Get an AA membership [Archive]

kave

9th November 2007, 18:49

Today I got a puncture, a big screw stuck in my rear tyre. I dont carry a puncture kit (though I probably should). I called AA at 5:30pm, and I was picked up in 45mins (from downtown auckland during rush hour). The towie was great, had my bike nice and secure and he made sure I was absolutely happy with how he was strapping it onto the truck.

The way I see it, my AA membership has already paid for itself, and I've only had it for three months. Its great not having to panic when you are stuck at the side of the road. Definately a worthwhile investment.

Colapop

9th November 2007, 18:52

AA plus. Standard AA membership doesn't cover motorcyclists I think.

Stickchick

9th November 2007, 19:02

AA plus. Standard AA membership doesn't cover motorcyclists I think.

Is that right? Dam I need to upgrade then

kave

9th November 2007, 19:15

AA plus. Standard AA membership doesn't cover motorcyclists I think.

Yeah, I've got AA plus. Its not cheap, but its not much more than getting a rego, and its definately worth it.

Stickchick

9th November 2007, 19:23

Yeah, I've got AA plus. Its not cheap, but its not much more than getting a rego, and its definately worth it.

How much is it?

carbacca

9th November 2007, 19:43

ynot slow

9th November 2007, 19:46

Cost is $90 for aa plus,we took it to cover car and also for the bike,normal aa membership covers some bike stuff,i.e flat battery,but to be sure went for aaplus this year.

Stickchick

9th November 2007, 19:48

i have had bikes (not mine, people i was with) recovered with just standard AA membership, though i have recently upgraded to plus so i can get more than 100k away from home and still get recovered. yeah its definitely worth it for peace of mind that there is help available

i got my membership when it was on special for 65 i think, then AA Plus is another 45 on top of that

Sweet I have standard AA membership but if they aren't gonna pick me up if I need them then I better upgrade, as I don't have a car so standard will be useless to me

Oakie

9th November 2007, 19:57

Didn't know there was a difference. Got it 3 or 4 years ago and have used it once for the bike when it had fuel starvation about 20 km from town. They came out, diagnosed and fixed the problem then followed me into town. Costs me under $80 a year and is worth it even for bikes.

MaxB

9th November 2007, 20:02

i have had bikes (not mine, people i was with) recovered with just standard AA membership, though i have recently upgraded to plus so i can get more than 100k away from home and still get recovered. yeah its definitely worth it for peace of mind that there is help available

i got my membership when it was on special for 65 i think, then AA Plus is another 45 on top of that

+1 for peace of mind. We have AA Plus and it has saved us a lot of grief. Standard cover just gets you to a local garage for repair but with rare or older stuff sometimes its better to fix it at home at your leisure. Saves $$$$ too.

jimbo600

9th November 2007, 21:56

Don't get me started about AA. Nothing but grief and bullshit is all I've had from those pious pricks.

kave

9th November 2007, 22:00

Don't get me started about AA. Nothing but grief and bullshit is all I've had from those pious pricks.

We are talking about the "Automobile Association", not "Alcoholics Anonymous"

jrandom

9th November 2007, 22:00

D'oh! I have AA Plus membership.

Why didn't I think of using it the other day when I had a puncture?

D'oh, d'oh, d'oh.

homer

9th November 2007, 22:02

Is that right? Dam I need to upgrade then

Hi ya who do you have as insurance ...mines with swann insurance and i havnt had to use it yet , hope not to

Disco Dan

9th November 2007, 22:05

jimbo600

9th November 2007, 22:06

We are talking about the "Automobile Association", not "Alcoholics Anonymous"

Well yeah Automobile Assoc' but the Alcoholic Anon' dudes weren't much help either.

kave

9th November 2007, 22:28

I carry a full tool kit for my bike as well as a puncture repair kit complete with mini C02 inflation cylinders to inflate my tire.

heaps cheaper than AA, and if you know your bike (ie you actually service it yourself) then roadside repairs are a sintch! :rockon::rockon:

Ah, but if you leave your bike parked somewhere and come back to find that some retard cager has backed into your bike without seeing it, or if you get a stone through your radiator in the middle of nowhere, or an animal strike takes out your headlights in the middle of the night on country roads etc....
Sometimes you need a fix that a roadside kit wont handle, and for those occasions the AA is awesome. If I break down on the desert road I would like to know that I wont have to spend the night under the stars or leave my bike behind while I hitch-hike to somewhere safer.

