The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the go-to service provider for many motorists requiring a tow, boost, or help out of a ditch. A federation of affiliated motor clubs, AAA serves north of 64 million members from 1,000+ offices on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border.
If you’ve only called the organization for a tow to a mechanic, you don’t know what you’ve been missing. Here are 16 other things AAA can help you with.
Fuel Delivery
You have to admit it. Running out of gas or diesel is often a matter of being careless — considering there are so many gas stations around. When the fuel light illuminates on the dashboard, you have at least 30 to 50 miles left. But if you continue driving until the gas tank’s empty, AAA will deliver enough fuel to get you on your way.
Identity Theft Protection
AAA also offers identity theft protection cost-free or at a reduced rate. Through a partnership with Experian, AAA offers members benefits like credit monitoring. Speaking of Experian, the organization reports that fraud and ID theft losses in the U.S. topped $10 billion last year. That’s reason enough to take AAA up on its offer. ID theft is no joke.
Lock Out Service
Few things are as frustrating to car owners as getting locked out of their cars. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the odds of a lockout could be higher or lower than average. But if it happens to you, give AAA a call for locksmith services.
Car Rentals
AAA membership has its perks. One of them is discounted car rentals. Depending on the car rental company you deal with, you could use your AAA membership to get discounted rates. It can cost a small fortune to rent a vehicle, so getting a discount will make it more affordable.
Insurance
Yet another thing you can get from AAA is insurance. And it’s not just auto insurance either. You can also get dental, homeowners, life, pet insurance, and other types of insurance. It’s worth speaking to one of the organization’s representatives to learn more.
Travel Protection
Your AAA membership can also afford you travel protection. In this day and age when problems at the airport aren’t rare, you can have peace of mind. The travel protection service will reimburse you if your trip is delayed due to inclement weather or a mishap.
Discounts on Car Repairs
How does a 10% discount on your car repair bill sound? AAA members can get a reduced rate at AAA-approved auto repair facilities. According to one source, the hourly rate at a dealership is in the $125 to $175 range, while the hourly rate at an independent shop is in the $75 to $125 range. Saving 10% will keep more money in your pocket.
Hotel Discounts
The average daily rate for a hotel room in the U.S. is almost $160. According to Statista, the three U.S. cities with the highest daily rates include New York at $504, Chicago at $305, and San Francisco at $282. You can save money by booking stays at hotels offering AAA discounts.
Save on Moving Expenses
According to one source, the average American moves almost 12 times in their lives. It adds that the average moving expense for a local move is around $2,000 for a three-bedroom residence or an average of $5,500 for a long-distance move. With an AAA membership, you can save if you rent a Penske moving truck for a DIY move.
Save on Electronics Purchases
Are you looking for a new laptop, printer, or other electronics? As an AAA member, you can save up to 35% on HP products. And those transactions come with free shipping and dedicated support services.
Enjoy Entertainment for Less
Do you and yours enjoy entertainment venues like Six Flags and Disney World? An AAA membership is a godsend if that’s the case. Enjoying a day at a theme park with the family can cost an arm and a leg, but you can get discounts through AAA.
Retail Discounts
Many of your favorite retailers give discounts to AAA members. Walmart, Target, Macy’s, and Sketchers are among the retail outlets where you can buy what you want and pay less.
Dine for Less
When dining out, you can get a discount on restaurants that offer AAA discounts. Options include Hard Rock Cafe, Landry’s Restaurants, and Papa John’s. Considering how expensive eating out can be for a family, it pays to make the most of your AAA membership.
Eyewear Discounts
One source notes that 63.7% of American adults wear prescription eyeglasses. That works out to 166.5 million people. As an AAA member, you can save 30% on frames, 10% on disposable contact lenses, and 50% off on lenses.
Get DMV Services
Going to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can be a pain. But if you’re an AAA member, you can conduct some DMV transactions at AAA locations. At the very least, you’ll have more options for getting DMV transactions done rather than solely at DMV offices.
Complimentary Planning Tools
AAA is also a great resource if you need help planning a road trip. You can use its free trip planning resources to plan your route, figure out where you’ll stop for food and gas, locate restaurants and hotels, find entertainment venues, and more.
AAA Does Much More Than Tow
You can see that AAA does more than tow vehicles to auto mechanics. It’s also worth noting that AAA covers individuals. So, if you’re a member, you can call for a tow whether you’re the driver or a passenger. Besides, there are so many other perks you can benefit from.
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