Most people associate the American Automobile Association with its Auto Club memberships, but AAA also offers homeowners and automobile insurance coverage. It’s best to be a AAA Auto Club member to get the best rates and most benefits from AAA insurance policies. Let’s take a closer look at triple AAA car insurance.
What Are AAA Auto Clubs?
Image via Flickr by abraham.williams
The American Automobile Association, known as Triple-A or AAA, has over 60 million members across the United States and Canada. This group of privately held, not-for-profit service organizations and member associations provide various services to its members, including roadside assistance. It began in 1902 in Chicago, Illinois, when nine motor clubs with 1,500 members joined together to become AAA. Today, 42 individual clubs own AAA and provide their members with towing, tire changes, battery replacement, automotive first aid, lockouts, gasoline, and more.
AAA has been active in programs promoting traffic safety, including helping draft the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966. Members have participated in the Smart Car experiment known as the TravTek Project, shaped the Transportation Equity Act, organized the Great Battery Roundup, and developed Roadwise Review. AAA has fought for motorist rights over the years as well.
What Is AAA Automobile Insurance?
AAA automobile insurance is available in certain counties that offer direct insurance plans. Before you look at purchasing AAA insurance, you’ll want to determine whether or not it’s available where you live. You also need to be a member of AAA, which is between $50 to $100 per year. AAA automobile insurance offers the following coverage options:
- Bodily injury liability. This insurance covers medical expenses incurred by someone else in an accident you caused.
- Property damage liability. If you damage another vehicle or property, this coverage will pay for the repairs or replacement.
- Collision coverage. Collision pays for the repairs or replacement, minus your deductible when your vehicle is damaged in an accident.
- Comprehensive coverage. Damage caused by theft, vandalism, or natural disaster is covered by comprehensive insurance after your deductible is met.
- Medical payments. Anyone injured in your vehicle during an accident can have their medical bills paid by this coverage.
- Personal injury protection. PIP steps in to cover the gap between your insurance limits and a liability claim.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If you’re involved in an accident with an at-fault driver with no insurance or inadequate limits, your insurance will pay the expenses.
In addition to these standard insurance services offered by AAA, you can also add:
- Enhanced total loss replacement. This coverage will pay for a new model replacement rather than the market value of your vehicle.
- Loan/lease gap. If your vehicle value is less than your remaining balance on your loan/lease, gap insurance will cover the difference when your vehicle is totaled.
- Enhanced exterior repair. Original manufacturer exterior parts will be used to repair your vehicle.
- Transportation Network Company. If you participate in ride-booking services with your vehicle, this will provide coverage for you.
- Rental car reimbursement coverage. Should you need a rental while your vehicle is repaired, this coverage will pay for it.
- Rental car coverage. This insurance covers a vehicle you’ve rented if you damage it.
- Pet coverage. If your pet is injured in a car accident, this coverage covers its medical bills.
- Non-owners insurance. If you drive but don’t own a car, non-owners insurance provides you with liability coverage.
- Accident forgiveness. This prevents an accident from raising your premium if you’re otherwise a good driver.
Does AAA Offer Any Discounts?
Each individual AAA group is allowed to set its own car insurance coverage prices, so you’ll want to speak directly to an agent with the AAA insurance you plan to use to determine what discounts are offered. Potential discounts include:
- Member. Discount is based on the number of years you’ve been a member.
- Safe driver. Save up to 20% if you’re a good driver who has completed an approved defensive driving course.
- Going paperless. Sign up for paperless billing to save on your premium.
- Safety inspection. Receive a discount if you have a safety inspection completed on your vehicle.
- Multiple cars. You can save up to 27% by adding a second vehicle to your policy.
- Multiple policies. Bundle your homeowners and auto to save up to 15%, condo and auto for up to 11%, renters and auto for up to 3%, and life and auto for 19%.
- Loyalty. After one year of continuous coverage, you can earn up to a 5% discount.
- Homeowners. If you own your home, this demonstration of financial responsibility can save you up to 37% on your automobile insurance, whether you have AAA homeowners or not.
- Safety features. Air bags, motorized seat belts, anti-theft features, and other safety features can earn you a discount.
- New car. For cars less than three years old, you can save up to 30%.
- AAADrive/AAA OnBoard. Let AAA’s mobile app track your driving habits to earn discounts.
- Certain professionals. For some professionals, such as educators, certified-public accountants, medical professionals, engineers, or scientists, you can earn up to 7% off your insurance premium.
- Good student. High school and full-time college students who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher can save up to 14%.
- Student away or distant student. Save up to 47% on students who are 100 miles or more away at school without a car.
- Teen driver training. Teens who complete a AAA-approved driver training program can save around 5%.
- College/university alumni. If you’re a college/university alumni member, you can also earn discounts.
Is AAA Car Insurance Right For You?
There’s no simple answer to this question because several factors determine your car insurance premiums. Triple AAA car insurance providers will look at your age, driving history, accident history, credit score, location, vehicle, and more to calculate your insurance rates. The best way to determine if AAA car insurance is right for you is to request a quote. It’s best to request quotes from several insurance providers to better understand what you can get for your money. Car insurance premiums can vary by hundreds of dollars between providers, so take the time to compare quotes before signing a policy.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
