Automobile Association of Malaysian - Necessary to join? 2nd and Final Part
This is the 2nd and final part of my series on Automobile Association of Malaysia – Necessary to join? Prior to this, I highlighted some of the benefits and services offered by AAM, which many would find a relief at times of emergencies. But there are alternatives which are free and I share some of them here:-
Most general insurance companies nowadays that deal with Motor Insurance Policies offer a complimentary 24-hour breakdown service which includes towing (usually up to RM200.00) and battery replacement / jump-start service. Some include minor on-the-road repairs. Just check with your insurer on this.
What happens is that the insurance company will engage a 24-hour service provider to manage the call centre. Upon an emergency, they will dispatch the nearest repairer or tow truck on their panel to your stranded vehicle to sort out the problem. At least you know that the tow truck is authorized by your insurer (since it is dispatched by them) and not some vultures out for a quick buck.
My car had a dead battery twice in the last 3 years. On both occasions, I called the 24-hour breakdown service and they dispatched a tow truck to my rescue within 30 minutes. A simple jump-start (free service) did the trick and I immediately drove to the nearest battery shop to get the battery replaced. Of course, if I had a jump-start cable and a friendly motorist to offer his battery for jump starting, that would be a different story altogether. But imagine if you are stranded somewhere quiet instead. Oh, the tow truck fella did have new batteries for sale but I rather find a cheaper alternative outside. Quite obviously, it is side income for him.
On another occasion, my dad’s car was rear-ended in a chain collision and needed to be towed to a workshop. A call to the same number and a tow truck was dispatched within reasonable time and the car was towed to a repairer which belongs to the insurer’s panel of workshop. Most, if not all, general insurers in Malaysia have their own panel of workshops and they will only honour and pay for repairs done in these workshops. So, it makes sense to call the Insurer’s 24-hour breakdown service instead to get things sorted out. Of course, when it comes to claims, these workshops would gladly help you to sort out your documentation needs for the claim. Who needs AAM anyway? It’s all free!
More often that not, due to competition, your motor insurer would have related insurance policies to sell to you if you are interested. Additional coverage like personal liability, travel insurance and loss of belongings insurance can be obtained. Just give a call to your agent and I am pretty sure your agent would run straight to your door to show you all the brochures. Free service again! No need for AAM (which, membership is payable). And yes, your insurance agent will be more than eager to make sure that you renew your insurance through him and will no doubt offer to do the renewals and road tax stuffs on your behalf for free. If he won’t, find another insurance agent.
As for discounts through AAM’s partner companies, if you do a little bit of shopping yourself, I am sure you can get quite decent offers to match what AAM’s members are getting. Besides, how many steering wheel locks do you need to buy? And credit card companies offer its members all kinds of hotel stays and car rental at special discounts. So, all these are free as well.
Perhaps, you won’t get a nice glossy magazine which AAM produces for its members. Well, read the newspapers then. There are weekly editions of car related stuffs. And internet information as well. I learnt so much about my Toyota Avanza through the Avanza Forum and Toyota’s in-house magazine for its buyers (all free again!).
So really, whilst AAM might offer good benefits and services to its members, its benefits and services which are payable annually may be found for free as illustrated above. Of course, I won’t go as far as to suggest which insurance company is the better. Ask around the market. If you really really want to know, send me an email and I will let you know which insurance company I deal with and had experience with.
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