misplacedheidi

Here in Canada I have car breakdown cover provided free of charge through my credit card. Saves me getting CAA cover.

I haven't seen any cards offering that in the US. Do most people just go for AAA or are there any other providers?

Just wondered what people did!

TIA
Heidi

Sheepdip

I get cover for my bike and all my cars through membership of the American Motorcycle Association. It used to be part of our State Farm insurance as well.

Bob

Some credit cards offer it, some car manufacturers offer it.

AAA is the big one though, and as there isn't a real national chain covering the whole country, with a fleet of vans like in the UK, but made up with a bunch of local contractors, coverage can vary, though you'll likely find someone who is AAA affiliated.

Manc

I get it on my car insurance policy.

misplacedheidi

Would you mind telling which company? I was looking at AAA coverage but if you can get it for "free", then that's better!

Bob

There are other benefits to AAA though that are quite good.

kodokan

I looked into this recently. Hubby's just gone back to Europe for a few weeks on a work thing, and I wanted to make sure that I wouldn't be stranded by the roadside without anyone to call on (we've only been here a few months).

My insurer, State Farm, does have some sort of breakdown add-on (I think there was a nominal charge involved, not much) but it's not breakdown cover in the sense of the AA or the RAC. It's an insurance which covers the cost of being towed - so if you break down, you still have to find a local tow shop, get them to tow you to wherever, pay them, and then claim the cost back from State Farm. (Guessing, but I assume that the tow distance would also have to be justifiable, ie, might only be able to claim back to the garage rather than to your house.)

As it wasn't the money saving I was looking for as much as the simplicity and peace of mind, I went with AAA - I just want one simple phone number and then a big truck arrives to rescue me and the kids.

The membership benefits seem fairly prolific too - I'm sure I'll be able to get back some of the membership cost on meal out discounts, etc.

misplacedheidi

Thanks for the feedback. Looks like AAA for me then!

Nutmegger

And for those of us for whom 21 is just a distant memory, the AARP offers affordable breakdown coverage.

londonights

Just check the coverage level it widely varies not like the good old AA/RAC!