Auto club memberships (such as AAA) can have tons of advantages, beyond that of towing and hotel discounts. Even if you don't own a car, you should think about joining an auto club. Membership in an auto club can save you money and offer some other attractive benefits.

Always ask at hotels and stores about discounts because they aren�t always advertised. Some of these discounts could save you well over what you actually paid for membership in the first place!

Free roadside service is a huge perk of having a membership in an auto club. Even if you don't own a car, these services may come in handy if you're borrowing someone else's car or riding along as a passenger. Roadside services include:

• Towing up to a certain distance (e.g., 50 or 100 miles)
• Tire changing
• Jump starting
• Vehicle extrication (if stuck in a ditch, for example)
• Key retrieval (if you lock the key in the car)
• Gasoline (if you run out of gas)
• Minor mechanical repairs and adjustments

Here are some of the services that offer discounts for auto club members:

• Lodging at hotels, motels, campgrounds, and RV resorts
• Restaurants
• Car rentals
• Airfare and train tickets
• Auto repairs and parts at certain facilities
• Admission to movie theaters, theme parks, and other types of entertainment
• Computers and Internet service
• Insurance
• Retail and outlet stores (we know one customer who saved 30% on her eyeglasses at a national eyeglasses chain, which more than paid for her auto club membership)

Most auto club members get discounts on their homeowner and auto insurance policies. They also receive insurance products through the auto club at reduced prices.

• Group term life insurance
• Short-term medical insurance
• Long-term care insurance
• Personal umbrella liability insurance
• Flood insurance
• Insurance for your personal valuables
• Insurance for small-business owners

Here�s a few more things auto club members can get:

• Maps, foreign travel books, and other publications
• Trip routing services
• Travel agency services and vacation planning
• Mortgage services (including lower rates and closing costs)
• Auto loan financing
• Expert advice about car maintenance and the car-buying process
• Bail bond protection and reimbursement of legal costs
• Emergency check-cashing services
• No-fee traveler's checks
• Credit card membership and services

For more information, you can check out the American Automobile Association�s site at aaa.com. Look around for other auto clubs online, too.