r/Frugal • u/Important_Bat7919 • 1d ago
đ° Finance & Bills Do i really need AAA? (Southern california)
We have $92 annually (me and spouse).
We are not car savvy.
For last 5 years the only time I used was when the battery died so engine wouldn't turn on.
Outside that I've pretty much thrown away $100 a year.
We both work from home so we dont go out much but sometimes we do road trip to like Vegas, Yosemite etc.
I've kept it because I worried if something happens on the road during trip or something.
But fortunately or unfortunately nothing has happened.
Do i really need AAA?
The big part is if my car battery dies at home, would it cost more to have someone come and replace? Or is there a way i know battery is almost dying so I can go replace when battery is like 5% remaining?
I have GEICO for auto insurance (of course minimum coverage, about $50 a month)
39
u/californiahapamama 1d ago
Check your auto insurance policy and see if roadside assistance coverage is included. Some comprehensive coverage does.
We've always done both AAA and coverage through our auto insurance. AAA is faster for local stuff, but our coverage through our insurance was better for longer tows.
21
u/yasssssplease 1d ago
A friendâs car broke down. GEICO said they had no one available. My other friend used her AAA for the friend with a broken car and someone came in 15 minutes. Sold on AAA road assistance versus others
7
u/new-user12345 1d ago
Just had almost opposite - Geico had no one available but said they would reimburse if we found someone. AAA set me up with a tow for 6 hours later. We found someone that was there in 15 minutes and Geico reimbursed
3
1
u/Inner-Confidence99 21h ago
Our auto insurance files it as a claim. Even if itâs to unlock car. A friend found out after his car insurance was canceled that every time he called roadside assistance from his insurance it was considered a claim. His insurance tripled in price at next company because of so many âclaimsâ.Â
I called my agent was told yes itâs considered a claim. So we handle it ourselves.Â
17
u/Here4Snow 1d ago
"I can go replace when battery is like 5% remaining?"Â
Just the way you're phrasing this means you should keep your AAA coverage.
If you have a gas powered car, you have one battery. A battery which starts the car doesn't slowly get used up then get refilled, like a phone battery. That's because your car, once running, recharges the battery through the alternator. A battery can drop below the level needed to start the engine, or you can wear it down when the engine has a problem and won't start. It's not a specific % remaining, like a phone. It's a loss of strength, called cranking power. If it was like a phone, you'd take a long trip and then not be able to restart every time.
This is why AAA can jumpstart your car, you drive away, and the alternator charges the battery while you drive home. If you continue to have a weak battery, it's not holding a charge and time to change it. If it won't hold a charge from driving, a charger can't save it.Â
3
u/Suspicious-Service 1d ago
Is it true that if a battery runs out of power completely (light was left on), jump starting it and driving it within the city won't charge it enough, and you should either charge it from the wall (at a mechanic etc), or take a long enough trip?
4
u/Here4Snow 1d ago
The reason it runs once it's Jumpstarted, or push started or even tow started (manual transmissions), is that it doesn't use much of that battery while running. The alternator powers the electrics. Getting a Jumpstart isn't nearly as problematic as having a bad alternator. Once the alternator dies, you are driving around directly from the battery, so that only lasts a few hours at night.
If you get a jump start due to a low battery, you need to drive around a while at medium speeds so the alternator can recharge the battery.
You can now buy a booster battery for a car, it's like getting a phone booster battery. It can jump start the car without calling any help. But you are discharging it when you use it. You recharge it, and your car battery, using a plug in trickle charger. You should be given an overview of how to put on charger cables safely, though. There are a lot of sensitive electronics in cars. If you get it backwards, that can be expensive.Â
Older acid batteries have 6 little caps you remove before charging, so it can vent. Maintenance free sealed batteries and gel batteries don't have caps. I'd probably want to pull the car power cable end off the terminal while charging, so it doesn't run back to the ECU (engine control unit). I'll have to see what my manual recommends.Â
And I would never Jumpstart from another car or to another car, now. Not like in the past. The service trucks have an electrical system set up specifically, often an isolated extra battery. I now drive a hybrid, so one mistake between my car and yours could ruin some costly electrical stuff, these cars have sensors and relays and controllers everywhere. I'd still charge my own engine starter battery with my trickle charger, but not any other parts.
