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Is AAA is becoming obsolete in our age of instant access to information via the Internet, ability to call for help provided by cell phones and the convenience of available cash with credit cards? During the 1990s, I subscribed to AAA at a cost of $55 per car per year, but in 2000, I decided that the cost far outweighed the benefits.

When I was a member:

I was entitled to free trip planning (TripTiks). Now I can plan my own trip using www.mapquest.com and revise it whenever I want.

I was entitled to free American Express travel checks. Now I can use my debit or credit card.

I was entitled to discounts for hotels and car rentals. According to AAA, there are 150,000 locations nationwide that provide AAA discounts with The Show Your Card Program. Now I go online to make my hotel reservations using www.hotels.com or www.priceline.com and get much better rates. I have found that the discounts I get from reserving a room online are better than getting the 10% AAA discount at the hotel. In addition, there are coupon books provided at most hotels that give you instant discounts at hotels and motels nationwide, as well as discounts for AARP members.

I was entitled to free towing services (within 3 miles), battery jumps, flat tire repair and they would unlock my car if I left the keys inside. Most times, I would have to wait for up to an hour before someone from AAA arrived. Now my insurance company provides the same benefits, but the policy allows me to call a towing or repair company myself, pay for the services, and the insurance company reimburses me, which means I don't have to wait for long periods of time.

AAA offers many discount programs as well as various insurance and financing programs, which may or may not be comparable to those you can find yourself on the Internet. I realize many people don't own a computer or a cell phone. For them, AAA might be worth the cost of membership.

Learn more about this author, Sharon Lea Hill.
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