AAA for breakdowns in antique?

[David R.]

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?

[Chris in WNC]

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.....

[Ray in La Mesa]

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

[Mike Peters]

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.

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

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.

[Doug Linden]

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

[TerryH]

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.....

[ArtimusGordon]

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. �� ��

[Y-Blockhead]

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.

[McMimmcs]

I have used AAA since 1980. I have always found them to be prompt and very professional. They always send a flatbed.

[Dodge]

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

[ronn]

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


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

[marty in Ohio]

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

[77Birdman]

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!!

[rocket1]

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.

[1931 flamingo]

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

[Bill Cal.]

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

[1928Mik]

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.

[rfitzpatrick]

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

[77Birdman]

Originally Posted by 1928Mik

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.

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!

[mhsprecher]

I have always had good luck with AAA. I also have towing through JC Taylor. Never used that. All organizations are trying to save $. I have AAA Classic and have had no probs. My antiques are the only thing I have had "towed" recently. I did get battery service on my DD, which was a lifesaver for my bride.

[Kurt in NJ]

I just put 10$ away each year, haven't used any , got over 500 in the account,

[ronn]

I used all four of my 100 mile tows 2 years ago.


Last year I didnt use a one. well worth it.

[McMimmcs]

Originally Posted by ronn

I used all four of my 100 mile tows 2 years ago.


Last year I didnt use a one. well worth it.

I totally agree with you. Even when you don’t use it there is peace of mind !

[Aarongriffey]

IÂ’ve had AAA since 1976. Used the road service once.
I was hauling a ‘39 sedan delivery on a trailer behind my F1, in the rain, in town, going , slooooow, lights on.
When I got to the garage to dump off the car I was towing I shut the truck off when I went to open the door.
I got back in the truck and found the battery too low to start it.
I called AAA.
I young lady showed up in just a few minutes with a van loaded with AAA batteries and gave me a jump start.
I had pretty old battery and I didnÂ’t need more trouble that day so I decided to just buy a new AAA battery.
She looked at the little 12 volt battery size and informed me that if I went to a group 24 it would cost a lot less, IÂ’d have more power and it would still fit in the carrier.
Good deal, I went for it.
But.... the battery crapped out in a year and I noticed where I worked we were taking in a lot of new looking AAA batteries. I would not buy another.
I even have my house insured with AAA. Always do all my vehicle registration renewal and transfers with them too. Nice people here in Hayward and Walnut Creek ar AAA.

[ronn]

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well Aaron-


if you had the premier service, the battery would have been free.


One free batt a year.

[700rpm]

Never again. I Cancelled. I Broke down in a national forest 100 miles from the nearest town. Hitched a ride and found a place with cell phone reception and called. They refused to respond: "We don’t provide service on unpaved roads.” Called tow company in the town, and when they arrived I told them my tale. Driver says, "WHAT? We make AAA tow calls out here all the time." Immediately cancelled AAA when I got home and added tow coverage to my GEICO policy — for only an additional $25 per year! I don’t tolerate being lied to.

[ronn]

sorry to hear that Ray- but 25. a year sure isnt giving you four 100 mile tows.


that is usually good for about 5 miles. that doesnt work for me, though most might find that helpful.

[1928Mik]

I agree with you 700rpm Ray, between them originally telling me 30 minutes and then stretching it to 2 hours, plus a terrible communication issue from the person with the heavy Indian accent, I had enough. A friend of mine needed his car disabled car towed from his driveway to a garage, and they would not come since it was in his driveway. He called them again after pushing it out on the street and they came an hour later to take it.

[Ted Duke]

I have AAA and may dump it next year. Local tow companies don't like ti deal with them. My Chrysler T&C has tow, etc coverage through the lifetime warranty. My Dodge Dakota seldom goes more than 60 miles from home.
My A still in build stage, 1961 CORVAIR in paint prep stage, wife's 65 Mustang in paint stage and 1970 KG never does far. When the others are o the road I will likely take the antique insurance tow coverage. Presently with American Collectors Insurance and look at their program which I would be a fool not to take.

https://americancollectors.com/insur...verage-levels/

Ted

[Harpkatt]

I worked for a Local Tow company for a few years. They were a AAA dispatched tow company. Best bet is to call the tow company and tell them you have AAA, you won't have to wait for AAA to dispatch to a local company. You basically skip one step. Like when you call the firehouse directly instead of 911,who then calls the firehouse.

Learning how to do it right really showed me how often people do it wrong. I followed DOT guidelines at every tow ,and yes it took me much longer than the other guys I'm sure. 4 Straps and 2 safety chains and the winch cable everytime. A lot of guys will just throw one chain and crank the winch until the suspension squats. I liked doing the older cars,because I knew the owners were always nervous, and I cared about their cars as much as I do mine. Having a bunch of old timers myself I felt their pain. I was usually tipped well.

[1crosscut]

Early in the morning several years ago on the day I was scheduled for a colonoscopy my oldest son broke down a couple miles away from home at a busy intersection on his way to school. I had just taken one of (what seemed to me) the worlds most powerful laxatives as part of the preparation process. I very quickly got into my truck, drove to where he was and moved the car to the side of the road. Got back home and called AAA and let them take care of it. Took a roll of T.P. along with me just in case... made it home in time though.
Was glad to have AAA that day.

