Honestly, I hear this a lot—people stick with AAA out of habit, but when you break down what you’re actually using, it doesn’t always add up. I get the appeal of all the extras, but if you’re not booking hotels or planning big trips, that annual fee starts to look a little steep. Insurance roadside is usually just as reliable for the basics.
I’ve had clients who were worried about “downgrading” from AAA to their insurance’s roadside, but in practice, it’s pretty seamless. Most insurers contract with the same tow companies anyway. The only real difference I’ve noticed is sometimes there’s a cap on how many miles they’ll tow you, or how many service calls you get per year. For most folks who just need a jump or a tow to the nearest shop, that’s more than enough.
Funny thing, I had a flat on my own car last winter (not as cool as a ‘72 Chevy wagon, unfortunately), and the insurance roadside had someone out in under an hour. No drama, no paperwork, just a quick phone call and done. I do tell people to double-check their policy, though—some of the budget plans only cover the basics, and you don’t want to find out you’re on the hook for a long tow when you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere.
If you’re not road tripping across the country or needing those hotel discounts, I’d say you’re not missing much. Maybe if you’re the type who likes having every possible backup plan, AAA still makes sense. But for most of us just driving around town, the insurance add-on is a pretty good deal. And hey, one less card in the wallet... can’t complain about that.
Maybe if you’re the type who likes having every possible backup plan, AAA still makes sense. But for most of us just driving around town, the insurance add-on is a pretty good deal.
Totally agree with the idea that for “just driving around town, the insurance add-on is a pretty good deal.” I used to be a diehard AAA fan, but honestly, I can’t remember the last time I used any of their perks beyond a simple tow. The hotel discounts are nice in theory, but half the time I’d forget to use them anyway. Only time I really missed AAA was when I wanted maps for a long road trip—guess I’m old school like that. For everyday stuff, insurance roadside has been solid for me too.
Yeah, I hear you on the hotel discounts—half the time I’d remember them after I’d already checked out. My insurance roadside has bailed me out twice now (once with a flat and once when my toddler locked us out of the car... good times). For just local stuff, it’s been totally fine. If I was road-tripping cross-country with the whole circus in tow, maybe I’d want AAA again, but for now, the insurance add-on does the trick.
I get where you’re coming from. I used to swear by AAA, but honestly, the insurance roadside has covered me just fine for years now. Only thing I miss is the maps, but who uses paper maps anymore? For local stuff, it’s a no-brainer.
- Insurance roadside is decent for basic stuff, but I’m a little wary about how fast they actually show up—especially with higher-end cars.
- Had a flat on the highway last year; waited nearly two hours for the tow. With AAA, it was usually quicker, and they seemed to know how to handle specialty wheels better.
- Some insurance roadside services will only tow you to the “nearest” shop, not your preferred dealer. For me, that’s a dealbreaker if something goes wrong far from home.
- Maps are old school, but I do kinda miss having a backup when cell service drops out in random spots... not that it happens often, but still.
- For city driving? Probably fine. For longer trips or if you’re picky about where your car goes, might be worth keeping AAA around just in case.
