Do You Tip AAA Roadside Assistance?
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No, you don’t have to tip AAA workers, drivers, or tow truck operators for roadside assistance. That said, tips are always appreciated. It can be a nice gesture when the AAA person helps you out in challenging weather or in the middle of the night.
Do you tip AAA for a tire change?
No, you don’t need to tip AAA for a tire change. Changing flat tires is part of your membership benefits, although tips are always appreciated.
Do you tip AAA for a battery jump?
You don’t have to tip AAA for a battery jump since it’s included in your auto club membership. However, if you want to leave a tip to express your appreciation, your AAA person will be grateful for your generosity.
Do you tip Triple AAA for battery replacement?
If AAA can’t jump-start your car battery, you will want to know if you need to leave AAA a tip for replacing your battery. So, do you tip your AAA service man for the battery replacement? No, tips are not required or expected. That said, tips are always appreciated for a job well done.
How much should I tip AAA Roadside Assistance?
If you feel that your AAA tow truck driver deserves a tip for excellent roadside assistance or helping you in the middle of the night, what are the tipping guidelines? How much should you tip? Here is how much you should tip the AAA guy:
Tip $5 for:
- Battery jumpstarts
- Changing a flat tire
- Lockout assistance
- Gas deliveries
Tip $10 for:
- Battery replacements
- Towing your vehicle
How much do AAA tow truck drivers make?
Tow truck drivers who work for AAA make an average of $41,861 per year, significantly above minimum wage.
What is the American Automobile Association (AAA)?
The AAA, or American Automobile Association, is a North American institution that provides roadside assistance to its members. AAA’s emergency road services include towing, changing flat tires, lockout assistance, jumpstarts, and replacing the battery if necessary.
AAA will also provide enough gas to get to the next station if you accidentally run out. They offer towing services through partner companies and, in select areas, their own tow trucks.
AAA members pay a yearly membership fee to access these roadside assistance services. Triple A membership takes some of the worries out of driving by saving you the hassle of dealing with car problems on your own.
Did you have to call AAA about your car for a tow, to fix a flat tire, for a lockout, to jumpstart a battery, or for a little extra gas to get you to the next station? If everything went well, a tow truck driver from AAA was sent by your service representative to assist you, and your car is again in working order.
Need help? AAA Roadside Assistance service center phone number
If you need roadside assistance, you will want to know how to contact a AAA. Their nationwide roadside assistance phone number is 1-800-222-4357. The AAA service representative will ask you for your membership number, which you can find on the front of your card.
AAA Membership benefits
AAA membership offers peace of mind on the road with a 24/7 roadside assistance team at your service. It’s good to have a roadside assistance plan to avoid getting stranded in the event of a flat tire, dead battery, mechanical breakdown, lockout, or a malfunctioning fuel gauge. AAA members can call for help at any time, 24 hours a day.
Your membership to AAA is one of those things that you hope you never have to use, but it’s great to be covered. If you’re not a member yet, consider that 95% of drivers will have a vehicle breakdown, flat tire, or other roadside issues at least once in their lives.
Suppose you have a membership with AAA and find yourself needing roadside assistance. In that case, you may wonder whether or not your vehicle problem is covered. This section will go through a basic rundown of your AAA benefits.
Not a AAA Member yet? Will AAA still tow you?
If you need AAA roadside assistance services but aren’t a member, you face steep tow truck company charges. Many people wonder if there’s a way to become a AAA member right when they need them. So, can you join AAA and use them immediately?
Yes, you can if you join at the correct membership level! It’s a great money-saving trick that few people know about. If you’re stuck and need roadside assistance, try this out and avoid paying a tow truck company hundreds of dollars.
You must sign up as a Basic “Classic” member to avoid the waiting period. AAA roadside assistance benefits only begin immediately at this membership level. It’s nice because the ‘Basic’ membership level is also the cheapest!
Basic membership costs differ based on where you live, so budget $55-59 per year plus a one-time enrollment fee of $10-20. You can sometimes find special offers that reduce the Basic membership cost.
Suppose you’ve looked at the different membership levels and would prefer to sign up as a ‘Plus’ or ‘Premier’ member. In that case, you won’t be able to use your benefits for seven days. You can sign up for the “Basic” membership to immediately use your AAA benefits and then upgrade to your preferred level.
Flat tire? Does AAA change tires?
Yes, AAA changes flat tires to help you get back on the road. AAA members get 24-hour tire changes, 365 days a year. With AAA, there’s no need to get yourself dirty, wet, or into a dangerous situation if you’re on the side of a busy road. You’ll be back on the road in no time!
If you have a spare tire in your car, AAA can change it on the spot and get you back on the road. If you don’t have a spare tire and need a replacement, AAA will tow you to their own tire shop or a tire shop of your choosing, depending on the distance. Once you’re there, you can have the tire repaired if possible or replaced if it’s not.
