I've actually heard similar stories from a few clients lately. AAA used to be the gold standard for roadside assistance, but it does seem like their response times have gotten less reliable over the past couple years. Not sure if it's staffing shortages, increased demand, or just plain bad luck, but you're definitely not alone in noticing this.
That said, having both AAA and your regular insurance's roadside coverage might be a bit much. I mean, redundancy can be nice—especially if you're traveling long distances frequently—but most people probably don't need two separate coverages. It's worth checking exactly what your auto insurance offers as part of their roadside assistance package before doubling up. Some insurers have surprisingly comprehensive services these days, and you might already be paying for something that's perfectly adequate without realizing it.
On the flip side, I've also seen situations where AAA came through when a client's regular insurance roadside assistance dropped the ball (like towing limits or specific services they wouldn't cover). So I wouldn't completely write off AAA based on one bad experience. Maybe give them another try sometime under less stressful circumstances (although hopefully you won't actually need to!).
Bottom line: it's probably wise to review exactly what's included in your current insurance policy first and then decide if adding AAA makes sense financially and practically. If you're someone who travels a lot or has an older vehicle prone to breakdowns, having that extra layer of protection could be worth the peace of mind—even if it feels like a bit of overkill at first glance.
Anyway...cars always seem to pick the absolute worst moment to break down, don't they? Murphy's law strikes again.
I've noticed the same decline in AAA's response times lately. A couple months back, I waited nearly two hours just for a simple jumpstart, which was pretty frustrating given their reputation. It does seem like staffing shortages are hitting everywhere these days, so that might be part of the issue.
Still, I wouldn't completely ditch AAA yet. My regular insurance roadside assistance has decent coverage, but their towing radius is limited—AAA tends to offer more generous mileage allowances, especially useful if you're commuting long distances or traveling out of town frequently. Had a friend stranded once about 80 miles from home; his regular insurance only covered the first 25 miles, but AAA handled the whole tow without extra charges.
Definitely agree it's worth checking exactly what's included in your current policy first. No point paying twice for something you may never use...but having that backup option can save you headaches when things inevitably go sideways. Murphy's law indeed.
I've had AAA for years, and while the towing mileage is definitely a perk, lately I've been questioning if it's really worth the premium. Last time I needed them, I waited over 90 minutes for a flat tire change—ended up doing it myself in half the time. Honestly, I'd rather pay a little extra out-of-pocket occasionally than rely on unpredictable service when I'm already stressed.
Recently switched to roadside assistance through my credit card company instead. Coverage isn't as generous mileage-wise (think it's around 20-30 miles), but response times have been consistently quicker. Plus, since I'm paying less overall, I just stash away some savings each month in case I ever need a longer tow.
AAA used to be my go-to recommendation...but these days, reliability matters more to me than mileage perks. Guess it depends on how often you're driving long distances or traveling far from home.
Totally get where you're coming from... AAA's wait times have been hit or miss for me too. Switching to your credit card's roadside assistance sounds smart—especially if you're saving money and getting faster help. Good call on stashing extra cash just in case!
I've thought about switching to credit card roadside assistance too, but honestly, I'm a bit wary. A friend of mine tried it once and ended up with hidden fees he didn't expect... plus the coverage limits weren't as generous as AAA's. AAA might have its issues lately, but at least I know exactly what I'm getting into. Just something to consider before making the jump.
