Roadside Assistance – AARP

The American Association of Retired Persons, or AARP, carries name-brand recognition for seniors regardless of whether they are on the road or not.

AARP is a classic name in the senior services industry. The organization offers those ages 50 years and older great benefits and discounts, especially with roadside assistance provided by Allstate. That said, seniors should be cautioned that rescue is never guaranteed on either the Premier or Road ‘N Tow plans. Also, refunds may be a hassle at best.

Only positive experiences for me

I am surprised to read the negative reviews regarding AARP. I have had my homeowners, auto, and health insurance with them for many years and have never had an issue with any claims. As far as towing, one time I had to get my own tow truck, I paid the bill and was immediately reimbursed by AARP, without any problem. I have never tried to use discounts for travel or phones, etc. so I have no experience with that but the rates for insurance coverage and premiums I have researched many times (every 2-3 years) and have found AARP to be a far better price than the companies compared.

AARP is no support to seniors

AARP has always touted their support and benefits for seniors. I guess I don’t see that. I switched my car insurance to AARP Hartford because it was a better rate. Before I switched, I had a discussion with an agent who indicated their rates were stable and in fact one year had a decrease. Being told they had a decrease should have been a clue something was not quite right. I did make the switch and like any other insurance company every six month renewal was an increase in the policy rate. AARP’s name on a product means nothing and there is apparently no reviews of a company to see that they are actually providing a lower cost product to seniors. I have also found that AARP travel is not the best deal. You can get better rates from other online providers. Looks t me that AARP is getting paid to have their name associated with a company and they are no longer an organization out to support and provide benefits to seniors. SHAME ON YOU !!!!!

Ongoing repeating issues with receiving The Magazine

It appears that no one at AARP listens, or reads, or maybe they just do not care!
Weeks ago, we specifically told AARP representatives we received the AARP Bulletins but have NOT received the AARP The Magazine, so what do they send us? The bulletins! We’re extremely disappointed in this total lack of customer service.
AARP is supposed to be a help to seniors, not a hindrance.
This ineptitude is why we canceled our subscription last time and now it appears we will be forced to do that again as we have NOT received any AARP magazines at all!!
AARP owes us back issues from February to now!!
Is this how they serve seniors? AARP should be ashamed of this, especially since, issues with receiving AARP the magazine has reoccurred for years! That is not good business, and is not caring for seniors, their supposed target audience!
To make matters worse there is no way to contact them, the fast way, by email, instead, we must spend valuable time chatting, or on the phone.
Today AARP again indicated the missing magazines are being sent!? We will believe it when we receive them.

Terrible 1st call to this company

Terrible 1st call to this company. They had me thinking that the tow company of my interest service would be paid for, tow truck arrives and I pay $150 out of pocket ( I now cannot get back). They didn’t tell me that they dispatch their own tow service to me…yet they just sent one out after I already paid and been towed. Had to complain for them to review the call and they still found no reason to help, reimburse or do anything.

While the AARP remains the most credible source of news, reports, and information for senior citizens, its venture into roadside assistance leaves much to be desired. Compared to the likes of AAA and other niche automobile rescue services, AARP cannot offer 24/7/365 coverage and some of the other key essential services one might expect when stranded far from home.

AARP has two categories of coverage, Premier and Road ‘N Tow, but none offer towing beyond 100 miles or lockout services without an additional charge. Some seniors might like the scalability of both plans, but many will find the hidden charges and nuances inconvenient when they receive their final bills.

The exclusivity of AARP membership for those 50 years of age and older remains a perk, especially since the annual cost is still only $16, and roadside membership goes on to include car rental savings, hotel discounts, Pathfinder Trip Routing services, 12-month repair warranties, auto theft rewards, and various legal defense reimbursements.

During a breakdown, the AARP may fall short regarding health-related roadside coverage. AARP relies on Allstate for its responder network, which does not guarantee a response. This leaves the stranded senior to find their own means to safety. In the event, the stranded can reach a mechanic and a hospital. However, they are eligible for emergency room bonds of up to $1,000 for most members (except those from California who receive $250 on their bond cards).

Despite these payback options, however, the member must submit claims and follow up with customer service, much like a true insurance company. This added stress, and distress is not good for one’s health and may tip a senior’s decision to stick with AAA or Allstate.

• AARP is synonymous with senior welfare and has over 37 million members that benefit from the $16 annual membership fee.
• AARP offers two modifiable, or build-your-own, plans that give seniors flexibility when adding family members and additional vehicles.
• Members benefit from a 60-day money-back guarantee and a pro-rated refund outside those 60 days.
• Allstate backs both plans and offers coverage throughout the United States.
• All plans come with AARP lodging discounts, car rental discounts, and Pathfinder Trip Routing services.

