Traveler

	Mar/Apr 2009 Issue
AAA aids motorists who keep cars longer With increasingly reliable cars, a lingering recession and a tight credit market, motorists are keeping their cars longer than ever, so AAA is offering two solutions to aid motorists who are visiting the mechanic more than the new car showroom. The downturn in the economy led to a decline in new car sales in the United States by nearly 20 percent in 2008. With fewer new cars on the road, the risk of repair increases for consumers’ older cars. To help, AAA’s Approved Auto Repair (AAR) program and mechanical repair agreements can minimize those risks for members. AAA’s network of AAR facilities have been inspected and are tested annually to ensure they meet AAA’s stringent quality service criteria. They must be staffed by certified technicians who have up-to-date equipment to diagnose and repair a wide variety of cars. Each facility must also demonstrate a high level of customer satisfaction. Any motorist can look to the AAR logo as assurance of a facility’s reliability, but AAA members get extra benefits, including guaranteed written estimates, a free vehicle inspection with any paid service and a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty. In the unlikely event you have concerns about a shop’s performance, AAA will investigate and resolve the situation. For a list of AAR shops, call (800) 222-7623 ext. 6821 or visit the Web site www.AAA.com/repair. To further protect you from costly repairs, AAA has mechanical repair agreement plans with flexibility to choose coverage and terms (months, miles and deductible) to match your vehicle and driving habits. Issued by AAA partner The Warranty Group, each plan is valid at any licensed repair facility, transferable if you sell your vehicle and cancelable at any time on a prorated basis. Repair facilities are paid directly by the plan. If your car has less than 100,000 miles and is under 10 years old, you may be eligible. For details or a free quote, visit www.AAA.com/warranty or call (800) 222-7623 ext. 6820.	Facilities in AAA’s Approved Auto Repair program must meet strict service criteria.

Learn how to maximize your membership To help you get the most out of your membership, AAA is hosting informational presentations at select offices all year long to showcase the services, savings and benefits available to you. The presentations, called Maximize Your Membership, examine how your membership can enhance the quality of your life and save you money. The next meetings will be on Thursday, March 19, at 2 p.m. Among the topics will be AAA’s competitive auto and homeowner’s insurance and the exclusive discounts offered by AAA Travel. Members also will learn about the Show Your Card & Save program, which offers discounts at thousands of retailers nationwide. The meetings will be held at the following locations: 9116 Rodney Parham in Little Rock, Ark. (501-223-9222); 5454 Bluebonnet Road in Baton Rouge, La. (225-293-1200).

Travel Protection Plan includes job loss In challenging economic times, protecting yourself financially is more important than ever, including when it comes to travel planning. More than 10 million Americans are unemployed, and more job loss is expected in 2009. AAA’s Travel Protection Plan, available through Access America, pays trip cancellation and interruption benefits for many covered reasons including termination. Members are reimbursed up to 100 percent of their prepaid, non-refundable trip costs, with maximum coverage up to $20,000 if they have to cancel a trip because they’ve lost their job through no fault of their own. The only requirement is that members must have worked for the same employer for at least three continuous years before the termination, which must occur after the effective date of coverage. Trip interruption coverage will also reimburse them for the unused, non-refundable portion of their trip and for any added costs to return home due to a covered reason. Contact your AAA Travel Agent for details. List of offices

VIN Etch can deter theft As an effective theft deterrent, the Club will offer window etching of your vehicle’s VIN (vehicle identification number) at several AAA offices this spring. The cost for the service is $30 for AAA members and $40 for non-members, including six etchings per car. AAA offers discounts on insurance for VIN Etching. Call 1-800-AAA-ROAD ext. 6821 to make appointments at least 48 hours in advance of the below dates. Please have your VIN number handy when calling for appointments. Dates and locations
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