In saying that, I am really keen to get set up with a puncture repair kit and I think it would be great to be able to provide running repairs on my bike if I ever needed to. Its just that I also know that there will possibly be problems that a spanner, some duct tape and a pair of pliers wont fix, and if those problems do arrive I am confident that the AA will fufill their side of the agreement, and make sure that the bike and I get home safely.

klyong82

9th November 2007, 23:04

I am with Swann Insurance too. Comes with free 3 tows a year plus other roadside assistance. Not had to use them yet but hope they are as good as AA. I do carry toolkits around and a puncture repair kit just for safety.

YLWDUC

10th November 2007, 01:50

If you haven't got another fvorm of roadside rescue, then AA is well worth it. I lost a cyclinder on a ride to work, arriving at a petrol station 10 minutes before it closed. Although I spent 15 minutes on the phone with AA, they agreed that I was entitled to a tow/pickup and delivery to the nearest motorcycle mechanic, which happened to be in Palmy about 45 km away.

They take a while, but eventually come round

Renegade

10th November 2007, 06:13

im with protecta insurance and this year they through in AA roadside rescue for car and bike.

scootnz

10th November 2007, 07:07

Standard AA membership will get your bike towed to the nearest AA agent, you don't need AA plus for that. I'm a 10+ year member (unlimited callouts per year), definitely worth it. It covers any vehicle you are driving/riding at the time, even someone elses vehicle. Signed up my partner to a (cheaper) associate membership, and he now uses it more than I do. He used to do it the hard way, getting friends to help, borrowing cars, trailers, etc, complicating what could be a fairly simple procedure to get a bike recovered.

Nasty

10th November 2007, 07:16

We have standard membership and whatever we are riding or driving gets dealt with ... bikes get towed .. cars get towed ... etc.

Conquiztador

10th November 2007, 08:31

You have convinced me. Where do I sign??

Stickchick

10th November 2007, 10:23

Hi ya who do you have as insurance ...mines with swann insurance and i havnt had to use it yet , hope not to

My insurance is with IAG

carbacca

10th November 2007, 10:42

swann is underwritten by IAG i think

i am with swann too, i saw they had the roadside assist as well but i didnt pay it any mind and went for AA while i am at it

another good thing about AA is you get points at BP...those of us who runs exclusively on ultimate 98 would find that useful

Swoop

10th November 2007, 12:27

im with protecta insurance and this year they <STRIKE>through</STRIKE> THREW in AA roadside rescue for car and bike.
That was hard to read!

You have convinced me. Where do I sign??
Here! (http://www.aa.co.nz)

Ixion

10th November 2007, 13:00

But they specifically exclude motorcycles from the recovery benefit (unless its convenient to them)

From the AA Terms and condition

Specialist vehicles and motorcycles
Towing or recovery of vehicles that have been lowered or modified or are fitted with body kits will be on a best endeavours basis and may be subject to delays due to availability of suitable contractors. Any additional charges/costs for specialised recovery equipment or labour will be at the Member's expense.
The AA will provide vehicle recovery for motorcycles on a best endeavours basis and may be subject to availability of suitable contractors. If the Member chooses not to accept the attending tow truck, any other arrangements will be at the Member's expense.

And from experience AA mechanics know nothing about motorcycles and don't have tools to work on them

Apart from the fact that AA hate motorcycles with a mighty hatred, and lose no opportun ity to bad mouth us in the press.

