Yeah, totally get that feeling. AAA's response times have definitely slipped a bit over the years, but honestly, they're still pretty reliable compared to some cheaper alternatives. Had a battery die on me last winter in freezing temps—waited almost an hour, but once they got there, the tech was super thorough and helpful. Sometimes the extra wait is worth it for quality service... just gotta remind ourselves of that when we're stuck roadside, haha.
I've noticed the same thing, but honestly, AAA still feels like a safer bet than most budget options. A couple summers back, I tried switching to a cheaper roadside assistance plan through my insurance company to save a few bucks. Big mistake. Got a flat tire on a busy highway and waited almost two hours in the heat before someone finally showed up. And when they did, the guy barely said two words, swapped the tire without checking anything else, and left me feeling pretty uneasy about driving home.
After that experience, I went right back to AAA. Sure, they're slower than they used to be (I remember when they'd show up in 20-30 mins tops), but at least I know the techs will actually check things over and make sure I'm safe to drive again. For me, paying a bit extra for peace of mind and thorough service is worth it—even if it means budgeting elsewhere to make up the difference.
Have you considered looking into other roadside-specific services like Better World Club or Good Sam? AAA's okay, but these alternatives sometimes have quicker response times, especially if you're traveling more rural routes. Might be worth checking into...
I've noticed the same thing about AAA lately, especially with wait times in less populated areas. I'm not too familiar with Better World Club, but Good Sam has come up a few times when I've researched roadside assistance options. From what I've read, they're particularly geared toward RVs and campers—do you know if their regular car coverage is just as reliable? Might be worth digging deeper into their fine print before making the switch...
"From what I've read, they're particularly geared toward RVs and campers—do you know if their regular car coverage is just as reliable?"
Honestly, I'd be cautious about assuming Good Sam's regular car coverage matches their RV service. A buddy of mine switched over last year thinking the same thing, and he wasn't impressed when his sedan broke down. He said the response time was decent, but the towing distance limits were pretty restrictive compared to AAA. Might've just been his experience, but it made me skeptical.
Personally, I've been looking into roadside assistance through my auto insurance provider instead. Sure, AAA's wait times have gotten worse, especially in rural areas—I get that frustration—but sometimes bundling services can save you hassle and money. Plus, insurance-based roadside assistance often has fewer hidden clauses than specialized clubs. Just something to consider before jumping ship...
