Honestly, I think you’re onto something. It’s easy to write off AAA as unnecessary until you’re stranded farther out than your insurance will cover. I’ve had a similar experience, and paying out of pocket for the extra miles stings. The peace of mind is worth a bit more to me, even if it feels like overkill most of the time. Sometimes you just need that safety net, even if you rarely use it.
The peace of mind is worth a bit more to me, even if it feels like overkill most of the time.
I get that, but I’m still torn. I drive a lot for work, and honestly, my insurance roadside plan has always come through—never had an issue. But last winter, I was stuck in the middle of nowhere and their “network” couldn’t find anyone for hours. That’s when I started thinking maybe AAA’s extra coverage isn’t just hype. Still, paying two companies for the same thing bugs me... but maybe it’s just the cost of not being stranded at 2am?
Honestly, I’ve been in your shoes—insurance roadside worked fine until it didn’t. Here’s how I look at it: 1) If you’re driving a lot, especially in rural areas, AAA’s network is just bigger and usually faster. 2) Insurance roadside is cheap, but they contract out and sometimes you’re at the bottom of the list. 3) Yeah, double coverage stings, but for me, the one time AAA got me out of a snowbank in 30 minutes made it worth every penny. If you hate paying twice, maybe drop insurance’s version and stick with AAA. That’s what I did.
I get where you’re coming from. I’ve had both, and honestly, here’s how it shook out for me:
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— Yep, been there. Waited almost 3 hours for a tow once. Not fun.“Insurance roadside is cheap, but they contract out and sometimes you’re at the bottom of the list.”
- AAA isn’t perfect, but their response time’s usually better. Plus, they’ve got those random perks (discounts on hotels, etc.), which I actually use now and then.
- Double coverage feels wasteful to me too. I dropped the insurance add-on and just kept AAA. Saved a few bucks each month.
If you’re pinching pennies like I am, one solid plan is plenty. Just my two cents.
I’ve wondered about this too, especially since I drive a lot at night. Had a flat on a rural road once and my insurance’s roadside took ages—felt like forever just sitting there hoping a car would pass by. With AAA, the one time I needed them, it was about 40 minutes. Not instant, but way less stressful. Still, I always ask myself: what if my phone dies or I’m out of signal? Maybe I’m just paranoid, but that’s why I keep a jump starter and a tire kit in the trunk now... can’t hurt to be extra prepared, right?
