by Marcus Brooks

Created on: June 10, 2009   Last Updated: June 11, 2009

In 1998, I acquired AAA auto insurance before moving to Davenport, Iowa. I needed something dependable because I traveled to work six days a week. Prior to getting my car, I decided over several insurance companies such as, State Farm, AllState and Principal (Des Moines). After spending $1000 on my 1983 Ford LTD, I visited the AAA office on 2900 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. My representative there signed me on their $59.95 membership plan.

On that plan, I received 1) four, free towings up to 25 miles in distance. 2) four service calls, such as battery jumps and maintain, proper tire pressure. This helped considerably because I worked in Galesburg, Illinois and coverage was nationwide. My stepdad had AAA's "plus" package for $100. He received unlimited towing, unlimited calls and unlimited service. My insurance came in handy during one, harrowing experience.

One night in late January, I work. I just finished a 10-hour serving shift at Sandburg Mall. I drove home approximately 8:30 pm. I was approximately 30 miles from home when my car stalled on U.S. 150. I tried starting and restarting, but the engine refused to turn over.

Luckily, I was prepared to fend off the cold. I brought blankets with me due to the dropping temperature. Eventually, it got down to 15 degrees with a below zero wind chill. I turned the heat on and off when I started seeing my breath. After 90 minutes, my teeth chattered and I began losing feeling in my toes and fingers. I tried flagging down passing motorists along the highway. But, no one stopped.

Fortunately, I did have minimal cell phone service. Cingular allowed me to make a call to service station in nearby Woodall (Illinois). I gave the attendant my estimated location and 30 minutes later, he arrived. But, he towed my car to a truck stop in the town, and then took me home after he charged $10 for gas. Gas in Illinois was $.79 a gallon during this time.

Thankfully, I got to sleep in my own bed. But, I was worried sick about my car. I needed it for my job in Galesburg. He surprised me by coming to my apartment building to pick me up! Going above and beyond his duty, he dropped me off at work, and came and got me afterwards. I was able to drive my car home the next night. In all, he charged me about $200 for parts and labor. He became my regular mechanic for what he did for me.

From that point, I understood why quality, auto insurance was so important. The 25 miles coverage saved me an extra $40-$50 in towing fees. Woodall was only 40 miles away from where my car broke down. However, this guardian angel wasn't out to make a killing on a desperate customer. He could've real easy. AAA insurance and that Woodall mechanic came through like heroes!

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