AAA Review: Pros, Cons, & Alternatives (2023)
Is AAA membership worth it? Pros, cons, and alternatives explored. Discover the benefits of AAA membership, from roadside assistance and discounts to travel services and exclusive perks. Weigh the advantages, such as peace of mind and savings, against the drawbacks, like membership fees and limited coverage.
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Laura Walker
Former Licensed Agent
Laura Walker graduated college with a BS in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science. She married her husband and began working in the family insurance business in 2005. She became a licensed agent and wrote P&C business focusing on personal lines insurance for 10 years. Laura serviced existing business and wrote new business. She now uses her insurance background to help educate...
Former Licensed Agent
UPDATED: Aug 15, 2023
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: Aug 15, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Welcome to our comprehensive AAA Membership Review! In this article, we will delve into the pros, cons, and alternatives of AAA membership, helping you make an informed decision. We’ll explore the benefits, such as roadside assistance, discounts, and exclusive perks, as well as the potential drawbacks, including membership fees and limited coverage.
The Rundown
- The American Automobile Association (AAA) is a nonprofit national membership association that operates in both the United States and Canada.
- On the AAA website, the insurer claims you can save an average of $537 annually by switching to an AAA car insurance policy.
- AAA offers a group car insurance discount to its members, which helps keep the rates low..
We’ll discuss alternative options like auto clubs, insurance providers, and on-demand roadside assistance apps. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether AAA membership aligns with your needs and preferences. Ready to find the best insurance rates in your area? Enter your zip code now and compare rates from top providers, ensuring you make the most cost-effective choice for your coverage.
The American Automobile Association, more commonly known as AAA, was founded to make it easier and safer for members to travel. But now, AAA membership can help save you money on insurance with member-exclusive discounts.
Since the club was founded, the benefits it offers to members have gone from discounts at select locations to a network of travel-related savings that include fuel, lodging, and exclusive benefits such as free towing or roadside assistance.
AAA members are invited to purchase car insurance through partner companies, getting group discount pricing on top-of-the-line policies. If affordable coverage is your primary concern, an AAA membership might be right for you.
Read on to learn all about AAA membership and the discounts offered by the company that can lead you to the best car insurance rates.
If you have an AAA membership, enter your ZIP code into our free online tool above to immediately compare AAA member car insurance rates near you to make sure you’re getting the most affordable AAA car insurance.
What AAA membership discounts are available?
There are a bunch of startups changing how you buy car insurance, so sometimes it’s nice to rely on a familiar name like AAA when looking for a policy.
For folks wondering exactly what an AAA membership is, AAA is made up of a group of 42 individual clubs located across both America and Canada. They offer a special Perkspot car insurance discount with their services like daily credit monitoring, roadside assistance, and travel accident insurance, among other products.
Originally, AAA was created in response to the poorly constructed highways back in 1902. Today, AAA offers a variety of group discounts and benefits to over 60 million members.
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What AAA car insurance discounts are available?
In a competitive market, one standout offering for vehicle owners is the AAA car insurance discounts. This program provides substantial cost reductions, proving to be an invaluable resource for those seeking quality coverage without breaking the bank.
By our calculations, there are about 21 verified and advertised AAA membership discounts associated with the company’s car insurance vertical.
You also receive a 7% savings as a benefit of the company’s group membership discount.
In the table below, see more details about what discounts are available through AAA.
AAA Membership Auto Insurance Discounts
Discount Type | Discount Availability |
---|---|
Anti-lock Brakes | Yes |
Anti-Theft | Yes |
Daytime Running Lights | Yes |
Vehicle Recovery | Yes |
Newer Vehicle | Yes |
Claim Free | Yes |
Continuous Coverage | Yes |
Defensive Driver | Yes |
Distant Student | Yes |
Driver's Ed | Yes |
Driving Device/App | Yes |
Full Payment | Yes |
Good Student | Yes |
Homeowner | Yes |
Low Mileage | Yes |
Married | Yes |
Membership/Group | Yes |
Multiple Policies | Yes |
Multiple Vehicles | Yes |
Passive Restraint | Yes |
Safe Driver | Yes |
You also can stack discounts on top of each other, which will lead to some massive savings, depending on your circumstances.
Other membership discounts AAA users receive include up to 10% off at all AAA-approved auto body repair shops, as well as 10% off for oil changes. You can also save 20% or more on rental cars and moving trucks.
There are many other benefits to purchasing an AAA membership that are unrelated to car insurance that we will cover later on.
If you believe you will take advantage of the additional perks, then buying car insurance through AAA probably makes sense for you.
Where can you get AAA?
AAA sells car insurance in all 50 states as well as Washington D.C. In most regions, an AAA membership is required to purchase any coverage through the club. Membership comes with special benefits to keep drivers safe like emergency fuel delivery, jumps in case of a dead battery, some basic auto repair, and more.
Some AAA branches have independent insurance agents, while others rely on outside providers who underwrite on behalf of AAA.
