AAA Automobile Club of Southern California

On my day off work, I decided that it would be a good idea to run some errands. I called ahead of time to ensure I’d be able to pick up a new registration sticker with ease. After waiting about 30 minutes, I was told I owed the DMV an additional $ 21 dollars. Annoying, but whatever, fine. At this point I just wanted to pay, get my sticker, and leave.
I got my wallet out to pay and the girl tells me: «Sorry, we’re cash or check only.»
…What? What 21^st-​century person carries cash anymore? When I called prior AND when I checked in, NO ONE informed me that this transaction would be cash or check only. Had I had been notified prior, I would have happily brought my checkbook along. But no– no one notified me.
So, after waiting for 30 minutes, I had to leave, get back into my car, drive to the closest gas station, and use an ATM because there is no ATM on site.
Then, I return, and was told the wait would be 5 minutes. Wrong.
I waited AN ADDITIONAL 25 minutes until I could get my f*cking sticker. Overall, it took me WELL OVER AN HOUR to get a simple registration sticker. I would have had better luck at the DMV.
Finally David came to the rescue and was apologetic about my wait, which is the only reason why I’m giving this location 2 stars instead of 1. To everyone at AAA, except David, thank you for ruining my day.

If you get an accident and get a point it only means AAA did not fight for you! They are happy you get point because the premium is going higher and higher so you end up paying these guys more! This is exactly what happened to me and I would not only never go back to them but also forbid my friends and family to do so. They are sneaky for sure! Be careful! This rule can apply to all AAA auto policy and offices.

They are a scam. They are not transparent and they never return your call once you sign up. I was with Geico for 11 years and they are the best. The only reason I switched to AAA because they quoted me a cheaper rate per month. When we signed up I was paying $ 130 they told we can do it for $ 120, After I signed up the first bill was $ 210. So I called them and a guy by the name of Allen who was not pleasant to talk to told me their was nothing he can do. He never once said let me see what I can do for you. I tried calling his manager and never did he call back. I went back to Geico and now I am paying for 2 cars full coverage $ 104 a month. Don’t ever use AAA

Very impressed with this location. Even when the office is crowded it never takes very long to complete the transactions I need. This is especially good when it comes to doing automobile registration that normally requires a trip to DMV.
I don’t know that they have the best prices at the auto club, but I do believe you get what you pay for. I am very satisfied with my auto club insurance and this particular location. BTW, you can get a test only smog test done here as well.

I can’t believe how easy and convenient it is to get my registration renewed here. I didn’t have to deal with going to the DMV which is always a hassle! I will be going here for any future dmv type necessities.

I have been a auto club member for 32 years and l locked my keys in the car called Roadside service and they put me on hold for 30 minutes and I finally hung up and called back to talk to the supervisor to get help what a joke AAA service now sucks hope you don’t have a emergency they simply don’t care they already have your money watch out and be careful I will probably cancel after the run around I received.

This review is for the customer service I received at the office.
Walked in to discuss insurance options and was assisted by Victor Iribe. He walked me through my current insurance policy and assisted with selecting the appropriate insurance for my car. Overall, I saved more money moving to AAA than with my previous car insurance. Victor was very thorough and professional. Please read the Unilocal ratings as some of those refer to just the claims.

I’m really puzzled about these low ratings. I guess, like with so many other things, YMMV. Here’s my mileage:
Insurance
I might as well start with this because that is the Unilocal category AAA is listed under. This is the cheapest auto insurance that we have found by far. Fortunately, we haven’t had to actually file a claim yet.
Battery Service
I’ve had to use their mobile battery service. Fortunately, my battery was just a bit corroded. Fast, courteous, and efficient.
Discounts
Dining, movie tickets, travel, etc.
Travel Resources
Free maps, travel guides, and even good advice from the travel agents.
DMV Service
I haven’t had to use this yet, but who wouldn’t want to utilize this service instead of waiting in line forever?
Roadside Service
Haven’t had to use this either, but this alone probably makes membership a good deal.
Smog Check
On two occasions, I pulled up and just asked them to inflate my tires. They didn’t even check my membership card. No charge. They even took care of my spare tire, which was pretty flat, and asked about my oil level. I’ve never actually come here for smog check because I’ve found a better deal elsewhere (refer to my review).
Passport Photos
Cheap, fast, easy.
Find a Facility
I found my great mechanic, Advanced Auto Care, through AAA. Have I reviewed them yet? I should.
Westways Magazine
I always learn something new about SoCal in each issue.
My friend used to work for AAA, and she was impressed by their dedication to their members. If you own a car, you really should join.

On my drive down from the San Fernando valley to San Diego my car overheated bad. I had to get off the freeway and I had only gotten about halfway to my destination. I was literally on my way down to move, my car was filled with my belongings and animals! So I checked my car and I was having a water problem and called AAA. The woman on the phone was helpful and she told me someone would be out within the hour to get me and my car and help us down to Chula Vista. Robert showed up at the hour and was great. He let me bring a couple of my animals in the truck with us and made the ride extremely comfortable. It was definitely not how I wanted to start my move but considering the situation everyone was great. I really appreciate it!

