Yeah, I’ve noticed the price hikes too, and honestly, I’m not sure the service justifies it anymore. Last time I needed a tow, the wait was over two hours—felt like forever with kids in the car. I get that you want someone who knows what they’re doing, but at what point does the cost outweigh the peace of mind? Anyone actually had AAA step up when it really mattered, like during an accident or claim? That’s what I wonder about.
I’ve actually had to file a claim with AAA after a minor fender bender last year. The claims process was pretty smooth, but I wouldn’t say it felt any better than other insurance companies I’ve dealt with. The roadside assistance, though, is definitely slower than it used to be. Two hours for a tow seems to be the new normal... It’s tough to justify the higher price when the perks aren’t what they were a few years back. Maybe it’s just growing pains, or maybe they’re stretched too thin now?
Yeah, the wait times have definitely gotten longer. I remember a few years back, I locked my keys in the car at a trailhead and someone showed up in under 30 minutes—now it’s more like an hour or two minimum. I still like having AAA for peace of mind on road trips, but I totally get questioning if it’s worth the price hike when the perks aren’t what they used to be. Maybe it’s just a rough patch, but I’m keeping an eye on it too.
I still like having AAA for peace of mind on road trips, but I totally get questioning if it’s worth the price hike when the perks aren’t what they used to be.
That’s exactly where I’m at. I’ve had AAA for years, mostly because I drive a couple of older European cars and, well, let’s just say “quirky” things happen. Used to be, I’d call and someone would show up before I even finished my coffee. Now, last time I needed a tow, it took almost two hours—and this was in a metro area, not out in the sticks. I get that things are tough all over, but with the membership fee creeping up, it’s starting to feel less like a premium service and more like just another roadside plan. Still, I haven’t found anything better for classic cars, so I’m hanging on... for now.
Yeah, I’ve noticed the same thing. Used to be, AAA felt like a real safety net, but lately it’s more like, “Well, I guess someone will show up... eventually.” I get what you mean about the older cars—mine’s not quite a classic, but it’s got enough miles that I don’t want to risk being stranded. Still, when you said:
Now, last time I needed a tow, it took almost two hours—and this was in a metro area, not out in the sticks.
That’s wild. I had a similar experience last winter—flat tire, freezing cold, and it was over 90 minutes before anyone arrived. I started wondering if the higher membership fee is just going toward more marketing or something, because the actual service doesn’t seem to be improving.
I’ve looked at some alternatives, but most of them either don’t cover as much or have weird restrictions, especially for older vehicles. Maybe it’s just the state of roadside assistance in general right now? Hard to say if it’s worth switching or just hoping things get better.