In newer model cars, it’s common to have a tire inflation kit paired with leak sealant instead of a conventional spare tire. If your tire is damaged in a way that doesn’t allow for it to be reinflated, this can be frustrating. This has happened to me before in a rental car, and it was aggravating! AAA will help you, but consider buying a spare tire for the future.
Leaky tire? Does AAA fix flat tires?
If you have a flat tire, AAA can:
- Change your tire for you using your spare tire.
- Seal your tire using your sealing and inflation kit.
- Tow you to a tire shop to get a replacement tire.
Does AAA plug or patch tires? If your tire needs to be plugged, AAA’s tow drivers will take you to a tire shop, as tow truck drivers can’t do this on the side of the road.
You might find this surprising, but it’s better to have your tire fixed at a tire shop with the right equipment for a long-term fix. Repairing tires requires specialized equipment to ensure that the patch or plug holds. You wouldn’t want to have the same problem down the road.
Does AAA replace tires?
If you need your tire replaced instead of just changed, AAA will take you to a tire shop to replace your tires. While the tow to the tire shop is included in your AAA membership, the cost of the new tires is not.
Will AAA bring you a tire?
If you don’t have a spare tire or you have more than one flat tire, AAA will tow you to the nearest tire shop. Once you are at the tire shop, you can purchase a new tire.
Will AAA change a tire in my driveway?
Waking up at home to a flat tire is one of those things we wish would never happen, but unfortunately, it’s a common occurrence. A slow leak or a tire puncture just before you pull into the driveway can deflate your tire overnight.
If you woke up to a flat tire and are a AAA member, you might wonder, “Will AAA change my tire at home?”. Yes, AAA will change your tire in your driveway at home.
Your AAA benefits follow you wherever you are, whether you’re at home, on the road, or in a parking lot. Call AAA, and they will quickly get you back on the road so you can get to where you need to be.
Does AAA fix flat tires at home?
While triple-A will change your flat tire for a spare at home, you will have to have your flat tire repaired at a tire shop. AAA does not fix flat tires at home because AAA can only do the best tire repairs with specialized equipment at a tire shop.
Dead battery? Jump starts and battery replacements
AAA has you covered if your car won’t start because of a dead battery. Before jumping-starting your vehicle, a technician will check the battery and electrical system. If it’s the battery, they’ll attempt to jumpstart it.
If AAA can’t jumpstart your battery, you have two options to get it replaced:
- A tow to the nearest battery shop
- An on-the-spot battery replacement if the technician has the appropriate battery
The cost of replacement batteries is the responsibility of AAA members. Batteries bought from a AAA technician come with an impressive 72-month limited warranty and a 36 month free replacement period.
Locked out of your car? Lockout service
Are you locked out of your car? AAA can help! Suppose you locked your keys inside your vehicle. In that case, your AAA technician will get you back into your car in no time.
If the keys are in your trunk or you’ve lost them, they will send a locksmith to get you back on the road.
The level of locksmith coverage depends on your membership level.
- Classic members are covered for up to $60 in parts and labor.
- Plus members receive up to $100 in parts and labor.
- Premier members have the best coverage, with $150 available for locksmith services.
Do they cover house lockouts?
Are you locked out of your house? You’re probably curious whether your AAA membership covers house lockout services. Does it? It does if you’re a Premier member!
AAA Premier membership has a home lockout benefit that’s good for up to $150 in locksmith charges. If you’re a Classic or Plus member, home lockout services are not covered under your membership plan.
Vehicle breakdown? Minor mechanical first aid
It’s an unfortunate reality that your vehicle is most likely to have mechanical problems while you’re driving it. A vehicle breakdown on the side of the road is one o those things we hope will never happen, but occasionally it does. That’s where AAA comes in. If it’s only a minor mechanical problem, they can often get you going again without a tow.
Your AAA technician will attempt to make minor vehicle repairs on the scene and get your vehicle back on the road if it is safe to do so. If AAA can repair your vehicle, you still need to go to the nearest repair facility where a technician can make a longer-term fix.
Need a rental car? Guide to your benefits
If you have a car that broke down and the repair will take time, you will probably want a rental car. After all, you still need to be able to get around. As an AAA member, you have rental car options you might not have known about.
AAA rental car benefits are based on your membership level. Basic members can get discounted rental car rates through AAA. Those with a AAA Plus membership will receive the discounted rate and a complimentary one-car class upgrade. AAA Premier members whose vehicles need a tow will get a free one-day rental.
Members of all levels who use the AAA preferred rental car provider may be eligible for a ride to the rental car location; contact AAA for details.
Need a tow? Membership towing benefits
Do you need your car towed? AAA’s towing coverage is included with all membership levels. Different membership levels have different towing distances. All memberships include unlimited distance back to the tow truck’s shop. Limits only apply for tows to shops of your own choosing.
