AAA Reviews

After 20 minutes of testing the battery, he told us that it had to be the alternator or the starter that was preventing the battery from working. I felt that this was odd because my wife had just picked up the vehicle from our repairman, Accu Tech Unlimited, and he checked both the starter and the alternator as a part of the service we had just received. Our repairman at Accu Tech Unlimited would not have allowed my wife to have driven the vehicle home knowing that there was a problem with either the starter or alternator. When the driver told me that the battery could not be replaced, I said to him, "Let me be sure that I understand what you are saying. The warranty on the battery can't be honored because the alternator or the starter is not working?"

I then asked him which one was it, the starter or the alternator, and he said, "Well umm, the starter?" I then said, "So you are telling me that because my starter is going out, that keeps the battery from not charging and not starting?" He then began to stutter and say, "Well umm, let me call in and see." He never said who he was calling and who he was going to see. He did call someone and was on hold for 45 minutes. The drivers name was ** and the name of the company was Natomas Towing & Transport, 271 Opportunity Street Suite H Sacramento, CA 95838, 916-925-3366. Terrible service.

They then gave the driver directions to the AAA repair shop in Glendive, which turned out to be a body shop and not a mechanic. Luckily, the tow truck driver knew of a mechanic's shop and took him there, where the alternator on the truck was replaced. The tow ended up costing us over $100. Thanks AAA. We won't be renewing our membership.

Second issue is my tire was warped which could have caused a serious risk in my life. I put my life in their hands in thinking their establishment would hire individuals who understand and know their products. I now have to spend three extra hours out of my time to get four tires replaced. I could have them replaced at AAA and not pay the extra expense. In addition, they cracked my key fod and stated they didn't do it. I recently bought the key fod and know for fact it was in great condition. I will make sure to share this information with others and I have taken photos of my tires.

Well, I didn't have any money for that game with my car and I called customer services of the AAA. Every time somebody else was on the phone with me with some story, they will call that place to talk with them. One of the customer representatives couldn't find that place and said that place doesn't exists. Well, it's been two months and my problem is the same. I went to vehicle inspection again, and they said, “Mrs., this problem is not fixed.” I showed all my papers from AAA and I said my problem about talking with customer services and complaints. They told me there are same codes us before they didn't do anything or they put on some wrong parts in my car. The time of the registration of my car coming and nobody does anything. After all this circumstances, as a good American, I called Washington, DC complaint services and told my problem. They told me to find this page and tell my problem. If you don't do anything, I should call again. After this letter, I expect somebody call me and talk to me or talk to this people AAA repair services about my problem.

I waited all afternoon and never got a call. The next morning, I call the garage and found out there was no such friend, but the garage was his employee and they couldn't check the vehicle on this day, because they had too many vehicles waiting. After telling the person the story from the driver, I was transferred to the owner. He apologized for what the driver had done and he told me he will have the vehicle checked right away and will call me back. I got a call back and was told they needed to replace the starter. The quote was $260.00 and I will have the vehicle back that afternoon. So, I agreed and was returned the vehicle that afternoon.

On 11-13-12, the vehicle started making a loud noise and I took the vehicle to the dealer Massey Yardley Chrysler located at 777 N St Rd 7 in Plantation. They couldn't find the problem and didn't look at the starter, because I told them it has been just replaced. On 11-03-12, after having the vehicle for 8 days and having to rent a vehicle, they checked the starter and found out it was an old bad starter. They replaced the starter and I had to pay $743.46. I did get my vehicle back on 11-19-12. I returned to American Fleet Automotive on 11-21-12 and explained the situation and requested a refund. They said the starter they installed had a 12,000 mile guaranteed and they will first have to keep it to have it checked. I was told come back on Monday, 11-26-12, to give them time because of the Thanksgiving holiday. It was obvious the starter was an old starter.

I came back on Tuesday, 11-27, and was told they didn't have the starter back. This continues for over a week and a half. I didn't get back the starter till 12-07-12 and was told the starter was good. It was obvious by looking at the starter it had been fixed. I was told they will give me $160.00 in service in exchange. After dealing with them and not trusting this garage, I told them I deserve the full amount in cash back. American Fleet Automotive wasted my time and I had to pay for the dealer to fix their mistake and installed a damaged starter. I was told to leave the premises. I am requesting a refund for the full amount of $260.75. These people are not to be trusted.

I knew better but took him at his word and replaced the alternator and put the battery on a trickle charge overnight. I checked it in the morning and the lights in the car barely came on for a few seconds. The two most common reasons an alternator will overcharge is because of a bad ground or a very bad battery. I checked my ground and everything looked good. I had my wife call expecting that they would be honorable, but they told her that the battery was fine and that it just needed a charge. When she told them that we had it on a charger and it did not charge, the man said that there must be something wrong with my charger because the battery test fine.

After I left work on Saturday, I took the car down to the local AAA office and called for a service call while at the office. One guy in a truck came by and said he would not help me. I was stranded and needed a jump just to get back home. Finally, a second guy showed up and said that he would help. He jumped me off, tested my battery and again refused to replace it and said that my alternator was overcharging and that was my problem. I told him it was a new alternator. He responded that unless his tester says it is a bad battery, he cannot replace it. He also said that they can only charge the battery at that location only during certain hours of the day.

I finally got very frustrated and went and bought a battery from Advanced Auto as I know they honor their battery warranties from previous experience. Once I replaced the battery, the alternator tested fine and was not overcharging any longer. This just proves it was a bad battery and that AAA had no interest in getting the car back on the road or honorable servicing a client’s needs. I have done several internet searches and come to realize that this is a common problem when dealing with the AAA battery warranty. I wonder if there is a class action lawsuit.

First, she was unable to discern where exactly I was located (I was calling on a cell phone. Do you not have the ability to track GPS?). She commented that downtown Pittsburgh was a pretty big place and did I know if I was near streets or avenues. I explained I had just come over the 16th street bridge and turned right onto Penn Ave. I identified the fact that the Convention Center was nearby and a hotel (Weston, perhaps? I cannot remember). She wanted to know if there was a bank nearby. Should I have been alone, it did not feel like a safe place to wander around looking for landmarks to make the dispatcher happy.

I explained that the car was a green Toyota Highlander, with all wheel drive. Plus there was a Thule box on top and an Adirondack chair strapped to the top. She said that because the car was an all-wheel drive, a flat bed truck would be needed (with the typical first come, first served 45-minute wait); but that there would be no place to take the car until Friday since it was the night before Thanksgiving. So she asked, "Where exactly would you like to have the car towed?" Great, how the hell did I know? Luckily, my daughter lives nearby but really, what sort of a question is that to someone who is a stranger in the town? Then she mentioned that the chair would have to be removed from the top of the car and left by the side of the road.

"How many people?" she asked. "Three," I said. "Well that would be another problem since only two could ride with the tow truck driver." "Great," I thought, "leave one of us in the chair." So as it was feeling like the end of the world and pretty dismal and not much to be thankful for, I tried the battery one more time and thankfully it started. The bus arrived, we picked up our nephew and we're on our way for a family gathering in West Virginia. We were terribly disappointed with the AAA Pittsburgh dispatcher who offered little helpful advice, except for a huge sigh of relief when the battery finally turned over. We were shocked that there did not seem to be at least one auto service center in the city that would respond to emergency situations during holiday periods.

Dodge Co. Sheriff’s deputy arrived at on the scene and we inspected the vehicle. I started the vehicle, put it into gear and the tires spun, but it remained stuck. The officer determined that the incident caused no harm and it looked like only body repairs to the left fender, front grill, and hood. After speaking with our daughter and since no other vehicles or other property damage occurred, he decided it did not warrant a citation and said we could get our vehicle out the next day. Therefore, on Thursday, November 1, 2012, I called AAA to arrange for a tow. The vehicle was approximately 70 feet off the road and could easily be pulled out with no obstructions. It just needed to be pulled out onto the side of the road and then driven to our home. AAA arranged for Reliable Truck & Auto (located at 525 Pine St. Hartford, WI 53027, phone: (262) 673-0477, fax: 262-670-0845) to service the call and I met the tow truck driver at the car around 9:15 am.

The driver of the tow truck, Steve **, got out of his vehicle and looked from the roadway and stated that this was not an AAA tow because it was too far off the road for AAA coverage, saying it was 200 feet off the road. I disagreed with him. Then he admitted though that he would not have to do anything special to pull the vehicle out. I then told him not to worry about it and I would get the vehicle out myself. I left to head back to my shop (2 miles away) to get the equipment in order to remove the car. He then called me and said he was responsible for the vehicle by state law and that he called the police to make a report and police were sending an officer to the car because he determined that it was a reportable accident. At this time, I informed him that the police were called the night before and that the Dodge County deputy had already determine that there was not enough damage to file the report or give our daughter a citation. (Apparently, before calling me or knowing that the incident was already reported, he had called another deputy).

He then kept saying the insurance would cover the tow. The insurance company will cover it. He kept on emphasizing that he was under obligation to the state to make this determination. I kept stating that it was the Deputy at the scene, at the time of the incident that had already made the determination that it did not. The car, a 2001 PT Cruiser with 148,000 miles, did not warrant making a claim for basically cosmetic repairs through the insurance company. I went back to the car, spoke with Steve, and told him I thought he was going to charge me $250 to tow the vehicle out of pocket, instead of using AAA. He assured me that he wasn't like that and I would be treated fairly. I called AAA and also stated that the car was not 250 feet from the road but 70 feet. They stated I could file a reimbursement claim at a later date if I felt that the coverage denial was inaccurate. I told Steve I wanted the vehicle towed to my shop which was 2 miles away. Then he said he couldn't because he determined the vehicle was totaled and by law, he had the right to take it to his shop in Hartford. I disagreed but wasn't sure what the law was so I didn't argue any further. He said I didn't have to be there when the police would arrive, so I went back to my office.

Approximately 10:45 am, Dodge Co. Deputy SGT S. **, called and arrived at my residence (office) and handed me an accident report before he ever came to speak with us or my daughter. I asked him why and he said the damage was over $1,000 so he had to write it up. He also gave me a traffic ticket for my daughter for inattentive driving (R855073). I asked him why he was issuing a ticket today after the officer who met us at the time of the incident determined that she managed to control her vehicle and caused no other property damage except cosmetic repairs to our car. He said he had been doing this 37 years and he knew best. I called AAA at 7:09am on Friday, November 2, 2012, to arrange delivery of the vehicle from Reliable Truck & Auto to Ron’s Bump Shop in Slinger and wanted to know what I needed to do. They informed me I needed to pay for the towing charges at Reliable before it would be released. I also re-informed them that I had thought the tow would have been covered by AAA as it was less than 70 feet off the road with no obstructions and they said the tow truck driver informed them that it was 250 feet off the road. I told them he was lying and they decided to believe him.

When I went to arrange for the vehicle to be towed to the auto body shop in Slinger and asked him what he charged for the towing. He stated he did not make up the bill because he was driving but said it was two hours towing at $125/hour + a $85 hookup fee. I stated that I wanted the vehicle released so it could be towed to Ron’s Bump Shop in Slinger for an estimate. Steve then told me he had to make reimbursement to the property owner for the damage done to the property as he was responsible for making restitution. I asked what damage and he said the knocked down trees and grass. I asked how long that would take and he said 3-4 hours at $125/hour. Looking at the area the vehicle went into did not warrant much repair. It was hunting land that was long grass and scrub brush. A couple of the scrub brushes were bent over along with the long grass where the tire tracks were. I told him I would take care of the damage and he then replied that he needed to contact the property owner. I again asked him how long that would take and he said 1.5 hours at $125/hour.

I again replied that I would contact the homeowner and make restitution (which I did and we worked it out). The property owner laughed about restitution as the only damage was bent over grass. Steve then said he needed the homeowner to contact him to release the vehicle, which they did. I then told him I wanted the truck moved that morning to AAA and I would be calling it in. He said he needed to see the title that no liens were on the vehicle, a driver’s license, AAA card and the bill paid before he could release the vehicle, to which I agreed. I called AAA at around 10:30am to report the difficulty I was having in getting the vehicle released. They said that to get the vehicle covered, I needed to have the tags (license plates) with the vehicle, as the tow truck driver said there were no plates. I informed them that I had the plates as the tow truck driver told me to take them from the car before he left, but that they would be with the vehicle by the time Reliable towed it to Ron’s Bump Shop.

Upon arriving at 11:15am, I gave Reliable Truck a copy of the title, my driver's license, my AAA card, the vehicle plates and offered to pay for the tow on the spot. Steve from Reliable kept on saying he didn't have the bill ready. I asked him when and he kept avoiding the subject. I pressed him to give me a time when he was going to get the vehicle and the bill ready. He stated that he would get the vehicle to Ron’s by the end of the day and give the bill to Ron. He was not specific as to an exact time and I told him AAA would not cover the tow without my being present. He kept on asking me why I was doing this as it was obvious he was upset that insurance wasn't paying for it and delayed doing anything until noon. Meanwhile, he had two employees sitting around doing nothing for at least 45 minutes. I observed one employee behind the desk area playing video games on the computer and another driver sitting around the lounge area staring off into space.

At 11:44, I called AAA to inform them that Reliable was taking the vehicle over to Ron’s Bump Shop. They reiterated that I needed to be with the vehicle for hookup and that the driver would determine if I needed to be with the vehicle or not. I informed them that Steve from Reliable said he would take the vehicle over by the end of the day and that Ron’s Bump Shop was going to pay him. They did not take my word on that and called Steve from Reliable. They put me on hold and 5 minutes later, the woman who had talked to Steve was so frustrated with him that she did not want to talk to him again but he confirmed that he was going to release the vehicle and that I did not need to be there.

I then decided to wait for Reliable to tow the vehicle as I still was not sure if I would be covered. At or around noon, one of Steve's employees left. Three minutes later, Steve and the guy from the lounge left. I waited for 10 minutes then called AAA again to ensure that they were going to cover the tow. I reached a customer service rep and they again said I needed to be with the vehicle for coverage to begin. I told my story again what the tow company was going to do and then said they would cover it. Still, I decided to wait for Reliable to tow the vehicle until at 1:06pm. I called AAA and asked what type of timeframe is allowed for a tow company to respond to a service call. The AAA service rep said 45 minutes. I had originally called AAA at 10:30am to have the car towed from Reliable to Ron’s and Reliable Truck & Auto still had not responded to the call at 1:06pm. That's over 2 hours later.