• The most obvious downfall is the unreliability of response times and the potential for nonresponse, which is reimbursable, but also requires the driver to get out of the jam alone.
• The AARP’s coverage is fraught with stipulations, including paying for standard roadside assistance measures such as emergency fluid delivery, lockout services, and tire replacements.
• While the company offers great reimbursements and warranties, all of the legwork must be conducted by the member at his or her own cost.
• Many members may already have Allstate and therefore do not need the double coverage or discounts that the AARP currently offers.

AARP roadside assistance with Allstate is an excellent option for all current members of the organization who have not previously held roadside coverage with another entity and are looking for quick options. More adventurous individuals may find that the assistance is lacking, since most standard services come with a charge in addition to annual membership fees and roadside assistance dues.

The warranty on membership cancellation and repairs is first-class and may allow seniors to test drive the service (no pun intended) before going all in with the lower-tiered Road ‘N Tow service or upgrading to the Premier plan. Ultimately, the AARP remains a great name to have on a card in one’s pocket, but just not too far from home or an Allstate provider.

What if I move? Am I still covered?  

Members are covered anywhere in the United States and do not have to wait for the issuance of their cards. However, members should be careful to note that many of the bonds, discounts, and deals are scaled based on state. For example, California only offers emergency medical coverage of up to $250, while other states offer $1,000.

If I am a commercial driver, am I still covered?  

Members are covered if, and only if, they are operating private passenger vehicles, motorcycles, four-wheeled sport utility vehicles, and light trucks with a carrying capacity of less than 2,000 pounds. Of note, RV coverage is available on the premium plan regardless of whether the vehicle is owned, leased, borrowed, or on loan.

What if my vehicle is stuck in the mud, snow, or worse?  

No problem! Members are covered for up to 30 minutes for one operator to remove a stuck car, whether stranded in mud, sand, snow, or a ditch.

Product Details

Overview: The AARP relies on Allstate to provide its members with roadside coverage, which can be lacking when one is stranded or in a wreck. Services rendered are 24/7 in nature, but with no guarantee of immediate rescue, if any. The company offsets these inconveniences nicely with refunds, bonds, coupons, discounts, and more. Seniors may find the refund process tedious, and the uncertainty of coverage disconcerting, but the AARP is still second to none regarding brand recognition and advocacy on behalf of all driving seniors.

Package Details: AARP roadside assistance with Allstate has two standard plans:  Premier and Road ‘N Tow. Neither plan is all-inclusive and requires members to cover such costs as flat tire repair servicing, battery jumpstarts, emergency fluid deliveries, and lockout services. Additionally, only the top-tier plan offers RV coverage, which may be off-putting to seniors looking for added freedom during their best years.

Add-on Services:  AARP is top-notch in its generosity with discounts to hotels and deals on car rental services. Of course, all beneficiaries must be 50 years of age or older. Still, add-ons include guaranteed arrest bonds, auto theft deterrent rewards, emergency room bonds, trip interruption rebates, Pathfinder Trip Routing services, vehicle repair referrals and warranties, repair check guarantees, RV emergency roadside services, and much more.

Additional Company Details

Contract Details:  AARP membership plans are good for one year for $16, but roadside assistance comes at an additional charge that ranges from $58 to $ 104 annually. AARP is extremely respectful of changing budgetary needs and demands placed on seniors. Therefore, it offers a 60-day money-back guarantee and a pro-rated refund outside that window. However, AARP and its roadside assistance via Allstate do not guarantee rescue, so it places much of the burden of claim responsibility on the contract holder. These bonds and repayments are generous but not for the faint of heart.

Warranty: Assuming the new member does not already have Roadside Assistance via AARP from Allstate, they are eligible for a 60-day Monday-back satisfaction guarantee. Current and new members also benefit from repair service warranties when a defective part or workmanship issue results in another repair within 12 months or 12,000 miles of the original repair, whichever comes first. AARP covers all costs for the parts and labor for such issues as poor tire repairs, front-end suspension problems, engine tune-up services, brake services, heating and air conditioning problems, electrical rewiring, belt repairs, and hose replacements.

Accreditations: The AARP is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau but maintains an A+ rating.

Company Details: The AARP began life as the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA) in 1947, focusing on encouraging seniors to continue teaching and mentoring through their golden years. The American Association of Retired Persons was officially founded in 1958 and continues to operate as a 501(c)(4) organization that lobbies on behalf of seniors or those 50 years of age and older.

The company has multiple affiliates, including the AARP Experience Corps, AARP Institute, AARP Financial Services Corporation, and the AARP Insurance Plan, among others. The company has over 37 million members and remains the most well-known advocate for elders and seniors throughout their golden years.

Contact:

AARP
601 E St NW
Washington, DC 20049-0001
Tel: (888) 687-2277
Website: https://www.aarp.org/