AAA Membership Will Help Millions Save Money this Holiday Season

September 9, 2009

While the worst of the recent recession may be behind us, many families are still searching for creative ways to stretch their holiday budgets this year.

Whether these expenditures involve gift-giving, travel or dining out, there are a variety of ways AAA can help its more than 51 million members financially this holiday season.

Rather than trying to save money by searching local shopping malls for a bargain, eating at fast food restaurants, and haggling with telephone operators for a decent hotel rate, AAA members can simply reach into their wallets for instant savings. They are also protected in several ways from major automotive-related expenses. And, they can go online to AAA.com to access various tools and products that will aid them this holiday season. If a family member or friend is not already a member of AAA, membership makes a great money-saving gift too. To join, go to AAA.com.

Seven ways AAA helps consumers stretch and protect their holiday budgets

1. Members can start saving immediately for holiday expenses this year and next. They don't need to stash money in a checking or savings account that pays little or no interest. AAA offers better-than-average market rates on money market accounts and certificates of deposit through its relationship with Discover Bank. By using an online financial calculator--such as the ones available for CDs and money market accounts at AAA.com/Deposits-- consumers can see how much interest their deposits will generate. While the holidays may be just around the corner, it is never too late to start a personal savings plan.
2. Before they reach into their wallet for cash or a credit card, millions of AAA members pull out their membership card. AAA's Show Your Card & Save(R) program is available at 164,000 locations in North America. Deals include discounts on meals, hotel rooms, themed attractions, car rentals, movie tickets, apparel and footwear, vision care, prescriptions and auto parts. Members also save online with well-known general merchandise retailers, as well as with many of the Internet's best known and trusted specialty stores on items such as jewelry, floral arrangements, books and other media, and luggage. Visit AAA.com/discounts for a complete list. Last year, members saved an estimated $2.1 billion via the Show Your Card & Save program.
3. When holiday plans include travel, seasoned travelers know to call or visit a AAA travel agent or go online to AAA.com/travel. AAA Travel Agency services are available to members and non-members, although members are entitled to special benefits. AAA, which operates the largest leisure travel agency network in North America, is able to provide access to unmatched travel values via its industry partnerships with leading travel providers, including the best tour and cruise companies, a wide range of hotel operators, numerous themed attractions and special destinations. In the current economy steep discounts, as well as free upgrades and extras are not uncommon, but holiday travelers should seek up-to-the minute information for the best deals.
4. AAA members don't need to search all over town for the best prices on gasoline. Many members and non-members go to www.aaa.com/triptik for information on local gas prices updated as frequently as four times per day. AAA's special relationship with the nation's leading provider of retail fuel price information - Oil Price Information Service - makes this information available on AAA's trip mapping and planning tool. This is also the ideal place to plan your holiday road trip. You can find hotels, restaurants and other points of interest. Plus, you can plot your travels to avoid toll roads if you wish. AAA maps and AAA TourBook(R) guides are also available free to members at their local office.
5. A definite holiday budget buster can be an unexpected breakdown or major car repair. As a free public service, AAA inspects auto repair shops around the country and only approves those that meet and continually maintain high professional standards for equipment, customer service, cleanliness and training. To search for a AAA Approved Auto Repair shop nearby, visit AAA.com/repair. AAA recommends all motorists have their vehicles thoroughly inspected by a qualified technician at least once each year; especially if they are contemplating a long road trip. Regular inspections and maintenance can help consumers avoid major repair expenses, or the frustrating inconvenience of an automotive breakdown.
6. Members can use the AAA Credit Card with WorldPoints(R)( )Rewards to earn points redeemable for cash, travel, merchandise and unique adventures as well as around-the-clock fraud protection, online access to account information, supplemental auto rental collision damage deductible insurance and more. AAA Cash Rewards offers AAA members the ability to earn one percent cash back on all net retail purchases. Member redemption is "On Demand", whereby the member requests a cash-back check in $25 increments. Every time the member spends $2,500, they will be eligible to redeem $25, however, members may accumulate with no ceiling for any cash back amount. AAA pioneered the first affinity credit card in the 1970's. To find out if your AAA club offers these cards and fill out an application visit: AAA.com/creditcard .
7. Should their vehicle fail them during the holiday rush, AAA's legendary emergency road service is just a phone call or email away for members. Basic membership includes free towing from three to five miles (depending on local club policies) to any destination. AAA Plus members are entitled to 100 miles of free towing in any direction. Unlike most road service plans, AAA membership provides coverage for any vehicle they are driving or riding in. Experienced drivers know the expense of a tow alone will frequently pay the full cost of a one year membership in AAA. In addition, the motor club's unique abilities as a roadside problem solver means members are not left alone to find a repair shop, arrange their own towing, secure a rental car or even make hotel arrangements should their holiday trip be disrupted. Last year, AAA responded to more than 29 million calls for roadside assistance.
   

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

SOURCE AAA