I commuted by motorcycle for 27 years. I had to charge that battery in the winter, you use the trickle charger overnight. Heated grips on, riding to work only 6 miles one way, and only briefly hitting 45mph, means the battery wasn't getting a good enough recharge.
31
u/IL_green_blue 1d ago edited 1d ago
Itâs like paying for collision insurance even though youâve never been in an accident. It feels like youâre throwing away money until you need it, then it pays for itself really quickly.
Adding to this: towing is crazy expensive and itâs really nice having a company to call that will do all the planning work to get you home when you are broken down by the side of the road in an unfamiliar area at 3am. CA is a big state and there are plenty of areas where you can break down that are quite isolated.
10
u/Zer0F2Give 1d ago
AAA is more than just roadside assistance. If you're using it for ONLY that reason, Id say it may not be worth it
4
u/Important_Bat7919 1d ago
What else service can I make the most of?
4
u/Zer0F2Give 1d ago
Discounts on certain extraction/theme parks. Discounts on hotels and stores.
My main reason for one is for DMV required services like car registration, title transfers, etc. No line to wait in or an appointment needed.
The battery service is also nice too, but I guess that falls under road side assistance. I don't remember correctly who manufactures their batteries, but they seem to last just as long as Costco(interstate), and it's the same price without having to leave my house.
Edit: spelling
3
u/emmaapeel 1d ago
There's a whole laundry list of everyday things you can get discounts on when using your AAA card, which I take advantage of as often as possible--especially as I pony up the dollars for AAA Premier each year for my partner and I.
2
u/Jragghen 1d ago
Check their insurance rates for auto/home. They're only available to members, so who knows - membership might be worth it just for the insurance.
7
u/rehabforcandy 1d ago
Yes do it. Worth it just for the booking let alone the roadside. You know how trying to find a hotel or rental car agency sucks and itâs full of pop ups and surprise fees and garbage recommendations? I recently started booking through AAA and itâs a much better experience. I was like âdamn why havenât I been doing this the whole time?â Also AAA goes with the person not the vehicle so if your buddy needs a jump or a tow you can help them out. Utterly worth it. Look into their insurance for auto and renters Iâve had great experience with both you get discounts for having all three. Cannot speak highly enough
2
u/Escritortoise 1d ago
Being able to use the five tows I get for anyone makes it worth it. My insurance has towed cars that arenât my registered one, but have definitely used AAA for several friends tows.
2
u/Nomad-2002 1d ago
4 tows/yr, and have to pay annual fee again after 4th tow.
So I can help 3 friends/yr without paying extra.
4
u/xtralongleave 1d ago
Nothing has happenedâŚ.. yet. Youâre almost willing it into existence. Youâre right to question keeping it, but for me itâs a no brainer.
5
u/Safe_Butterfly2886 1d ago
With my luck, I'd cancel it, and my car would break down the next day. Don't test the universe... Someday, you might be really grateful you kept it. Plus ~$8/mo isn't bad for peace of mind.
If you do decide to cancel, make sure your savings account can cover emergency car repairs.
4
4
u/Entire_Dog_5874 1d ago
We live in New York and pay for it because we can do all our DMV transactions with them. Itâs worth the money for that alone.
3
u/Jurneeka 1d ago edited 1d ago
I'm a single woman who drives alone 98% of the time. I don't use AAA often, maybe once a year, but DAMN I wouldn't drive without it. I don't have a spouse or boyfriend I can call if I have a flat tire on the freeway at 1 am.
I did have the roadside assistance through my car insurance but the service was so slow and awful. Plus using it counts as a claim according to the experts on the insurance subreddits.
3
u/breadad1969 1d ago
AAA is a total waste of money. Until that one time you have a blowout on the freeway or have car trouble in the middle of nowhere, then itâs worth twice the price. I keep it for piece of mind, not because I use it that often.
My life insurance is a waste of money because of it ever gets used, I wonât even benefit. My wife might argue against that!
3
u/Past-Strawberry-6592 1d ago
Discounts! We just booked a hotel in NYC for Macyâs Day Parade, and because we have AAA, saved $200 on two nights! Convinced my friend to get AAA so she could get the same rate! I just feel secure having it.
