Ok this is a heads up for those who has AAA (towing jumps etc). Think LONG and HARD before renewing.

[usaf-vet]

My wife made a very short trip into the country to pick up free-range fresh eggs. The car would not start when she went to leave. I had a neighbor drive me out with an emergency battery jump pack. Hint buy one) especially if you live in a cold-weather state. But back to the story. So anyway the jumper pack did not work (click, click, click) sure sign it was related to the starter loose connection or bad starter. So we need a tow for sure.

No problem we have AAA (for the last time). So I called the national number. Voice mail try this number. We did... voice mail.

Text HELP to 800-222-6424 so we did. First, you get a return text that says '" If this is a life-threatening dial 9-1-1. IF IT WERE LIFE-THREATENING WHO WOULD CALL AAA?

Anyway, we answered NO for the first time Then I typed a detailed message of the problem and where the truck was (blocking) a business entrance. Gave them the address of where the truck was my cellphone number my wife's cell phone number, our AAA membership number (the dob of my firstborn kidding ), and email address. Hit the SEND button..... slight pause then a return text that says '" If this is a life-threatening dial 9-1-1.

Again I answered NO!! we need a tow SEND. You guess it same pause the same message. WE COULD NOT GET A REAL PERSON. OK, I know CoVid-19 reduced staff yadda, yadda, yadda!

So thank GOD we live in a small town. I called the tow truck driver direct. IDed myself and told him I need a tow. The truck was unlocked, the key was on the floor, the truck was going to "BullDog's" (best Ford non-dealer withing a 100 miles). I told the tow truck driver we had a ride. I had AAA. He laughs (very telling). I told him I would pay the bill or tell BullDog to add it to his bill. He said no problem. He would pick it up within 30 minutes. I had already wasted twice that trying to get AAA to respond.

So to finish the story I call the garage and told him the truck was on the way and we were down to one car so if he could get to it in the next couple of days that would be great. Oh, and I told him I bet it's the starter. TWO HOURS later BullDog called... you were right it was the starter and your truck is ready. What do I owe you? Mark's towing $80.00 one hour labor $40.00...... and the starter?
His answer I checked my records and the starter was under warranty. We put one in 2013.

Now nearly 24 hours later NOT A WORD FROM AAA. They have all my numbers and email..... NADA nothing. from them

Oh, AND I ADDED THAT 911 NUMBER TO MY CONTACT LIST IN CASE I HAVE AN EMERGENCY.

I wonder if that 9-1-1 works for medical and fire emergencies?

Canceling AAA today hopefully someone from AAA administration reads this and at least some DUer think twice before sending them any more money.

[soothsayer]

1. Hmm. That sucks.

[unc70]

2. AAA was great for me two weeks ago

July service call answered by person immediately. Very helpful. Roadside service showed up in 15-20 minutes.

In what state were you? I was NC.

[Mike 03]

4. I've had really good fortune with AAA too.

And my mom used them about a month ago, no issues.

But it's too bad they sometimes have issues.

[SheltieLover]

3. Unacceptable!

Zero excuse for this! They have had months to get their work at home staff running smoothly! 🤬

Ty for sharing!

May I ask which state you are in please, cuz I'll be on the phobe shortly to complain about your experience!

[usaf-vet]

13. Wisconsin

[SheltieLover]

15. Tyvm!

Will call shortly & report back. 🤬

[FakeNoose]

5. I've had AAA Membership for over 15 years, and have never had a problem

However I've only called AAA for service at home or within 5 miles of my home. So I've always gotten the local service, and those guys are all really good. If I'd been in another area I don't know what I would have gotten. I'm sure it's hit or miss, every group is different. Luckily you already knew who to call locally because that national hotline let you down.

I suggest you go online (don't call the number on AAA member card) and report this same story. Give names and dates and whatever facts that you can remember. I believe someone will get back to you, I hope they would at least apologize to you for the crappy way you were treated.

[gopiscrap]

6. I just called them last week, (flat tire and no jack)

this was in a used car (as a third vehicle) we brought 5 years ago and have driven 32,000 miles they were there in 23 minutes, put the spare on and within 51 minutes from the time I called, I had a new tire

[maxsolomon]

7. I have Geico insurance. they cover tows.

I used to have AAA, for decades.

[samnsara]

8. most AAA and other services are work at home jobs (pre covid)..my dtr did AAA for S cal and boy..

...was she busy. Our car insurance has this service and I think AARP does as well. With my '68 Karman Ghia I used it a LOT!