EDIT: And it would appear that punctures on motorcycles are not covered

AA Membership exclusions
Service cannot be provided if:

the vehicle is immobilised due to failure to carry a serviceable spare wheel and wheel changing equipment suitable to the vehicle

kave

10th November 2007, 13:29

But they specifically exclude motorcycles from the recovery benefit (unless its convenient to them)

From the AA Terms and condition

And from experience AA mechanics know nothing about motorcycles and don't have tools to work on them

Apart from the fact that AA hate motorcycles with a mighty hatred, and lose no opportun ity to bad mouth us in the press.

EDIT: And it would appear that punctures on motorcycles are not covered

Well, AA gave me no problems picking up my bike as a result of my puncture, and the towie was excellent.

Mikkel

10th November 2007, 14:10

Hmmm, I was just wondering if the AA membership is vehicle specific or if it's personal. I.e. if I'm a member will it cover both my car and my bike - or only just my car? I can just remember once locking the keys in the car (in a way so stupid you wouldn't believe, but that's another story) that they asked a LOT of vehicle specific questions to validate my membership.

scootnz

10th November 2007, 14:19

I heat seized my scooter just out of Masterton - was towed to Masterton to an AA agent. I didn't expect them to fix it (needed a new topend etc), but it was better than leaving it on the side of the road. Have had other tows for various problems - obviously punctures are a problem for motorbikes that can't carry a spare - I've had to change several on the side of the road but have a spare so it's not too hard.

I've never not been able to get a tow - you sometimes have to wait longer for a flatdeck tow truck, but you'd have to wait anyway if you have to arrange your own tow.

It's also useful for flat batteries and keys-locked-in-car too, for those who have to have cars as well as bikes.

scootnz

10th November 2007, 14:21

Membership is personal - it covers any vehicle YOU are driving / riding. If you're a passenger you're not covered. They always ask for make, model, colour, rego, and location.

Hmmm, I was just wondering if the AA membership is vehicle specific or if it's personal. I.e. if I'm a member will it cover both my car and my bike - or only just my car? I can just remember once locking the keys in the car (in a way so stupid you wouldn't believe, but that's another story) that they asked a LOT of vehicle specific questions to validate my membership.

Smoggy

10th November 2007, 21:37

It only takes one call out, and rescue, for that one thing you cannot fix yourself, and they will get you home. Well worth the money

cynna

10th November 2007, 23:25

i have had no trouble getting my bike picked up with the standard aa membership. last time took about 45 minutes tho but i had to wait for a flat bed truck 4am on a saturday. much quicker during normal hours or if you want your bike swinging off the bacl off a tow truck

cut keys for my van when i lost them twice in a month. came and and help pick my bike lock once when i couldnt find the key. very handy for flat batteries. i just need to remember to use them - been a couple of times when i forgot and arranged for mates to come and get me...

swiping the AA card at bp, repco, vodafone etc soon pays your membership for you as well so it doesnt end up costing tht much. with AA plus your vehicle has to be a under a certain age or inspected by an AA mechanic other wise you are not covered i think

howdamnhard

11th November 2007, 00:02

It only takes one call out, and rescue, for that one thing you cannot fix yourself, and they will get you home. Well worth the money

Agreed,used them a few times for the cage,never thought to use them for my flat bike tyre:doh:.Used my punture repair kit and limped to the nearest bike shop.Next time I'll use AA.:niceone:

MaxB

11th November 2007, 00:12

swiping the AA card at bp, repco, vodafone etc soon pays your membership for you as well so it doesnt end up costing tht much. with AA plus your vehicle has to be a under a certain age or inspected by an AA mechanic other wise you are not covered i think

At least 3 pick ups for my 30 year old Beemer twin. All recovered home on AA plus. Once an ignition coil packed up, then a carb inlet stub detached and finally a clutch failure. The first 2 I didn't see coming, the last one I did. The bike is reliable but it has done a lot of kms. Each time the AA got me home safe and sound from wherever I was.

ynot slow

11th November 2007, 19:50

We had fun in Napier this year after mission concert with the top tank in car blowing,left it till ready to leave,filled with water,no cap,drove to Hastings,but holed the bottom tank,phoned aa(1.30ish in morning),towed to Norsewood where were staying,only thing was towey was slightly stoned(he was 60ish),nearly put truck off road once.

