AAA rant

[arerrac]

Drove my Carrera up to our summer house at Lake Berryessa (Napa County). 120 miles from my home in Redwood City. On the Sunday I'm leaving, fuel pump goes out. . Call AAA and request a flat bed. 15 minutes later the dude arrives. He had been at a lock out at one of the local resorts.

Dude looks suspect. I start to explain that it's lowered and that I think we need some 2x4 in order to get it on his truck. The dude hears me out and says,

"I have serviced the Napa Valley and surrounding areas for 25 years. Do you know the number of exotic cars that show up in Napa on any given wine tasting weekend or auto tour. I've flat bedded more Lambos and Ferrari's that you can shake a stick at. Don't worry. Consider me your designated driver and go have a beer with your friend while I get this done."

He proceeds to get out multiple pieces of wood and created the appropriate ramp to get my car on without it even touching the bed. Put cotton rags on my wheels before putting webbing thru. Had paper for the seats and floor and put gloves on when he got inside to release brake. A pro!!!!

We now have a 2 hour ride back to the bay area. So we chat. He’s a single dad and stoked he got my job that day. He was looking to do some birthday and Christmas shopping in the bay area and this worked out perfect for him.

I had 100 miles free towing, additional $ for every mile over. He comped the additional 20 miles. I gave him a $50 tip.

[Don Ro]

"I gave him a $50 tip."
~~~~~~~~~`
Another $50 tip.
I gotta get me a tow truck.

[wildthing]

What's the advantage of paying extra for AAA? I thought my insurance covered a tow,but will check.

[Noah930]

Originally Posted by wildthing

What's the advantage of paying extra for AAA? I thought my insurance covered a tow,but will check.

Your car insurance covers tows for mechanical problems? I don't think I've ever had a policy like that.

[ben parrish]

Had great luck with AAA....as far as the cab camera, usually they are installed in larger rigs to record in case of an accident. The camera in always recording ( just like a flight recorder) but will only save the info if there is an " incident" that needs review. The trigger is usually inertia caused by taking off too fast or a sudden stop or lane change. Simply there to have for the liability claims that will follow an accident.
Many driver feel like they are always being watched...they are in a sense but only by an electric eye; no human is monitoring them picking their nose.

[Nickshu]

Frankly I am surprised AAA is still in business at all. I haven't been a member for years. I buy roadside assistance thru my auto insurance (Allstate) for just a couple bucks a month. Much easier to deal with in my experience when a problem has come up that requires assistance.

[wildthing]

Originally Posted by Noah930

Your car insurance covers tows for mechanical problems? I don't think I've ever had a policy like that.

I thought that was Roadside Assistance, like the above poster said. But I will read the fine print. It is an add on charge of something like $20 a year.

[Por_sha911]

The basic plans cover 5 miles (or $100 like with Allstate) aren't worth it to me. I can get a local tow for very little money. I want something that covers me when I'm out and about. The AAA Gold plan covers 100 miles and the discounts on mechanics or hotels makes it work for me. Use it for any one thing each year and it pays for itself.

[Joe Bob]

Been on both ends.....4 hour wait in -15F weather in CO.....to 5 minutes last week when I blew my CV joint.

[pegasus9]

100 mile tow is just nice to have. I also like the fact that I can take care of most DMV stuff at the local AAA branch and avoid the dreaded dmv.

Had to use them the other day and the guy was an ace apparently.


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[Don Ro]

AAA member here.
Last week I sat in the Scottsdale DMV for 72 min.s watching those sick, lame, and lazy gov't employees meander around...along with 200 - 300 other citizens.
Could I have taken my out-of-state moto reg. to AAA to have it reg.'d in AZ?

[Joe Bob]

In CA, yes....Nevada and Oregon, no.....would suggest calling and ask. Or if an AZ AAA member responds.

[LakeCleElum]

Originally Posted by Don Ro

AAA member here.
Last week I sat in the Scottsdale DMV for 72 min.s watching those sick, lame, and lazy gov't employees meander around...along with 200 - 300 other citizens.
Could I have taken my out-of-state moto reg. to AAA to have it reg.'d in AZ?

My tip on long lines at DMV:

When I lived in bigger city, I'd hop on my motorcycle and ride to a small town about 30 miles away......Never, ever a wait at DMV.......In and out........

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Nickshu

Frankly I am surprised AAA is still in business at all. I haven't been a member for years. I buy roadside assistance thru my auto insurance (Allstate) for just a couple bucks a month. Much easier to deal with in my experience when a problem has come up that requires assistance.

Same here, I've had roadside assistance through Geico and now Allstate for years. One lockout and one tow of my very lowered '88 Targa, no complaints.