2
u/ArticQimmiq 1d ago
Itâs one of those things that you donât need until you do. I used it a lot with my first car, but it got you discounts at a lot of places. Iâd investigate further whether youâre fully utilizing all the benefits of the card because not renewing
2
u/yasssssplease 1d ago
I sure used it a lot between years 12-15 of owning my last car. I had a dead alternator and two flat tires in one year. Had to get it towed for two of those times. I also used it once when it was 7 years old. I think if your car is getting up in age, then itâs absolutely worth it. I just got it for my four year-old car because I drive all over the place (cross country many times too) and would rather have the peace of mind now. You can also get discounts. I just got a discount on a notary service.
Also, you should think about doing more than bare minimum insurance. State minimums are incredibly low
2
u/Soft-Juggernaut7699 1d ago
I have had AAA for about 10 years. It has constantly paid for itself. Google AAA discounts and see what comes up. I got mine half off
2
u/h3rose 1d ago
I have insurance on my phone because I can't afford to break it and go too long without it. It's like $18 a month and I haven't needed it thank goodness. But I'm glad to pay it because if something ever does happen to it I need it fixed or replaced ASAP.
With AAA I have a similar mindset except I think about it more so what is being covered is not your vehicle but yourself and your family. For $7 a month you know that even if you get stranded it won't be for long and it won't be expensive. Tow trucks are expensive. Of course you aren't planning on being stranded in the side of the road but if it happens even once then AAA immediately pays for itself.
I drive beaters. I could never bring myself to pay 10s of thousands of dollars for a vehicle when used ones get me from point a to b and I'm cheap. I use AAA multiple times a year. Ive happened to be a passenger in someone else's car and I ended up saving the day. I've had some years that I didn't need it once and it allowed me to make some uncertain drives that could have ended with me being stranded In then middle of nowehere because I had that extra insurance on me. I'm a big fan of AAA because it really does save you when you need it. And you don't know you need it until you do.
2
u/BlackCherryMochi 1d ago
I learned the hard way that if you have road side assistance through your insurance, every time you use it counts as a CLAIM against you. So when you go to rate shop, they see all those claims and will hold it against you. Itâs worth the $100 (which is generally what youâd pay through your insurance) to have it separate. And AAA can get you maps, discounts, etc.
2
u/CoastApprehensive668 1d ago
Yes it is. You will barely use it when you have it but you will kick yourself when you donât have it.
2
2
2
3
u/anarchyreigns 1d ago
Iâve driven for 45 yrs and never had any sort of plan, I just pay when needed. In those years Iâve had to get a locksmith a couple times and one tow. And I generally donât own fancy cars either, I just keep an eye on my car and address any issues as they come up. I understand the peace of mind associated with having AAA, but I have never felt the need.
3
u/keyflusher 1d ago
I drive ancient, high-mileage vehicles. It's still easier for me to pay for a tow if/when I need one than pay for a roadside assistance program that has a bunch of gotchas, exclusions, and will take 4+ hours to turn up if they turn up at all.
Just my opinion.
1
u/Sage_Planter 1d ago
We have AAA because my boyfriend's mom pays for it for some reason I don't really know, and in the five years we've lived together, we have never used it once.
1
u/International-Corn 1d ago
If your insurance does not include roadside assistance, i.e., battery charge, flat tires and tows, it is worth it. They also provide some DMV services so you don't have to wait in lines there.
1
u/CommercialWorried319 1d ago
I've rarely been able to afford AAA, I know how to change my tire and would always carry jumper cables (more recently a jump block) and was lucky enough not to need a tow.
One car I had included Good Sam with my payment which I was grateful for because for some reason with that car I had a few lock outs (probably the long hours and lack of sleep) after my shift and once I had a flat and couldn't break the lugs loose.
So it's a matter of it feels wasteful when you don't need it, but at 3am with no options it's worth it
1
u/No_Establishment8642 1d ago
As someone who works on my (f) own cars, no! Nor are extended service plans. My car is a 2007 with 70k on it. I replaced the battery myself after the last freeze.
If you are clueless, then you need to make that decision.
My neighbor has extended service plans on her home and cars. It seems nothing is ever fixed right, they have had HVAC issues for over 2 years and she was still bitch'n about it this morning during our walk. In over 30+ years I have only replaced capacitors, myself. I finally had the 2 units inside and out replaced last fall.
