AAA: Don't Underestimate Its Worth or Necessity!

I have been a AAA member off and on for several years and have always been happy with their service. On two occasions, I let my coverage lapse because I didn't have or want to spend the money on the annual fee. I suppose I had that whole "It won't happen to me" mindset, which as we know, often means it will.

The first time I let my coverage lapse, I was about to leave a bookstore in a pretty busy shopping center when I realized my car keys were missing. I had no recollection of putting then in my purse and was quickly horror stricken to realize I'd left them in the car. And, even better, I left them in the car with it running!

I was shopping by myself that day and really had no idea what I was going to do. The only spare key I had, was, yes it really was, in the car. I got slightly panicky remembering that I didn't have AAA anymore but decided it couldn't hurt to call them anyway to see what could be done. They told me all I had to do was renew over the phone and they'd have someone out within the hour. I was so relieved and gladly rattled off my credit card number to the agent. This was in Seattle, WA. Apparently the AAA folks in Raleigh, NC aren't so forgiving.

A few weeks ago, I was about to get in the car to go to work. It was 7:30 AM and I was already running a bit late. I noticed as I opened the passenger door that I'd left my interior light on, and of course when I went to start the car, nada! My car is only 2 years old, and this had happened before with no consequences, so I was rather shocked that my battery had completely died. And of course, this was the second time I'd let my AAA lapse. I guess because it had been so easy to renew when I needed it last time, I didn't worry too much about it. Big mistake!

I called AAA and told them of my situation and said I wanted to renew my membership. The first alarm bell rang when the agent said she didn't see my name in the system as ever having an account. I was holding my card in my hand, so I knew that wasn't true. It took about fifteen minutes for her to realize I didn't have a North Carolina membership.

We took another ten minutes finding my account and transferring it to NC, and once she was finished, the agent told me the fee for regular service was $53. I was short on funds and not thrilled about having to pay $53 to get my membership back, but it was worth it just to have someone come out to give me a jump. Imagine my shock when the agent told me the total cost would be $88!

When I inquired about the fee, she said that since I allowed my coverage to lapse and now need it for an emergency, there is a $35 fee. Not to mention, the cost of a battery from AAA was $100. I paid it very grudgingly, called my boss to tell her I'd be "very" late, and proceeded to wait for the technician, swearing to myself that I would never, ever again let my coverage fall off.

AAA has gotten me out of so many binds, and $53 a year is nothing compared to the amount of money I would have spent on repairs, tow trucks, batteries, or lock smiths. I learned a tough lesson about letting my coverage lapse and recommend always renewing your coverage as soon as it's time. No matter how much you think you can't afford that $53 at renewal time, you'll pat yourself on the back when you realize the amount of money having the membership will save you.