The tow company was informed of my request. I had brought all the necessary paperwork and items in for AAA coverage of the vehicle. I had offered to pay for the service call on the spot and was willing to wait at the vehicles location by the tow company until they were ready to tow the vehicle in a reasonable time. It was 50 degrees out, sunny, virtually no wind and two of the company's trucks sat there for over 1 hour and 45 minutes while I was there, along with his two employees. The AAA service rep offered to call Reliable Truck & Auto to find out when they were going to take the vehicle over to Ron’s. I said okay but then asked him what the bill was for the towing. She put me on hold for five or so minutes and upon return told me she had talked to Steve and he said it would be towed there by the end of the day. When I asked her for a cost of towing, Steve had said he couldn't give it to me as he didn't have it ready yet. She then said it was okay for me to leave and not be physically present when the vehicle was towed.

After waiting for them until 1:20pm, I went to Ron’s Bump Shop to speak with Ron. I had previously spoken with him about the possibility of the car being towed to his place and an estimate from him for the damage to the car. Upon arrival, I authorized him to give Reliable his cost for the hourly tow and hookup charge that he quoted me earlier in the day and would seek reimbursement from AAA at a later date. He informed me that the charges were over $634. I was flabbergasted at the price. He couldn't believe it either. I informed Ron that if Reliable's original charge for towing was accepted by them, to tell the driver to take the car back. I then left to get back to work as I had taken a lot of time off of work to deal with this issue. Later in the day, I called Ron’s to see what had happened. Ron informed me that the car was there but paid Reliable Truck the $634.00 because Steve from Reliable threatened to charge double if he didn't drop it off. Ron gave Steve the check so there wouldn't be any additional problems with the car and didn't want to have to pay double.

Later in the day, I called Silver Lake Towing from Oconomowoc about their typical fees for a tow out of pocket. They are located approximately the same distance away from the scene as Reliable Towing (approximately 11 miles). They charge $3.50/mile for the tow and a $55 hookup charge. Assuming that the round trip may come out to 30 total miles, the charge would be 30x$3.50 = $105 + $55 hookup charge = $160 + tax. A far cry from $634. It appears to me that Steve from Reliable Truck & Auto was trying to run a scam on the insurance company and then got mad about me calling him on it and charged me exorbitant fees. Why this person and company are endorsed by AAA is beyond me. He is an outright crook and should not be allowed to have a license to run a tow truck company let alone an AAA company. He should be fully investigated for his downright lies and deceitfulness. This company brings great discredit to the AAA name and service. He refused to release the vehicle again saying he had the right to keep it.

The dispatcher who sent the truck also suggested the AAA auto care plus garage. She said they would look at the car; they were open today till five. This was 1100 in the morning and they would assess the car within one hour and give me a call within 1 hour of assessing the situation. They would do their best to get it done on that day. That was what I needed done and that's what I would have been most appreciative for. As it turned out, that was an outright lie! I dropped the car off at the shop. The desk attendant, Brian, said he was busy, he might be able to get to it in an hour to do or three cars ahead of me and he only had two people working. I realized this was the situation and I let them take the car.

After an hour and a half, when I did not hear from them, I called the shop back. It was about 1 o'clock. He said they had not had a chance to look at the car and I let him know that I was supposed to be making a 10-hour drive to Kentucky and I really needed to leave tonight. I wanted to make sure that he understood it was a level of importance for me to have the car back today if at all possible. He assured me that it would. They would at least attempt to have the car ready today if it was possible.

About 2 o'clock I received a call from the garage. I was unable to answer the phone before it went to the machine. I immediately called them back. I called and called over six times to get no answer and had to call AAA corporate headquarters and have her transfer me into the garage. The message that Brian left with the desk for me simply said I did not leave the keys and that he was unable to look at the car. However, the fact of the matter was the tow truck driver asked me to leave the car in neutral. In neutral, the keys cannot be removed from the ignition. Therefore they were and had always been in the ignition where they should have been, according to the driver asking to leave it in neutral.

I was obviously a little frustrated at this point but Brian had once again assured me that they would attempt to have the car done by 5 PM so I could leave that evening. At 4:45 when I had not heard from them, I called the garage. The phone rang and kept me on hold for 10 minutes before they answered the call. Then the attendant said that they had not even looked at the card to assess it and that Brian had called me and told me that the car was not ever going to be looked at until Monday. This of course had never happened or I would've made arrangements to have it moved to some company garage somewhere else.

I am now late, stuck out of town and furious. I had been lied to by the AAA representatives that they would assess it within an hour and after about seven hours they had not looked at it nor had they called me or assess the situation. And now I have to wait another 48 hours before they will look at it and they are closing and locking the garage, so I cannot get my car to take to a competent individual. I am angry at AAA that they did not enforce assessing my car in an hour. I am furious that my car is now in the hands of what I view to be incompetent people and they are going to hold my car prisoner till Monday. I need to be to work on Monday, 10 hours away, now wondering if my car will be even looked at or when. I have no confidence in these individuals.

But most of all I was never told my car would not be looked at by Monday by Brian and so I have been directly lied to by your AAA Car Care Plus service station. Please, if someone could get back to me and let me know why this happened and why there seems to be gross negligence on many levels of service in your AAA car care plus Organization in Amherst New York. I am stuck in NY due to lies and incompetence. Did I mention the repair was to replace an alternator - a 1-hour service anywhere else!

By this time I'd called AAA to demand a flatbed tow truck. It took a further two hours to arrive. The original tow was requested to take the vehicle and myself to my local repair shop (we would have arrived at around 5:30pm). By the time we were en route, the shop had closed for the day, and I had to pay an additional USD85 for a tow from my home to the shop the following morning. My local tire store informs me I'll need two new front tires at USD500+. I cannot understand why AAA Texas didn't know a Range Rover needs a flatbed tow truck! I'm attaching some images of the damage and would welcome feedback on how to seek damages from AAA Texas.

I was very pleased at that time and called two friends to let them know that AAA was topnotch. You can listen to the taped AAA phone call in order to hear and confirm this conversation. Weeks passed but I never received my $109 refund. Later, they told me that in April of 2012, there is a new rule of no refunds. It is in fine print and not easily seen. I waited and waited and finally attempted to resolve this problem by calling AAA. I was very upset and distressed when they said that I will not be receiving this promised refund during a taped phone message that they admitted took place. I hope you can assist me in resolving this issue. Thank you!

The next day, I searched my security camera footage (Luckily, the cameras are trained on my vehicles.) and watched in living color while the guy put the cable on backward. I called AAA (It took two hours to get through.), and the regular person who answered couldn't help me. The supervisor I spoke to said he arranged for the car to be towed to Midas, repaired, and then towed back to my house. He said Midas agreed to hold the bill until the investigation was complete. The car was towed to Midas. I, of course, was required to go in and talk to them. They called later in the day and said my car was ready and they had replaced the electrical wiring. I drove back and was on the phone to AAA for a tow when they said, "Stop, the alternator is fried too and must be replaced." They were closed Sunday but said I could pick it up Monday.

On Monday, I called in sick from work (losing a day's pay) and waited for the call. Finally, in the afternoon, I called Midas. They said they weren't working on the car and were waiting for AAA to approve the repair. They said they only told AAA they would look at the vehicle, not repair it. Finally, I got hold of the investigator for AAA, and she said it was my word against the technician and he said he didn't reverse the jumper cables. I told her again that I had full color video footage that says otherwise. Half an hour later, she said the technician's boss had gone to Midas himself and paid the bill. So, apparently to AAA, the customer is wrong unless they have video.

Midas called Tuesday (another lost day of work) to get me to tow it home. When I called AAA for the tow, they claimed that I had no record or notes that indicated approval to tow my vehicle back home without it counting against me. I had to wait on hold for 15 minutes while they got approval. I insisted that the person who told the lies on Saturday about Midas fixing my car and holding the bill and the free tow to and from my house call me. They said he'd call at 6:30 am on Thursday. He didn't call until 10:30, and then he was blase about it and couldn't grasp why I was upset at the inconvenience, the loss of wages, the stress, the loss of my time, etc. He said AAA did everything it could and didn't owe me anything.

How can a five-minute jump start that cost me four days, two days of lost wages, hours of searching video footage, almost three hours on hold, having to repeat my story to four different people, four trips back and forth to the repair shop, time waiting for two trucks and being treated like a liar until I presented video (basically turning my life upside down for four days) be considered "no big deal" by AAA?

He spoke to me like I was an idiot. He was condescending and rude. He acted like I just made the whole thing up. When I left the car care center dissatisfied, I ran another errand and found that my car would not start once when I was ready to leave! How’s that for making it up? I called AAA and filed a complaint stating I would not deal with Mr. ** again. Lo and behold, he calls me again. I explained that it’s awfully coincidental that my car was starting to have these electrical problems the minute I drive it off the AAA lot. He is supposed to have one of the other centers take a look at my car, but I haven’t heard anything yet. Woman: do not take your car to AAA! The treatment of women is atrocious!

That is crap and illegal without my approval. The one year we had it in 2009, we never used it so we never paid it again and the card ran out. I think this might have something to do with me checking on AAA auto insurance when I was trying to find a cheaper insurance. Florida has really high insurance in the place we lived at a couple of months ago. The guy I spoke to said that I had to go to my bank and let them investigate this charge. Now stop and go back and read where I said he told me that a letter was sent out to the members stating if you don't want to have auto withdraw, send that letter back.

Now he told me that it would take 3 weeks to 1 month to get my money back into my account, which is so unfair. I am just like a lot of people who is unemployed, just making it day by day and have to pay bills. Then, I get something like this to happen is not fair. AAA is a big joke and after this and reading all the complaints, I wish I had never joined this company. Buyers beware of AAA. I will be more than glad to pass this along to everyone I know.

It took about an 1-1/2 hr. for the truck and, of course, he had no gas with him! He wasn't told to bring any. So, he had to drive to get gas & come back. He also was told I wanted my car towed to some town in KY! I live in NC, and was stranded in SC. Now why would I want to go to KY! This lady was something else. She also asked me many times what town I was close to & I kept telling her Spartanburg, SC. I also told her I was near exit 5, SC going E on I-26! Does she not have a map? It was very frustrating & took way too long. The tow truck driver was wonderful, however.

At that point, I saw a neighbor shopping in Big Lots. I asked him for a favor to get me home to climb my fence and get in my house to get my spare car key and get a ride back to the car. I got back to Big Lots and called AAA. Again, I went through the same rigamarole and held forever. Finally the local dispatcher said that they finally found someone to get in my trunk (it was 4:12 now, one hour and 12 min. past the time they were to be there). I said, "Don't bother, I am driving my car." The excuses I got were that Infinitis have difficult security systems and there is one guy that can get into trunks and he was busy and was finally available. Really? They could have given me an option to call a cab rather than wait for 90 minutes for zero service whatsoever. I'm very disgusted and disappointed. This is terrible apathy.

The car is still being stored in Deming with half my daughter’s things in it. I have advertised it locally, and got this response from a man in Albuquerque: "In over a decade of owning and driving these cars (my family always had 240s, so I started early), not once have I ever seen anything messed up with the cam, valves, or head that will ruin all of those (not on an unmodified, non-turbo car, anyway). I had a 1984 240 turbo that was driven from the east coast with a blown head gasket, and he did pretty much ruin the engine, but he was just being an idiot. My guess is that you broke a timing belt. If the car cranks faster than normal with a different sound, but won't start, it’s a timing belt for sure.

"Even if your car has functional power steering and air conditioning (two extra belts to take off), replacing it should take less than two hours in any reputable shop, with less than $75 in parts if you don't buy a genuine Volvo timing belt and tensioner. I've done it on the side of the road in an hour when my own cars have broken them, and they take half an hour in my driveway. Unless you ran out of oil or coolant, or overheated to an epic extent, it can't be that bad." If AAA is using their affiliates to run scams on stranded travelers in isolated areas, something needs to be done.

The next day, I called AAA once again since I had just paid $120.00 to renew my membership and this time, a different tow truck driver was able to pull out. Obviously it wasn't AAA but this tow truck company (King's Towing) that didn't help me in this awful experience. But will this happen again in the future? If a tow truck can't pull me out of a little wet dirt, who can? Superman?

I have been having serious issues with AAA in Billings and in Helena. I have not gotten the service or help that I think I deserve. This all started last summer when I stopped by the Billings office and spoke with Susan ** about setting up a Bridal registry/honeymoon fund. She said this was not a problem, to come back at about 6 months out. I did this and we were looking at honeymoon locations and sites. I told Susan I would be sending her a sample of her work info that I was going to have printed on my wedding invitations. I didn't hear right back assuming she was busy.

A friend of my mother's was having a shower for me and wanted to talk with Susan verifying her info. When the friend called, she was informed that Susan had retired. I was not notified of this, hence the no response to my email. I went down to AAA and was told that Tricia ** would take over. Dealing with Tricia was an ordeal as I would leave messages, both phone and emails, and she would not get back to me. I had people going to the office to donate money to my honeymoon and they were told the registry was not up and running. My fiance called down and tried to talk to Tricia but she was out sick for a change.

He was given Joan's number in Helena to talk to. She assured him it was up and running. The next day, I was able to talk with Tricia and she said no it wasn't. Our guests were calling us saying they had left messages or stopped by and Tricia did not get back to them. Also, guests in Bozeman went to that AAA office to make a donation and they didn't have a clue what the person was talking about. This was a constant battle but got out of hand the week before my wedding. Tricia would not answer the phone or emails and we found out she no longer worked for AAA.

We were told we would be dealing with Michelle out of the Helena office. Michelle felt so bad she offered to up my membership to a premium status paid through 2013. That was a slap in the face, I felt. We were promised that AAA would send letters to all our guests explaining the situation in case money was missing. We did not have any records of what had been donated even though we knew people had given to the fund. That has not happened. We had found a resort we liked and put down a deposit of $3264.60.

Tricia had told us the travel package would be approximately $1000 less than it ended up being. Two weeks ago we were informed that the resort we were going to was closing so we needed to pick another property within the preferred carries properties. This went on for a week and a half, having to leave messages for Michelle that were not returned in a timely manner, sometimes a day or so before we heard. We were offered properties that didn't fit what we wanted. As of Friday the 20th, after a week and a half of leaving messages, we decided to get our money back and start over. This should have been done in a day, but we would leave messages with Michelle then she would leave messages with the company in New York.

At 3:30 on Friday, I went to a new travel agency who cared what was happening and worked hard at trying to get us to Jamaica where our original resort was located. That did not happen as the planes were full or cost more than the resort. Had we started this process earlier, we might still have been able to get to Jamaica. We ended up having to change where we are going and also when. This is/was supposed to be the happiest time of my life. Because of AAA, it has been a nightmare.

