RE: Variation in service from AAA
Based on posts to this list and others about AAA the terms of service and
the way situations are handled can be quite different in different parts of
the country.  The best I ever saw was when traveling with a friend and he
blew an engine (not a VW, a Toyota Land Cruiser in this case).  I hauled out
my AAA card and was about to call but he insisted on calling himself.  When
AAA asked if he was a member he was honest and said "No".  So they asked if
he wanted to join, signed him up over the phone and dispatched a tow.  But
someone else tried that some time later (same area) and was told they could
sign up but would have to wait 24 hours to use the service.   Another case
of YMMV.