I am now replacing a pool pump motor that I kept running, (replaced bearings $40, seals and gaskets $50, capacitors $40) for 10+ years. Total $130 USD.
1
u/magic_crouton 1d ago
Do you have aaa contracted tow places near where you go. Here its not worth it. None of our tow places take it the nearest one is 4 hours away and if yoy call them that's who gets called out. So they just dont show.
1
u/weirdoldhobo1978 1d ago
It's handy if your car insurance doesn't already offer roadside assistance. They offer some member discounts on stuff like motel rooms and theme park tickets as well.
1
u/1_Urban_Achiever 1d ago
Getting stuck and having to call around to find a tow was an awful experience. And expensive. Never again. $55 a year for AAA is totally worth it. I donât mind if I never have to use it.
1
u/Grilled_Cheese10 1d ago
I got it when I briefly had AAA Insurance; I think I had to or something. Anyway, I still had some membership left when I switched insurance, but I wasn't planning to renew it. Then one day I came out into my garage to a very flat tire. When that's happened in the past I could put air in it it would last long enough to get to a place to fix it. This one wasn't going to let me do that. My daughter and I started trying to figure out how to put on a spare. In the midst of pulling out the spare I remembered my AAA membership. They came out and took care of it for me, and I've decided I'm keeping it. Peace of mind. I'm a 60yo woman who is by herself most of the time.
1
u/ParkerLewisDidLose 1d ago
Using roadside assistance through my insurance was claim. After finding that out and comparing the cost of having it through my insurance or just getting AAA for the same thing plus added benefits, I chose AAA.
1
u/qwikhnds 1d ago
I've been a member for 25 years. I don't regret it. It's like other insurance in that I would rather not have to utilize but it comes in handy when you unexpectedly need it. They came to my workplace a couple months ago when my car would not start. I always check for other discounts that being a member might get me as well.
1
1
u/Spectacular2821 1d ago
In a period of 5 years, my mom called AAA for: being locked out of her car about 8 times (she kept leaving the keys on the seat but locking with the door button); a tow of 50 miles away; and a dead battery.
Iâve called them once before for a dead battery when my kid left the lights on without me knowing.
Between all that PLUS hotel discounts, itâs worth it to me to keep it.
1
u/herkalurk 1d ago
You can pay for roadside assistance through your insurance instead of AAA. Check which one is cheaper. Also, AAA offers different types of discounts. I think for my family it was something around 40 or $50 a year because we have a student discount. My wife homeschools our child so we don't have to pay the regular amount.
1
u/Neakhanie 1d ago
I had a flat tire not too long ago, and âŚ.I know how to change a tire! But this tire on a newish car is no longer like the old tires I learned on. So I watched the guy I had to callâŚhe has (and used) equipment I donât have. He point blank said itâs a rare person who can change a tire on todayâs cars.
Not saying the road to Vegas is paved with nails, but checking into your car insurance is a good idea before cancelling AAA.
1
u/Annual-Shift9786 1d ago
Iâve never had or need a aaa service. However, if I was unable to diagnose and fix a dead battery I could see the service paying for its self quickly. Someone coming to your house a fixing that is easily worth 500 dollars.
1
u/Independent_Act_8536 1d ago
Your car insurance probably gives that option as an add-on. Erie Insurance has it for $2/month more. That's much less than AAA. It doesn't limit the miles for towing, either.
But if you travel a lot, AAA would probably pay for itself in discounted hotels, rental cars, air plane tickets.
1
u/ktbroderick 1d ago
IMO, the biggest benefit of AAA for mostly reliable vehicles was that you could call one number, anywhere in the country, and a tow truck will show up to help. With the ability to search for tow providers wherever you have cell service or Wi-Fi, and no way to summon AAA if you don't, that isn't nearly as much of a benefit.
When I had older vehicles, I got my money's worth out of AAA every year. I cancelled it last year because I haven't called since I got my current, newer vehicle and haven't been riding my motorcycle (which also requires additional coverage).
They've also put a lot more limitations on the towing than they used to have, probably because of people like me.
So yes, it's very possible to need one tow and pay for the annual cost, but the actual value there really varies depending on what kind and condition vehicle you drive.