I understand it isn't AAA's fault that the resort closed but we have been treated poorly. We were also in contact with Tim ** who didn't return calls in a timely manner either. He pushed us off onto Michelle. We were promised conference calls which never happened; I don't know how many days I sat at home waiting for a call that never came. I was given your name as a contact and felt you needed to know what was going on in your company. This situation has given AAA a very bad reputation with all my guests. I will be contacting the Better Business Bureau to file a formal complaint. I don't know how many times we were told we were top priority. If this is top priority treatment, I'd hate to see low priority. Thank you for your time.

I will admit that at this point, I was so infuriated with the delay and false promises made by AAA for timing and the driver's lazy, rude behavior that I told him to forget it and was as rude to him as he had been to me. I opened my driver's car door to get my keys and noticed my door speaker was missing. This speaker has been loose, but it was still attached. When I asked the driver where the speaker was, he said, "I told you it was in the seat." He had not told me anything about the speaker. I have a photo that shows it is not only detached but broken. I then called AAA and spent over 45 minutes and four phone calls, trying to reach a supervisor to complain about the horrible service from Redhill Towing and the equally bad service from AAA.

I finally reached an AAA agent, who seemed to comprehend that I was not willing to use Redhill Towing to tow my car after my bad experience. He said he had put a note in my file along with a call number to reference, so that when I next call AAA, I could use another tow provider since that is how angry and dissatisfied I was with the overall lack of customer service. This agent's name is Kevin, and he gave me a reference number. This brings me to the next issue. Instead of being able to ride with the driver on Monday to the car rental agency, on Tuesday, I had to take a taxi and pick up a car. After spending over three hours on Monday dealing with this ridiculously easy task of having my car towed and then paying a taxi to get a rental car on Tuesday, I then called AAA on Thursday at 12:40 pm to arrange to have my car towed. There was no reference in my file, so I had to explain - again - that I did not want to have Redhill Towing pick up my car.

The agent assured me I could choose another tow company and they would be there in 30 minutes (1:10 pm), so I should leave my home ASAP to be sure and be there when they arrived. I'm sure you can see where this is going. Forty five minutes later, there's no tow truck. I called AAA, and they told me they reached the other tow company and they were on their way. I decided to call this company myself at 1:25 pm, and they had not even been contacted by AAA! Another Redhill Towing truck was on the way. I told AAA to cancel the tow. The Redhill Towing truck still showed up. I then spent another 20+ minutes on hold and finally spoke to a supervisor at AAA. I told her I had been promised by two agents that I could use another tow company, and she said that wasn't possible since AAA contracts with Redhill Towing for my area.

She could not have cared less about making her customer - me - happy by allowing another company to pick up my car, but she only cared about her relationship to the business AAA had contracted with. She said this could be used as a learning experience and teaching tool for agents, as if this makes me any happier or remotely feel like I am a valued customer to AAA. I have had the tow company of my choice (an AAA-approved provider) haul my car to their garage, which is what I had hoped to accomplish with my AAA membership. They are waiting to see your response before charging me for the tow, since Ms. ** would not approve them picking up my car.

As a person who works in the Customer Service industry, I know it can be difficult sometimes to deal with the public. But I also know how important it is to respect my customers and attempt to give them a positive experience, since I know that for every happy customer that raves about my restaurant, a dissatisfied customer will complain 10 more times to 10 times as many people. At this point, I am a very unhappy customer.

That was a total lie and I am astounded that AAA would scam a long time customer so it would not have to replace a $110 battery. There was no drain on my battery, no loose wire. My alternator and starter are perfect. I had Jim jump my battery and I drove to the dealer and had them check out everything. It was fine. I have the paperwork to prove it. The only thing wrong was the battery, which AAA refuses to replace and honor my warranty. I have never been so poorly mistreated and lied to by a company that I had respected. I had to pay $150 for a new battery when all my car needed was for AAA to replace the battery it had installed 1 1/2 years prior.

I am filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau and any organization I can find that has anything to do with AAA. I will do everything I can to make sure people know not to use AAA and not to buy batteries from AAA. AAA should be ashamed of itself. In a tough economy, I would think AAA could not afford to lose two more customers. You have lost a previously loyal customer over your scam. I have the paperwork from my dealer showing that the only thing wrong with my car was the battery.

I'm on the freeway by the way. The driver told me he thought that he knew where I am, but if I was not there, he wanted me to call 911 so the highway patrol could relay where I was. Can you imagine that? Finally, the driver arrived. And he doesn't even have the proper tools. He asked me if I have tools. Fortunately, I had some, but I admit I'm thinking, “I'm paying for this?” He jacked up the van and then informed me it's not high enough, so he needs to place wood under the jack. I don't need to know that! He began to jack it up again and boom! My van falls off the jack, scaring my wife and daughter to death. He finally got it changed, but when I looked at the tire this morning, it was not properly inflated. I have been a member since 1993, but will not be for much longer. I am not getting my money's worth!

I then went to Pull-A-Part and got a $20 used battery. The used battery started my Explorer every time, every day for a week. When I called AAA back and reported that I had replaced the battery to confirm that it was indeed the problem, they said that I had voided my warranty by removing the battery myself and they refused to replace the battery. The used battery continues to work and I will never do business with AAA ever again. Furthermore, I avoid businesses that advertise to be AAA partners.

AAA gave me the same story so I asked to get me to the supervisor. They told me the supervisor will call me soon. I waited for 10 more minutes and then started changing the tire myself. Once I was done taking the old tire out and tightening the replacement tire, I received a call from AAA that the driver will be there in 15 minutes. But I said thank you for nothing and for not providing the service for what I am paying and told them I will be getting to AAA management for this inconvenience. I am hoping that this will be conveyed to AAA. Thanks.

After 2 hours waiting for the tow truck, my car was taken to its final destination. When the driver arrived, I asked then if they were busy that morning. He replied by saying that he had just received the call and was not busy at all. I am not sure who made the mistake, but to punish a paying member without even offering an apology or explanation is absurd.

Now, since when is it okay for an employee of any company to keep a customer's personal information for their own personal use?! He could very well have my home address as well. Should I be worried about that too?! I am "creeped" out, disgusted, and now, when I need roadside assistance, I don't know if I will feel comfortable calling AAA, especially not in the same area. AAA is a company I trusted. I am extremely angry and disappointed and so is my husband!

The next day, July 3rd, I went to my local AAA office at 1760 Park Manor Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 to complete my transaction. However, the member rep at that office informed me that she could not issue a plate and registration without the title. I told her what Ms. ** at the Monroeville office had told me, but she insisted that there was nothing she could do. I would now have to wait the 4-6 weeks for a plate to be issued. The member rep at the Robinson AAA did contact Ms. ** while I was standing at her desk and explained to Ms. ** that what she did was not proper. They laughed about it and the Robinson rep told Ms. ** not to worry about it.

At no point did anyone at either AAA office take responsibility for this major error. No one at either AAA office offered an apology to me. No one at either office let me know that Ms. ** would receive proper retraining on handling this type of transaction, which tells me that it will occur again to another AAA member. Because of this incompetent AAA member service rep, I have paid for a 2007 Vespa and for the required insurance, but I cannot legally ride the scooter for at least a month. I really expected better from AAA and I will question renewing my membership.

I signed up for their annual membership and called them to have my tire removed. They removed the tire with no problems. I took the tire, got it fixed and called AAA the second time on May 15th to have my tire put back on because I still did not have the tools to screw the nuts back on. He put the tire on and said everything should be fine and it really looked fine. After the tire was put back on, I had it sitting on my driveway for almost three weeks because I didn't have any money to pay for my expired sticker. When I did start driving it again, I realized my car was a little shaky and my alignment was messed up. I called Willow Bend Automotive and asked them for a quote for an alignment; they told me to come in and let them inspect the car. I told them I don't have the money and that I will come in about a week.

I was driving home from the gym and heading towards the highway when my car started to shake and rattle noisily. I had my radio on, but the noise overpowered the radio. I decided to make a U-turn and see what was going on. Right before I completed the U-turn, the tire that AAA recently put back onto my car fell off the axle and I ran into a ditch. I called AAA and explained to them and they sent a tow dispatcher to check out the situation.

He asked me who was the last person to touch that tire and I replied, "AAA." He told me they didn't tighten the nuts tight enough. He showed me the tire and how all five of the lug nuts were missing. When he took the tire off the car, that was when we realized the nuts didn't just fall out - they were cut in half when the wheel fell off. The accident caused damages to my wheel, tire, axle, suspension and my fenders, possibly even more. I called AAA to file a complaint and they told me my complaint will take 8-10 business days. I responded that I had work the next day - so how was I supposed to get there? They told me they couldn't help any further. They did not apologize to me once, but instead told me that the person that installed my tire is no longer with them.

They also told me that they will send an AAA agent to my house and assess the damages, but no one ever came. After 8 days and not hearing from AAA, I decided to give them a call. I asked for the status on my complaint and they told me they tried contacting me, but with no success. That was a complete lie because I've been waiting with my cell with me at all times for them to call me. They told me they will not pay for any damages because it’s been a month since the AAA agent fixed my tire and that they are not sure if anyone else had touched my tire after the AAA guy did. I said to him why he waited this long to tell me this. And he said he was sorry and that was the end of it.

Beyond the cost of the tires, they charged my wife $63.80 for balancing the wheels and an additional charge of $58 for Road Hazard Protection, which I do not understand because we have AAA. They then gave my wife an estimate for additional work for $315.26, which was not required. The total cost for the one flat tire would have cost $929.45. I would like to know why AAA certifies repair locations that attempt to scare women into having unnecessary repairs done on their car when they have a disabled car in an unfamiliar location. I would like a response on this issue. I will contact AAA after the two tires are checked by my mechanic. My wife was told that the tires had dry rot. I have never been charged for balancing tires and have no idea why they charged my wife for Road Hazard Protection.

We have had AAA for over ten years and have never had a problem with your service. I do not like the fact that this location attempted to take advantage on a woman needing assistance. Also, the manager, when giving her the additional estimate, asked her how much money she had. This is an aggressive policy, I think, by Goodyear and I do not understand why AAA uses them. I expect a reply from AAA.

Ms. ** proceeded to tell me that if I was planning on visiting any of the cathedrals in Italy (this was when she gestured to me and my outfit), she informed me that I cannot dress sexy or show any cleavage (implying that I was dressing sexily and revealing cleavage then and there). Her tone was full of condescension! I will admit that I had my sunglasses resting on the neckline of my shirt that, by their own weight, weighed down the shirt. However, I am a very modest individual. I was wearing black pants and a cotton blouse that did not have sleeves, but fully covered my shape. It is the summertime in Florida!

I felt extremely insulted and offended by her comments about my clothing. I have no intention of seducing anyone with my clothing and was taken off guard because I had no reason to suggest that what I was wearing was anything but modest. I intentionally try to dress modestly! Regardless, I have never had any issues with AAA or anyone working for AAA prior to this occasion. We appreciate the service that we usually get from AAA and consider this the exception to our normal experience.

The battery has been fine until just last Saturday and Sunday (June 2 and 3). Three times I needed to call for service! On the first call, I was stuck about 35 miles away from my home. It was checked to see if the battery was bad, and it didn't say in the report that it was bad. So, the driver said I could drive it and it would get its voltage back after about 30 minutes. The next time I went out to start it, it was dead. So the next day, I had made revised plans because I needed help to carry equipment from a friend.

The next day (Sunday), I called them again, got a jump to get going again, drove the car down on the freeway, and made a big loop to build up the voltage. This time, I let it sit for 30 minutes and tried to start it again; nothing. I called the service a third time (It's the same guy on the same day.). I was assuming that I could just ask for a replacement battery from AAA since I had this problem. This driver told me that he couldn't replace it if the print-out said that there's nothing wrong with the battery. He told me his hands were tied because of policy.

It seemed like no problem when they wanted to replace a battery made by a different maker! So, I jumped it myself and got it down to my trusted mechanic, and he said that battery was bad so I could fight for a replacement or just get one (with a trusted name) from him. So this is my venting by complaining about this service that I thought was a quality program, but by seeing other complaints, I guess I'm not alone.

My wife's engine light kept going on and after jump-starting her car two more times, we had no choice but to go to a mechanic that we trusted and have the battery replaced. Since then, the car had been running perfectly. I called AAA three times to complain about the poor service we received and to request reimbursement and I was told that I will be contacted by a local rep for the company. It has been more than three weeks and I still haven't been contacted. I keep asking that something be done, but the person in the "Fair Play" division keeps telling me that it's out of their hands and that the local rep has to contact me.

Since no one had made any attempt to contact me, I have begun to lose my patience at the complete ineptitude and lack of caring that I am receiving from AAA. I don't know where to go from here since the people I talk to act powerless and keep passing the buck to someone who had made not attempt to resolve the matter with me. This is extremely bad customer service.

On another note, your driver would stand in bars drunk, bragging about how she can tow anyone. I hope she doesn't do that drunk, because her sober service is worse. Also, are your trucks supposed to be parked at the home of the drivers on the weekends? Maybe, that is why I couldn't get service. Needless to say, my father said his point was proven why he would not pay for your service.

Tina assured me she would.have reason as to why no one showed, and it is April 18 and nothing. I'm sadly disappointed and will not recommend your service. It seems more of your drivers are too busy partying the night before which hinders their ability to help those of us stranded on the side of the roads for 2 hours.

When I got home, I took the battery to advance auto. It needed to be charged, there was not a dead cell. It was a good battery. The driver tried to rip me off. My day started at 9AM and did not end till 9:30PM because of this service call and lost 6 hours of work hours.

I was told I would receive a call within two business days to get more information and handle the employee. I never received a call and when I followed up with AAA I was told: "We realize it is the customer's choice not to renew their membership." The customer service representative I initially spoke that night with appeared to be sympathetic and responsive, but I never received an apology or follow-up. This kind of situation is very scary for a female and I am deeply disturbed that such a well-known company does not care about employees who intimidate their customers.

At that time, the dispatch attendant also confirmed that this was only my second call in the past 13 months and that no additional charges would occur. I expect to receive a transcript of that recorded conversation from AAA. This is the principal reason for my complaint. I was informed on February 18th that the service call was within the normal allotment of calls resulting from my membership. I would have not accepted the service call if AAA had stated that I would otherwise be billed for a roadside service call. Absolutely no mention of cancellation was brought up at that time by the dispatch attendant and therefore the service call went on as scheduled. I could also have taken care of the $8.00 deficiency over the phone on the same day if offered that opportunity by AAA. Instead, AAA chose to honor the longstanding membership agreement (probably due to the fact that nearly all of my membership had been paid early) and dispatched the roadside service vehicle. I have subsequently paid the $8.00 balance due amount, but only recently.

