Aaa vs Good Sam: Which Rv Club Reigns Supreme?
Planning an RV adventure and overwhelmed by choices? You’re not alone! Navigating the world of RV clubs can feel like trying to find a campsite on a holiday weekend. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you choose the perfect companion for your travels.
We’re putting two of the biggest names in the RV world to the test: AAA and Good Sam. Both offer a wealth of benefits, from roadside assistance to discounts on campgrounds and services. However, their offerings and target audiences differ significantly, so the best choice depends on your specific needs.
This comparison will break down everything you need to know about AAA and Good Sam. We’ll examine their membership perks, pricing, and overall value. By the end, you’ll be equipped to make an informed decision and hit the road with confidence, knowing you’ve chosen the right RV club for your adventures.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | aaa | good sam |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Area | National | National |
| Towing Service | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Jump Start | Yes | Yes |
| Tire Change | Yes | Yes |
| Fuel Delivery | Yes | Yes |
| Lockout Service | Yes | Yes |
| Trip Planning | Yes | Yes |
| Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| RV/Trailer Coverage | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Tire Repair | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Coverage for Motorcycles | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage for Bicycles | No | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Roadside Assistance Coverage
- Aaa: Offers comprehensive roadside assistance, including towing, battery jump-starts, tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockout services. Coverage levels vary depending on membership tier, with higher tiers providing more extensive towing distances and additional services. Pros: Wide availability and generally reliable service. Cons: Coverage can be limited depending on membership level.
- Good Sam: Provides roadside assistance primarily for RVs and other recreational vehicles, but also offers coverage for cars. Services include towing, tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockout services, with options for various towing distances. Pros: Specialized coverage for RVs. Cons: May not be as readily available for all vehicle types compared to AAA.
- Winner: aaa
Membership Cost & Tiers
- Aaa: Offers various membership tiers (e.g., Basic, Plus, Premier) with different price points and coverage levels. Pricing varies by region. Pros: Flexibility in choosing a plan based on needs and budget. Cons: Higher tiers can be more expensive.
- Good Sam: Offers various membership plans with different price points and coverage levels. Pricing varies by region. Pros: Flexibility in choosing a plan based on needs and budget. Cons: Higher tiers can be more expensive.
- Winner: Tie
Discounts & Perks
- Aaa: Provides discounts on hotels, car rentals, theme park tickets, and other services. Offers travel planning assistance and insurance products. Pros: Extensive discount network. Cons: Some discounts may not be as competitive.
- Good Sam: Offers discounts on RV parks, campgrounds, and related services. Provides benefits like RV insurance, extended warranties, and RV-specific services. Pros: Discounts tailored to RV owners. Cons: Fewer discounts applicable to general travel.
- Winner: aaa
Towing Coverage
- Aaa: Offers towing services with varying mileage allowances depending on the membership tier. Higher tiers typically provide longer towing distances. Pros: Flexible towing options. Cons: Towing distances can be limited with lower-tier memberships.
- Good Sam: Provides towing services, often with options for different towing distances. Specialized options may be available for RVs and larger vehicles. Pros: Specialized towing options for RVs. Cons: Towing distance may be limited.
- Winner: aaa
Service Availability & Response Time
- Aaa: Has a large network of service providers, ensuring generally quick response times. Availability is widespread across the United States. Pros: Generally fast response times. Cons: Availability can vary in remote areas.
- Good Sam: Utilizes a network of service providers. Response times can vary depending on location and the availability of RV-specific service providers. Pros: Coverage tailored for RVs. Cons: Response times can be slower in some areas.
- Winner: aaa
Mobile App & Technology
- Aaa: Offers a mobile app for requesting service, tracking arrival times, and accessing member benefits. The app provides easy access to roadside assistance and other features. Pros: User-friendly app for convenient service requests. Cons: App functionality may vary by region.
- Good Sam: Offers a mobile app with features for requesting service, finding RV parks, and accessing member benefits. The app is designed for RV-focused features. Pros: RV-specific features. Cons: The app may not be as comprehensive as AAA for non-RV users.
- Winner: aaa
RV-Specific Services
- Aaa: While offering roadside assistance for RVs, their services aren’t as specialized as Good Sam. Pros: Works for RV, but not the focus. Cons: Doesn’t specialize.
- Good Sam: Good Sam offers a range of services tailored specifically to RV owners, including tire repair, propane delivery, and RV-specific towing. Pros: Specializes. Cons: Limited outside the RV space.
- Winner: good sam
Customer Service
- Aaa: Provides customer service through phone, email, and online channels. The quality of service can vary. Pros: Multiple channels for support. Cons: Service quality varies.
- Good Sam: Offers customer service through phone and online channels. The focus is on RV-related issues and support. Pros: RV-focused. Cons: Limited outside of RVs.
- Winner: aaa
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Roadside Assistance | Tie |
| RV/Trailer Coverage | good sam |
| Discounts & Benefits | Tie |
| Brand Reputation | aaa |
| Coverage for Bicycles | good sam |
What They Have in Common
- Roadside Assistance: Both AAA and Good Sam provide 24/7 roadside assistance, including towing, battery jump starts, and tire changes, ensuring drivers are supported in various situations.
- Nationwide Coverage: Both services offer nationwide coverage, providing peace of mind to drivers traveling across the country, knowing they can receive assistance wherever they are.
- Emergency Services: Both offer emergency services like fuel delivery and lockout services, helping drivers resolve common issues quickly and efficiently.
- Member Benefits: Both programs offer discounts and benefits, enhancing the value of membership beyond just roadside assistance.
