Why You Should Consider a AAA Membership, Even If You Don't Have a Car
When you think of the American Automobile Association (AAA)—aka “Triple A”—membership benefits like towing and other roadside assistance services probably come to mind. So if you don’t own your own vehicle, you may assume that the perks of being...
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Photo: Eric Glenn (Shutterstock)
When you think of the American Automobile Association (AAA)—aka “Triple A”—membership benefits like towing and other roadside assistance services probably come to mind. So if you don’t own your own vehicle, you may assume that the perks of being a AAA member don’t apply to you.
But that’s not necessarily the case. There are enough other discounts and benefits that even if you don’t have your own car, you may want to consider getting a membership. Here’s what to know.
AAA membership benefits for people who don’t own a car
In addition to the well-known perks of AAA membership, there are plenty of others to keep in mind, whether or not you own a car, or drive on a regular basis. The specific benefits of becoming a AAA member differ depending on which part of the country you live in. The same is true of the cost of a basic membership, which ranges from $38-74.
Here are a few of the benefits that come with a basic membership, regardless of where you live:
TripTik road trip planning: The longtime service is available via the AAA app, or the traditional paper versionIdentity theft monitoring: Available to all members for free, but you have to opt-in to take advantage of the serviceCar rental discounts: Reduced rates with Hertz, Dollar Car Rentals, and Thrift Car RentalsHotel discounts: Reduced rates with Best Western, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and MGM ResortsEntertainment discounts: Available for sporting events, movies, concerts, and other eventsVision care and services: 50% off lenses with frame purchase; 30% off eye exams and non-prescription sunglasses; 15% off lenses or frames purchased separately; 10% off disposable contact lenses at LenscraftersBut as with any other paid membership, you’ll have to do the math to make sure that you’ll actually save more than you spend on the fees. As Mike Winters of CNBC Make It puts it: “If these discounts apply to things you already pay for, then a AAA membership might be worth it for you, even if you don’t own a car.”