Here is the evidence of unfair business practices conducted by AAA: On February 20th, (I have postmarked envelope to support this testimony) or two days after the service call, I received the first notice from AAA that I still owed them $8.00 to bring my account to current. However, it is spelled out at the top of the letter that it was the second renewal notice when in fact, it was the first. Even so, it was predated to indicate that the letter was written on February 14, 2012. However it was actually written later then received on 2/20/12 (two days after) the 2/18/12 service call. So essentially, there was no good faith effort on the part of AAA for me to bring my account to current at the time of the service call despite the letter with attached payment coupon in the statement mailed to me on February 20th, 2012.

Furthermore, I have received an invoice for this service call for the incomplete service from 2/18/12 and in direct conflict with AAA's confirmation I received that the call was one of my paid normal roadside service calls. I contacted AAA by phone and was astonished after a conversation with someone who refused to give a name or supervisory number and arrogantly stated that "AAA had no intention of resolving the error and eliminating the invoice or even taking responsibility for the inappropriate action". At this time, I would ask to have my AAA membership renewed in full (nearly all of which was prepaid well before the service call) and the subsequent invoice be eliminated, any adverse credit reporting occurrences be immediately reversed with a confirmation made to me in the form of a formal letter. Additionally and at very least, an apology be extended by the appropriate managerial level representative of AAA for the obvious burden of inconvenience and poor customer service that I have experienced.

The same driver (that had originally been dispatched from LI) came back at 8:15 or so in the morning and told me AAA roadside called off my tow when I repeatedly called in distress. I was completely broken in a bad part of Brooklyn all night, mostly on the left hand side of the road, 5 or 10 feet from a fire hydrant and in front of a commercial loading zone, all which was explained to roadside as I made panicked call after panicked call. I did not arrive at the garage where i was supposed to be towed until 10:30 or 11 am and was up all night in my freezing car, waiting for a tow. I threw up from the stress and adrenaline and caused me severe distress after breaking down in the worst spot (I have pictures). I repeatedly told AAA I was in a very bad spot and I needed emergency roadside service.

When I tried to complain, they redirected me around so much I am afraid my voice will not be heard. I had to get a car for my girl to get back to her apartment. She was okay, I am currently not. Why, I ask, would I call off a tow after frantically calling in distress? They even ask if I'm in a safe location and I say I am not, I am in the worst spot possible. Around 7 and 8 in the morning, the local businesses started opening and I had to explain why I was parked in front of their loading dock doors and in front of a curb with yellow paint. So my choice was to sit there and take it or have my car ticketed and impounded due to the call off. Another agent told me a tow would be there in 20 minutes after I complained again and it took them almost an hour.

I would like to speak so anyone who can tell me if what they have done is legal. I felt exposed and vulnerable and do not trust AAA to handle my roadside needs anymore. This is and was one of the worst experiences I've had with any roadside assistance.

I called back and spoke with Tanya to reinstate my membership in hopes to eliminate the additional fees that I would've had to pay if I was not current on my membership before. So I got this issue out of the way. Now an AAA technician was dispatched to assist me at my home, ref. truck #** with no technician's name was given at my request. The technician arrived, asked me what was wrong. I told him I had taken the battery out because on my initial call to AAA, I was told that they were going to charge me extra to have a technician remove it. As soon as he heard this, he immediately retrieved back to his truck and told me that my battery's 3-year warranty was now voided due to the fact that I had removed it from my own SUV. The technician refused to help me at all. He called dispatch and dispatch informed me that the driver/technician would not be getting out of his truck to assist me. The driver left right away.

I made several attempts to speak to an AAA representative regarding my dilemma. The person I spoke with (Tyesha, the lead person) told me that she would not direct me to anyone because she was the point of escalation and no one else could do anything for me. She went as far as saying that no matter what I said, they were not going to replace it regardless of what your (my) previous conversation was earlier when I called to reinstate my membership. I paid for a service and I didn't even get that. I am aware of the many complaints against AAA's substandard products (in this case, my battery). I would like my money back, a full refund so I can purchase a quality product from an automotive parts store that honors their warranties immediately.

If this battery fails before the next 3 years is up, I'm going to hire an attorney and get to the bottom of these poor batteries. I'm about ready to dump AAA and get a real service company!

The response they gave was, "you are correct, in that the membership handbook does not spell out the rules of eligibility, where the age of associate members is concerned. This is, however, a rule that must be enforced, and I apologize if you were not aware of it. I will quote the rule to you, as it appears in our training manuals and job aids; unmarried dependents must be under the age of 25, and over the age 17, and reside in the same household as the primary member, or are full time students. Again, I apologize for our failure to provide this information in our handbook.

As the agent you spoke with stated, by your 26 year old daughter being carried as an associate, you are taking advantage of a discount that you are not eligible for. Therefore, the membership for Betty will be cancelled at renewal on 3/15/2012, making the new amount due for the remaining members of the household $127.00. Should she wish to continue membership, she has the option of purchasing her own separate primary membership at that time".

I was accused of taking advantage of a rule I had no way of knowing about (again diverting attention to the reason I emailed). My response was, "how am I taking advantage of a rule I am not aware of? That's a pretty bold accusation. Also, my daughter Betty, who is 26, is a full time graduate student, so she should be eligible to be on my plan, per the rules you state to me. I can easily send you proof she is a full time student. I'm not sure how it saves me, a member of 10 years, money on my membership, when someone gets in cheaper than me.

Oh, I understand how it spreads out the cost, but you also gain new members that spend more money with you as well. I bet my membership goes up in price next year, despite this incentive to new members. Oh yes, but not as much as it would have, if they didn't have the new members. I get it. My daughter Mary also will be going back to school to get her Masters degree this fall. I can also provide documentation of proof to that as well".

In short, it all started with AAA giving my daughter a bad company to deal with, when her keys were locked in. The guy took over 3 hours to get there, as they waited in the rain for him, then charged me $946 to make a key. I was not happy about the business they gave my daughter to work with, and then have the nerve to tell me I could apply to get $50 back, because my membership allows that.

They didn't even get it. $50? How about you giving us such an unscrupulous person to work with at 1 AM? I am now working with a guy that can email me his response, but if I have further things to discuss, to call him! I bet he answers the phone! This is a typical big business that cares little about the customers, only about the bottom line. Up to last summer, I had no complaint about my service, because it fell within their guidelines spelled out for a customer to see. How am I supposed to follow rules, I know nothing about?

Regardless, I wouldn't have minded if the battery held its charge. The original Honda battery could go two months without being driven. I am disgusted with AAA. They have become obsessed with getting people to purchase their products and services, and what makes it worse is the substandard product they are selling. Do not buy their batteries or believe the towing company they use.

Four days later, when he showed up, he stated that he wanted to avoid his deductible, and have a guy he knew fix it. He said that he would have an AAA adjuster come out and determine the damage. After two more days of waiting, I called my insurance company which has now lead to out-of-pocket expenses. I have a rental car and a deductible which AAA refuses to reimburse saying that since I used my insurance, they no longer have control of the situation.

They backed out of having control when they pushed me off to the tow company, and never offered any assistance. I intend to take them to small claims court to collect this--the fact that their contractor is poor in how he handles complaints should not cost me money. Their denial of responsibility is unacceptable.

In January of 2012 I moved to an apartment complex in the same city so I emailed Ms. B. to let her know that I needed to make an address change and add renter’s insurance since that was the policy for the apartment complex. I emailed her on January 2nd; she contacted me the next day requesting information which I responded that same day. I did not hear back from her. On the 4th I emailed her again and she told me she was having "technical difficulties" and needed more time. I told her that Kemper (the company I use through AAA) will deduct for the current policy on the 6th; therefore, it was a time sensitive issue. She advised me the only way to prevent them from taking money from my account was to come in and sign a new policy including renter’s insurance.

I went in at 4:30 pm and waited a bit. When I sat down with Ms. B., she was extremely rude and agitated with me. She told me that had I initially added the renter’s insurance, she would not have had to write a new policy. I explained to her that when the initial policy was written I was renting a room. Now I live in an apartment complex where having renter’s insurance is mandatory. She was very upset and started to type extremely hard, making it clear that she was frustrated. She then said in a very rude manner "I need a voided check," in which case I pointed out to her that the check was right in front of her. After the very unpleasant visit, the conversation ended with a clear understanding that my old policy would be cancelled that day (the 4th) and the new policy would be effective that day as well; and, therefore, the amount of $156 was supposed to be taken by the end of the business day on the 4th and the old policy cancelled.

I noticed on the 5th the $156 was not taken out my account. On the 6th I noticed that $142 was taken out from my account which was for the old policy. I emailed Ms. B. right away and this is what she emailed me the same day:

"Kay, After further discussion with Kemper over your account draft today of $142, we have been informed they are sending out refund of $149.49 on Jan. 12th, at the latest; they must wait 3 days for the draft from today to clear. I apologize. There is nothing further we can do about that draft. We attempted to have this not occur, and it was too late for the electronic to be stopped."

I told her I no longer wanted her to touch my policy as I was going to call corporate to have them figure this out because I now had no insurance and she never even mentioned my new policy being effective, which at this point, I later found out was not in effect. And this was the disturbing response I got from Ms. B., leading me to believe that she intentionally messed up my insurance based on racial and religion discrimination:

"Kay, To reiterate on the cancellation, we did request the cancellation on the 4th. It was processed on the 4th and requested stop pay on the 4th when you came in. Originally I was informed by our CSU that Kemper was only going to refund you $6.66 until I advised according to you that they drafted another $142 today. The CSU (AAAs corporate customer service) contacted Kemper again to verify this and asked why the draft occurred when the request to cancel was made 2 days ago. They indicated they needed more time to cancel today’s draft and cancelling it would not have made that occur. Kemper is the company that did the draft and did not cancel the draft on the 4th. It is not in my ability to access their database accounting department to complete this."

Again, no reference to my new policy ever taking effect. I am of Fijian decent. Ms. B. is blonde hair, blue eyed, and the number 666 to me is very disturbing, especially since I wear a chain with a cross on it, signifying I am a Christian. Not only do the numbers not add up to $142, but why 666? And in return offer me $149.49 which is not even the amount I use to pay which was $142. It was not until January 9th at 5 pm PST that I noticed the amount for my new policy was taken out of my account which brought my account to a negative balance plus $70 of overdraft fees. I received a check from Kemper for $149 when I was out of town. When I returned to the States from Canada, I went to Bank of America explained the situation and they were kind enough to remove the overdraft fees.

I am mortified and beyond anger! If my policy is even in effect, it means that I went 5 days without insurance and I have never gone a day without insurance in my life. I emailed my landlord on the 4th with the new policy only to find out that it didn't go through. I have all correspondence between her and me and I would very much like to be contacted by an attorney.

Thank you.

I called West Side Tow, and Amir answered the phone. Amir told me that "MJ is the manager and that he has the insurance, but that MJ is sleeping and that I would have to call him in the morning. I took pictures of the tow truck driver. The driver allowed me to take a picture of his driver's license, and I wrote a note on the receipt, noting that it was the tow truck driver who damaged my car during pick-up of the vehicle. Since I was given a carbon copy of the receipt, I took a picture of the original.

On 1-6-12, my husband called West Side Tow, and Joe answered the phone. Joe stated that MJ the manager was on vacation and would be on vacation for at least two days. Joe identified that Mark was the owner of the towing company. Joe said to call Mark back in one hour. Joe told my husband that he was just helping. One hour later, I called West Side Tow, and my call was forwarded to a voice mail box.

My next call was to GEICO. I spoke to Charles about what I should do next. We 3-way called West Side Tow. Mark answered and told GEICO that MJ, the manager, is the only one with the insurance information. I had told Charles about calling the tow company back to talk to Mark, only to find that Mark answered the phone and forwarded me to a voice mail. I called AAA next, and James gave me a "case number" which turned out to be merely a complaint number.

On 1-15-12, I called GEICO, because at this point AAA and West Side Tow has given me a runaround. Andrea called AAA and apologized that the call was taking some time. I wanted to stay on hold. She also said that they were not being too helpful; she was talking to Linda at AAA. Andrea told me that according to AAA, the owner of West Side Tow is Ali **. Andrea called West Side Tow and was told that Ali ** is out of the country and that the only person that has the insurance information was MJ, the manager.

Andrea spoke to Joe. She asked when she could contact MJ, because they have been told several times to call tomorrow and that MJ is never there. He assured Andrea that MJ would be there. Andrea will call me tomorrow morning, and we will 3-way call MJ at West Side Tow.

I called AAA, because they are a reputable company. AAA has stated that the tow truck company is liable. I regret calling AAA, and I think that they should be responsible for the people they contract out to.

There were rules she needed to abide by. I asked to speak with Mark. She said no, he makes his decisions, and he is the president. I said "So, he could bend the rules one time." She said he could, but they would not on this. She had an attitude and I told her I would not join again. Why is it that those in power are so rude? She informed me that she has been with the company for 13 years, and they never had unlimited services. I rate this as low as you go!

It is evident to me that AAA fails to screen its contractors, looking instead for the lowest bid. I am paying over $50 yearly, and I can count on one hand the number of times I have used your services. I will not renew again. It would be cheaper to take my chances, and I would be able to select a reputable company when and if service is needed.

I missed a day's pay and had to pay 70 dollars for a tow. While I don't feel anyone is liable for my day's pay, I would greatly appreciate at the very least the tow being reimbursed based on the considerable amount of time it took for a tow truck to arrive. I hope to hear from someone shortly on this matter. Thanks.

One young man stated that his supervisor could approve a "complimentary call" or a "courtesy call" and the supervisor did. After transferring me to "my club," a rude woman retrieved my call. I explained my circumstances--that I was 245 miles away from home, and because I was just returning to work, I had no money but I had been a member since 2009.

I was getting paid the next day and could renew. Then, a supervisor had approved a courtesy call. The woman said, "We don't do that so I guess you're out of luck." I was out of town with no money and had been a member for three years! I will not be renewing my membership. There was a 14 day lapse. If this is how they treat loyal customers, they don't need my loyalty. A tow service in Niagara was nice enough to come pull me out that night and charge me half the tow the following day and another half in two weeks when I get paid again.

Called on December 4, 2011, spoke to someone at the station. I informed him that my name is Shirley **, owner of the Blue Dodge Intrepid, and I wanted to come get it. He told me that they don't release cars on Sunday, and the person I originally dealt with is not there. On December 6, 2011, he, a friend drove me to the Lake Service Station, to pay the storage fee and get AAA to take my car back to Brooklyn. The station attendant I originally dealt with was there. Informed him I'm here to get my car, he told me about the storage fee, and so forth. Then he informed me after looking on the computer and calling a employee of his that my car was junked.

