My car's warranty and free roadside assistance has just expired and I'm thinking about joining the CAA because I'm one of those guys who don't like to change flat tires and get my hands dirty. If you are a member, have you had good service from them?
Joining the CAA
- Thread starter punter
- Start date
Never had a problem with the actual service.
Although when it's busy (snow storms/cold weather) there's usually a long line waiting.
Although when it's busy (snow storms/cold weather) there's usually a long line waiting.
Please do so.....
I learned my lesson the hard way.Was on the outskirts of Grande Praririe, Alberta and blew a tire.Sunday afternoon at 3 pm.Called, guy shows up at 7pm and we got charged Sunday overtime,PLUS afterhours, PLUS their distance drive(100kms).Total to change and replace(with a USED tire)the tire? 414.00$ .
I seriously could have buried that M'FER in the bush ,but kept my cool and went into the shop in Edmonton the next morning for a chat with the good folks at(Rhymes with mountain) tire.
I made them a promise I would contact every tire dealership I could find and give them photocopies of the bill(Still have it actually).They halved the cost and that was that.Moral of the story.Get CAA.Trust me on this.
I learned my lesson the hard way.Was on the outskirts of Grande Praririe, Alberta and blew a tire.Sunday afternoon at 3 pm.Called, guy shows up at 7pm and we got charged Sunday overtime,PLUS afterhours, PLUS their distance drive(100kms).Total to change and replace(with a USED tire)the tire? 414.00$ .
I seriously could have buried that M'FER in the bush ,but kept my cool and went into the shop in Edmonton the next morning for a chat with the good folks at(Rhymes with mountain) tire.
I made them a promise I would contact every tire dealership I could find and give them photocopies of the bill(Still have it actually).They halved the cost and that was that.Moral of the story.Get CAA.Trust me on this.
I have never used AAA. I bought a 2003 Honda new and have put 217,000 miles on it. Never called for tow or service. I always change oil and rotate tires, etc. The car still looks like the day I bought it. In the US I think it's $50/yr. I have saved almost $350 by not getting it. I can pay for next tow myself and still have money left over for an SP to relieve my stress.
You have to access your own situation. If you don't change oil, don't rotate tires and prone to leaving the lights on, you might want it. Depends on car and driver.
I bought it for my nephew in college one because he doesn't take care of things and prone to mishaps. Don't care about the money as much as I did about getting a call (or his mother) at 3am to pay for a tow because he's broke, AGAIN!!!
Good luck!!
My only insurance is a $40 battery jump/compressor/light I keep in the trunk. Only used it once after returning from a Vegas trip and battery dead. One minute later I was running and on my way!!!
You have to access your own situation. If you don't change oil, don't rotate tires and prone to leaving the lights on, you might want it. Depends on car and driver.
I bought it for my nephew in college one because he doesn't take care of things and prone to mishaps. Don't care about the money as much as I did about getting a call (or his mother) at 3am to pay for a tow because he's broke, AGAIN!!!
Good luck!!
My only insurance is a $40 battery jump/compressor/light I keep in the trunk. Only used it once after returning from a Vegas trip and battery dead. One minute later I was running and on my way!!!
Don't forget....if you travel, the CAA/AAA hotel and car rental discounts add up quickly so that membership pays for itself. Plus free maps!
If you're the kind of person you say you are that doesn't want to change tires, it's probably a good idea. Or if you travel a lot long distance.
If you're a guy that doesn't mind changing tires and you know the ins and outs of maintaining your car, probably no need.
It is a good insurance policy though especially on cold days when the unexpected can happen.
If you're a guy that doesn't mind changing tires and you know the ins and outs of maintaining your car, probably no need.
It is a good insurance policy though especially on cold days when the unexpected can happen.
Blue5658 said:
My experience is you get these rates whether you are a member or not. They just put you down as one, so this is a bit of a bogey.
I got it this year as I went on a long roadtrip through the U.S., but I change my own tires when I get a blow out (has happened to me 5 times in the last 20 years), my cars lights go off even if I leave them on, so no dead batteries any more, and if I don't have to wait, I don't wait and do whatever needs doing myself.
Sukdeep said:
Sorry, unless that happened in the last couple of days, Just came back from a trip with maps and reference books offered for free.
Make sure you get whatever package has the longer towing service. You may find yourself far from home one day.
I picked up maps in the last week.
I'm pretty sure you can get 10% off your car insurance as well.
I picked up maps in the last week.
I'm pretty sure you can get 10% off your car insurance as well.
punter said:
I had an after market security system put into my previous car. The guy who installed messed up. I had to have it towed 4 times because of it. Three were through CAA( free). The fourth cost me $125.
I have always had excellent service with them. I have the road side assistance plan, but I also have my house and car insurace with them too. When I go out of the province I get my travel insurance there as well. Plus, you get free maps. For $110 a year it is really worth it.