Next day checked the local garage about a radiator,but as he had none available would be two days to fix,he put us onto a guy in Dannevegas to pick us up and tow into Palmy.

Tow guy and his wife were brilliant,took care of all problems,even stopped on outskirts to check if his mate was at work as he thought he had a core for us,the guy was away though,dropped us into town,phoned the garage owner who put new tank in on moday and we were good to go.

If we had the total aa plus cover we would have choice of accomodation or tow home or to place suitable to us.As stated by using bp and repco you accrue points towards renewal cost so pay less for memebership.

saltydog

11th November 2007, 20:04

Don't get me started about AA. Nothing but grief and bullshit is all I've had from those pious pricks.

me too, they are a bunch of picky bastards. Got my insurance through NAC (national Auto club) and they provide free roadside rescue. sweet as. Never had a puncture on any bike (as he reaches over to touch wood)

sp3ed

12th November 2007, 12:23

I am not impressed by AA!

I pay my membership, I have a puncture repair kit, I carry a tool kit, my bike is well cared for and I have only ever needed roadside assistance once in 17 years of driving riding.
They wouldn't come and recover my broken bike, because I fell off, and so not covered. I haven't read the terms for all types of memebrship yet but I wonder what would happen if a mechanical breakdown resulted in the bike hitting the ground, or if I crashed the car, would they recover me?

I think I will look for alternative roadside assitance insurance next time!

fireliv

12th November 2007, 12:44

AA plus. Standard AA membership doesn't cover motorcyclists I think.

Phoenx and I have AA standard and it covers our bikes.

Definatly worth it. I also love the fact that if you are in a vehicle as a passanger and it breaks down your AA membership is still valid

Oakie

22nd April 2012, 20:05

So this year's membership which I paid a couple of weeks ago has paid for itself already.

The Bandit suffered what must be an electrical problem and just died on Saturday while on the way home from watching our 5 year old granddaughter playing rugby. Quick phone call and half an our later a ute with a bike trailer rolls up. Half an hour after that we deliver the bike to the workshop. No charge and thank you very much. Oh, my membership only costs me $59 a year as I've been with them a few years now. Mrs Oakie's is only $30something because she's the second member in the family with it.

I've had three call outs now over the past 5 or so years. One was a roadside fix and 2 required transportation. Well worth the money each year ... even for just the peace of mind of knowing they're there just in case. Wouldn't be without them really.

hellokitty

22nd April 2012, 20:54

I have AA plus, which comes in handy when you get a puncture miles away from anywhere - I have a spoked front wheel, so can't fix it at the side of the road. I was towed the other weekend, and the towie didn't tie my bike down correctly, and it fell over on the truck :mad: Luckily for him, my heavily packed saddle bag and my footpeg that folds up, took the weight of the bike, and there was no damage.....

clint640

23rd April 2012, 15:22

I have a spoked front wheel, so can't fix it at the side of the road. .....

Yes you can. Just need tyre levers, bike pump, patch kit & practice. Cheaper than an AA membership & less dependent on cellphone coverage :msn-wink:

Cheers
Clint

Paul in NZ

23rd April 2012, 15:53

I ditched my AA membership when they wouldn't come out to a flat battery in a car park building and that tosser Mike Noone started dribbling anti motorcycle shite during the ACC fight. The maps are OK, the field staff are ok but the company stinks...