I asked him how could that be, because he does not have the title to the car. He and I then went over the entire situation, that lead up to my car ending up there in the first place. But I asked him how can you junk someones car without the title. As I understand, I assume this was illegal to do. My friend, who drove me 80 miles, to get to this place, when did he junk it, he said last week, so that means anytime after November 29th, the day I came to pay the $180 storage fee. The means to me, he did not waste anytime getting rid of my vehicle. Also, this gentlemen had my name and telephone on paper work that I filled out on November 25th, he could given me a curiosity call and ask me what I wanted to do with my car. This man never call me, he took it upon himself to junk my car if that is what he did with it.

My car was in good condition inside and out. I also had a lot of work done on this car and I had new headlights installed this past summer. I greatly feel this person did an unjustifiable to me and I want to pursue this matter. Please contact me, by then I will have the name of the gentlemen I dealt with regarding this awful situation. I know this is a long letter, but I needed to give you all the details. Thanking you in advance.

The letter from them (Myisha) states that sometimes this happens, but they still expect me to pay them. It was an error on their part that they told me I had one tow left when I asked them if I had any left. But they state that I should have known I didn't have any left regardless of them telling me I did and therefore I need to pay them. Keep in mind, had they advised me I didn't have any left on my AAA, I would have used my other coverages for free. And the AAA tow driver forgot to lock down the car on the flatbed and it rolled off, on the highway, as we were driving down the road. They have horrific service. That's bad faith and just plain wrong.

I called AAA and was told, "We cannot tow your vehicle without a damage waiver." I tried to explain to the dispatcher, my dilemma. She said, "AAA requires a damage waiver to tow any vehicle." It's something the first driver did not require. So, to have AAA tow a vehicle, one must allow them (AAA) to do any damage they may, and sign a waiver saying they (AAA) were/are not liable for it. What?

When I came back and called AAA, they said the guy had called and said my husband was the rude one. They tell me it was okay for them to be rude to my husband, he's not a member. I ask them what type of customer service is that. They were not very friendly. They then tell me another truck will come out and be there at 6:11a.m. So we wait and nothing comes. I call back, they tell me a truck is not coming and that I would have add my husband on in order for them to come back out to tow my car. Even though I'm a member and was stuck at my car, they were not coming back in unless I was going to pay regular price for a tow truck.

I canceled my policy right there. All they said was, "I hope you have a better day."

I knew my membership for AAA would be coming in November but I never heard anything. I thought this was odd since I knew it was expiring but I waited for it in the mail. Then the person who moved in to the apartment after me called in annoyed, informing me that she had been receiving my mail. But since I had told her my address had been updated, she figured it was a mistake and sent it back as return to sender, who no longer lives here. I called Mary the next day, left a message explaining my mail was somehow still going to my old apartment address and my new permanent address, so to please update and forward it to me since I wasn't getting anything related to AAA membership. She called me back apologizing, said she would update it and forward the mail correctly. This was two weeks ago.

I've since waited again for membership to come in the mail so I could renew and it's never come. I called AAA today to the membership department, explained the situation and they said they would reissue but since I had failed to mail in a timely manner, my coverage would be lapsed and I would not have coverage until I made payment, and if I didn't make payment by January 1, it would be termed. Now what's unfair about this situation is that I updated my address as I was supposed to back in March. Yet your company made the mistake of updating it incorrectly and I don't have coverage. I will be more than happy to pay for the membership and mail it back the day it comes in but I feel that it is very unfair that I am penalized for your reps mistake.

If I am in an accident, I now have to pay for the tow and that's not fair because she made a mistake, I did my job. I explained all this to the rep that I spoke to today, she did not seem to care. It was not her problem, my coverage would still be lapsed. I understand mistakes happen, but I should not be at fault for this.

My husband is on his Army duty for 2 weeks in California and I told AAA that he needs the money for gas and food. My checks are going to bounce if I don't get my refund and they keep telling me that they will refund me but until now I haven't seen a single cent put back into my bank account.

The tickets were paid for as well as two other adults that were with us who received the same tickets. We all spent our first two days at animal and magic kingdom. The lady at magic kingdom told me I should have bought the tickets from her. It would have been $9.00 cheaper for the kids under 9 yrs old due to AAA sold me all individual passes. The 3rd day, we went to universal and were denied entry due to the card was not right. I told them Cathy from AAA said they would exchange them for a paper card. She sent me to guest services, they told me they are not part of Disney and I need to take that up with AAA.. We had to buy more tickets. The next day (Monday), I went back to AAA, talked to Cathy.

She said she does not remember me saying the 3 different parks and cannot give a refund due to I already used the other 2 park days. I educated her on the order that the park passes were put in and that I repeated the parks 3 times to her with witnesses there to confirm and the universal brochure right in front of her. She then went to her manager Peggy **, who told me AAA does not give refunds on already activated passes. I explained the problem again and she said Cathy has been there a long time and she would not make a mistake. I told her we were leaving at 2:30 to go back to Maine today and something needs to be done. She said, I could still use the pass today. Really? We fly out in 4 hours. How is that going to work? I asked her what she is willing to do. She replied there's nothing she can do. AAA does not refund money on tickets.

I let my fellow workers go, because I thought I would be there only for, maybe an hour. Well, the dispatcher or supervisor rep of the Minneapolis branch cancelled my assistance call. So, an hour goes by, and the parking lot is empty, and I am alone. I am a 52-year old woman. Not a great area of town. I called back get put back in touch with Mellisa, she told me that I called the driver of the tow truck, and cancelled my roadside assistance . How would I have done that, if I had not known information on the tow truck.

Mellisa dropped the ball on this one. The tow truck driver showed up at 11:38pm. He goes, "pop your hood for a jump". I am sure that would be great but I only have a flat tire. Not only did she drop the ball, she also gave the wrong information to the driver. I have an hour drive home. It got fixed at around 12:05 AM, and I got home at 1:10 AM.

I am truly angry, and scared for anyone, who had to deal with the Minneapolis office. They hold no responsibility, or respect for any AAA consumer or customer.

After that, they kept messing up with my membership. But the more upsetting issue happened after I moved out of Torrance, and back in with my mom in LA.

I had to close my bank account (which was automatically deducting my monthly payments), and I drove right over to AAA and told them to change my bank info. I signed some papers and handed them a voided check. (I found out later they had no record of my visit that day except for the physical check I left for a payment. ) I started getting calls a month or so later saying my insurance was canceled. So I made a payment over the phone and the lady said that she'd deduct the monthly payments from that account.

Obviously not. They canceled me yet again. I walked into the branch and demanded to speak to the branch manager. This was last month, September. She straightened it all out as best as she could, she couldn't find any record of my initial visit except for the payment I left. I told her I wanted automatic deduction so I don't have to worry about this every month. We talked about my remaining balance and whatever amount I owed. She and I came up with 310.00 so I could lower my monthly payments. I agreed! I just got paid, so I was more than happy to give them whatever I could so I'd be insured. I made a check for that and gave her yet another voided check and signed the documents for the automatic deduction again.

On 10/25/2011, Bank Of America emailed me with a overdraft notice saying I was over drawn $452.05. I went to Bank Of America on the 26th during lunch (and after they cleared my savings to cover this over draft, which wasn't enough because as of right now 7:32AM 10/27 I am negative $13.00) and asked what happened. I know I had money! I found out that AAA withdrew $940.20! I got the print out of my statement and went to AAA again. I spoke with the branch manager and demanded an explanation. She called the finance team and I over heard her saying, "Oh, you guys caught that and sent a check to her for $333 today? " They had no explanation as to why they took all my money, but over 24 hrs after taking it, they "caught" it. My total to AAA is a little over 600.00, with 7 more payments left. So the total amount was bewildering to the branch manager and me. After some emails back and forth with the branch manager, they decided to deposit $850.20 into my account. According to the email from the branch manager, I should "cross my fingers" that I get the money on Friday.

My paycheck comes in tonight at midnight. I'm over drawn and I'm sure they're going to hold my money. I've had to hold off with other payments. I have no cash or savings anymore and I have to "cross my fingers" that I get the money from AAA that they stole from me with no explanation as to why. So they've messed up with my membership numerous times, they've caused me to drive without insurance because they couldn't keep their records straight, and now, they've robbed me blind! But hey, at least they finally got my correct bank account and I'm insured...right?

I had to pay $36 for the tow truck driver to take my daughter's car home, which is fifteen miles.

Finally, I got it replaced at AAA Towson, who charged me an additional $500. They assured me that they had spoken with AAA Durham and the whole charge would be reimbursed. I contacted AAA Durham regarding this and after many days of argument, they finally decided to reimburse only $350 out of $500. It has been two weeks since they decided on reimbursing and I still have not received any check from them.

Previously, I was disappointed that AAA was unable to provide a map of the county I live in. (This map is readily available on the web, but not in large format). So, no maps and no response to my towing response? I want my money back! And my rating is minus one star!

After I had my eye exam, I proceeded to order my two pairs of reading glasses and frames and two pairs of distance glasses and frames. Then, I was told by the Sears vision representative that they don't honor more than one AAA vision discount and there would be no discount for the eye exams. Well, that was a surprise. I handed the vision representative the AAA website member vision discount information to show her the multiple discounts listed which said nothing like "only one discount applies." It just listed all of the discounts that a member would get for the exams, lens and frames. I was again informed that the only discount Sears could give me was $5.00 off for two pairs of glasses. In total, I would receive $10.00 off of my bill for all four sets of glasses and no discount for the eye exams. I needed the new script and glasses so I paid the bill.

I was truly disappointed and confused because the AAA website for member vision discounts didn't say anything about no multiple discounts. And so, on 14 August 2011, I sent an email to AAA for a clarification on their advertisement. Their response back to me was a little sketchy and they said that they would check into it. When they did get back to me, the information they tried to give me clearly did not pertain to me so I told them that they had the wrong vision patient information and to please get it corrected. That went by the wayside.

On 25 August 2011, angered over this advertising issue, I called AAA and cancelled my membership renewal which had gone into effect on 1 August 2011. I asked for an email confirmation of my cancellation and a refund of the membership dues I had just paid since I wouldn't be using AAA effective that date. I was told that although they would cancel my AAA membership on 25 August 2011, my membership would remain in effect until August 2012. Huh? I thought immediate cancellation meant right then and there.

Also, when I inquired about a refund of my newly-paid membership dues, I was told that refunds only apply to new members and it's only in the first 30 days. Huh? I was clearly within the 30 days of my renewal which started on 1 August 2011, so, what's that about? It says nothing about that on the AAA website in their refund policy. If someone calls or sends email to cancel their membership, would you not cancel it right away but instead keep it in effect for another year? None of that makes sense. This is a scam which is as bad as the advertisement of the vision discounts they have on their website and in their membership brochures. Someone from AAA was supposed to get back to me on the vision discounts and my membership refund, but obviously that has not occurred.

I have since joined another auto club since there are many but I still feel that I am entitled to my $66.00 membership dues back from AAA since I cancelled in the appropriate time frame and since I won't be using their services ever again..

The real problem was when the tow driver deemed my car's engine potentially ruined and the next day the mechanic said that the engine was completely hydrolocked and flooded. The solution was to get a new engine or a used engine for a couple thousand dollars.

After wanting to get a second opinion, I had my car taken to a friend's mechanic and within the day, the spark plugs where changed along with oil and transmission fluid, costing me $300.

It is a shame that a company would want to take advantage of a person in time of calamity.

My car sat in the garage for about 3 weeks, and now, when I try to take it out, the battery is dead and the car would not start. I called AAA (888-912-6678) number for warranty service. They connected me to local AAA office in West Hills California. The lady refused to send a technician to provide warranty service until I agreed to pay for the serviceman to come to my place. I asked her why I would have to pay if the battery is under warranty. She told me the only way they would not charge me is if I become a AAA member.

I asked her if I had purchased battery from another company, would they send somebody for warranty service and not ask me to be their member. Why are you asking me either to pay for the warranty service or be an AAA member? Warranty on product has nothing to do with being a member. I did not call for AAA member benefit service. She would not buzz so I had to end the conversation and call the head office again. Then I was transferred to a guy who said the same thing.

I would never encourage anybody to buy battery from AAA. You will regret. They are selling refurbished battery at much higher price (because they know you are in the middle of the road and you would pay any amount to get out of that situation), and when you call for warranty service, they will do nothing for you.

I have been an AAA member 41 years, though I have only used your services fewer than half a dozen times. Please consider our relationship terminated! My card has been ritually burned.

Because they were AAA, I believed them and agreed to have my car towed on Monday morning. When the service representative called me on Monday morning, he informed me that they had checked my car. The problem was the alternator and it would cost me $579 to replace it. I told them that it was too much money. They said that to have my car picked up, I would have to pay $79 for the diagnostic. To pay the diagnostic or to tow the car to another shop, along with a two-year old kid--I figured I didn't have much choice in the matter and agreed to have them fix the car.

I trusted AAA not to ** me over but they did. It is true that I could have had my car towed elsewhere, but they made sure it wasn't convenient to do so. We did call shops around the area for comparison and the highest was $370. We even called the closest Mazda dealership who would sell us a brand new alternator for $317. The one we got from AAA Car Care Center is a rebuilt one. Its truly disheartening to know that AAA cares so little for their clients. And I can imagine how many people are being taken advantage of in there.

They should face charges for such incompetence, unprofessional, and rude service! I forgot, my husband had advised the person on the phone that he would not be able to be here if they took any longer than the hour that they had promised they would take. They took almost two hours!

I was stuck on the street with my son for four hours at 110 degree temperatures! I lost my car, due to not being able to get it towed and not being able to get it out of the road! I cannot afford to get my car out of the tow yard now!

We called AAA for roadside assistance around 20 to 7 p.m. I was told someone would call back shortly. One hour later and not hearing anything, I called AAA again. I was told it should be only another 10 to 15 minutes and my husband should go back to the car to wait. Having no other car, we enlisted the help of a neighbor to drive my husband back to the car.

Two hours later, they were still waiting at the car. I made another call to AAA. The agent apologized but that was no consolation for all the stress and strain. Someone finally called my husband on the neighbor's cell phone and was told someone would be there within the hour.

Unbelievable! My husband finally got home around 10 p.m. letting the tow truck take the car to the service station. A total of almost four hours wait! There was no explanation on why the delay. I can not believe a big outfit like AAA would be so lax. I will now have second thoughts in dealing with AAA.

Either way the technician advised us to get a portable battery charger and run an extension cord out the window and try charging the battery overnight...in the rain nonetheless. So after the technician tries to charge me for the service call and I call his supervisor they decide not to charge me and send out another technician who gives me the same run around....in the end I'm going to be charging my battery overnight through the window with an extension cord. I truly wish that after 7 yrs with AAA Gold membership that I had gone to Autozone and saved a few dollars and bought the damn battery there.