- Towing Services: Both offer towing services, which is a core benefit.
Aaa Vs Good Sam Buying Guide
Coverage Options
Both AAA and Good Sam offer a range of coverage options, but they cater to different needs. AAA is known for its roadside assistance and insurance products, with varying membership tiers offering increasing benefits. Good Sam focuses on RV and camping enthusiasts, providing specialized coverage for RVs and related services. AAA’s roadside assistance is generally more readily available nationwide, while Good Sam’s RV-specific assistance may be more valuable for those traveling with RVs. Consider your primary travel style and vehicle type when comparing coverage options to find the best fit.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance is a core offering for both providers. AAA provides services such as towing, battery jumpstarts, tire changes, and fuel delivery. Good Sam offers similar roadside assistance, specifically tailored to RVs, including specialized towing and tire services for larger vehicles. The availability of service and response times may vary depending on location and provider. Evaluate the distance your vehicle can be towed and the type of assistance provided in your area. Consider how responsive each service is by checking reviews.
Membership Benefits
AAA membership includes a variety of benefits beyond roadside assistance. These often include discounts on hotels, car rentals, and attractions. Good Sam membership primarily focuses on RV-related perks, such as discounts at campgrounds, RV parts, and service centers. Consider the range of benefits that align with your lifestyle and travel preferences. If you frequently travel and are not an RV owner, AAA provides more diverse benefits. However, Good Sam benefits may be more valuable to RV owners.
Pricing and Value
The cost of membership varies depending on the coverage level and location. AAA offers different membership tiers at varying price points. Good Sam also offers tiered memberships with different price points. Consider the value you receive for the price paid, including the benefits and services offered. Compare the annual membership fees and the services you anticipate using. Look for any promotions or discounts that might be available to help you make your decision. Compare the price of each membership with its benefits.
Claims Process
Understanding the claims process is essential. AAA’s insurance claims process is generally streamlined, with online and mobile app options for reporting incidents and filing claims. Good Sam offers claims assistance specifically for RV owners, which can be beneficial in navigating the complexities of RV insurance claims. Read reviews about the claims process and how easy it is to receive support from each company. Review the details of the claims process to ensure that it suits your needs.
Customer Service and Reputation
Customer service quality is a crucial factor. AAA is known for its established reputation, with a long history of providing roadside assistance and insurance services. Good Sam has a strong reputation within the RV community. Research customer reviews and ratings for each provider to assess their responsiveness, helpfulness, and overall customer satisfaction. Consider the ease of contacting customer service, and the availability of support options, such as phone, email, and online chat.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy aaa If…
- You prioritize a well-established brand with a long history of service.
- You want access to a wide range of discounts and travel benefits.
- You prefer a service with a strong reputation for customer service.
Buy good sam If…
- You frequently travel with an RV or trailer and need specialized coverage.
- You want to access services tailored for RV owners.
- You want a membership that includes RV-specific benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does AAA offer?
AAA offers a comprehensive suite of services, including roadside assistance like towing, battery jumpstarts, tire changes, and fuel delivery. They also provide insurance products such as auto, home, and life insurance. AAA members get access to discounts on hotels, car rentals, and attractions. They have a network of travel agents and offer identity theft protection. Their service is available nationwide.
What services does Good Sam offer?
Good Sam specializes in RV and camping services, providing roadside assistance tailored to RVs, including specialized towing and tire services. They offer RV insurance, extended service plans, and discounts at campgrounds and RV parts stores. Good Sam also has a travel club with additional perks. They offer RV-specific services like RV insurance and extended service plans.
How do I choose between AAA and Good Sam for roadside assistance?
Choose based on your needs. If you’re primarily a car owner, AAA’s broad services are suitable. If you own an RV, Good Sam offers specialized RV roadside assistance and RV-related discounts. Consider your travel style and vehicle type. Evaluate the coverage options, pricing, and customer service. Weigh the benefits and decide which aligns with your needs.
What are the membership tiers for AAA?
AAA offers different membership levels, such as Basic, Plus, and Premier, each offering increasing levels of coverage and benefits. The higher tiers offer benefits like longer towing distances, higher trip interruption coverage, and additional services. Review the specifics of each tier to determine which meets your needs. Each tier has a different price point.
What are the membership tiers for Good Sam?
Good Sam has various membership levels, offering a range of benefits focused on RV owners. Benefits include discounts on campgrounds, RV parts and service, and access to RV-related resources. The higher tiers sometimes provide more coverage and benefits. Check the exact details of each tier to find the right fit. Each tier has a different price point.
How does the cost of AAA membership compare to Good Sam membership?
The cost varies based on membership tier and location. AAA and Good Sam both have tiered pricing. Compare the cost of comparable membership levels and the benefits offered. Consider which services and discounts you are most likely to use. Evaluate the value you receive for the price you pay. Consider the ongoing benefits of each service.
Which company has better customer service?
Customer service reviews vary. AAA has a long-standing reputation and extensive customer service channels. Good Sam’s customer service may be more specialized for RV owners. Research reviews, and consider factors like responsiveness and helpfulness. Consider the ease of contacting customer service and the availability of support options. Compare customer service reviews for a good decision.
Final Verdict
Both AAA and Good Sam provide valuable services, but they cater to different audiences. AAA is a versatile choice for general roadside assistance and insurance needs, with broad benefits. Good Sam is the clear winner for RV owners, offering specialized services and RV-specific discounts. The best choice depends on your vehicle type and travel style.
Winner: Good Sam