5 Little-Known Perks of AAA

If you've ever had a mishap with your car that left you stranded, you can likely understand the typical reason people join AAA: roadside assistance. However, AAA doesn't have the market cornered on this service; you can also generally get it by paying a few extra dollars a month to your auto insurer.

In fact, if you're trying to decide whether to sign up for AAA, you should really consider all the benefits you'd get by doing so. Here are a few you may not already know about that I found through the AAA's Northeast branch (your own regional AAA branch will also have perks aplenty).

1. AAA can make you a better driver

In addition to offering help with your dead battery or flat tire, AAA provides driver education courses that can improve your driving skills. Being a better driver could help you avoid accidents and therefore save you money on your auto insurance premiums.

The program has been around for more than 85 years, and you can take advantage of programs in both a classroom setting as well as behind the wheel whether you're a teen or adult driver.

2. AAA can save you money on ticketed events

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it feels like everything is so much more expensive, and this includes tickets to concerts, sporting events, and more. Luckily, a AAA membership can unlock cheaper prices for entertainment opportunities.

For example, you can save up to 15% on tickets to see Aerosmith in concert if you buy through AAA. Sporting events more your speed? You can save up to 5% on tickets to see the New York Rangers play. Any money saved on entertainment is more money you can use to pad your savings account.

3. AAA offers promo codes for savings on retail purchases

Hunting down coupon codes is a great way to save money when you shop, and AAA maintains a database of them, saving you time in addition to money. No matter your shopping habits, you can likely find coupon codes you'll use.

For example, if you have pets, AAA has deals for Chewy, BarkBox, and PetFlow. There are coupons for electronics retailers, florists, at-home recipe boxes, and so much more.

4. AAA can help you with your passport

If you're hoping to travel the world, you'll need a passport. Being a AAA member means you get access to cheaper passport photo services at your local AAA office. While you're there, you can pick up a passport application.

If you need your passport in a hurry, AAA has a RushMyPassport service that'll save you some money on those expedited passport costs.

5. AAA offers home and renters insurance

Need a new homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy? Why not consider looking at your options through AAA, if you're a member? You can get an online quote or call the toll-free number to speak directly with an insurance agent.

AAA boasts savings on policies, too -- for example, if you live in New York, you can save 5% through the insurance company AAA works with there.

How much does a AAA membership cost?

The price for AAA depends on a few factors, such as your location, how many cars you want covered, and whether any promotional deals are available. As of this writing, here were the prices I found for my area.

When I checked prices, AAA was offering to waive the one-time $15 enrollment fee, too. The different membership tiers include different levels of roadside assistance as well as other perks, but all memberships come with the discounts discussed above.

Is a AAA membership worth it?

That's not a question I can answer for you! But consider the list of perks (along with other benefits of AAA) alongside the cost, and decide whether the money you'll save is enough justification to spring for a AAA membership.

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Consider starting with the basic membership, as it's the most affordable. You could also try it for a year and see if you use enough of the benefits to make renewing worthwhile -- especially if you can get a deal on your first year of membership.