[csziggy]

9. I think the quality of AAA service depends on the location

Here in Tallahassee we've always gotten great service but my sister in Tampa cancelled her AAA membership decades ago because it is useless in the entire Tampa Bay area. This worries me if I travel since I can never know what kind of service I might get if I break down far from home.

[Polly Hennessey]

10. I have had AAA for a long time.

Never had any problem. They ask if I am in a dangerous place. My girls had a blowout on the highway from Las Vegas to Flagstaff. There are many desolate stretches on that highway. They were taken care of by AAA, driven to the garage with the car, and three dogs. I sympathize with your dilemma, but I have always been satisfied with their roadside service.

[jpak]

11. I own junk cars and never had any problems with AAA

They are the best and worth every penny.

[mcar]

12. We've had great service from AAA

and have been members for years.

I hope you let AAA administration know what happened before you cancel. It might be worth giving them a chance to rectify the situation.

[Indykatie]

14. AAA in Indiana Has Been Great for My Family Over the Years

[dameatball]

16. My truck broke down in the middle of my vet's parking lot a couple months ago. AAA was there in

about 30 minutes, so I have no complaint. Sorry you had a bad experience. Your reaction seems reasonable under those circumstances.

[fierywoman]

17. I've had AAA over the last 30 years and have always been pleased with the service. Once

I even had a young man come out re a very old Honda Civic that wouldn't start and he said, "Hmm, I just saw something recently with one of these... " He opened up the hood, said, "Just as I thought." He'd fixed a loose something and it was perfect. Saved me hundreds, no doubt, and it cost me nothing (except the reasonable yearly AAA fee.)

[cwydro]

18. Always had great service with AAA.

Haven't belonged for awhile because I get free service through my cell contract, but I've been thinking of renewing for travel help etc.

I hope you write or call someone in AAA. I doubt anyone on DU is connected.

[SheltieLover]

19. I just called & got through immediately

I think perhaps OP called wrong number. Number I found online was 800 222 4357.

[usaf-vet]

22. I got answers on every telephone number I called which ID themselves a AAA.

The most telling part of the story might be that the tow truck driver laugh when I told him I had triple AAA. And yes we live in a part of the country that might not have grade service. BUT that doesn't change the fact that without personal contacts we would still be stranded without a vehicle.

IF they can't provide service in a region SAY SO! Don't take my money then leave us stranded.

And if you think I used the wrong number TEXT the word HELP to 800-222-6424 see what you get. If it's not AAA in must be somebody selling subscription to dialing 9-1-1

[SheltieLover]

27. I am not doubting your experience

Was only offering suggestion.

[Native]

20. Most car insurance policies allow you to add roadside service for pennies compared 2 the cost of AAA

I'm currently paying $8 total for 6 months of coverage. And any claims you have with the roadside service do not go against your policy rating.

[usaf-vet]

24. That is probably what I will do later today.

[Native]

37. I first switched from AAA to Geico's road service, and now I'm using Farmer's road service

Both companies were significantly cheaper than AAA, and you have the option of calling the claim number or just calling whoever you want and submitting the bill after the fact. It's a flat $150 per occurrence that they cover, and they limit you to so many incidents a year just like AAA, although I think AAA may let you have breakdowns more often. I don't know who you have car insurance with, but it's definitely worth exploring.

[usaf-vet]

28. Anyone had luck with AARP. We are retired and get some benefits from AARP.

We have been AAA members since 2008. Use them once for a tow. In a distant place from home to a local service center.

[Native]

36. Other than their restaurant discounts, I typically find better deals than what AARP offers.

[Bayard]

21. I had to call AAA last year

Truck wouldn't start. I did get a real person on the line. Sending tow truck/service. The guy gets here, and his battery starter wouldn't work, even after he took out his pocket knife and peeled the sheath off some of the wires. No jumper cables on his truck. After 45 minutes, calls his garage--send out another truck. That one arrives half hour later, and finally, my truck is started.

This was in the middle of winter, and I'm standing outside the whole time. Both of these guys firing up cigarettes, so I have to move 10 ft. away (asthma).

Next time, I'll call the little local garage that works on our vehicles. Father and son operation. They usually don't charge me for anything that's not major.

[genxlib]

23. I've had decent luck with them.

I recommend making a request for roadside assistance through the phone app. It avoids the phone and they can use the GPS info to find you the same way Uber does.

