I have an F56 that will still have roadside assistance for the next 3.5 years. I'm going to be doing some extensive driving in the next year and am considering joining AAA.

But after reviewing MINI's roadside assistance at http://www.miniusa.com/content/miniu...ide-assistance I don't see any added benefit to AAA except for their maps.

Comments?

If this has been discussed before, please let me know.

 

One thought...
With AAA, You can pick where the car is brought to....say if you have AAA platinum with extended towing...you could get towed to YOUR dealer near your home, rather than the CLOSEST dealer with the MINI plan....so might get you home, rather than getting stuck 100+ miles away....
Sure you will have double coverage....but only you can decide if the extra services from the membership is worth it yo you....

 

With AAA, you can get it towed to anywhere you want. Dealer, independent mechanic, or your house.

The MINI roadside assistance will only tow to the dealer.

AAA will cover any car you're in, even as a passenger. MRA will only cover your MINI. Could come in handy if you're renting a car on vacation or while your car is in the shop, or if you're riding with a friend, etc.

I'm a big fan of maps. I have dozens of AAA maps in my map drawer. Haven't used a single one in over a decade. Google Maps and GPS (Waze on my phone) are how I get around now, or plan trips, or explore places.

 

I don't have AAA but in addition to MINI roadside I also have roadside through my insurance company (USAA). It costs $8.50 per YEAR and they cover the first $50 for towing.

One day I blew the intercooler tubing off my car and had it towed to my house (very difficult to fix in a parking lot). Total cost to me was $15. If you factor in that it would have cost me about $3 in gas to drive home then is really cost only $12. Once home it took about 20 minutes to fix.

Since my car is becoming heavily modified and the cost for the secondary roadside is basically nothing having both really works for me.

I would check with your insurance company (or some credit card companies) and see what they have to offer.

 

at one time ....





AAA has certain advantages, but is not for everyone. Having a 'classic' it is almost a requirement! AAA covers you no matter what car you are in .... can come in handy sometimes. And they are EVERYWHERE IME. I recently had need of a tow. Called on my cell and a truck was with me in 15 minutes .... that's pretty good service IMO. Cost zero and the driver was gone b4 I could even offer a tip. Having cards for wife and daughter presents a certain peace of mind.

 

If you have an otherwise covered car but have put non MINI tires on it, will not be covered by Roadside Assistance

 

check out your insurance because it may offer better tow deal than AAA. if i want AAA, the only tow coverage i will get is the 100 miles tow.

 

If your car broke down on a road trip,my first choice would be to have it towed to a dealership if still covered by warranty.

 

I've got AAA, but I've got 3 other cars...

 

We had AAA for our other cars, before the Mini Still have the other two cars and AAA so for us it is a wash. Doesn't cost any more for 3 than 2 or more. There are places we go that are 200 mile from any type of service so AAA is what we have and have only used in once, on my Sister in Law's VW Golf on the other side of town.