AAA's terms clearly state the following: "Remain with the vehicle to receive service; however, under extenuating circumstances exceptions can be made." When I called, I informed "Tammy" of these terms. She was unaware of them, and said nothing could be done for me. I reiterated the situation, and she agreed to ask her supervisor. In less than 15 seconds, she was back on the phone with the same answer: "No sir. There is nothing we can do for you. You have to be with the car."

Of course, the car is 50 miles from my home, and I have no other car. I paid extra for AAA's "plus" membership, and it took me 13 tries to get through on their "help" line (several disconnections while on hold, several calls simply didn't go through, several busy signals).

I thought that this was one of the conveniences of having a AAA membership. So much for customer service. I guess I'll just renew my registration online with the DMV. It's hard to believe that they have better customer service!

Thanks to somebody who stopped, my car was towed to a safe place, and the damaged tire was replaced with the spare tire. Of course, I paid him whatever he asked for. After the completion of this task, I called to see what happened to my service using the same number (and pressed option 3). To my surprise, the lady told me that there was no such service. It means to say that I would have been stranded with my wife under that heat forever. The lady asked whether I would request a new service and I said, “Forget it. I no longer need it, but I want to speak to a supervisor.”

At almost 4:30 PM, I was connected to a supervisor. He took all the information and asked me what I want. I replied that, “First, I would like my first call to be tracked and see what happened. It is because I don't think that I would be feeling safe anymore, if AAA cannot help me when I have such an incident. Secondly, you must reimburse me the $120.00 I paid to the guy who helped me.” Just imagine you are in a crippled car on the left side of carpool, with cars passing by at a speed of 70 MPH and above. The biggest joke which shows how confused AAA gets is that at 5:30 PM, somebody called from AAA asking me if I am with my car, and if it is in a safe place.

The next day, I called again to try to get my truck towed. The AAA representative asked if I would like to have it towed to the AAA Car Care Center in Winston Salem, NC (the closest one). Even though my first experience with a AAA Car Care Center in Greensboro, NC had been negative, I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt because I have been very pleased (up to now) with the service I have gotten from AAA. The Car Care Center called me and told me that the mechanic had "tested" both fuel pumps and could not tell which one was bad (?). They wanted to replace both pumps for $1000+-. I told them that I could not afford this and they called back with an offer to replace the in-tank pump for $650 +-. I knew that this was a high price for the work, but I knew that I could not replace the in-tank pump myself and since the truck had already been towed to their shop, I felt that I was "over-a-barrel" and agreed to have them replace the in-tank pump only. They said they would call me and let me know if that fixed the problem.

They called the next day and said the truck was fixed. When I went to pick it up, they told me that the mechanic had removed the gas tank and found that the in-tank pump was not the problem and so they reinstalled the gas tank (no charge). Then they replaced the front pump, which I had not authorized them to do and which was much easier to do (less than half the labor) and charged me $630+- for the work. When I protested, they reduced the bill by one hour labor. In order to get my truck, I had to pay the charge. When I inspected the gas tank, I could clearly see that no one had tried to loosen any of the bolts. The front fuel pump average part cost is +-$125. It's a fairly simple job, which I have done several times in the past to my vehicles. Had they been honest and told me it was the front pump, I would have replaced it myself rather than pay their overblown price.

It was a clear case of bait-and-switch. It was clearly stated on the paperwork that I only authorized the in-tank pump to be replaced. This was clearly a violation of ethics and may be actionable under the law. I hope that we can resolve this incident and that you will take actions to ensure the continued good reputation of AAA.

Today (06-29), I had to get my tag and found out that the wrong VIN number was entered into the system so I could not get my tag. The representative at the Lincolnton DMV said that the inspection facility just needed to re-enter the VIN number (they entered a W instead of a 3) and it would override the error. I called AAA Auto Care (I had to look up the number since I didn't have a receipt) and after going through the options and the music while on hold, a guy answered and I explained the situation. He said he was the manager, but he didn't know how to fix the problem. I told him what the DMV representative said, and he said he would check and get back to me. When I did not hear back from him in 10 minutes, I called again and he said for me to bring the car back and they would re-inspect it.

I explained that I did not have time to drive 20 miles back to Gastonia and wait another 45 minutes -- I had to get back to work. I again told him about re-entering the number and asked if he wanted to speak to the representative with the DMV. He said he would call the DMV and get back to me. Again, I called and he said he was trying to call the Lincolnton DMV, I had already offered him the opportunity to talk to them before. Finally, he called me back about 40 minutes after my first call and said he talked to the DMV and they said he had to re-inspect my car. I told him that was absurd, that I just left the DMV and that was not what they told me. I told him I was not driving back to Gastonia.

After he hung up (or got disconnected) twice, he said he would just reimburse me for the inspection. I wasted 45 minutes of my time getting it inspected, then going to the DMV and waiting another 40 minutes for him to tell me he would give me my money back. This is totally unprofessional and poor management. There were 4 employees. No one was doing anything, and then they still make a mistake. And then they don't care that I have to get off of work again and get my car inspected and go back to the DMV. I can understand why they did not have any customers and I will make sure and tell everyone I know to never use them. What a waste.

That we were on our own and that if we find something, they would reimburse us. So, we took our chances and drove it to the nearest garage who was able to have a hauler in 5 minutes (we didn't need it then as they are fixing it). So, AAA just left us stranded with no help! This was in Salisbury, Ma. I went to my local AAA and was told that they should have found someone and that they will give me a $30.00 credit for RV coverage for next year. This does not solve the problem that I was told that they could not do anything for us and we were on our own in a strange place. We drove the 4 miles to a garage where the people are very nice. We left the camper and they are fixing it. I was very worried that the axial would fall off before we drove it to the garage. I just want this resolved so that AAA does not tell anyone else that "you are out of luck to get any help from AAA."

This guy is a close friend of mine that is why he is the only person I let work on my autos. And I know he did not drain the fuel out of my truck. It took the tow truck driver almost two hours to make a 15-mile trip to my friend's place. And now I have an empty tank. A 26-gallon tank drained at $4.49 a gallon. I am not happy about this. I want my $116 of fuel back.

Well, I called my repair shop this morning and they didn't have the car! I called AAA and they had no idea where my car was! After many frustrating phone calls, I find out that AAA never even picked the car up. Since the problem occurred on a Sunday night, my car was sitting in an open parking lot, and since they needed to flat tow it, there would have been easy access.

Today it is blocked in and they won't be able to get to it until maybe tonight. So it's not going to be repaired until tomorrow at the earliest. This is totally unacceptable. AAA service is terrible and not recommended by me. They need to fix things or other similar services (like Progressive) will replace them pretty quickly.

I asked Ginger to cancel my membership right away and refund the $56.00 charge plus refund my check of $10.00 deposit. Ginger said my account would be credited right away. My $56.00 was pending at this point but the next day taken out of my account. Five days later, nothing because AAA decided to steal my money. I filed a complaint with BBB but they have not yet been contacted by AAA Auto Club South, here in Florida.

I had to wait a full day to find an affordable tower and still had to pay almost close to the amount for my car to get towed. Now I complained on the phone for 30 minutes but got nowhere and they didn't even call me back to work something out or even ask for assistance. It was an emergency situation and they did almost nothing.

I was informed that I needed patience, it is in the mail. Please assist us in obtaining our membership cards. Thank you.

AAA would not pay for the $75 tow. After weeks of arm twisting, they finally paid a $20 reimbursement. We feel that they should pay for this particular (first) tow given the amount we've paid over the years and the infrequency of our usage. They evidently value the easy money in their pocket rather than long term members. We feel duped and canceled our membership. Beware of what you may expect from AAA as they did not come through when we needed them. Save your due money for those rare times when you do need road service because AAA might simply try to get out of it.

I called AAA; they came to tow the vehicle to their shop on Avant Ferry Rd. They had called and told me that they did not know what the problem was but noticed that the crank sensor was bad and the valve cover gasket was leaking. They called and I authorized them to replace them. They did tell me that they were unsure if that was the problem. Then I went to pick up my jeep on December 21. It was 5pm, when they called me to come get the jeep. My mother drove me to pick it up, and they made us wait 30 minutes as the jeep was in the garage still. When the keys were handed to us, the lights went off and the technicians were leaving.

That is when I discovered that my windows did not go down, the time and temperature gauge did not work, and the dome lights and headlights had to be manually turned off instead of being on a timer. We went back inside and were told the technicians had left the premises. The man at the front then said, "At least we fixed one problem." Disappointed, I then called the AAA closer to where we live (Glenwood Avenue) and told them about our experience. Now I had a jeep that started but with all new electrical issues.

I could not drive the jeep in fear that something else was going to go wrong. After the holidays, I brought the jeep to AAA on Glenwood Avenue. This time, I was told that the master switch was bad ($98.83), then I was told that the computer in the door ($546.96) wasn't sending a signal to the main computer called bcm. Then once again, AAA called and said it wasn't the switch or the door's computer but was the main computer itself ($880.38). The new estimated amount was now quoted at $1404.15 total. We asked that the cost be as low as they could get it. On February 2, 2011, I picked up the jeep and the total was slightly lower--$1034.17.

Within 3 days, the jeep went right back to the windows not working, the time and temperature gauge also not working, and the dome lights and headlights to being manually turned off instead of being on a timer. I paid a total of $1367.84 for nothing with no warranty offered other than "a sucks-to-be-you look when I expressed my concern."

Please note I am an unemployed individual with no income, no money for a lawyer, and a car that is still not fixed. I was told by the mechanic Danny that "nobody can guarantee the vehicle will work; it's these new cars." I had to remind Danny that I paid money for service that was not provided and 1999 cars are not new.

Their people were rude, obnoxious, ruthless, just no help. I just thank God, I was not out at night and stranded. I think I was treated very badly and don't appreciate it. I have been a member for about 19-20 years and this is the first time for AAA to go wacko on me, and I just don't appreciate it.

I need to get a full refund of my money and I can take my business elsewhere and hopefully be treated better. AAA sucks, yes AAA is slipping; personnel need to be checked, you cannot be nice about it. I am just fed up with paying out my money and getting nothing in return and also, when you ask to be turned over to a supervisor, they act like they don't even know what you are talking about.

People do not need to be interrogated or hassled when they are already broke down with no transportation. What am I paying for? What type of people, insensitive people, do you have on staff? I am not a happy camper and I am so fed up with AAA. You are not the only ones in town with a tow truck. Just refund me my money. Another thing, your people do not listen when you are speaking to them and they take down the wrong information. This is just not right.

No problem, I understood. Once it was 4pm, I began calling several times to check status. My office closed at 4:30pm. They finally told me that they would not be able to reach me until 6:00 that evening.

How the **** did we go from 3:45 to 6pm? That is ridiculous and unacceptable. Once my office closed, I had to sit in my car for an hour and a half waiting and they still hadn't showed up.

By that time I was beyond fed up and left the car at my job then had a friend use his uncle's truck to tow my car. If I'm going to have to do that, what is the purpose of me paying for AAA?

After a long stand off, I asked him if it wasn't kind enough of me to stop and let him by? He just smirked and ignored my comment. Then, he threatened to come out and accost me. My son was shocked as he saw his dad trying to do the right thing, only to see an ugly example of a human being who not only threatened me, but also tarnished the image of AAA, which I had been a member of. I'm sure he too will have second thoughts about joining such an organization. That person should not be driving for you and on the road. Someone who threatens the public should not be in a position to work to help the public. Again, this person driving the ** truck on January 29th 9am, in Somerville, MA should not be driving for AAA. It is a shame that such people represent you.

Well then, they wouldn't let me cancel which I was told I could so I had to chalk it up as a $2000 loss. But it wasn't all bad. A friend sent me to a company AVP. I think it's American Vehicle Protection and I got real warranty for $500 less and they were pretty nice during the whole thing too and no one could beat the price. They didn't pressure me and I am happy so far but I have only had one claim paid but it's still better than my previous experience.

The insurance agent, Tmia ** in Tulsa, tried to sell me a non-AAA policy. Two years later, she sent me documents to sign that, I think, were fraudulent and which I corrected. I believe her intent was to be able to deny a claim because I had submitted fraudulent documents (the ones she submitted). Tmia, if you see this, know that I have the documents and I am prepared.

I recently filed a claim for auto damage where I hit a refrigerator that was dumped in the right lane of an expressway. The van in front suddenly swerved left to the middle lane, and in front was a "box". It was a refrigerator that had been dumped in the lane. The middle lane had traffic and my only option was to brake hard. Crash! AAA sent me a letter that they concluded that I was "unable to control the vehicle", based on their investigation. I've sent 3 emails to the adjuster regarding this and one voice mail message and have had no response. I doubt that there was an investigation. My next step is to take this to the Oklahoma Insurance Commission and file a complaint.

Part of the complaint will be that I've received renewal notices ranging from $600 to $1000 (approximate) for this policy. Nothing I have received verifies which amount for the renewal is correct. Some of this is based on AAA-Oklahoma not crediting me with completing the safe-driving course for seniors (I wonder how many other seniors weren't credited if they didn't complain). I don't think that accounts for a $400 delta in their increase in premiums. If they have this many problems with me (one customer), do they have problems with others who aren't diligent and don't check, as the teen-agers obviously recognize as a reality?

A minor issue is that I have been a customer of AAA since 1996, but they show that I have been a customer for 2 years. That's not a big thing. However, longevity as a customer does affect rate. Therefore, my rates have been higher. Is there a reason this hasn't been corrected even though I've requested it? In fairness, I will say that AAA (in California) never made a mistake. In Oklahoma, it has been one screw-up followed by more. I'm not suggesting you not do business with this company (it is a good one). But in Oklahoma, they don't seem to perform as well as elsewhere. I will follow-up with the results of my complaint which involves attempted fraud by an agent (supervisor, company).

The technician should have been prepared for this, but obviously was not. He proceeded to try and jump my car, but he did not have a jump box and his jumper cables would not fit. I gave him my jumper cables and he was able to jump the car. I told the tech that I had another car in my garage with a dead battery, but that AAA informed me that I would have to make a separate call to jump that car.

The tech said that he would do it for me. He asked me to move my PT Cruiser to an area closer to the garage since it had to stay running to build a charge. I moved and parked in the only free area near the garage which was a tow away zone. He attempted to jump my other car, but was unsuccessful. During this time, the PT Cruiser had died. While trying to jump it again, the tech broke my jumper cables and was unable to perform a jump. He said that he would come back first thing in the morning, and told me to call the office directly.

