I hear what you’re saying, but I’m not sure the big names have lost all their edge just yet. In my experience, AAA’s coverage area is still much broader, especially if you’re road-tripping out of state or way off the beaten path. One time I broke down in the middle of nowhere in Nevada, and the smaller companies just didn’t have anyone nearby—AAA actually found a tow for me, even if it took a while. Local outfits can be great, but sometimes they just don’t have the reach if you’re traveling far. Maybe it depends on how (and where) you drive?
Maybe it depends on how (and where) you drive?
That’s a good point. I’ve always wondered if AAA’s “everywhere” reputation is more about highways and main routes than actual remote spots. Like, if you’re off-roading or just taking backroads, does their network still hold up? Has anyone actually had them show up somewhere super remote, or is it mostly just along the big travel corridors? I’m just trying to figure out if the extra cost is worth it for those of us who don’t always stick to the main roads...
I’ve actually had to call AAA from a gravel road way out in the sticks, and they did send someone… eventually. Took a couple hours, and the tow truck driver said he almost didn’t come because it was “barely on his map.” I wouldn’t count on them for deep off-roading, but they’ve bailed me out on some rural backroads. Just not quickly.
the tow truck driver said he almost didn’t come because it was “barely on his map.”
That’s kinda wild. I’ve always wondered how far out they’ll actually go before they just say nope. Did you have to give them like, GPS coordinates or just a vague “I’m near this random dirt road”? I get nervous driving anywhere too remote for exactly this reason...
Yeah, that would stress me out too. I’ve had to call for a tow once when I was way out in the sticks, and I remember just hoping my phone signal would hold long enough to drop a pin. It’s weird how much you have to rely on luck sometimes. Honestly, you did great just getting someone out there at all—some of those drivers really go above and beyond. I still get nervous about breaking down somewhere super remote, but hearing stories like yours makes me feel a little less alone in that.
