Has anyone signed up with AAA following the end of the Mini roadside service? If so I see that there are a number of options....what options have people signed up for? Is it worth it? Is there any downside to being a AAA member? Have you used any of the benefits? Were there any problems? Basically if you have Triple A...how do you feel about them? Thanks....Philip

 

Been a member for many years. I used to get their paper maps regularly, they really helped trip planning and finding my way around. This was before GPS nav was something that civilians could get.

I have the Sooper Dooper coverage (200 mile tow) because I have owned an old and less-than-reliable car for many years, and I wanted to be sure that I could make it home (or to a sympathetic shop) if I were traveling somewhere in it. Or out at the track.

I had used their travel agent service in the past, but there are better options now on line.

Their DMV counter has come in very very handy at times. State DMV here in California can be a pain to deal with--there is usually a line out the door, sometimes clear around the block. Generally the line at the DMV counter in the AAA office is from 0 to 3 people deep. They can only handle relatively simple things, but for that it's a really handy deal.

 

I've had it for around twenty years and whenever I needed it they came thru with flying colors. With the 200 mile tow package they will also tow my motorcycles. They towed my cars and motorcycle back to my home a few times when I needed it and they started my wife's car a couple of times - she left a light on. I have also used their DMV services and have always had fast roadside service. Two thumbs up from me!

 

in the beginning, MINI roadside assist WAS AAA!


from my 07

 

Thanks for the input...so does it cover multiple cars...I have 5...and does it cover the cars when being driven by other household members? I'm hearing differing opinions on that.

 

Covers the person enrolled no matter how many cars you have. Also will cover you as a passenger in someone else's car.

 

I went the AAA route after my warranty and MINI roadside assistance expired. I have not had to use their services for my MINI, but I have had to call them out for my wife's vehicle one time when it died. We also had a club member use their AAA one time during a run when they had a flat tire.

Not sure what level of coverage I have with them, but pretty basic I think. Obviously it does cover my vehicle and my wife's, but I do think there was an additional charge to add her vehicle. Those are our only two vehicles, so I don't know about adding other vehicles. It is my understanding that if I am driving a vehicle that belongs to someone else, they will still send assistance if I call for it.

 

covers you in what ever car you are in at the basic fee

covers additional household members in the same way, IF you enroll them at an additional fee.

I consider it cheap insurance; even with a cell phone you can find yourself needing a tow or with a lockout or needing a jump where you are in unfamiliar territory. AAA gives you 'universal access' and I know they do spend effort to ensure their providers are meeting a standard - had a buddy who worked for them as an inspector of garages to keep their AAA approval.

That being said I've heard horror stories of folks calling AAA and being told assist would take hours ... or simply not available. Similar service is available from many sources - check your insurance provider.

I have a AAA 'office' near me but I don't really need paper maps anymore and don't use travel agents. Their monthly invitations for life insurance and car insurance are annoying junk mail.

But the REAL bottom line for me is in my sig, below. I drive a Mini too! AAA card is always in my wallet when I do.

 

I have been a member since I was 18 - 42 years now. As I have a collection of old British Sports Cars, I have used them quite a bit and highly recommend them. I have also used their hotel guides for discounts and maps.

In owning a classic car I have always said the 2 things you need are a cell phone and a Triple-A card