AAA going all virtual

[tulak]

Not sure if this has been mentioned here, but I went to AAA the other day to get an international drivers permit and they had signs that the store is closing end of June.

I asked them and they said all stores are closing and AAA is going fully virtual. So if you need an international drivers permit, plan ahead. You’ll be able to apply on-line, but it’ll take a couple of weeks before you get the permit.

I was lucky, since otherwise I wouldn’t have had time to get a permit for this trip.

ETA: this is for Washington state. Maybe it doesn’t affect other states?

 

[Aerides]

Interesting, I was at mine a few weeks ago for the same thing, no signs, but plenty of foot traffic for a morning. In S.Fla, given the average customer I saw that day, I can't imagine that will go over well.

ETA: looks like it's washington and idaho:

Store Closures | AAA WA

Stay informed about AAA Washington store closures and virtual travel services. Get updates on impacted locations and accessing virtual help during transitions.

wa.aaa.com

 

[Jerry1]

Definitely a trend. In Michigan, we used to have an agent. Now, they’re phasing out the agents and moving you toward their customer service center. Thankfully the people seem to know what they’re doing, but it’s not the same as an agent that knows you and looks out for you. I imagine it won’t be long before all offices are phased out. Though, as Aerides mentions, some markets may be tougher to change over than others.

 

[tulak]

I’ve slowly seen AAA offices reduce in our area. I never see that many people there, so it probably makes sense to close them.

I guess if more people went there, they wouldn’t close. Either way, probably a good idea to check well in advance of a trip just to be safe.

 

[jazz4cash]

They are expanding their AutoCare centers in the DC region. The insurance, travel and misc merch and services are available there as well. I don’t think we’ll see virtual brake jobs anytime soon.