[1928Mik]

Harpkatt, they won't do that anymore according to my towing buddy. He said you have to call AAA first and get a 'job number' and then give it to him and he will come out. But many times AAA will go ahead and dispatch someone anyhow, so whoever gets there first gets the job. He said they are a complete hassle and like 'Ted Duke' said, towing companies don't like to deal with them now. According to the tow company I used for my lockout, AAA is trying to set up their own tow system with their own trucks and eventually are wanting to do away with independents.

[Ray in La Mesa]

Saw on the news that tow companies won't let you ride in their truck for a tow so you have to arrange for your personal transportation. Don't know if true or industry wide.

[ronn]

that is true Ray.


just used one of my tows this morning to bring home a ford ranger for my son.
buddy gave it to him. AAA was there in 30 minutes. driver was great as was the dispatcher.


wouldnt consider any other way!

[JayJay]

I think the thing to realize is that AAA isn't really a tow company - they are a broker with a network of independent tow companies who contract with AAA to be dispatched over a specific service area. So a lot of the AAA experience is really that which comes from dealing with the independent operators.

I've had AAA for 45+ years, and used my parents' membership before then. I've not used AAA for the Model A, but have used it for my motorcycle. And for several battery jumps. Experiences have ranged from pretty good (picked up my son in the Mojave Desert and drove him and the car back to LA, then dropped him off at the airport to catch a flight) to mediocre (flatbed came to pick up my motorcycle but didn't have any ratchet straps to tie it down with, even after I specifically told the dispatcher to bring straps) to awful (waiting 3+ hours for a battery jump in the SF Bay Area on a sunny weekend day). And for the last couple of years, at least in California, you can't even get a real person on the phone when you call, all you get is one of those gawd-awful robo-voice things.

And AAA is pushing their contractors. There are a number of stories out there about AAA decreasing reimbursements while simultaneously making contractors purchase shiny new equipment, cutting down on the number of contractors which results in increased wait times, pushing direct sales like batteries, insurance and the like, etc. Yeah, I get it that it's a for-profit company. But they really haven't made the value proposition to me for several years - it used to be enhancing the driving experience, now it's all $$$.

Will I stay with AAA? Likely so, but grudgingly. I have the "premier" membership which allows up to 200 miles towing, because in both the Model A and on my motorcycle I like to get out into the boonies. And if I have to make a generalization, I think my experience with AAA contractors in less urban areas is better than in the dense SF Bay Area in which I live. Reverse supply/demand. (As an aside, I find rural folks in general tend to be more friendly than urban dwellers.)

Anyhow, my $0.02 worth.

JayJay

[mhsprecher]

After expressing content with my current AAA Plan (basic) I had a potential tow situation last weekend. My trip would have been 78 miles. I got quotes from both Foremost (JC Taylor) and AAA. Turns out that AAA would have been marginally cheaper, even though AAA only provides a 5 mile tow. Foremost provides 50 mi, but I would have been charged for the return trip. I was able to drive home, so no tow necessary, but it spurred me to sign up for AAA Plus just in case.

[ronn]

duly noted- if you have the basic and need the plus to add on- you have to give it one week to take effect.


One 100 mile tow with AAA more then pays for your yrly membership.
I dont work for them by any means, but it is certainly one of the few "deals" left out there.
My brother has three tow trucks and I dont even consider calling him.

[P.S.]

Only had to use AAA one time- On the all-original unrestored fordor. The original babbit splattered on the way home from my dad's house, and had to get it towed home.

I requested a flatbed on the phone. They asked what make/year, etc. I told them 1929 Ford Model A. The phone lady said that they don't tow modified or lowered vehicles. I told her this is the most UNmodified car they will ever experience. Had to explain, she just assumed it was a hotrod.

2.3 hours later, large flatbed truck shows up. Driver is not in good mood from the start. He first hooked onto the front axle right in the middle, placing the J-hook around the tie rod also. I told him he was doing it wrong, and he got upset with me. Some words were exchanged when I informed him I have an engineering degree, and showed him what he had done. Driver said "Fine, hook it up however you want". So, I got on my back and hooked some of the greasiest chains you ever saw around the ends of my front axle at the spring perches.

Driver did the rest of the loading, under my watchful eye. Once we started driving, I asked him to please keep the speed under 55 MPH so the visor over the windshield doesn't blow off (what I was really worried about was the original top material possibly flapping in the high wind). The speed limit was 45 and one small part of 55 on the way to my house. He got upset that I would even mention it. He did start to creep past 55 close to 60 MPH once, and I brought it to his attention. He looked at me like he was going to throw me out of his truck.

Once we got to my house, the driver said he wasn't going to back up to the shop, he would ONLY drop the car on the street in front of my house. I said "OK fine. That's where I want it". Unloading was uneventful.

I tipped him $10 (even though he REALLY didn't deserve it) and thanked him.

That's my one and only experience. AAA road service member since 1987.

