Posts: 2,197
Threads: 318
Joined: Feb 2019
I'm considering changing my roadside assistance membership from AAA to
Better World Club, along with my auto and renters insurance. Rates are comparable, but BWC is far more environmentally oriented, supporting public transit, etc. than AAA (which regularly lobbies for deregulation and on the side of the oil conglomerates.
They partner with Safeco for auto insurance and First National for renters.
Anybody have any experience with any of these outfits vs. AAA?
Posts: 37,913
Threads: 4,147
Joined: May 2025
Reputation:
0
I have coverage with my progressive insurance, but it only covers me in my insured car. AAA can be used even if you are in a borrowed car or as a passenger in someone else's car.
Posts: 3,201
Threads: 894
Joined: Mar 2017
Reputation:
0
I have State Farm Auto Club. Free long tow.
My AAA only 5 miles. $100 to nearest mechanic.
Try USAA. Lemme know. Mutually owned. Their ins quote was higher than State Farm.
Posts: 4,623
Threads: 28
Joined: Aug 2016
Reputation:
0
I have the enhanced AAA towing service that includes 100± mile towing, maps, travel planing, hotel, car rental, airlines reservation, train travel, DMV service so I don't have to wait in line at DMV, 10% discount on many things and much more. I find it well worth the $70.- or so dollars. I broke down in Yosomite and got toed to Sonora that was for free. Had them deliver gas when I ran out, they gave me 5 gallons. As hal said the coverage covers you even when you are in some one esles car. I rest my case!
Posts: 18,000
Threads: 637
Joined: May 2025
Reputation:
0
Joey,
Have you factored in the other benefits provided by AAA? Road service is only a part of the overall package. AAA members receive discounts on a slew of things, i.e. auto rental, hotel, retail store, etc. The discounts alone can you save you enough to cover the cost of the membership. The discounts provided to AAA members is far greater in number than those provider by Better World Club.
Robert
Posts: 7,749
Threads: 397
Joined: Apr 2025
Reputation:
0
Just make sure that you don't break down more than 4 times in a year. AAA limits you to four tows/roadside assistances per year. I found that out when our older cars started having issues.
Posts: 18,000
Threads: 637
Joined: May 2025
Reputation:
0
Sam,
True. But, if you're car is breaking down that often on a level that requires roadside assistance then it's time to replace the car.
Robert
Posts: 2,197
Threads: 318
Joined: Feb 2019
At least 80% of the time I call AAA it's because I locked my keys in the car...
Posts: 16,917
Threads: 1,500
Joined: May 2025
Reputation:
0
i was just explaining to my recently fully licensed son today that AAA is not free but if you have to be towed even once it's worth the fee. i've added him to my membership as i fully expect that at some point he will need a tank of gas brought to him as he discovers you can't go very far on fumes.
