Title: AAA Towing Limits Seem to Change Overnight
Did you ever get a straight answer about when they changed the mileage cap? I can’t even remember getting a notice about it.
That’s the thing—one day you’re calling for a tow and it’s “no problem, we’ll take you wherever,” and the next, you’re getting hit with a bill for anything over 7 miles. I swear, I didn’t see any big announcement either. Maybe it was buried in one of those “important policy updates” emails that everyone ignores? I’m guilty of skimming those, but still, you’d think something like a mileage cap would be front and center.
I had a client last year who was convinced AAA would tow him 100 miles, no questions asked, just like they did back in the day. He broke down halfway between two towns and ended up having to pay out of pocket for the extra miles. He was not happy. I tried to help him dig through his paperwork, but the language was so vague—“up to X miles per service call,” but then there’s a footnote, and then another footnote... It’s like playing policy bingo.
Honestly, I get that costs go up and companies have to adjust, but it does feel like the goalposts keep moving. I remember when my dad used to joke that AAA would tow you across state lines if you asked nicely. Now, you’re lucky if they’ll get you to the next exit without a surcharge.
I’m not saying it’s all bad—roadside assistance is still better than nothing—but yeah, it’s not what it used to be. Maybe I’m just nostalgic, but I miss when things felt a little more straightforward.
It’s like playing policy bingo.
That’s exactly how it feels. I just signed up for AAA and already I’m confused by what’s actually covered. The fine print is ridiculous. I thought “roadside assistance” meant they’d help, not hit me with surprise charges after 7 miles. Kind of makes you wonder if it’s worth it.
I hear you on the fine print. Last year, I called AAA for a tow when my ‘68 Mustang wouldn’t start—figured it’d be a simple deal. Turns out, they only covered the first five miles, then it was like $7 a mile after that. Who’s breaking down within five miles of their house? Not me, apparently.
Do they just assume everyone lives next door to a repair shop? And don’t get me started on the “battery service”—they tried to upsell me a new battery I didn’t need. Makes me wonder if these companies are banking on us not reading the details or just hoping we won’t bother to argue.
Is it just nostalgia, or did roadside assistance used to mean they actually helped you out without nickel-and-diming you? Maybe I’m getting old, but it feels like everything’s got a catch now.
Yeah, the five-mile thing got me too. I broke down on a road trip once, and by the time the tow truck dropped me at the nearest shop, I owed more than the repair cost. I get that they have to make money, but it does feel like the “assistance” part is getting thinner every year. I’ve started double-checking what’s actually covered before I renew anything now. Maybe it’s just the way everything’s going—more fine print, less actual help.
“I’ve started double-checking what’s actually covered before I renew anything now.”
Honestly, I’m just looking at insurance for the first time and this kinda stuff makes my head spin. The five-mile tow limit seems wild—like, who breaks down exactly five miles from a shop? I get that they can’t give away the farm, but it does feel like you need a magnifying glass to read what’s really included. Guess I’ll be reading all the fine print... or at least trying to.