Does AAA cover bicycles? Bicycle breakdown service
Yes, AAA coverage for bikes is included in every membership level. If you’re on a bike ride and get a flat, AAA will come to pick you and your bike up. Their roadside service benefits are for bikes, too!
It beats walking your bike out or hiding your bike while you walk home to get a flat kit. With AAA, you won’t have any more worries about having your bike stolen or walking back in the dark.
Can AAA tow my car without keys?
Do you need to have your car towed but can’t find the keys? Although you might think you can’t tow a vehicle without keys, that’s fortunately not the case! That’s right; AAA can tow people’s cars even if they don’t have the keys.
When you call AAA to arrange the tow, tell them you don’t have the car keys. That way, AAA will send out a tow truck with self-loading dollies or a flatbed trailer. The self-loading dollies or flatbed trailers ensure your car’s drive wheels don’t touch the pavement while in tow. That’s important because, without the keys, your vehicle will still be in park, which is a problem for some types of tow trucks.
Can AAA pick up my car without me there?
Sometimes when our car breaks down, we cannot stay with it while waiting for a tow truck. That makes sense since people have jobs to get to, and a car breakdown isn’t always an acceptable excuse. Sadly, AAA won’t provide services to an unattended vehicle.
If you cannot stay with your car, you will need someone else to stay with it, or AAA will not tow it. The only exception is if you have to leave for medical treatment from an injury or safety reasons why you can’t stay with the car.
You might think this is unfair, but unfortunately, a few bad apples ruined it for the rest of us by calling tow trucks on cars they didn’t own. This situation happens most frequently due to parking disputes between neighbors. It’s technically theft, so AAA won’t tow a vehicle anymore unless you or another authorized person are there.
Can I use my Triple-A benefits for someone else?
Driving with a friend and need to call AAA? You can use your AAA benefits for someone else when you are there when the roadside assistance person arrives.
AAA memberships follow you wherever you are, not just in a specific vehicle. Your membership covers you whether you’re a driver, a passenger, with friends, or with someone you don’t know.
Does AAA check ID?
AAA will typically only check your photo ID if you have them tow your car. They had to implement this rule to prevent people from using AAA to steal cars or harass their neighbors!
How many tows do you get each year?
What is the tow limit on AAA services? Quite a few, as it turns out. The number of tows and the free towing distance vary by membership level.
- Basic members receive up to 4 tows with seven free miles for each tow. Lower limits apply for members in some regions (3 to 5 miles).
- Plus members receive up to 4 tows up to 100 miles each.
- Premier members receive up to 4 tows. One of these tows can be up to 200 miles, while the other three tows are limited to 100 miles.
It’s important to remember that AAA provides four service calls per member per year. If you have used a non-towing service from AAA, like having them change your flat tire, jump start your battery, or get you back into your locked car. You must subtract it from the number of free tows above.
If you exceed your free mileage limit, the driver will charge your tow at the towing company’s per-mileage rate. This rate can vary greatly and is up to $10 per mile beyond the free mileage limit. Since a basic membership only covers 7 miles (or less in some regions), you should consider upgrading to a Plus or Premier membership to avoid towing sticker shock.
Stuck in the mud? Extrication and winching Service
Are you stuck in the mud? Please don’t feel bad; getting stuck on a soft shoulder that didn’t look soft at first or in a field after it rains is not uncommon. As an AAA member, you can benefit from their extrication and winching service to get your vehicle back on solid ground and you back on the road.
It’s important to note that AAA doesn’t cover flooded or snowbound vehicles.
Run out of gas? Emergency fuel delivery
Have you run out of gas? It’s more common than you’d think since fuel gauges aren’t always accurate and can break. With AAA, gas is only a phone call away! You don’t have to worry about walking down the side of the highway to a gas station miles away.
AAA will send a technician to you with the gas you need to get back on the road and to the nearest gas station. Basic members are charged for the cost per gallon of the fuel, while Plus and Premier levels receive free gas. If your vehicle takes diesel instead of gas, let AAA know so they have it on the truck for you.
In an accident? Accident assistance services
AAA will help you contact loved ones, locate restaurants, and find hotel accommodations if you were involved in an accident. It’s one less thing for you to worry about doing.
What are the rules for AAA towing?
If you can’t start your vehicle or safely drive it, AAA will tow it without charge to a destination of your choice. The number of covered towing miles varies based on your membership level.
If you have the basic “Classic Membership,” you have up to 7 free towing miles. Plus members have 100 miles, and Premier members have 200 miles. The cost for additional miles beyond this is the responsibility of the member.
Is AAA a monthly or yearly fee?
In most states, you can choose to pay AAA monthly or yearly. Remember that AAA charges more for monthly payment plans than a one-time annual payment.
Conclusion
A membership with the American Automobile Association provides valuable, time-saving roadside assistance benefits. Their tow truck drivers are professionals who will treat your vehicle with care and get you back on the road as soon as possible. After reading this article, you know that you don’t have to tip tow truck drivers, but tips are always appreciated.