Why You Should Consider AAA Membership Even If You Don’t Have a Car
When you think of the American Automobile Association (AAA), also known as “Triple A”, membership benefits like towing and other roadside assistance services probably come to mind. So if you don’t have your own car, you can assume that the privileges of AAA membership don’t apply to you.
But this is not necessarily the case. There are enough other discounts and benefits that even if you don’t have your own car, you might want to consider getting a membership. Here’s what you need to know.
AAA Membership Benefits for People Who Don’t Own a Car
In addition to the well-known perks of AAA membership, there are many others to keep in mind whether you own a car or drive regularly. The specific benefits of AAA membership vary depending on which part of the country you live in. The same applies to the cost of a basic membership, which ranges from $38 to $74 .
Here are a few benefits of a basic membership, no matter where you live:
- TripTik Trip Planning: The longtime service is available through the AAA app or the traditional paper version.
- Identity Theft Monitoring : Available to all members for free, but you must subscribe to use the service.
- Car Rental Discounts: Reduced rates at Hertz, Dollar Car Rentals and Thrift Car Rentals.
- Hotel Discounts : Reduced rates at Best Western, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and MGM Resorts.
- Entertainment Discounts : Available for sporting events, movies, concerts, and other events.
- Vision care and services : 50% discount on lenses with the purchase of a frame; 30% discount on eye exams and over-the-counter sunglasses; 15% discount on lenses or frames purchased separately; 10% discount on disposable contact lenses at Lenscrafters
But as with any paid membership, you’ll have to do the math to make sure you’re actually saving more than you spend on fees. As Mike Winters of CNBC Make It says, “If these discounts are for things you’re already paying for, then AAA membership can be a good deal for you even if you don’t have a car.”