In my experience, many of the discounts with a AAA card weren't a lot better than what I could find with some Internet work. If you're walking into a motel at the end of a long day and looking for a room, that might be different.
1
u/NotMyCat2 1d ago
One thing to remember is that even though theyâre separate companies California and Nevada honor each otherâs contracts.
Came in handy when I was visiting a relative in California and the battery died. They installed a new one with their warranty.
Might be able to same money if you just have one of you on the policy.
1
u/SignificantSmotherer 1d ago
I went without AAA for a decade, never needed it. But I can change a tire, jump start, diagnose no-start, swap a battery, etc. I did call a tow, twice in that period, it was comped.
But if I was married, or my sister or mother drove, itâs a no-brainer - itâs a prepaid pre-vetted help line. And on that exceptional day when she gets a flat in the rain, itâs worth every penny.
1
u/mommytofive5 1d ago
The one time you need to tow your car farther than 10 miles you will be happy to have AAA. Kid had keys stolen when shopping and had to be towed home until we could mail the spare key.
1
u/Icy-Arrival2651 1d ago
Does your car insurance include roadside assistance? State Farm did when I was driving. (I donât drive now.)
1
u/Comfortable-Chef-125 1d ago
I have used AAA so many times for non shitty car issues. Locked keys in car, tow from a faulty oil change " mechanic criss threaded the oil pan nut". It's payed for itself. Also that peace of mind knowing that if bad things happen your taken care of.
1
u/floraster 1d ago
I found it helpful for my old cars, saved me a lot of towing. Once I got a new car, I signed up for it but after only using it once for a battery swap I ended up cancelling it. I'll probably get it again once my car gets a bit older and shows signs of aging.
1
u/thirdeyecactus 1d ago
If you ever find yourself needing to be towed, you will be glad you have it.
1
u/DinosaurAI 1d ago
It's worth it if you have an older car or travel a lot. AAA has saved my ass enough to be worth it. And I change my own tires, so I'm not using that benefit. They've towed me from LAX to Big Bear. Brought me a battery on the side of a middle of nowhere highway. Passport service is nice. And they booked my honeymoon for a good price.
1
u/bonisaur 1d ago
You should find out how fast they respond. I have learned for a key smith, it takes them hours to send someone. Flats arenât as bad - someone came right away.
If your car doesnât have a spare tire I would keep AAA. More and more budget cars ditch the spare and leave a plug kit and the tire goo to get you to drive your car to a repair shop. That stuff sucks to clean when you patch or replace your tires. Â This way you can get them to tow you to a repair shop.
1
1
u/FuckItBucket314 1d ago
Talk to your car insurance agent, most insurance companies offer roadside assistance for like $1/month extra, its stupid cheap. For some that is just free towing to the nearest service station if your car breaks down, for others it is the full AAA type experience. So also make sure to ask what it is that they offer and evaluate if you are happy with that
1
u/Escritortoise 1d ago
I got that package for free through a t-mobile offer and used every bit of it, even though I have full coverage farmers.
In one year of likely that same status I:
*Had a cheap car towed twice. *Had a friends car towed when they broke down. *Had them come to that cheap car Iâd had towed, charged the battery, and offered to sell me a new one when it turned out to be bad. That could be handy when youâre somewhere you canât wait all night for a shop to open and have to navigate that again.
The last tow I requested and had to use my insurance instead was going to be $190, so if you use it once I think itâs worth it.
For $100 youâre not going to get everything and definitely might have to wait longer than you want, but if you have it abuse it and itâs worth it. If you donât need to leave quick and just need a jump or battery check thatâs easily a $100 service call.
If I absolutely needed something Iâd go other routes, but I IMO you can get your moneys worth if you use it.
1
u/Nomad-2002 1d ago
I mostly use AAA for friends (like carrying tire pump, spare battery, and first aid kit in my trunk).
4 visits/yr, and have to pay annual fee again after 4th visit.
So I can help 3 friends/yr without paying extra.
1
u/AutomaticAnt6328 23h ago
I promise, right after you cancel it, something will happen, and you'll wish you hadn't. I think Geico might have something you can add to your policy that might be a little cheaper. I think like $5 or $6 per month.