I keep it for the discounts on hotels and attractions. It pays for itself in savings so the roadside protection is a bonus.

[Tracer]

25. Had to call AAA in late February.

My brakes failed on my 12 year old car. Luckily, they failed at my town's recycling center.

I had to borrow a phone (left mine home) and was on that phone forever with the "question guy". I swear that, like you, he was going to ask for the name of my firstborn son.

But once he got all my info, the local tow truck guy showed up within 10 minutes, was extremely pleasant and actually offered to buy my car to give to his niece.

So AAA has been very good to me over the years.

[forthemiddle]

26. I save enough money from hotel discounts that it pays for our membership

We also carry AAA auto insurance, and it gives us the best rates in our area.
We, Thankfully, have never had the problems that you encountered today.

Ask your garage if they will submit the towing bill to AAA, I believe they can and you won't be responsible for that portion.

[GeorgeGist]

29. Just called the number you listed ...

Press 1 for Roadside assistance.
Have no idea what you did wrong.

[usaf-vet]

30. Great serve is great only if it works may you never be left as we we yesterday. .....

..... if that should happen let me know. We can then debate how great they are.

[MurrayDelph]

31. I've had better luck with AAA than you, but

I do second the recommendation of a portable jump starter/compressor. We have one in each car. Last month, my wife decided to take her car out for some exercise, but it wouldn't start. A quick jump, and it's been fine.

Last February, we (me, my wife, and our dogs) were on a road trip. When i started putting the overnight bags back in the car, I saw one of the tires was flat. With two weeks worth of luggage and a mobility scooter on top of the spare tire, I opted for the pumper/jumper. Then a quick trip to the Point S tire store to get it fixed (Point S and the Discount Tire/America's Tire chain both repair flats for free to promote customer loyalty, unlike my experiences with Goodyear and Firestone), back to the motel to get the wife and dogs, then back on the road.

Pumper/Jumpers: you can usually find one at Costco for about eighty bucks. And worth having.

[TheBlackAdder]

40. Check out the Project Farm YouTube Channel to make sure you get a good one first.

.

.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

32. I've had AAA for decades, and the rare times I've needed them it's been great.

So sorry you had this problem, but what you experienced isn't the norm. Sounds like where you were just doesn't have enough AAA tow trucks.

I got a flat tire several years ago on a Sunday morning in Oklahoma, just outside Boise City. I thought for sure I was screwed. Sunday morning? Oklahoma? But a tow truck arrived in about 15 minutes, said he'd call the guy that owned the tire store in town so I could get a replacement tire. Drove me to the tire store, we got the tire, driver brought me back to my car and put it on. Sunday morning in Oklahoma. I tipped him twenty bucks.

[bedazzled]

33. Usually takes between 1 and 3 hours in florida

A long time when you are stuck. Recently had a problem fixing my car. Needed three tows this.year so they shut me down. Asked if i can reenlist and they said not til next year. Am with geico now. It is much cheaper but i hope i don't need to find out how good it is for awhile. No more aaa tho

[shanti]

34. Sorry for your bad experience

AAA has always been good for me. I went through a period a few years ago, when I was having battery problems. I went through 3 in about 2 years and was pulling my hair out in frustration. The last time I called AAA, I just told them to put in one of their new batteries. Haven't had a problem since.

[panader0]

35. My newest car is 25 years old.

A Buick Century, well maintained, 130,000 miles. I bought it from an old lady who had a complete
record of service. My truck is 30 years old, a rugged 3/4 ton GMC. I carry jumper cables, a battery
charger and tools in both. I hate car/truck trouble. 0

[Cognitive_Resonance]

38. Check insurance company. Even if towing is not covered expense some offer roadside assistance. nt

[Duppers]

43. Indeed!

[TheBlackAdder]

39. AAA quality varies between regional offices. Most of the ones in NJ are fantastic.

[Demovictory9]

41. Free tow benefits with 21st insurance is wonderful

[Duppers]

42. Also had a bad experience after subscribing for decades

Our very 1st call for help was denied. We were stuck in a parking garage in DC.

After getting home, I called our local AAA office and complained. They said they'd look into it & call us back. Never got a call back and they never got another payment from us.

AAA is a waste of money.

[Skittles]

44. you would be surprised how many people would call AAA for a life-threatening situation

that's why they have to put that message out

[usaf-vet]

45. After giving it a couple of days to calm down I called AAA. At this point let's just say they agreed

that it should never have happened that way. They are sending paperwork for me to get reimbursed. WE will see!