a bottle of water and settled in for all of eight minutes.

AAA called back. They would be there within ten minutes. Meantime I had called my service station and made arrangemnets to drop the car off after hours so they could replace the battery.

AAA arived - a coureous technixcian who also ap0ologized for the wait. i was moving in a matter of minutes. He waited to make sure I could get out of the parking lot - lots of snow. I drove to the service station and found Brian at the desk. He had heard I was coming in, checked his stock and had a battery waiting. Within minutes the battery was changed (four men to one battery - they wanted to get home too).

So I left my office at 3:15 and arrived home at 4:40 despite all the drama.

Kudos to AAA and McKinney's station, also a AAA facility.

Giant PHEWWW, I dodged that bullet from me.

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 05:42 PM

We have been members of AAA for years. We have the gold membership and it always pays for itself! It's not that our vehicles are in poor shape but rather that *stuff* happens.

One morning after walking at 4:00am in the local Relay For Life Cancer Walk, I was driving home in my goofy team walking attire and I hit a chunk of someone's garden post and it tore my tire apart. I walked to a nearby farm house and called AAA...they came right away, even at that early hour. Another time I locked the keys in my car (DUH!) and AAA came right away. RidgePlucker's truck died unexpectedly while he was approximately 40 miles from home. AAA came, picked up his truck and towed it back here....NO CHARGE...that MORE than paid for our membership for the next few years! Don't forget that you have access to all their travel stuff, even if it's just maps. As a teacher, I have gone in and asked for 15+ maps of each of the New England states and was given them without a blink. YEp, I love AAA. I hope you never need them again, but isn't it good to know they are there?

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: Wesley S
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 05:56 PM

Yup - I've been a member for years. Don't leave home without it!

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: Rapparee
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 06:42 PM

You betcha -- since 1961, it says on my card.

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 07:26 PM

I hope you gave that driver a nice tip!

Back when I got the divorce I decided having AAA was a necessary investment, and it is one I've used many times over. Vandalism at the apartment, someone slashed all four tires one night. Another time slashed two. An oil change business didn't put the screw in the oil pan tight and I lost all of my oil in a cloud of white smoke (but stopped in time to save the engine). Dead batteries. Ordinary flat tires. And I bought a membership for my daughter in college who doesn't have a car but does have a license and it is good even if she's a passenger in a disabled vehicle.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: Donuel
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 07:42 PM

I once called the American Apathy Association, but no one answered the phone.

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: RangerSteve
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 07:43 PM

Not to mention free maps and guide books for wherever you want to go in the U.S.
I locked my keys in my car once, and the guy came within 20 minutes, got my car door open in driving rain and didn't even want to take a $20.00 tip. (I didn't want to give him that much, but it was the smallest I had). I explained to him that it would have cost me $100.00 if I didn't have the AAA membership. And, although I didn't mention it, his girlfriend was with him, so I probably interupted something. It was well worth $20.00. He earned it.

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: Bill D
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 08:29 PM

I had one bad experience with them on the cheapest type of membership..(guy couldn't find me, although I was in plain sight)....but called and complained and had the charge deleted.....but usually, they do quite well.

The last time, it was 5 minutes.

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: Barry Finn
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 03:13 AM

After I first met my wife I gave her a membership for her first birthday (that I knew her, at one she was to young to drive). That was a smart move, her mother said what the hell good are roses gonna do you on the side of the rode. We've had AAA ever since. I try to renew it every Valentine's day & finially do by the time her birthday rolls around again (May 30th) by then she forgets that she didn't get the roses that were due yesterday.

Barry

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: mack/misophist
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 11:34 AM

No car here, but a motorcycle. Honda Rider's Club works for me. I almost always get more back in service than the membership costs.

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: Wesley S
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 12:54 PM

As it was mentioned earlier - AAA insures drivers not cars. So if you're a passanger in someone elses car when it breaks down you are still insured.But check your membership to make sure.

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: Becca72
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 01:08 PM

I've had AAA for a few years now and I figure even though my car is in great shape it's worth it even for the occasional flat tire. The last time was back in the fall and it was raining BIG TIME...downpour like you wouldn't believe. Of course that's when you get a flat, right? The guy was there within 15 minutes and I was on my way in no time.

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: Mo the caller
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 06:26 AM

I've tried various UK outfits. When I was in AA I spent ages waiting, then if they couldn't fix it, ages more waiting for a 'relay' vehicle to carry us and car home. I was also in RAC for a while. But when my daughter learned to drive I started looking for the cheapest that would cover her as well and found Green Flag.
They cover the car, whoever is driving it (and for a little extra you can get personal cover for self and spouse in any car), whereas AA covers the person (extra to put another person on).
I changed because of the cost but found the service SO much quicker. Green Flag is the one many car dealers give you 'free' for the first year.
And as I'm over 55 I can get membership cheaper through SAGA. And my insurance, also through SAGA has a useful clause (never used yet) that covers anyone to drive in a medical or motoring emergency.

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 06:37 AM

I think my dad must hold the record for shortest time between joining and calling the AA (not including those nasty people who cruise roads looking for breakdowns and charge you £40 on the spot to join). My mother joined up for him at the stand they have outside the supermarket they use, at about 11.00am one Saturday. They were driving home less than an hour later when the engine caught fire and they called the AA out!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 07:11 AM

I intend to copy and forward this thread to AAA with a thank you. Don't know the policy on their drivers accepting tips so we will let that drop.

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 11:09 AM

They aren't paid a lot by AAA, they contract with them to provide services. I always try to have a $5 or $10 handy, depending on the nature of the rescue performed. Quick jump start of the battery is a little easier than changing a tire, for example.