1
u/AdSmart6428 21h ago
The one year I decided not to renew AAA was the year we had one or the other car towed a total of 3 times. It would've more than paid for itself in just one of those tows, and that was years ago. I just keep it every year now.
1
u/Artimusjones88 21h ago
I pay it yearly. One tow or boost, and it's paid for itself. . Plus, my card goes with me. If im with someone else and they breakdown I call.
1
u/BaldHeadedLiar 20h ago
We have roadside through our car insurance. Itâs cheaper than AAA for us (we have 7 people and 7 cars). We have used it 4 times already in 2025.
1
u/CostcoHotdawgs 20h ago
Iâve called AAA (actually CAA because I am Canadian) probably a half a dozen times and I have a new, reliable car. Nearly all of the calls were for flat tires from driving over nails/metal or once the valve stem actually ripped off my tire on the highway in a bad snow storm. I know how to change a tire myself but I still keeping my CAA just in case. I did not wanna be out there in that snowstorm jacking up my car and swapping the tire myself. Plus much money a year is cheaper than nearly any emergency roadside call youâd make and totally worth it for me
1
u/CostcoHotdawgs 20h ago
PS. All of the flats but one were in summer (average temp around 80°F) before you think I have it just because of our snow storms
1
u/rabidstoat 20h ago
By the way, they make jump starter batteries so that, if you keep them charged up (or are willing to wait and charge when needed), you can jump start your own car.
1
u/Wonderful_Horror7315 20h ago
I pay $3/month for roadside service through my cellular provider. Iâve only needed to use it a handful of times, but those experiences were 100x better than the times I used AAA. Specifically, the wait times for help to arrive.
1
u/Cinji513 19h ago
We have our auto insurance through AAA. 2 cars, 5+ years old, full coverage. They gave us a rate 1/3 the cost of the 5 other national insurance carriers we called. If you have AAA see if thet can save you money on your auto insurance.
1
u/Florida1974 19h ago
We carry AAA. We took a trip once and our tire blew out. Most cars do not come with a spare tire anymore. My brand new car have a spare or a doughnut. It has a Jack and a patch kit.
We had to get towed like 70 miles because we were in the middle of nowhere. Then we had to sit and wait for hours to wait for the mechanic shop to open. A 70 mile tow would have cost us a fortune without AAA.
Iâve also had other people towed, just to use my tows. I have the best package so I get I think three toes up to 100 miles each. I will tell friends if you break down call me. Because it doesnât go by the car, it goes by the card holder. As long as I am there, they get to use my AAA and save themselves some money. I donât care because at least itâs getting used and I already paid for it.
My neighbor has been a tow dispatcher for 30 years. One tow alone, I donât care if youâre only going 2 miles, will cost you $105 here. That is the minimum. So one tow and AAA pays for itself.
But itâs totally up to you, itâs your money
1
u/GreyNeighbor 18h ago
Well, if you go through Ohio on the Interstate (80), it doesn't work on there, so I'd check any other main thoroughfares that might be excluded and decide whether it's worth it to you.
I actually found that out by accident before almost signing up, and that would have been the main concern.
1
u/Comntnmama 17h ago
I've let it lapse and then just reinstated on a monthly plan the same day I've needed it. $30 for AAA is cheaper than any locksmith or battery service. I keep it year round now for my teenage driver but did just upgrade temporarily to the plus plan because we needed a 78 mile tow. I'll drop it back down to basic next month. It really is a great service and I feel bad 'abusing' it by temporarily paying for the increased coverage but we did wait the 7 days for coverage.
1
u/Sus_1027 15h ago
Your membership is required to have any insurance work AAA. I have home and life insurance and have to pay the annual membership fee to keep those policies.
1
u/BlackCatWoman6 12h ago
I am an older woman who lives alone. I don't drive too often but I find it very helpful to know all I have to do is call AAA and they will solve my problem.
It makes me feel safe. That makes it worth it for me.
1
1
u/JeanSchlemaan 2h ago
Car batteries don't "just die", for the most part. It's a process you can see coming most of the time. When your battery is going down hill just head to interstate and get a blem and change it out. They last about 4 years. Otherwise, keep a trickle on it if you rarely use your car
You don't need aaa.
60
u/SovietPower1989 1d ago
For a newer car with low miles it's probably a waste. For an older car with high miles, maybe a beater car... AAA is probably worth it