[77Birdman]

ps, that sounds like a less than delightful experience. I think I would have told him to leave and call AAA and request another tow truck. At least you took the high road and gave him a tip though, not sure I would have gone that far and I'm pretty easy going.
(I had a roll off dumpster delivery on a job years ago, the driver got out of his truck with a bad attitude and started complaining- I promptly told him to leave my job site and not come back. I got on my phone and started to call his office to cancel our services. His attitude made a 180 and he did what was needed. Funny thing is that started a great relationship that lasted for years. He would go out of his way to help me out. When he showed up on our site there was always coffee for him, etc.)

[McMimmcs]

Originally Posted by P.S.

Only had to use AAA one time- On the all-original unrestored fordor. The original babbit splattered on the way home from my dad's house, and had to get it towed home.

I requested a flatbed on the phone. They asked what make/year, etc. I told them 1929 Ford Model A. The phone lady said that they don't tow modified or lowered vehicles. I told her this is the most UNmodified car they will ever experience. Had to explain, she just assumed it was a hotrod.

2.3 hours later, large flatbed truck shows up. Driver is not in good mood from the start. He first hooked onto the front axle right in the middle, placing the J-hook around the tie rod also. I told him he was doing it wrong, and he got upset with me. Some words were exchanged when I informed him I have an engineering degree, and showed him what he had done. Driver said "Fine, hook it up however you want". So, I got on my back and hooked some of the greasiest chains you ever saw around the ends of my front axle at the spring perches.

Driver did the rest of the loading, under my watchful eye. Once we started driving, I asked him to please keep the speed under 55 MPH so the visor over the windshield doesn't blow off (what I was really worried about was the original top material possibly flapping in the high wind). The speed limit was 45 and one small part of 55 on the way to my house. He got upset that I would even mention it. He did start to creep past 55 close to 60 MPH once, and I brought it to his attention. He looked at me like he was going to throw me out of his truck.

Once we got to my house, the driver said he wasn't going to back up to the shop, he would ONLY drop the car on the street in front of my house. I said "OK fine. That's where I want it". Unloading was uneventful.

I tipped him $10 (even though he REALLY didn't deserve it) and thanked him.

That's my one and only experience. AAA road service member since 1987.

Did you relate your experience to AAA customer service and what was their response ? Give them a chance to rectify before posting on social media.

[P.S.]

Originally Posted by McMimmcs

Did you relate your experience to AAA customer service and what was their response ? Give them a chance to rectify before posting on social media.

Rectify WHAT? I shared a true story of what happened. I'm not complaining or ranting. If you took my post as a complaint or rant, then you must think history books are nothing but rants. I told a story. Why do you believe I am not allowed to post this on "social media" before "giving them a chance to rectify"? Is it your wish to silence me?

[McMimmcs]

Originally Posted by P.S.

Rectify WHAT? I shared a true story of what happened. I'm not complaining or ranting. If you took my post as a complaint or rant, then you must think history books are nothing but rants. I told a story. Why do you believe I am not allowed to post this on "social media" before "giving them a chance to rectify"? Is it your wish to silence me?

It certainly sounded to me that you were unhappy. I am a business person and a sign in my business says “ If you’re unhappy with our service tell us, if you are happy tell others”!

[31 Woody]

I have had AAA since 1995, some years I use the heck out of it, some I never use it. But I don’t leave home without it. Some good stories:
- Bought a ‘73 Mustang that had rust in the gas tank amongst other issues. Due to the seller delaying us, we didn’t depart for home until dusk. Wife had 2 screaming kids under the age of 3 in the car following. Started to drive home, made it 2 miles. Stopped not by choice of course, but found a well lit gas station to work under. I cleared out the filter and then drove on. This time I only made it a mile. Turned into the only place I could, a dark street in an industrial area. Did NOT get out of the car. Contemplated—what would my Dad do? Then did the opposite, I called AAA. At that time 7 miles was my limit and I was 40 miles from home. Had it towed to my office. From my office, a good friend/coworker used his AAA to have it towed home the next day. Upgraded my AAA membership the following day.
- Was restoring my ‘69 Mach 1, it was just a shell. Literally, nothing bolted to it except a cart with some metal wheels to roll it. I wanted it hauled to work so I could paint it. Called AAA. The driver pulled up, looked, then told me it has to be a “car!” He declined towing me. I had to scramble to find a tow company that would haul it as I was on a timeline. I don’t blame AAA for that one. They have hauled MANY other projects for paint, but they were at least on their own 4 wheels.
- Shortly after getting the Model A, Dad put a new float on the fuel gauge before he left for home. I took the aforementioned screaming kids and the wife for an A ride. Gauge said 1/2 tank.... Sure did get great gas mileage until it stopped. Thank goodness for the AAA card.
- Haven’t used the AAA card in a few years, but there is always tomorrow. It is in the wallet just in case.

[Synchro909]

Sounds like they offer a great service. Do you think it's worth me joining?
Seriously, I have our local equivalent of their top membership which gives us a tow home and rental car to get ourselves home from anywhere in the country. I've used it twice in 15 years but have no desire to abandon it.