He did not offer to help me move the PT Cruiser back to a safe parking place. I did not think about the tow away zone since the car was in a parking lot in an apartment complex and it was already almost midnight. I left the car there and went to sleep. At 6:00 am, I went outside to check on the car and call the AAA office for the callback and the car was gone. I checked everywhere, and then I realized the car had been towed. After calling the apartment office and locating the impound lot the car had been taken to, I called AAA and tried to get them to cover the fees so I could get the car out.

They said that I would have to get the car out myself and file a claim for reimbursement when I had the receipt for the fees. I did not have the funds at that time, so I had to wait until I could get the money. The car was in the impound lot for five days. Finally, I was able to get the money and get AAA to install a new battery and get the car working. After sending the receipt and talking to Vera Ortiz, the only fee AAA would cover was the towing fee. I pleaded with Vera to take it up with upper management to get the entire amount reimbursed. She informed me that management wanted to deny the entire claim, but she convinced them to refund the towing fee as a courtesy.

I am very disappointed with AAA service and will not renew my membership. I will not recommend AAA to anyone. I have been a member of Allstate Motor Club and have never had any issues with the service. I plan on going back to Allstate when my AAA membership expires.

I got a ticket for no insurance, which is a misdemeanor where I am. It's on my record and greatly inflated my insurance rates. I'm really furious that I was driving around for a month with no coverage when I had been driving with the belief that I was fully protected. So, when I got into a fender bender and told the police, "Oh yeah, I have insurance, I just didn't have the updated policy with me." I was unknowingly committing fraud by telling the cop inaccurate information that I believed was true.

Well, the driver I got in a fender bender with is now threatening to do all sorts of things, including getting me in trouble for "lying" to the cops. I only found out that I'd been driving without insurance because I got in this fender bender and the other driver called me up, furious! I'm paying a fortune for a lower-type insurance plan now. AAA sucks.

We went inside the store to stay warm. It was about 35 degrees outside. We were asked not to loiter after a half hour and stood outside by our vehicles for another half hour. I then called AAA again since by this time we were all pretty cold and taking turns sitting in their car to stay warm and still no help had come. I was informed that no one was answering the phone and the closest help was 62 miles away, and they refused to make the drive. AAA suggested I call the police. They didn’t know how to help. They would keep calling places.

I called the police who refused to help me due to liability reasons. They suggested a locksmith. I dialed several from the Turkey Hill with a phone book, but of course at 4:30 in the morning no one was open. I had some random folk offer to help by giving me a wire hanger (which I accepted) or helping me smash my window (which I declined).

I called AAA back after getting hold of a locksmith who ran a 24-hour emergency service but was nearly an hour away. They told me I had to pay his bill and send them the receipt and they would refund me. While I waited, me and the young men tried getting the door with the coat hanger. It worked after nearly half an hour of trying. I called AAA and told them I got in, but I couldn’t get hold of the locksmith since he wasn’t in his shop anymore. They asked me to continue to wait until the smith got there who would want to be paid for driving an hour and not being needed.

I’m not upset with dispatch, but with the many garages that are about. I’ve dealt with AAA now for three years and used their service many times. While not always prompt, they get the job done satisfactorily. I think that if you sign up to be a contractor to work for AAA and help folks out on the road, you know it will be at all hours of the day or night. To have several garages ignore phone calls for help is disgusting. I stood out in the cold for nearly two hours in all with no help from AAA. To be rescued by three total strangers who stood in the cold with me instead of the folks vie paid to do just that blows my mind. I suppose there were no real ramifications to my wait. I was upset and cold in just a sweatshirt but I doubt there was any lasting damage.

I've been trying to book flights for 3 months now and I didn't want to pay without my discount fare club price. I've been on the phone with at least 30 people in the last 3 months. I got the run around. Some tell me check Oct. 1st, I did, nothing, some say check Nov. 1st, I did, nothing. Now the guy told me to check Dec. 1st. I'm fed up because I am a member and now I just booked a flight and had to pay full price. I want this fix now! Why can't someone help me? I've called and called and called, they don't want to help and I don't know where else to go.... Please help!

I received an email on October 18, 2010 about the cancellation, nothing was mentioned about the refund. I contacted AAA on October 26,2010, and was told by a representative that the money was credited to my visa debit card on the evening of October 25, 2010. My bank told me to wait 3-5 business days to see if the money will be in my account; it wasn't. I waited a couple more days, and on November 2, 2010, the money has still not been refunded. I called AAA and they told me that the money was refunded on October 28, 2010, which I now believe is another lie. Every time I call AAA, they refuse to put a supervisor on the phone and they are flat out lying about refunding the money. Not only did AAA not refund the money for the account, I had to pay for a vehicle to be towed.

I am a longtime AAA member in good standing. I received your "Be Sure To Vote" guide, including your recommendations on some of the upcoming Propositions on California's ballot. I'm deeply disturbed and offended that a company, whose members are sure to be of various different political leanings, should impose its right-wing anti-environmental agenda on its paying customers. The descriptive wording that you use to argue your point of view on the initiatives is dangerously misleading and deceptive and, to put it kindly, is not based in fact.

You clearly take your cues from the Oil industry, which I guess is understandable, given your reliance on oil to "fuel" your own income. However, it is not appropriate for you to take a public political stance in this election nor in any other; nor is it appropriate for you to send glossy opinion mailings (masquerading as the truth) out to all of your subscribers. I find this pandering disgusting, and beneath a corporation that has long been in good standing. I urge you to abstain in future from advertising your own personal Corporate political agenda dressed as public good to your consumers at large.

I look forward to a personal reply from Mr. **. Please be advised that should I not receive one, I shall cancel my AAA subscription and post this letter widely on numerous social networks and blogs.

While acknowledging their mistake, AAA would only offer to reimburse for the cost of the oil change and diagnostics, but not for the cost ($90) of the rental car required while the car was in the shop (2 days). So, my daughter is out $90 through no fault of their own. I have lost a lot of faith in AAA based on their failure to take responsibility for their mistakes. I can't help but wonder what their position would be if the engine had been ruined. It turns out that they are "a federation of clubs". I wrote the President and CEO and they have no leverage over the local clubs. I will be looking for another roadside assistance plan.

$338 for diagnostics, another oil change, and rental car. Gas and time to travel between Charleston SC and Columbia SC to retrieve the vehicle. Aggravation and insult that an organization as large as AAA would have to be "forced" to do the right thing.

He proclaimed that I needed a new battery, but that was no problem because he just happened to have one on his truck. I said "the battery is fine, this is scam to sell people batteries they don't need". I said just jump start it and let me get on my way. He put the booster battery on and the car started instantly. I got in my car and left. I happen to be an engineer and know a lot about batteries. I throughly tested this battery when I got home and it was fine. So either this driver did not know how to test a battery or this whole thing is scam designed to sell naive motorists batteries they don't really need! I did not think AAA engaged in deceptive scams like this and I was seriously disappointed.

I replied, "if that is supposed to console me, it doesn't as I am frightened and it has already been 40 minutes!". He then said, "do you want me to cancel this order then?" in a gruff and abrupt manner as if to say I will leave you stranded! I said, "no sir, I need assistance and I am a Premier AAA card member. I pay extra for this service and I am afraid here all alone". Then he proceeded to tell me I was rude to him and he would cancel the order! Then I called back and spoke to Ms. **, a supervisor who assured me within 5 to 7 minutes, a truck would be there. It took another 15 minutes so I called again and spoke to another supervisor named Randy whom I told my experience to. I reported the towing man's name Sienna, who was so curt and snidely. All he said was "sorry for your troubles Ms. **. If you have any further roadside needs, call us back".

I had been out in the cold, rain and dark parking lot for an hour from 10:50PM when I first reported the incident! Now, I am sick with a cold and so disappointed with AAA services after having been a member for more than 20 years! I always thought that I'd be safe, but felt abandoned, frightened and berated by the towing representative. I am in the process of writing the corporate headquarters as well. This was an experience I wouldn't want another Senior Citizen to have to go through. I am lucky that I don't have Pneumonia as a result of having to be left out in the cold rain for an hour, frightened and alone!

Great, we thought. Let’s call AAA and find out. The phone rep says he (he/she can’t remember) can see we just made a payment and should be covered for either 100 or 40 miles towing, but he couldn’t determine the exact plan purchased. Why he didn’t know which level plan we purchased is beyond me, but what I did know was that he said we were covered for at least 40 miles. My home was around 38 miles away, great. Tow truck driver shows up and reconfirms we have covered service per his electronic computer device. Off we go. Half way there, the tow truck office calls the tow truck driver and says they want me to confirm with AAA about coverage.

I contact AAA (2nd time) and the phone rep reaffirms that I am covered for the towing as per her computer information and will contact the towing company. Upon arriving at our destination the tow truck driver calls his office. No contact made by AAA. My truck cannot be released without coverage consent from AAA, so I call AAA for 3rd time. The 3rd rep tells me she is sorry for the confusion, but since we were new customers we didn’t have towing coverage for first seven days. Even after explaining all that happened, she says it all does not matter but to read our contract. She said if I didn’t pay $279, my truck would be impounded. I was deceived to believe I was covered when I wasn’t. The tow truck driver even said I was ** and allowed me to take a picture of his computer screen for proof.

The shop didn't even know the car was a five-speed until I called a salvage yard that seemed to know more about transmissions. So after re-ordering the correct part we agreed to install it at a reduced rate. The issue is that the 12000-mile guarantee and mediation process is worthless if the customer has to prove liability and do all the research. I found that this transmission is also manufactured for some Toyota and failure is rare. The response from the master mechanic about the fluid was, "your car slips gear in third, while it should slip in first if fluid is the problem". I’ve had to take time off work and spend $2000 for parts, labor, and rental cars.

Even though I was staying at a Disney resort for four days, I purchased the Dining Disney plan which to be used at the parks and traveling with a child, the triple A representative assumed that I wanted to go to one park for just one day and that was it. She should have reiterated such a strange request to make sure it was valid. Instead, I had to pay an extra 500 dollars at the gate to have park access for the remainder of the vacation.

When I called back, I asked to speak to a supervisor who then told me that it would take 75 minutes for someone to get out to me. I am paying for this service! AAA has a message when you're holding to request for roadside assistance online. Who wants to sit through a series of questions when they are stuck on the side of the road or whatever situation they might be in? That is defeating the whole purpose of having AAA.

When they returned with the quote, they notified me that the rear strut would need replacing and that the engine smoke was caused by a Valve Cover Gasket for a total repair value of $767.70. I approved the work for that total shortly after and was told I would receive a call when the work was completed. After not hearing from them for a few days, I called them back and was told that not only had they forgotten to tell me that the car was done but that they had gone ahead and replaced the sway bar link and bushing, work that I had not approved (4-403 Unauthorized Repair). Unaware that unapproved work done to a car is illegal, I went up there to pick up my car (now costing $793.75).

Upon arrival, I was not told that there weren't any other issues with the car so I drove away. I did not even make it a block before my car started shaking and the transmission became stuck in neutral (4-404 Repair Resulting in Additional Damage). I shut the car down, restarted it and was able to drive it the half block back to Peterson's. When I got there, they insisted that there was no issue and after adding some transmission fluid, they told me the car was fine. I then left again and was fortunate enough to make it safely home.

When I arrived at home, I decided to check the transmission fluid again only to find that the engine was smoking again, which was an issue Peterson's was responsible for fixing (4-401 Improper or Inferior Repair). Next, I attempted to start the car only to find that the engine would now not start at all (4-404 Repair Resulting in Additional Damage). I attempted to call Peterson's and was told I had to wait until Monday to talk to the boss. When I called back on Monday (4-12-2010), the boss, who was very rude and unreasonable with me, told me that I would have to pay to tow the car back to their shop and then pay again for any additional issues that they find with the car.

As of now, I am left with a car that does not run and an $800 bill for work that did not fix the issues that I asked to be fixed. The sway bar link and bushing that I was forced to pay for was unlawfully replaced on my car and charged to me. The car itself is also left with issues that were not present before I brought my car to Peterson's (car now won't start and transmission is now having issues). I appreciate any help that Consumer Affairs may be able to give me in dealing with this crooked business and hope that these issues can be resolved as soon as possible. The technician who did the work is Phil. The Boss I talked to was Scott (last name unknown). Conversations were also held with Don *** (owner) who was as uncaring and unhelpful as the rest of the staff.

The driver's name was Abdul (he did not provide last name when I asked). He spent most of the time speaking on his cell phone in a foreign language including when he was in the process of both raising my car up onto his flat bed tow truck and when he was in the process of lowering my car down from it. The distance from where he picked me up at the Walmart parking lot to my destination at the Firestone auto service center is less than two miles.

Once at the Fire Stone parking lot, the driver lowered my car from his tow truck. He did so raising the front of the flat bed very high. As a result the car rolled down off it at a steep incline angle. The result was the front end of my hood banged the ground/tip end of the flat bed steel and bounced down and popped up like it bottomed out very hard. The chains that were attached to my car from his tow truck ripped my front end fender entirely breaking off the headlights, damaging the chrome fender, and damaging the radiator. I immediately took photos of the damage the driver caused.

My purpose for being towed to Firestone was due to a front end harmonic balance pulley that fell off and snapped my serpentine belt. When they saw all the fender damage they stated they could not help with that. I noticed now that my radiator was leaking and that a small pool of fluid was now under it. I took a photo of it. I informed the driver that there was not a fluid leak problem before now and he agreed. I also took photos of his flat bed as proof to show that prior to the damage he caused the flat bed was completely dry.The tow truck driver got off the phone with his dispatcher and said they would pay for the damage they did but I would have to have my car worked on at a specific shop. I asked if the shop was AAA approved and he said yes. He then put my car back on his flat bed with car now leaking fluid and began to drive me to this shop.

Half way to the shop the driver then said to me he was not responsible for the fluid leak because he now remembers it leaking when he first towed my car and that they will not pay for any radiator damage. I said he was responsible and he did not now care what I had to say because according to him I could see for myself the fluid leak on his flat bed when we get to shop and he lowers my car off. He did not know I took photos of his dry flat bed before he put my car back on it. So this is the first lie to my face the driver that AAA sent to me said to me.

The shop he took me to ended up being 15 miles away. It was a small little junk yard-looking shop that was part of a man's house property in south Seattle. The shop name is Preet Auto Body Repair. I found out the shop is not AAA approved, so that is now the second lie to my face this driver told me. Once there, I had no choice but to leave my car for them to fix the front end damage because the tow truck driver said this is the place that his work will pay for because other detail shops are too expensive. He then wanted to leave me there and not give me a ride back home. He said he had other things to do and all he was sent for is to tow me and that was what he did. I had no way home and insisted he drove me back and he finally did. Once home, I called AAA customer service and reported my troubles.

