Members save average of $93 each by using AAA’s great discounts

During this down economy, AAA member savings were up as they used their membership cards to save on travel, gifts, meals and more, topping $2 billion in savings nationwide last year.

AAA members save on hotel stays, car rentals and automotive repairs, as well as on a host of retail products and services through the Show Your Card & Save® program. Members who used the discounts last year saved on average $93, more than the cost of a basic AAA membership. In fact, 61 percent of AAA members took advantage of AAA discounts on everything from travel and restaurants to home electronics and prescription drugs during the year.

AAA’s savings figures are based on AAA’s Show Your AAA Card & Save Awareness and Usage Study. The annual survey asks members about the savings they receive from AAA’s entire portfolio of discounts including AAA’s Show Your Card & Save program, AAA Travel Services, AAA Financial Services and AAA Automotive. Taking advantage of the benefits of membership, consumers can save on thousands of products and services. For a complete list of savings opportunities visit AAA.com/discounts.

The survey also showed that hotel and motel discounts are the most commonly used AAA discounts, with seven in 10 members reporting that they have ever used that type of discount. One-half of all members have used travel services/product discounts, and approximately one-fourth have obtained discounts for attractions or theme parks tickets (28 percent) and automotive services (22 percent).

New discounts that began in 2009 include savings at Gap Outlet and Banana Republic Factory Stores. AAA also launched the AAA Discounts iPhone App, making it easier for members to find discounts wherever they go.

AAA’s Show Your Card & Save program is the largest member discount program in the world offering more than 164,000 locations for savings worldwide including 110,000 retail locations in North America, as well as popular online retailers including Target.com and FTD.com. Visit AAA.com/discounts for more information.

AAA Plus provides members with added peace of mind

In addition to the many benefits of a AAA Classic membership, a AAA Plus membership will multiply your services and savings even more.

When members upgrade their membership to AAA Plus, they will receive a host of additional benefits including:

Extended towing–Receive up to 100 miles of towing to a repair facility of your choice. One tow may save you hundreds of dollars.

Vehicle Lockout–Receive up to $100 reimbursement for locksmith services.

Fuel Delivery Service–A delivery of limited amount of fuel free of charge will be provided for your disabled vehicle.

Extended Extrication–For difficult extrications, AAA will provide an additional truck and driver for up to one hour.

Other benefits include free passport photos and legal fee reimbursement up to $1,800 for legal defense for a not-guilty plea on vehicle-related charges.

In addition, AAA Plus/RV extends your AAA Plus benefits to cover motor homes, pickup trucks with campers, travel trailers (including fifth wheel), motorcycles, camping trailers, snowmobile trailers and boat trailers (out of water). Coverage excludes horse/livestock/utility trailers.

At your next membership renewal, upgrade to AAA Plus or AAA Plus/RV for even more peace of mind on the road. For more information, click on www.AAA.com, call or visit your local AAA sales agent or call (877) 222-3185.

VIN Etch helps deter auto theft

As an effective theft deterrent, the Club will offer window etching of your vehicle’s VIN (vehicle identification number) at several AAA offices.

The cost for the service is $30 for AAA members and $40 for non-members, including six etchings per car. AAA offers discounts on insurance for VIN Etching.

Call 1-800-AAA-ROAD ext. 6821 to make appointments at least 48 hours in advance of the dates. Please have your VIN number handy when you call.

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