Poor customer service experience with agent Krishna Desai, she gave me a quote which I paid in full for the year. Next week I get an e-​mail stating I do not get an alumni discount as I am not a member of the alumni association which she never mentioned I need to be part of and only requested a copy of my college degree as proof I was alumni. Don’t take my full 1 year payment if you are unsure about a discount.
The worst part was trying to get my money back, Krishna Desai said i needed to inform her in 2 days if I wanted to cancel which I did and said I would be refunded but she never cancelled policy and underwriting department cancelled due to paperwork not being returned (duh I cancelled policy through agent or so I thought) and wanted me to pay the entire month of insurance which by then I already had Geico due to much better prices.
Agent transferred me to another person after I called and complained and stated she could not provide a name, I was on hold for 30 mins before I finally gave up and hung up.
Had to contact corporate and was finally able to get a fair refund.
Very shady agent, stay away from Krishna Desai!!!

This review is for AAA towing service only. We pay extra because we have a small old motor home. When our motor home blew a radiator hose in the outskirts of Southeast AZ, they sent a tow truck and carried the motor home to the repair shop as promised. I feel like we got a good deal.

AAA does not provide peace of mind. After 7 years of being a member they refused to send help when my car which got stuck near the beach because ‘beach” or «sand» is not considered a road, despite the fact they could easily send a tow truck. I had to get a private tow truck to get me out and later asked AAA to reimburse me and they refused. I asked to speak to the manager and he confirmed he will not reimburse me and I asked if that was what he was going to do to lose a member through advertising false peace of mind service and he said yes. I cancelled my membership as that was the one time I actually called for help and I got nothing.
Unfortunately that is not the end of my encounter with AAA. I got rear ended by someone who has AAA and he called to let me know he reported the accident, and it was his fault and AAA would call. I never heard from them so I called my insurance company who said I should go through AAA and they spoke to them already and they acknowledged responsibility so I should get a rental car if I need it and AAA should take care of it as well as the repairs. Another week goes by before AAA finally calls and they refused my rental because they claim they had to give me confirmation first. But how can I get confirmation if it takes them 2 weeks to get back to me? I left messages saying I need a rental car and please provide me a reservation #. The lady on the phone was rude and unapologetic for not getting to me in a timely manner and acted surprised when I asked for the procedure to get my car repaired. She asked how bad the damage is and I said the bumper is falling off and her response was «so it’s still driveable» and that I could have done without the rental. Triple A is more like getting triple zero service.

This review relates to my experience with the Auto Club’s insurance department.
It gives me no pleasure to say this considering the otherwise favorable experiences I’ve had with the Auto Club, but dealing with the Auto Club’s insurance services has been the worst customer service experience of my life, bar none.
If you crave the experience of having to place repeated calls to your insurance agent only to have your calls returned days (if not weeks) later by an agent whose mere existence seems almost ephemeral, then you should consider buying insurance from AAA.
If weeks of playing phone tag just to set up a simple insurance policy might give you the exhilaration of feeling like a wolf prowling the forest in search of prey, then you might enjoy the experience of setting up an insurance policy with the Auto Club.
If there’s too much stability in your life and you want to experience the excitement of having your home insurance policy canceled three times in six months, only to have it reinstated each time after struggling to reach your aforementioned ephemeral insurance agent, then you should consider buying home insurance from AAA.
If after being rear-​ended on the freeway you want to experience the joy of getting to know the other party’s insurance adjuster because your own adjuster can’t be bothered to do anything on your behalf, then by all means, you should consider buying auto insurance from the Auto Club.
Today is a great day, because later this afternoon, I’m going to pour myself a glass of wine, call the Auto Club, and tell them that I’m taking my insurance business elsewhere. Enough is enough.

I was taken care of with a courteous and professional manner. The Insurance Service Representative, Lorena Hernandez, was very nice and made sure my concerns were addressed. She deserves a raise. No long lines and long wait times when I went.

Standing at the counter to be helped and once I tell them what I need they make me step aside because there is a line behind me! Am I not a customer? I was here before all of the customers who walked in after me.

Battery was dead in car — anytime to start the car it needed to be jumped. ANYTIME.
The battery is from AAA and under the 36 months warranty — which according to them will be replaced by AAA for free.
A service member came out, tested it and said the readings were fine and it was not the battery.
I would find out today AAA does fraudulent testing when they come and test their batteries. This is a common practice done often by AAA so that they do not have to replace a faulty battery at their cost.
This morning the car would not start (AGAIN) and was taken to a repair shop where indeed they also did a reading and in fact it is a bad battery.
Is this really how you do business or cheat your customers. Shame on you. DO NOT TRUST AAA

Thank you ! Enjoy our specialist she was very helpful cheerful, thank you for maps. Remember if you come prepared life is good,

I am most impressed that the AAA Auto Insurance’s quote came in over 20% lower than most of their competitors. I work with the best personal insurance agent, Kurtis. His service was impeccable, going the extra mile to ensure that we have the best coverage with the lowest possible premium. He has earned referrals from my family and friends. Kudos Kurtis!
Cheers to living life fully!!!

This review is solely for their notarizing department. I’d say 2 stars because the staff was clueless on how to notarize a Certified License Certificate that was needed for the Board of Pharmacy. It took forever and was a complete waste of time… As a Premier member (their gold card, which is the next upgrade from the basic white card) for 3+ years, I expected better. So for $ 4 notary service, I’d AVOID going here unless it’s simple documents.
Other than that, their roadside service is superb when I had a flat and when I was stranded from a dead car battery.

Came in to update my name and address with AAA and renew our membership. Signed in and waiting for an agent… for a while and the place was empty, since there were closing in 15 min. The guy asked us several times about insurance… sorta of annoying since we have checked before and it was way too expensive.
This place has a ton of parking which is awesome.
Looking forward to not having to wait in a big DMV line and just coming here. Might even check out for some travel arrangements.