Memberships That Save Your Money
AAA
Membership in this association costs $50-$170, depending on your location. The membership is open to all in North America. They offer roadside assistance which is necessary for all road users and frequent travelers. In addition to roadside assistance, you enjoy discounted services such as hotel accommodation, vacation packages, automobile maintenance, insurance coverage, etc. The membership fee can be paid monthly or annually and as stated earlier, it varies from state to state. AAA membership plan operates on 3 levels: Basic or Classic Membership (cost $52-$74 per annum)Plus Membership (cost $85-$124 per year)Premier Membership (cost $118-$170 yearly)These membership plans differ in the number of services covered by the membership. The AAA Classic Membership offers the following services:Vehicles can be towed 4 times in a year within 3 to 7 miles. $50 worth of car lockout services. Flat tire, fuel, and dead battery services. AAA Plus Membership offers all the services under the Classic Membership and includes the following:Vehicles within 100 miles can be towed up to 4 times a yearMembers get free passport photos and free fuel deliveryThe car lockout services can be up to $100AAA Premier Membership offers all the services covered by Plus Membership, in addition to:Identity theft insurance up to $10,000Lockout services up to $150, for a car or a home. Vehicle tows up to 4 times in a year; three 100-mile tows and one 200-mile tow. Up to $1500 coverage for trip disruptionA free rental car with tow services for a day in a yearAn interesting fact is, that your membership covers you whether you are a driver or a passenger. It also covers a member of your household chosen as an associate member. Additional services such as driving lessons, car-buying services, etc. , can be offered depending on your location.
AARP
As an association for retired persons, the membership fee is only $16 per year. It has 15 benefit categories members can choose to benefit from. These categories are:AdvocacyCommunityGas and Auto ServicesShopping and GroceriesHome and Real EstateTravelWork and JobsInsuranceTechnology and WirelessInsurancesHealth EntertainmentFamily CaregivingRestaurantsMagazines and ResourcesSome of the common AARP member benefits are:AARP Delta Dental: provides an insurance plan that caters to the dental health of an individual or family. AARP Travel: provides great vacation ideas, hotels to stay, etcAARP Job Board: focuses mainly on jobs for experienced workers. AARP Hearing CenterBMI Calculator: helps members monitor their BMI(body mass index) and health status from their homes
Many memberships help save money if enough research is done about them before subscribing. Knowing will prevent you from wasting money on a membership that offers no real value.
Does AARP have an age requirement?
No, although the association is dedicated to individuals who are 50 years old and above.
Is there a plan that gives free batteries in AAA?
Yes. Premier Members get 1 free battery every year.