Read more: Washington Dc Car Insurance Discounts
What are AAA car insurance rates?
Your rates for car insurance from AAA depend on a variety of factors. For example, the underwriter will consider your age, driving history, the state you live in, and the type of vehicle you drive when calculating your rates.
To help you approximate your potential rate, we’ve gathered the average annual rates for car insurance from all 50 states plus Washington D.C. and put them into the table below. Find your state now.
Read more: Louisiana Car Insurance Discounts
State | Average Annual Car Insurance Rates |
---|---|
Alabama | $868.48 |
Alaska | $1,027.75 |
Arizona | $972.85 |
Arkansas | $906.34 |
California | $986.75 |
Colorado | $981.64 |
Connecticut | $1,151.07 |
Delaware | $1,240.57 |
District of Columbia | $1,330.73 |
Florida | $1,257.13 |
Georgia | $1,048.40 |
Hawaii | $873.28 |
Idaho | $679.89 |
Illinois | $884.56 |
Indiana | $755.03 |
Iowa | $702.46 |
Kansas | $862.93 |
Kentucky | $938.51 |
Louisiana | $1,405.36 |
Maine | $703.82 |
Maryland | $1,116.45 |
Massachusetts | $1,129.29 |
Michigan | $1,364.00 |
Minnesota | $875.49 |
Mississippi | $994.05 |
Missouri | $872.43 |
Montana | $863.52 |
Nebraska | $831.02 |
Nevada | $1,103.05 |
New Hampshire | $818.75 |
New Jersey | $1,382.79 |
New Mexico | $937.59 |
New York | $1,360.66 |
North Carolina | $789.09 |
North Dakota | $773.30 |
Ohio | $788.56 |
Oklahoma | $1,005.32 |
Oregon | $904.83 |
Pennsylvania | $970.51 |
Rhode Island | $1,303.50 |
South Carolina | $973.10 |
South Dakota | $766.91 |
Tennessee | $871.43 |
Texas | $1,109.66 |
Utah | $872.93 |
Vermont | $764.02 |
Virginia | $842.67 |
Washington | $968.80 |
West Virginia | $1,025.78 |
Wisconsin | $737.18 |
Wyoming | $847.44 |
Countrywide | $1,009.38 |
Read more: Mississippi Car Insurance Discounts
Remember, the annual rates in this table are meant to act as guidelines. Your specific rates could be higher or lower depending on your individual circumstances.
Read more: North Dakota Car Insurance Discounts
However, on their website, AAA claims you can save an average of $537 annually if you purchase a policy through this company.
It would be wise to compare insurance prices from multiple companies before choosing a provider. This way, you know for sure that you’re getting the right coverage for the right price.
According to the National Association for Insurance Commissioner (NAIC) most recent data report, AAA owns about 1.38% of the private passenger car insurance market share. The company writes just over 3 million direct premiums annually.
Rating agencies that review the financial strength of businesses rate AAA relatively well, proving that the company will be able to pay out your claims even in the event of an economic downturn. For example, A.M. Best gave AAA a financial A+ superior rating.
However, some customer service reviews for AAA car insurance are subpar.
The NAIC complaint index reports that AAA’s claims satisfaction is below average. However, take these ratings with a grain of salt, as it is very rare for providers to receive overwhelmingly positive online customer reviews.
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What are AAA membership costs and benefits?
The cost of an AAA membership varies depending on what level of membership you choose to purchase and where in the country you live. Because AAA is made up of smaller clubs, membership fees will vary.
Currently, there are three basic AAA membership levels.
The specifics for the AAA plans are as follows:
AAA Classic: For an annual fee of around $56, plus an admission fee of another $20, you can receive towing benefits and flat tire services. You will have access to four service calls and tows of up to seven miles each.
You will also be eligible to use AAA-approved auto repair services as well as the company’s personal notary service.
AAA Plus: For an annual fee of around $90, plus an admission fee of $20, the AAA plus membership level comes with all of the classic benefits but the four tows can be up to 100 miles each. You gain access to free emergency fuel and delivery services.
Plus, you can utilize the vehicle locksmith for up to $100. If you’ve ever locked your keys in your own car, you know how beneficial this can truly be.
AAA Premier: For an annual fee of around $116, plus an admission fee of $20, you get all the same benefits as the AAA Plus and Classic membership levels, plus one tow of up to 200 miles. The remaining tows can go as far as 100 miles.
You will also receive a one-day complimentary car rental as well as home lockout service, in case you’re locked out of your own home.
Whatever level you purchase, you will also be able to access the extra savings and discounts from over 100,000 locations across the country. From movie theaters and hotels to theme parks and restaurants, the list is always growing.
Read more: Best Business Insurance for Hotels
Keep reading to learn more about the three biggest benefits of joining AAA.
What are AAA roadside services and membership benefits?
