AAA for breakdowns in antique?
 

I have been AAA auto club member for years. We tend to use up our cars before trading and have had 3 kids in college driving high mileage vehicles so one call to them for a tow or battery service usually more than offsets cost of membership. Wondering if anyone has used them for their antique in the event of a mechanical failure?

Re: AAA for breakdowns in antique?
 

2012 MAFCA meet in Marquette MI.
We were on a side trip about 50 miles out when our clutch disc came apart.
AAA brought our Town Sedan back to the meet on a flatbed.

2007 leaving FL for MARC meet in Williamsburg, Coupe died about 10-15 miles from home and could not be started. AAA took it home, I transferred baggage to Tudor and drove it to Williamsburg.

2013, newly purchased 35 Chevy had debris in gas tink that stopped me cold two different days near home. AAA to the rescue.

AAA member since 1972, seldom a year when I do not use their services in excess of the annual cost.....

Re: AAA for breakdowns in antique?
 

I've used them a number of times for the A's. You just have to guide the fellow on where to hook up.

Re: AAA for breakdowns in antique?
 

Last year we used AAA for a broken clutch arm and broken rear axle on different trips. No fixing that on the side of the road. If you drive old cars much, AA is good to have as a back up. We have towing policy for 200 miles from home.

Re: AAA for breakdowns in antique?
 

I’ve used them as well. Last time was in June. They wouldn’t let me ride in the truck due to COVID concerns, so I called my son to come give me a ride home. He actually arrived 15 minutes before the truck. I was about 18 miles from home. I always ask for a flatbed. I had the rear bushing on my generator seize.

Re: AAA for breakdowns in antique?
 

I have used them a few times and they have always been very careful with the Model A.

Re: AAA for breakdowns in antique?
 

I had a failed timing gear a few years ago......they came with a flatbed and hauled my A to our local mechanic. Also had to use AAA last December for an accident with our modern car.....nothing but praise for them. We have been members for over 40 years now.....

Re: AAA for breakdowns in antique?
 

We have AAA Plus and have used it a few times with our classic and antique cars. They always use a flat bed. Also for dead batteries when I forget to turn off my parking lights.�� longest ride was from Sacramento area to Yreka California. �� We have been AAA members for over 60 years. �� ��

Re: AAA for breakdowns in antique?
 

We have been members for 47 years. Have not had to tow the Model A...yet altho numerous saves on the Moderns. We have our Classic Car insurance with AAA also.

Re: AAA for breakdowns in antique?
 

Re: AAA for breakdowns in antique?
 

Yes, when I thru a rod in my 1919 Cadillac.

Re: AAA for breakdowns in antique?
 

always- get the plus or premier- not the basic.


If getting the basic, just add to your insurance co policy.

Re: AAA for breakdowns in antique?
 

The first time I used AAA, I was only 1/2 mile from their garage. I walked in and asked for a flatbed. The man at the desk said "you let me determine what kind of truck you need." He asked me what make of car. I said "Ford" then he asked what year, and I said "1930." He turned to the back room and yelled "hey, Elmer bring up a flatbed." They were very careful and the driver took out his phone and took pictures. He told me it was a new record for him, the previous oldest car was a '41 Chevy.
Marty

Re: AAA for breakdowns in antique?
 

I suppose the answer is yes, AAA covers the person holding the policy, not the vehicle. I broke down last summer in my dd. I did not realize I was on the auto renewal program and my policy was re-upped the very next day of my tow. I called AAA and explained I had incurred a $300 tow bill and did not know that I had their coverage (I explained in detail). The agent on the phone understood completely and said I would be reimbursed. I filled out the form, Lo and Behold 2 months later I got a rejection letter from them!! First time I have ever called on them and no go, but they still get my $250 a year!!

Re: AAA for breakdowns in antique?
 

AS mentioned with the Covid they won't let you ride in the truck with the driver I have the plus which tows up to 200 miles,might be a problem finding a way to get home.

Re: AAA for breakdowns in antique?
 

AAA basically "insures" the card member, no matter what car he's driving/riding in.
I've used AAA to bring me home from the Casino when I didn't feel like driving. Of course I tipped the driver well.
Paul in CT

Re: AAA for breakdowns in antique?
 

We have had and used AAA for years but darn we learned the hard way they do not go off pavement to help you.

Re: AAA for breakdowns in antique?
 

I suppose I am the minority here, but I dropped AAA last month after 20 some years. They were not very easy to deal with and I got heavy Indian accent people when I would call. My wife had a bad experience with them, breaking down in an unsafe condition and them saying it was going to be 2 hours to get to her location. I ended up calling a local tow company who was there in 30 minutes to get her back on the road at a reasonable cost. Then I had a lockout with my Dodge Ram, far from home, with a load on the trailer. Again, they kept putting me off and 2 hours later I ended up looking up a local tow guy who showed up in 10 min to get me going, again very reasonable cost. He told me AAA are not as efficient as they used to be and I'm better off using my own insurance company. I looked into that and for $20/year they cover all the bases for my personal vehicles. For commercial I am just going to bite the bullet, take a chance, and pay out of pocket since it's very easy to look up someone on my phone. Independent tow guys I know locally cringed when I said I tried AAA as they do not like dealing with them anymore. My insurance agent even said he had dropped AAA due to bad experiences and long wait times. I have never used them for the A though as I drive it very close to home. To each his own I guess. I can always opt back in if things don't work out.

Re: AAA for breakdowns in antique?
 

Broke down on i-75, they told my Wife I was already towed. I wasn't. Now I carry them and two locals. Traffic on the i-75 is a dangerous place to break down, in South Florida

Re: AAA for breakdowns in antique?
 

I hear ya! First thing I learned a long time ago, they asked me if I was in a safe place, I was, but my reply to them was that I wasnt and I was scared to death. They got there fairly quick.

I broke down in August, I did not realize that I was on the AAA auto pay plan. SO, I assumed I no longer had coverage. I was about 40 miles from home and even with the technology of my smart phone I had a horrible time trying to find a tow truck, AND I was broke down in a city. I finally called a friend that works at a local lumber yard and he gave me the no. of a guy that his company used. If not for that I may still be sitting there tying up traffic!