Problems solved with AA Plus
Published 12 April 2023
When car trouble came calling on an out-of-town client visit, AA Member Jandy Thomson found herself in an unfamiliar city, late at night in the middle of winter with no way to get home.
It’s a scenario a horror movie could start with, but for Jandy the evening wasn’t the stuff of nightmares and instead an “adventure” she recalls fondly thanks to the service she received as an AA Member.
“I’d driven from Auckland to Hamilton to meet a client and about 10 minutes away from where I was headed, I noticed a strong smell coming from my car’s engine. I was following the sat nav and really had no idea where I was so forged ahead to make it the meeting, turning the heater right up to take heat away from the engine, a trick I’d been taught when learning to drive,” recalls Jandy.
“After the meeting we looked under the bonnet but neither myself nor my clients knew much about cars, and I quickly realised help was needed. By this time, it was past 7pm and with no-one about my clients suggested I drive to a nearby service station.
“I made it there and called the AA, who said to hold tight, a Technician would be there soon. I thought it could take a while and it wasn’t likely to get home for the night, so although the Service Station was closing and I couldn’t get inside, I managed to get a hot chocolate, magazine and toothbrush.”
From bad to better
When the Technician arrived, he delivered Jandy the bad news that the car wasn’t driveable and that it would need to be towed to a repairer. As an AA Plus Member, Jandy’s Membership covered the towing as well as an emergency rental car and accommodation as she was more than 100km from home.
A quick call back from the AA Customer Service Representative confirmed that both had been organised and that a taxi would come and take her to a hotel. With a bed for the night sorted and the car safely towed you’d think that’s where the story ends but for Jandy what followed exceeded all expectations.
“The tow truck operator could have easily taken the car and gone but he was mindful that I’d be stranded alone in an industrial sub-division with no-one around, so he waited with me and asked if I needed anything.
“I really needed a restroom but with the Service Station closed there was no-where to go, so he suggested we drive in his truck up the to the nearby Warehouse which was open until midnight, it was incredible service and I was so thankful for his kindness.”
By the time Jandy eventually got to the hotel it was nearly 11pm, but the concierge had waited up and much to her surprise had the foresight to think about what she might need. Jandy had expected she might get a cup of tea and with any luck some snacks from a mini-bar, instead she was surprised to find a man waiting with a Chinese takeaway menu.
“I was blown away, the hotel concierge had convinced the next-door Chinese takeaway to stay open until I arrived so that I could get a proper meal. The concierge was also aware that I’d have nothing with me and let me know Kmart was open late and just a short walk away,” says Jandy.
“I dashed to Kmart for a few essentials and arrived back to a freshly made sweet and sour fish. I couldn’t believe the service I was getting; it was gold.
“It could have been a stressful experience but was quite the opposite. Every person I encountered had thought ahead about my wellbeing and gone out of their way to make sure I was taken care of.
“It was just amazing, and I was able to get a good night’s sleep feeling confident that in the morning a taxi would be waiting to get me to the car rental office”.
Delivering reassurance
Having been an AA Member for many years, and only needing to call for roadside assistance once before, it would have been easy for Jandy to wonder what she was paying for.
“My AA Membership took all the problems away. I’d been a Member for years and while this was only the second time I’ve had to call for help, the service I received was worth every penny.
“For someone like me who drives frequently out of town alone, it made me realised how vulnerable I could have been without it. And I’m sure there are many others who could find themselves in a similar situation.
“The peace of mind knowing that help is just a phone call away is fantastic, and I wouldn’t be without it.”
Looking for extra peace of mind?
If you would like to have the extra peace of mind that Jandy has with AA Plus, then upgrade your standard AA Membership online now or you can find out more about the AA Plus extended breakdown benefits here.