Perhaps what AAA is most known for is its roadside assistance program and services. AAA roadside services for members include free towing, flat tire repair or change, roadside fuel delivery, and more.
Using the towing service alone a single time could cover most of the cost of membership, even before you take advantage of the other discounts and services available.
AAA roadside coverage can also help save you money on repairs once your vehicle has been towed.
Can you get AAA health insurance benefits?
Does AAA offer health insurance? AAA health insurance is not offered directly through AAA. AAA, like other clubs that offer group health insurance, helps its members save on insurance costs by purchasing group policies.
Because the coverage is being purchased through the group, there are fewer qualifications that have to be met, and many preexisting conditions are included.
Purchasing health insurance through AAA can help you save a lot of money on health insurance costs. AAA health insurance is available in Florida and all other 49 states. AAA health insurance plans are purchased as a group policy which means there are fewer qualifications that you need to meet.
Are you interested in AAA medical insurance or AAA short-term health insurance coverage?
Not only will you also have access to discounted prescription costs, but you will also receive a lower rate for vision care as well. Read AAA health insurance reviews to learn more about the coverage and speak with your AAA membership representative to learn more.
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Does AAA offer lodging and dining benefits?
AAA is also known for the travel discounts provided to members. These discounts include lodging and dining at thousands of locations around the country, as well as discounts for theme parks and other recreational activities.
You can also save money by using certain flower delivery services and receive discounted ticket prices for some museums. Some companies will even provide up to 35% off of some electronic devices.
Additionally, AAA will be happy to help you plan your road trips, advising you of possible road congestion and saving you money at every stop along the way.
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Is an AAA membership worth it?
An AAA membership could be worth your while, especially if you can see yourself utilizing the additional club member benefits such as lodging and restaurants, alongside the car insurance offerings.
AAA car insurance is not necessarily the most affordable. However, there are so many additional bonus features you receive as a club member that many drivers find it to be a beneficial club to join.
However, if you are looking for a very basic car insurance policy, AAA might not be for you. You can easily secure an affordable policy that meets your state’s minimum car insurance requirements through other insurers without having to sign up for a club membership.
Similarly, some people are only interested in AAA for roadside assistance services. But many other insurance providers offer roadside assistance as an add-on to your policy for a very low rate.
Therefore, it is still worth comparison shopping so you know with certainty which car insurance company truly is right for you.
How do you cancel your AAA membership?
To cancel your AAA membership, you will have to call your local Member Service Center or visit in person. Currently, you cannot cancel your AAA membership online.
Some regions might charge a 10% fee depending on when in your membership you choose to cancel.
If you cancel your AAA membership and use the car insurance benefits offered by the club, you may need to also find a new provider in certain regions.
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How do you cancel your AAA car insurance policy?
You can cancel your car insurance policy anytime with AAA. The company does not advertise any cancellation fees on its website. However, some branches might still charge you if you cancel in the middle of your policy term.
To cancel your car insurance policy, you can call your local agent or visit your local Member Service Center. You can also call the AAA insurance phone number at 1-800-222-4357.
Make sure there is no gap in your coverage if you choose to cancel your policy. Comparison shop and secure new coverage beforehand.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. But now you know exactly how an AAA membership can help save you money on insurance and beyond.
Are you ready to buy AAA car insurance? Enter your ZIP code into our free online comparison tool below to start comparing quotes with your AAA car insurance quote.
If you want AAA insurance member discounts, the AAA car insurance company may be right for you. Find out now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AAA membership?
AAA membership is a type of membership that provides benefits and services related to travel, automotive, and insurance to its members.
What are the benefits of AAA membership?
The benefits of AAA membership include emergency roadside assistance, travel discounts and services, exclusive member discounts, insurance products and services, and more.
What are the cons of AAA membership?
The cons of AAA membership may include the cost of membership, limited availability in some areas, and the potential for wait times when using certain services.
How much does AAA membership cost?
The cost of AAA membership varies depending on the level of membership and location. Annual membership fees range from $50 to $165.
What are the different levels of AAA membership?
The different levels of AAA membership include Classic, Plus, and Premier. Each level provides different benefits and services.
Is AAA membership worth it?
Whether AAA membership is worth it depends on individual needs and usage. If you frequently travel, own a car, or are in need of insurance products and services, AAA membership may be worth it.
What are some alternatives to AAA membership?
Some alternatives to AAA membership include roadside assistance programs offered by car manufacturers, insurance companies, credit cards, and standalone companies such as Allstate Motor Club and Good Sam Roadside Assistance.
Does AAA offer life insurance?
Yes, AAA offers life insurance products and services through its subsidiary, AAA Life Insurance Company.
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Laura Walker
Former Licensed Agent
Laura Walker graduated college with a BS in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science. She married her husband and began working in the family insurance business in 2005. She became a licensed agent and wrote P&C business focusing on personal lines insurance for 10 years. Laura serviced existing business and wrote new business. She now uses her insurance background to help educate...
Former Licensed Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.