AAA provides similar services for "Premier" members.  The price is a little steeper.  Of course, one has to make judgments about other services from each membership, also.  For example, one can buy insurance from these providers as well, supposedly at a preferred price for members.  I have some other problems with AARP behavior, so have dropped my membership.  My wife retains hers, however, so if we determine that this service is a good one for us, we may sign up.  DMc

---- Harold Teer <teer.vanagon@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> For you more "experienced drivers" with membership in AARP, you may wish to
> look at their Roadside Assistance plan which is presently offered through
> Allstate.  See: "http://www.aarproadside.com/AARP/home.do"
>
> I have the "Premier plan" ($81 for a couple) which provides 100 miles
> towing, but the real feature I like is the "Trip Interruption Guarantee".
> "If a vehicle you are driving becomes disabled because of a collision or
> mechanical failure**, and is completely disabled more than 100
> miles from home, we will reimburse you up to a maximum of $750 per
> occurrence ($1,500 maximum per membership year) for
> expenses incurred within 48 hours of the incident for any combination of the
> following:
>
>    - Car rental or commercial transportation (including airline, bus, or
>    train fare) from the accident location to your home or destination and then
>    back to pick up the repaired vehicle.
>
>
>    - Lodging expenses while your car is being repaired.
>
>
>    - Ambulance charges.
>
> My wife was out of town in our can and had a mechanical failure on a Sunday
> and had the car towed to a dealer, rented a car, and spent the night in a
> local hotel.  All of those expenses were paid for by the plan.
>
> As unbelievable as it sounds, I have never had to use the plan for our
> Vanagon.  But  it certainly gives me piece of mind having it.
>
> Harold
> ___
> Harold Teer
> 1991 Westy (Vangaux)
> Harrisonburg, VA
>
>
>
>
> On Wed, Sep 15, 2010 at 12:24 AM, DW <dcwilton@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > I'm not certain that this is pertinent to ask on the list, but it does
> > relate to my van so here goes... I just received a renewal for my roadside
> > assistance plan. I have used it twice in December of 2008 and have paid
> > about $340 for the two years of annual fees. I'm not sure this is
> > worthwhile, or currently sustainable. The critical issue for me is the
> > ability to tow the vehicle to a reputable mechanic if need be. I'm not
> > likely going to run out of gas, lock my keys in the van or require hotel
> > discounts -- I am really just interested in the possibility of a long tow
> > if
> > the scenario ever arose. I guess my question is what do you folks use and
> > why? Incidently, I have used the Allstate Platinum Elite Plan because I
> > thought it was the best side-by-side comparison of plans, though it should
> > be for the price they charge...
> >
> > Thanks for any thoughts, DW
> >
> > PS: I need coverage in the US & Canada
> >

--
David McNeely