Why Does My AAA Auto Insurance Coverage Vary by Branch?

If you own an automobile, you might belong to AAA (the American Automobile Association). AAA offers insurance and other services to its members, including roadside assistance and travel planning.

While there are some benefits to AAA membership, such as roadside assistance, there are also certain types of coverage that are not available from every branch of AAA across the country. If you have purchased your auto insurance from one particular branch of AAA and then move to another area where another branch of AAA operates, you may find that your coverage has changed because each branch of AAA administers their policies differently based on their local risks, rates and premiums.

Car Insurance Discounts

If you live in one of the 15 states where we have more than 100 branch offices, your coverage may vary based on your local state law. In Ohio, for example, AAA members are only required to carry liability coverage and those without a driver's license cannot qualify for auto insurance.

Conversely, Virginia mandates that all vehicles must carry comprehensive and collision coverages. Drivers in Wisconsin may have their vehicle inspected before purchasing any insurance coverage. All of these state-specific regulations can affect which type of coverage is available to members living in a certain area so keep this in mind when shopping around for insurance with AAA!

You should also consider if you’re eligible for discount pricing or preferred provider network access through AAA. We offer member discounts at various levels based on eligibility; group discounts through affiliated associations like Elks Club or Veterans of Foreign Wars; along with regional member discounts in select areas. The process to be eligible for these discounts varies, so it’s best to reach out directly to your local affiliate office as most branches will be able assist you further there as well.

Premium Options

• Accident Forgiveness: Take advantage of this coverage if you had an accident and are unable to use your auto for more than 30 days. With Accident Forgiveness, coverage can be continued for up to two years after the date of the accident as long as no other accidents have been reported in that time period. You may have to pay a higher premium fee to extend this protection or select it at time of purchase.

• Accident Protection: Protect yourself against the unforeseen if you are involved in an accident with another driver who doesn't have any insurance or has insufficient insurance. If you sustain injury and your medical costs exceed $100,000, Accident Protection will kick in to cover medical costs up to $100,000 and legal expenses until a maximum is reached.

Comprehensive Coverage

Sometimes the names full coverage and comprehensive coverage are used interchangeably, but they are two different policies. Comprehensive insurance covers everything from towing costs and glass repair to incidental collision expenses. Plus, comprehensive insurance also pays for living expenses when your car is too damaged or destroyed to be driven after an accident.

However, if you do not have a loan on your vehicle, comprehensive insurance may be more expensive than a regular policy because there is no way to save money with smaller monthly payments or by paying the entire premium upfront. Also, some people prefer just having liability insurance in case their car gets stolen instead of comprehensive coverage.

If you want to pay off your car in cash, then it would make sense that you would only want liability insurance. The cost of both these types of policies will vary depending on what type of coverage it is as well as other factors such as age and driving history.

Medical Payments

If you do not have this coverage, it could mean that in the event of an accident, no one would be responsible for paying your medical bills. Medical payments coverage can be a deciding factor when purchasing auto insurance so check with your agent about what your options are to decide which is best for you.

In some cases, a state may require that drivers carry bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage. This requirement can protect people who suffer injuries because of someone else’s negligence or carelessness on the road. In order to legally drive in these states, your liability limits should meet or exceed minimum amounts determined by state law .

The law usually stipulates how much you must pay per accident and over what period of time; most likely 3 years from date of policy inception . Uninsured motorist bodily injury is also generally required but differs based on state rules and regulations . This kind of insurance protects you against uninsured drivers and any legal fees associated with these accidents.

Uninsured Motorist Protection (UM)

UM is an optional coverage that pays you benefits if you are injured in a collision with an uninsured driver. The UM limit can be anywhere from $50,000 to $250,000 per person. UM will only cover bodily injury and not damage to your vehicle or property.

The personal injury protection (PIP) offers unlimited benefits for any injuries sustained as a result of the accident up to the PIP limit, which may be $10,000 or more depending on the state in which you live. You may also have coverage for other costs including health care services, lost wages, and certain other expenses like legal fees and funeral costs. PIP coverage often has a higher deductible than the actual collision deductible.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

As you may be aware, not all AAA branches offer collision damage waiver (CDW) as an optional service. It is imperative to know what features and services are available at the branch you are considering for purchase.

Unlike other services, CDW covers more than just the cost of your vehicle repairs. Once you’ve purchased it, you won’t have to worry about wrecking your car because of loss or liability resulting from collision. The coverage provides protection against covered collisions with another object or if a driver is liable for a crash.

The coverage pays regardless of who caused the accident, but will only cover up to 100% after a $1,000 deductible. You can also opt out of CDW with the hopes that if you do experience any type of collision, then your standard automobile insurance will kick in and cover all costs associated with repairs and replacements.

Medical Payments with Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Even if you're on a motorcycle, be sure to opt for medical payments with personal injury protection (PIP) since the medical costs can add up quickly in a motorcycle accident. If you opt for this coverage, you will have the option of adding up to $1 million in coverage.

It also includes lawyer fees and will compensate you for your inability to work or need for housekeeping services. Medical payments with PIP is only available in those states that have no-fault car insurance laws and it typically provides third-party liability insurance for $25,000 with $5,000 available per person up to four people; again, as long as your state has no-fault car insurance laws.

Mature Driver Discounts

If you're aged 55 or older, sometimes your auto insurance coverage is discounted. This applies to both when you purchase a policy and if you renew your plan. Find out the details of how a mature driver discount works. After reviewing our rates, we may be able to offer you a mature driver discount on your insurance. Mature Driver Discounts: If you're aged 55 or older, sometimes your auto insurance coverage is discounted. This applies to both when you purchase a policy and if you renew your plan. Find out the details of how a mature driver discount works.

Roadside Assistance

Many of the road services available with your policy are available to you only when you need them most. There is no additional charge for the following services: Towing, Tire Change, Jump Start. You may also get assistance in changing a flat tire (or providing this service to others), getting gas or fixing a disabled car battery.

There is also an Emergency Roadside Kit that comes with flares, warning triangles and all-weather floor mats. You may add optional extras like roadside recovery towing that can pull cars out of ditches and mud, auto locksmith service and automotive batteries among other options for about $4 per day for the full range of benefits.

You'll find these services vary from branch to branch, as does our clientele.

Rental Reimbursement

In addition to providing you with a one-stop destination for buying coverage, the AAA network offers extensive roadside assistance and roadside service packages for travelers. The Rental Reimbursement option is available in most states and pays you a benefit of up to $75 per day for covered loss due to a mechanical breakdown or vandalism on your rental vehicle.

The reimbursement does not cover collisions or damage from an insured peril such as theft, fire, or weather. If you have access to this service and have any additional questions about how it can help get you back on the road more quickly, give us a call at 800-222-4357.