On Monday March 29, Rick **, AAA district manager for Washington State called me and I informed him what happened. He called later and said he went to the shop and that he thinks the shop is good and recommends it. I said that local Better Business Bureau never heard of them and also the tow truck company they sent me is not accredited. Rick Q. talked like he did not care and said this shop mostly fixes taxis so they are not a commercial shop so that was why no one knows of them and that he does back ground checks on tow trucks and they are a good company. He also then argued with me defending the tow truck driver saying any radiator problem was not their fault because they just ruined my fender is all. He then said for me to find a mechanic to prove that when my front end bottomed out and banged down and bounced up off the ground could be specific cause of radiator damage. I called AAA customer support to report how this local district manager was treating me and they did not care saying he is assigned to my case and to work things out with him.

Rick Q. also stated that it is not the tow truck company's fault, I have no transportation currently and that the only reason he thinks I picked Firestone was because they were open on a Sunday. I said yes that is the reason and that now since my car is 15 miles away out of my bus lines, I need to take days off to deal with this and go back and get it. He said that was not their problem and that he will only credit me for one tow. I told him even when they fix the fender damage, I still need my car towed to a shop to fix the original work and that this fender work is adding days to my not having transportation to get to work. He said they could help tow me to another shop at that time but that would be my one credit. This makes no sense they towed me and created twice as much damage and then take me someplace so far out of my way and now this Rick Q. will not even help with crediting my AAA account for two tows? It is now Tuesday and the AAA district manger basically told me he thinks the original damage is not worth fixing based on the year of my car. It is a 1990 Ford Thunderbird. This has been the worst experience and both AAA company and A U.S. Towing have treated my poorly.

Today on Tuesday March 29, 2010 around 2pm I received a phone call from the AAA Washington district manager Rick Q. He told me that he just spoke both A U.S. Towing and to the repair shop Preet Auto Body Repair on my behalf. He said that the repair shop quoted him an estimate of repair work for my car and that it would require them to remove the engine to work on it and that it would be a minimum seven hours of labor alone at around $100 per hour. Plus the parts and that he said the final cost would be around $1000. He then continued to say that he arranged a deal with the A U.S. Towing and that they would offer me $200 for only my fender repair work and nothing about the radiator damage that was done by their tow truck driver. Or they would offer me $400 to take my car now as it is from the repair shop lot. He told me that this was what he thinks is the best option for me because now that he has a appraisal estimate quote from the mechanic at the shop that the cost of fixing it is not worth it since my car is only worth $1200. He suggested I take that offer and wanted to know if I could get to the shop to meet the tow truck manager to sign over the title over to him so he can tow my car away and he will pay me the $400. I told him I was not even at home and I have been taking the bus and would first have to make now new spur of the moment schedule changes again to make it home because that was where my car title is. Also, that I still had no transportation to make it at this such short notice to the repair shop that the tow truck company took my car to that is 15 miles away and that it would take at least three bus transfers to get there. Rick Quintus sounded eager at this point and said he could call the tow truck guy now to probably come pick me up and drive me. I again stated I would have to get back to him because I was far from home and had to finish my obligations at the location I was currently at.

According to the head mechanic at the shop the shop's policy is to only give such monetary estimates to the owner of the vehicle and not third person parties looking into quotes. He then stated as head mechanic he is the one that would give such an estimate for my car and reiterated that per our conversation Monday he would call me himself. He then said that he never spoke to Rick Q. regarding any monetary quote so he was confused how Rick Q. to quote me what they would charge because he was still behind schedule with another car and has not even looked at my car yet to begin inspecting it for an estimate.

I feel that the AAA Washington district manager Rick Q. telling me that he spoke to the shop and gave me their quote when the shop denies any such conversation with him and then him suggesting I take the tow truck company deal he worked out before the repair shop even has had a chance to inspect my car for an estimate is basically fraud. This is misrepresentation on behalf of AAA Washington and as a paying member customer I would think they would try to work in my best interest not the best interest of some deal they can make with a contract third party company they work with. Following up from your email. I am sorry could not contact your company directly via email because it would return my reply to your email as not able to send.

Once at the Fire Stone parking lot, the driver lowered my car from his tow truck. He did so raising the front of the flat bed very high. As a result, the car rolled down off it at a steep incline angle. The result was the front end of my hood banged the ground/tip end of the flat bed steel and bounced down and popped up like it bottomed out very hard. The chains that were attached to my car from his tow truck ripped my front end fender entirely off, breaking headlights, damaging the chrome fender, and damaging the radiator. I immediately took photos of the damage the driver caused.

My purpose for being towed to Firestone was due to a front end harmonic balance pulley that fell off and snapped my serpentine belt. When they saw all the fender damage they stated they could not help with that. I noticed now that my radiator was leaking and that a small pool of fluid was now under it. I took a photo of it. I informed the driver that there was not a fluid leak problem before now and he agreed. I also took photos of his flat bed as proof to show that prior to the damage he caused, the flat bed was completely dry. The tow truck driver got off the phone with his dispatcher and said they would pay for the damage they did but I would have to have my car worked on at a specific shop. I asked if the shop was AAA approved and he said yes. He then put my car back on his flat bed with car now leaking fluid and began to drive me to this shop.

Half way to the shop, the driver then said to me he was not responsible for the fluid leak because he now remembers it leaking when he first towed my car and that they will not pay for any radiator damage. I said he was responsible and he did not now care what I had to say because according to him, I could see for myself the fluid leak on his flat bed when we get to shop and he lowers my car off. He is so stupid he did not know I took photos of his dry flat bed before he put my car back on it. So this is the first lie to my face the driver that AAA sent to me. The shop he took me to ended up being 15 miles away. It was a small little junk yard looking shop that was part of a man's house property in south Seattle. The shop name is Preet Auto Body Repair. I found out the shop is not AAA approved so that is now the second lie to my face this driver told me.

Once there I had no choice but to leave my car for them to fix the front end damage because the tow truck driver said this is the place that his work will pay for because other detail shops are too expensive and he would not tow me to another one. He then wanted to leave me there and not give me a ride back home. He said he had other things to do and all he was sent for is to tow me and that was what he did. I had no way home and insisted he drive me and he finally did.

Once home, I called AAA customer service and reported my troubles. On Monday, March 29, Rick * AAA district manager for Washington state called me and I informed him what happened. He called later and said he went to the shop and that he thinks the shop is good and recommends it. I said that local Better Business Bureau never heard of them and also the tow truck company they sent me is not accredited. Rick ** talked like he did not care and said this shop mostly fixes taxis so they are not a commercial shop so that was why no one knows of them and that he does background checks on tow truck drivers and they are a good company. He also then argued with me defending the tow truck driver saying any radiator problem was not their fault because they just ruined my fender is all. He then said for me to find a mechanic to prove that when my front end bottomed out and banged down and bounced up off the ground could be specific cause of radiator damage.

I called AAA customer support to report how this local district manager was treating me and they did not care saying he is assigned to my case and to work things out with him. Rick ** also stated that it is not the tow truck company's fault I have no transportation currently and that the only reason he thinks I picked Firestone was because they were open on a Sunday. I said yes, that is the reason and that now since my car is 15 miles away out of my bus lines, I need to take my day off to go back and get it. He said that was not their problem and that he will only credit me for one tow. I told him even when they fix the fender damage, I still need my car towed to a shop to fix the original work and that this fender work is adding days to my not having transportation to get to work. He said they could help tow me to another shop at that time but that would be my one credit.

This makes no sense; they tow me and create twice as much damage and then take me someplace so far out of my way and now this Rick ** will not even help with crediting my AAA account for two tows? It is now Tuesday and the day is half over. The auto shop they took me to still has not started work on my car. This is now day three. Tomorrow if done, will be day four without transportation. This does not even count having work done that I originally was going to have done on Sunday.

So if it is not able to get way out to that shop until tomorrow night if they finish, I still have to have my car worked on for original damage which means not getting started on that to Thursday and not even getting car back until soonest on Friday. Again, the AAA district manger did not care and basically told me he thinks the original damage is not worth fixing based on the year of my car. It is a 1990 Ford Thunderbird. This has been the worst experience and both AAA company and A U.S. Towing have treated me poorly.

I am so completely unsatisfied that I want a full refund of my yearly payment! I need to be compensated for the poor customer service I received. It is not OK to leave someone stranded for hours, not call them back, and not listen to a word that was told! I should have been taken care of on the first phone call within a timely manner, usually 45 minutes. I am disgusted!

We asked AAA to tow the car from that location to repair shop. The tow truck didn't show up in 2 hours (even though they promised it will), and we had to pay another $150 for storing the car. Next day, I waited for them for 4 hours (the agent on the phone kept promising that they will show up within an hour). I gave up and used another service.

I incurred $400 and over 8 hours of waiting; I lost a work day (another $200). The worst thing is that they promised that they will show at the specific time, within 1 hour; and time went by and they didn't show up. If you call them, they will say it's going to be in the next hour. The service did show up, 4 hours later on the 1st day and 5 hours later on the second day, when we no longer were waiting for it.

So now, my daughter is in a parking lot, all by herself, 30 degrees outside and no one to help her. She called me crying and told me what they had said. I contacted AAA myself and was told that she was correct - they had nobody that could help her but she could find someone on her own and they would "possibly" reimburse her for up to $50.00. I had to get in my car and drive the 100 miles to where she was (at college) to open her car with my spare key.

So much for resting assured that AAA would be there for my family if the need arises. And I can't believe they would leave a young female who was alone in a parking lot stranded! Unresolved. It cost me a tank of gas and 2 hours of my time as well as emotional distress for the several hours knowing my daughter was alone in a dark parking lot.

I started my own process and began calling water restoration companies to get bids, I called A&M Construction and requested their bid. They were the ones that AAA sent out. A&M said that AAA said they cannot send me a bid so I told them that they needn't bother. I will not hire a company that isn't working for me. AAA called me back within 2 hours of that conversation and told me that they were refusing the claim because the house was not heated properly so therefore the pipes froze! The pipes froze because it was a record 3 degrees. Many people suffered frozen pipes! They have nothing to stand on at this point and I have had to hire an attorney and report them to the Insurance Commissioner.

We asked to speak to a supervisor after Rosa refused to give us the office she was talking to us from or any other ID that would further identify her. We were transferred to supervisor Cory, who played the recording of the cancellation. On the recording, there was a voice of a "woman" who claimed to be us and was cancelling the assist. AAA just took her word for it and cancelled it without even calling us to make sure this was so. If an AAA customer is out on the road, asks for assistance and then has their assist cancelled by an unscrupulous subcontractor's girlfriend or wife claiming to be the customer and the AAA customer ends up in harm's way. AAA could be looking at a nice lawsuit.

Anyways, after speaking to supervisor Cory, which assured us he would be calling us back with a confirmation of our assist call to him. Needless to say, supervisor Cory never called us back! We then called back AAA and were told that someone would be at our home no later than 11:15. At about 11:30, the "South Dade Tow" or something to that effect arrived. Believe it or not, he couldn't change the tire because he said that he did not have the right tools even though we specified the assist was for a flat. He told us that AAA was the only one that had the type of power tool that could remove the tire (we have a regular American car folks). So he just filled the tire with air and hoped it would make it to the morning so that we'd be able to take it into Goodyear and have it serviced.

We are cancelling our memberships to AAA! They are good for absolutely nothing! The guy from South Dade Tow told us that after 9PM, AAA subcontracts and very little can be done about anything. This info is for all of you out there who think they will be receiving any assistance from AAA. Read this and reconsider! This was just a simple flat. Imagine if it had been something more serious and under other circumstances. Google AAA for complaints, there are many!

Apparently, there is a tow truck 5 miles away, but they are just too busy. So the couple is just going to have to sit and wait. Unbelievable! I will not be renewing my AAA membership. That's for sure.

So then the guy I was speaking to (third person) said he'd have to transfer me to someone else to get it straightened out. I told him to forget it and it wasn't worth all the trouble. I will not be renewing my membership again. Their customer service and website leave much to be desired. Their website only lists phone numbers for contact, no email access and since I do not want to speak to them yet again, I am posting my complaint here!

Finally, about 9:15pm, a rather pleasant but quick talking gentleman arrived in an older style tow truck. He seemed harried and while I was at first happy to see him arrive, he quickly made me nervous. He asked why a gentleman's name was on my account and asked who that was. Well, my husband, my son and myself are all on this AAA account. Being in the dark with a strange man asking me these questions made me nervous. (He spoke rather in a slang tone and he was ** although that had nothing to do with my fear; it was the nosy questions that bothered me most). He immediately said that since I had AAA Plus, I could get my car towed home (45 minutes away) for free. He did not want to make the effort to fix my tire.

Finally, I made it clear that I wanted my spare put on. I took everything out from the back of my car so he could get the spare out. Then he asked for my book as he did not know how to change a tire on a Jeep Grand Cherokee! Then he told me the tools he needed were under my back seat and that I had to put everything in the rear again so he could get to it, all the while he is suggesting I take the tow home because I won't be able to travel normally on the spare tire anyway. But before finding the tools under my back seat, he told me to back out of the space I'm in and position the car in the middle of the parking lot because he was going to use the tow truck to lift my car as a jack. He did this, and I heard some noises, then he put the car back down and started again about me getting towed. Finally, I agreed to the towing to get rid of him, as he was unprofessional and frightened me.

I called back AAA in tears and asked them to get someone out ASAP as by this time, I was cold and very frightened. I offered to just take the tow, and they said they could send the guy back to change the tire this time, and I refused to have the same guy back. So they sent another guy as they realized I really wanted to drive myself home. Finally, about 10:30pm, another tow truck pulls up with a friendly professional man, perhaps in his 30's. He had me sit in his heated truck (unlike the other tow truck driver who had me sit in my own car the whole time) and was caring and professional. This gentleman had my new spare on my car within 10 minutes. I asked about the special tools under my seat and he said AAA has their own tools and they do not need any tools to change a tire. He also told me my spare tire was just fine (the other guy said it was out of air, another lie to get me to take a tow home) and that while I need to be careful and make sure I get my tire repaired and replaced, that the tire was just fine like the others on my car. My experience with the second gentleman was excellent.

6) Lastly, the first driver broke my right rear lens when he lifted the car up with the truck. This is the noise I heard and that is probably why he put the car back down and gave me the runaround again about having it towed.

I am still very upset about this experience with AAA. In decades, I never had a bad experience with a AAA call. Now, I am stuck replacing the entire lens, which I have yet to cost out but it will be expensive. It took a total of 3+ hours for me to get back on the road that evening; two of those eaten up by an incompetent tow truck driver. I am left with emotional feelings about my experience and stuck with a broken rear light. I am an unemployed student with a disabled husband and I don't need the extra stress and headaches created by tow truck driver #1.