Most people think of AAA when they need a tow, but there are tons of ways that a membership can make your everyday life better.   

During my time working at the AAA Ken-Ton Branch, I helped connect AAA Members with the services they needed. That experience taught me a lot about AAA beyond roadside assistance, including several member perks that many people don't realize they even have.

From bicycle assistance and identity theft protection to entertainment discounts and more, AAA Membership offers value far beyond what most people expect.

Locked out: At work, school, or the grocery store 

Have you ever been so focused on everything else going on that you lock your car, only to realize your keys are sitting on the seat? 

During my college years, most of the times I needed AAA were for lockout services. Without fail, it always seemed to happen on days when I had an important test. I'd be doing some last-minute studying in my car, head into class, and then realize I locked my keys inside.

Knowing I had AAA in my corner helped me focus on what mattered instead of stressing about how I was going to get home or make it to work after class.

As soon as my test was over, I called AAA and let them know where I was and what happened. It was the easiest thing I did all day. By the time I got back to my car, I already had a notification that help was on the way. Nothing like a plot twist on a big day.

Dead battery: It doesn't care what season it is

Another lesson I've learned as a AAA Associate is that battery troubles don't just happen in the winter. 

Dead battery in the winter? Classic. Along with snowy roads, it's one of those realities of driving in Western and Central New York. Old car or new car, below-freezing temperatures don't discriminate. 

What many people don't realize is that summer heat can be just as tough on your battery. I learned that the hard way a few years ago. After spending all day working in the heat, all I could think about was getting into my air-conditioned car and heading home. Instead, I turned the key and…nothing. Dead battery.

Battery service is one of the top reasons members call AAA. In fact, even my brand-new car had a dead battery after only a few weeks. When AAA arrived, they quickly diagnosed the issue and confirmed that my battery needed to be replaced. Instead of arranging a tow or shopping around for a new battery, I was able to purchase a replacement through AAA and get back on the road faster. It was one of those moments where I realized AAA offers much more than roadside assistance alone. Many members know AAA for jump starts, but fewer realize AAA can also test, replace, and install batteries in many situations. Visit AAA.com/Battery to learn more.

Bicycle roadside assistance: The one nobody expects

Planning an early morning bike ride miles away from home? What could possibly go wrong? A few years ago, my brother was training for a charity marathon miles away from home when he blew a tire. Even though he'd been a AAA Member for years, he called our mom, who drove from many towns over to pick him up.  

What he, and my mom, didn’t know, is that he could have called AAA.  

Many members are surprised to learn that AAA Memberships include bicycle assistance, making it one of those hidden benefits that's easy to overlook until you need it. AAA can help arrange transportation for members and their bicycle from a safe, accessible location.  

ProtectMyID: Coverage beyond the road

As someone who works in a AAA Branch, I can confidently say that ProtectMyID by Experian is one of the benefits we talk about the most and the one that surprises even our most tenured members.  

Every day, we hear from members whose credit cards have been compromised. Suddenly they're updating payment information for insurance, memberships, utility bills, streaming services, and everything else tied to that card.  

With ProtectMyID, your credit report is monitored, and you'll receive alerts about important changes. If your wallet is lost or stolen, you can call for assistance with canceling and replacing your cards. If you become a victim of identity theft, a U.S.-based fraud resolution agent will guide you through the recovery process every step of the way.

And that's just the free version that's already included with your AAA Membership. Members can also choose from two upgraded protection levels with even more monitoring and coverage.

As someone whose Social Security number was stolen several years ago, I signed up for ProtectMyID right away. It's one of those benefits I hope I never need, but I'm glad to have. You can sign up in any branch, online at AAA.com/IDTheft, or by phone at 1-877-440-6943.

AAA Tickets & Discounts: The everyday perk

Another amazing member benefit is AAA Tickets. Members can save on movie tickets at theaters like Regal and AMC, with discounts and bundles that can save up to 25%.  

AAA also offers discounts on tickets to Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, Darien Lake, Dollywood, Hersheypark, zoos, aquariums, and much more. Discover all AAA has to offer at AAA.com/Tickets. 

Before heading to the movies, a theme park, or even the zoo, take a look at AAA Tickets first. You might be surprised by how much you can save.

Roadside assistance may be what AAA is best known for, but membership includes far more than a tow truck when something goes wrong. From lockout service and battery help to bicycle roadside assistance, identity protection, and everyday savings on entertainment and travel, AAA offers valuable benefits designed to support members both on and off the road.

Explore everything AAA Membership has to offer and see which benefits could make your life a little easier.  

AAA Membership

Rachel Brogan is a AAA Member and Associate.