I expect that they expect their drivers will receive tips.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 11:17 AM

In the US, maybe, as tipping is expected by almost all professions (although I never see anyone on ER tipping their doctor or nurse with a $10), but in the UK, it's not really done. You can offer to buy them a cup of tea or give use of the bathroom but monetary rewards aren't usual and I suspect the AA would prohibit it.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: Bill D
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 11:59 AM

I certainly never had a driver even suggest a tip in the 8-10 times in 20 years since I've had a membership. I have no idea what their rules are.

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 01:10 PM

They aren't going to suggest a tip--no one who works for tips should suggest it. These are the folks in service fields who contract for their equipment or space or who work for lower wages because tips are assumed.

There is also the seasonal versus per incident tipping to consider. I think this kind of service needs a tip at each occurance:

Hair stylist/ cutter
Cabbie
Tour guides
AAA drivers
Drivers at the airport used car lot
Sky caps
People who work in salons (day spas, etc.)
Hotel maids, bellman
Waiters/waitresses
bartender
Caddies
etc.

Plus, if you go to the same hair stylist every month, then a holiday tip equivalent to the amount of a regular visit is appropriate. I have my hair highlighted every other month, so I average the difference between the cost of just the haircut vs the highlights and the cut. The newspaper carrier should get a holiday tip--in the old days when kids delivered the paper and collected every month a tip at that time would have been appropriate. Apartment doorman, maintenance workers, etc, should get a holiday tip.

Tips about tipping.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: MMario
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 01:25 PM

charmed existance - fer shure!

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: Becca72
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 05:49 PM

Around these parts the people driving for AAA work in area garages that have contracted with AAA for their services...these folks are paid better than I am for doing mechanic work so I don't feel the need to tip...jus a heart felt "thank you".

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: Joe_F
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 10:20 PM

At the beginning of my brief driving career (1965-1981), I received a promotion from the AAA that boasted, among its other services, of lobbying against the "pernicious" idea of using the gas tax to subsidize public transportation. I decided to do without it.

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: GUEST
Date: 13 May 07 - 02:22 AM

You are correct, AAA covers you and not your vehicle.

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: JennyO
Date: 13 May 07 - 11:54 AM

In Oz, we have the NRMA (National Roads and Motorists Association). Their motto is "It pays to belong". In the 21 years I've been a member, that has proved true many times over.

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 13 May 07 - 02:24 PM

In Alberta, the Alberta Motor Association is part of Canadian Automobile Association, in turn associated with the American Automobile Association.
The services they have provided- towing, photos for passport, etc., renewing drivers licenses, tour advice, maps and guidebooks from all over, route maps, driver learning for the kids, reservations etc. have been more than worth their fees.

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 13 May 07 - 02:41 PM

Simply just too small.

I've always preferred nine-volt. They seem to last quite a bit longer! Even AA has a longer life.

Art

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: Mickey191
Date: 13 May 07 - 03:58 PM

I had the cheapest membership-about $75.00 yr. Went from NY to Ct.Hospital for tests. The tranny died on the hospital grounds. I called & explained I need the car towed to a NY service station & then a ride home.
The nicest young man came & hooked up car-I was quite nervous-he put me at ease as we drove into NY. Dropped the car off & then he took me home. All the while I'm thinking this gotta be atleast $250.00. When I finally asked - "Oh about $70.00" That's exactly what it was-we had fun-told jokes &I listened to his "girl" problems. He dropped me at my front door & gave me a big hug. I was so grateful - I gave him the $37.00 bucks I had on me. He was happy too.
I wrote a congrats. to his Dad who owned the business. He then sent my note to AAA. They wrote to thank me. A very well run organization!

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: Rapparee
Date: 13 May 07 - 06:56 PM

Last September or so we had all of the tires replaced on my wife's Honda Element (all-wheel drive) at Big O tire.

A couple months ago we were driving north on I-15, still in the environs of Salt Lake City (Fear it! My wife has driven in France, Canada, Dublin, Chicago, Cork, New York City, DC, Los Angeles and a lot more places and she says that BY FAR the worst drivers are in the SLC area) when the left rear tire wall collapsed.

We've had AAA for years and we called them. Within a half hour there was a guy to change the tire and direct us to the nearest "Big O" dealer -- who called "our" Big O dealer who told him to put a decent used tire (US $60.00) on the car, put the blowout in the car, and send us on our way.

NONE OF THIS COST US ANYTHING!!!

When we got back my wife took the tire in and they replaced it, no questions, with a new one. Again, no cost.

We'll continue with AAA and we've decided on our tire company, too.

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 13 May 07 - 09:02 PM

We have had AAA for ever......I have two daughters (25 an 21) and in this world we live in I do NOT want them breaking down by the side of the road without AAA. The same logic is why we pay for all our kids cell phones (except the eldest who is now officially on her own ... _ want my children to be able to call me (or AAA) if they need them.....

In England it is AA -- gets a bit confusing over here......

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: kendall
Date: 13 May 07 - 09:37 PM

I got a coupon from a local posh restaurant that offered a $10.00 discount on my birthday. In looking it over, I noticed that the fine print said there would be an 18% gratuity automatically charged.
If I ever go there I will explain what "gratuitiy" means, but it will be a cold day in hell when I do.

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 13 May 07 - 10:07 PM

Hiya Kendall -- perhaps the 18% is there regardless of whether you pay a discounted price to join or not......

Subject: RE: BS: Charmed Existence? Or the Value of AAA
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 14 May 07 - 04:47 AM

Kendall.... what are you doing out in posh restaurants? Did the Gas'n'Gulp have early closing or sumpin?

LTS