I never imagined that my search for aaa would land me here but thankfully it did. I am looking for a motorclub since I jusr changed insurance companies and the towing insurance seems a little high. After reading what you folks have shared about this company WHY would anyone use them. I am making a conscious decision not to do business with companies that treat others so poorly. clearly all aaa cares about is profit and they are willing to hurt their own employees to increase it. I will be joining another motorclub.
Deb.
Hi Deb,
First off I'd like to commend you for refusing to deal with a company that has business practices you don't approve of. If more people paid attention to what their getting into they probably wouldn't do it in the first place.
To answer your question "why would anyone use them?" Well, AAA whether anyone likes it or not has more garages operating for them then any other motor club. Chances are there is AAA garage in at least every county of the U.S. in many cases there is one in every town. No other Motor club can touch that and believe it or not those other motor club execs. "would kill" to be in AAA's position. Instead of raising it's venders rates AAA continues to expand and flourish in many new and exciting buisness adventures. They have the obvious road service and travel needs but they also handle insurance ie; personal, business, home, auto, travel, moving, and don't forget about mortgages, home equity loans, auto loan, Visa cardS, CD's, MMA's just to name some. Not bad for non-profit. All while some guy is getting out of bed at 2am to drive 10 miles to jump start a car for $4-8 for a driver and $12-20 if you own the truck. Just to give a little perspective AAA used to rent a room in some cruddy building by me in the mid 80's. NOW! they have a full blown multi million dollar complex. I can't say any of the AAA garages around town have grown that way.
If you choose to use another motor club you run the risk of not having a garage in the area that can service you. If you know where you travel frequently ask them what garages they have in the area. There are a few motor clubs that offer great service and are fair to the tower as well. Coverage is the issue in some parts of the country, every motor club has areas with no garages providing service for them, some more than others. So make sure you ask about your area. ei; I've recieved calls for vehicles 100 miles away for a flat tire because they can't get anyone else.
Deb, my last advice is about your home town. Most people need towing and/or road service every couple years or so. Believe it or not they're many towing companies offering very reasonable rates to the general public. Call around and ask the cost for a local tow. Drive by the place and check it out. Look for clean equipment and drivers (not right after a big storm) but in general. Ask your neighbors and friends etc.. and when you find someone you like stick with them. In our business we tend to take good care of our repeat customers. Many repair shops will give you a local tow for free if you use them for repairs as well.
Just take your situation into consideration. Do you travel very far distances or have a vehicle that is more likly to need a tow truck? If so a motor club could be good for you. If not, it is more likely the money you would spend on occasional service would be far less than membership dues every year with a motor club.
Every consumer should try to utilize small business whenever possible. The saying "you get what you pay for" is as true today as it ever was. When something is to good to be true it usually is.
Good luck!,
Hook and Book