Oakie

23rd April 2012, 19:03

. Just need tyre levers, bike pump, patch kit & practice. Cheaper than an AA membership & less dependent on cellphone coverage But all I need is my credit card sized AA membership and I can leave the tyre levers etc at home. (Oh yeah, and I've done my time with tyre levers in days gone by. T'was no big thing after the first couple).

hellokitty

23rd April 2012, 19:36

Yes you can. Just need tyre levers, bike pump, patch kit & practice. Cheaper than an AA membership & less dependent on cellphone coverage :msn-wink:

Cheers
Clint
I also need the ability to fix the tyre :bleh:

But all I need is my credit card sized AA membership and I can leave the tyre levers etc at home. (Oh yeah, and I've done my time with tyre levers in days gone by. T'was no big thing after the first couple).

I have had 3 flat tyres in 18 months. 1 back tyre, and 2 front. 3 different tyres and 3 different tubes :wait: I could understand if it was the same tyre and patched tube!

Gremlin

24th April 2012, 01:30

Having a newish BMW, unless it's something generic like a puncture, then I'm pretty much restricted to having a dealer have a little chat with the bike to figure out what's wrong anyway.

So yes, AA Plus for me. Haven't used it yet, but it's pretty cheap insurance if something does go wrong with the bike. Insurance includes Roadside Assist, but it's fuck all compared to the AA one. I figure the more mileage I clock up, the better value for money the membership is (and it's on me, not the bike, so it covers anything I'm riding). I'm doing my best to rack up the mileage :lol:

BASS-TREBLE

24th April 2012, 07:10

p.dath

24th April 2012, 07:23

AA plus. Standard AA membership doesn't cover motorcyclists I think.

Standard AA membership covers a motorcycle where they have an operatoir in the area with the capability.

The "Plus" just covers you for accomodation for a break down away from home, and recovery back to your home city (from memory).

oneofsix

24th April 2012, 07:41

AA plus. Standard AA membership doesn't cover motorcyclists I think.

Rubbish, I have used the standard 2 or 3 times to get a bike jump started. fucking park lights and always on headlights, can't crash start a bike when the power first goes to the headlight, mumble mumble grumble

Oakie

24th April 2012, 07:43

Rubbish, I have used the standard 2 or 3 times to get a bike jump started. fucking park lights and always on headlights, can't crash start a bike when the power first goes to the headlight, mumble mumble grumble

True. Standard membership for me and I've had them 3 times for a bike.

gunnyrob

24th April 2012, 21:53

GET AA PLUS!!!! Refer to these stories and compare....

Flip

24th April 2012, 23:10

Ran over a bit of tin some where near Nasedy-Ranfurly one Queens birthday Sunday. Cut a 50mm slash in the tyre wall which had me fucked. Called the AA who went away and called back 20min later with 3 options. Firstly the Mobil garage in Ranfurly said tuff bickies get stuffed, the bike shop in Palmerston was happy to pick the bike up but it would take a couple of three hours but they might not have a tyre in stock until Tuesday, the garage in Naseby said they could fit a special reinforced patch in the tyre and fit a tube that would get us back to Wellington but had no way to collect the bike, the forth option was the AA would send a flat deck and get the bike to Oamaru or Naseby. We simply took the wheel off took it to Naseby he patched the tyre and put a tube in and the bike made it back to Wellington just fine.

+1 to the AA.

The Lone Rider

25th April 2012, 13:37

AA Standard Membership Story-

A blown tire between two small towns...

Took an hour or so before tow guy arrived, with a trailer to small and no training on how to hitch a bike.

Was told on Standard, I'm only covered to be taken back to HIS workshop (in the direction I just came from)

Towed in the wrong way, then had to wait 2 hours while he attended another call out

Then had to pay $200 for him to drive me and my bike home as wasnt covered by AA. Maybe it was $100 or $150... but it was a lot!

In the end, took 6 hours from blown tire to doorstep.

Had the tire not blown, I was about an hour and 20 mins from home.

AA Standard has been no issue with my car however.