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I Don’t Need a Tow, But I Will Take a Top

May 8, 2013 By Lena

There was a time when I was all about saving money. Don’t get me wrong; I’m much too naturally cheap frugal to allow myself to go on an adulterated spending spree. However, you could say that my emphasis has shifted from saving money (which I still do aggressively) to making money while spending money. You know – taking advantage of all the perks and benefits available to Canadians who like to be rewarded for their shopping habits. It’s sensible, no?

So when I was recently approached by CAA to discover the savings and rewards associated with being a member, it went something like this:

“I don’t need my car towed, thanks.”
“Well there’s more to CAA than automobile assistance.”
“Hello? I said I don’t need a tow.”
“Um, and I said that there are REWARDS to being a CAA member that you really should look into.”
“Sure, sure. I think someone needs a tow.”

Okay, that’s not exactly how the conversation went down. But hands up if you associate CAA with roadside assistance? Yeah, I’m guilty too. In fact, I can say with complete honesty that CAA was never on my radar as a source of savings and rewards, and for a shopaholic like myself, I really should have known better.

Two words: MIND BLOWN.

First, yes, CAA provides automobile assistance. I mean, that’s a given no? But did you know that CAA members also receive exclusive savings on travel, sporting events, shopping, insurance, dining and entertainment – and more? It’s true! And, you’ll also be eligible to earn CAA Dollars at participating merchants – every CAA Dollar you earn equals $1.00 CAD, and you can redeem CAA Dollars towards your next dream vacation, travel merchandise, membership renewal, gift memberships or even your insurance renewal premium.

So, even though I don’t need a tow, I do need a top. And maybe some capris. And definitely a dress.

Armed with my brand new CAA Membership Card (generously supplied by CAA), I was out and about shopping yesterday evening. On my radar, the Banana Republic Factory Store, to find an outfit or two for the upcoming Disney Social Media Moms Conference. (Read about my fashion panic here.)

Bonus? CAA Members receive an additional 10% off regular and sale merchandise. Score!

Upon entering the store I found THE perfect maxi dress for Conference Day One (pictured front). It was light, flowy, and featured an abstract floral pattern in one of my favourite colours for summer. The price: $109.99, less 40%. And when I presented my membership card at checkout, I instantly saved another 10%. A girl can get used to this!

Click here to see the plethora of merchants who offer further discounts to card members. And if you’re not already part of the program, it’s time to crunch some numbers. Yes, you will receive roadside assistance. But you’ll also automatically reap the following benefits:

– The Show Your Card & Save (SYC&S) program delivers savings directly to you and can even help cover the cost of your CAA membership renewal. As a CAA Member, you’re automatically eligible to receive savings with a wide variety of partners on products and services you already used.

– Every time you swipe your CAA membership card at participating partner locations, you can earn up to 15% back in CAA Dollars. Earning CAA Dollars is like making a deposit into your bank account. And, just like your bank account, CAA Dollars keep growing unless you spend them.

– Protect you and your loved ones from the cost of any unexpected medical emergencies while you are out-of-province or abroad with CAA Travel Insurance.

– Whether you drive a car, motorcycle or RV, you can trust CAA Insurance. CAA believes that you should not be penalized for your first at-fault accident. Their Forgive and Forget policy is just one way to show how CAA cares.

– Find all inclusive and last minute vacation packages with CAA’s newly enhanced booking engine. If you have any inquiries on travel products booked online, the CAA Travel Centre is there to assist you.

– CAA Members can enjoy special savings on tickets to the hottest attractions throughout Canada and the US. CityPASS is the ideal bargain for both first-time and experienced travellers; one simple online purchase and you’re on your way to the top museums, sightseeing, and attractions.

Whew! Who knew one little membership card could have so many rewards? If you’ve yet to discover the benefits of joining CAA (or, if you drive a lemon), perhaps it’s time to think about membership. (You can also enter to win 1 of 3 Disney Parks Vacations for 4, just sayin’!)

Click here to visit CAA.

 

This post is sponsored by CAA South Central Ontario. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: CAA South Central Ontario; rewards programs, savings and discounts, travel insurance

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Flora M

    May 8, 2013 at 9:53 am

    Shoes – I need shoes ! LOL Payless is a partner YAY ! I have been a member for a long time and am sure happy to see them expanding the Savings partner program :o)

    • Lena

      May 9, 2013 at 6:55 am

      That’s awesome Flora! And so happy you take advantage of the savings!

  2. Victoria Ess

    May 8, 2013 at 10:51 am

    I’ve been with CAA for forever. It’s slightly pricier than some other companies I looked into but the perks DEFINITELY make up for it.

    • Lena

      May 9, 2013 at 6:57 am

      What a smart girl you are, Victoria! That’s exactly what people should look into with any membership – always make sure the perks outweigh the cost!

  3. Debbie Bashford

    May 8, 2013 at 11:24 am

    I am with CAA as well, I have never used it for anything else but a tow or two

    • Lena

      May 9, 2013 at 6:58 am

      Well you’ll just have to change that, won’t you Debbie? :)

  4. Lisa H

    May 8, 2013 at 2:10 pm

    We have an ‘a la carte’ membership with BCAA. We dont have (or need) roadside asssitance but get our home insurance through them. So we get the shopping discounts too – bonus!

    • Lena

      May 9, 2013 at 6:59 am

      Nice! And yes, the home insurance savings is a great perk!

  5. Soozle

    May 8, 2013 at 7:36 pm

    Whaaaaaat?! I had no clue they offered up discounts! I like the added bonus of a discount :-)

    • Lena

      May 9, 2013 at 6:59 am

      ME TOO! Happy to help spread the news – and the savings!

  6. NT

    May 8, 2013 at 10:45 pm

    I always forget about the savings with my CAA card. Thanks for the reminder.

    • Lena

      May 9, 2013 at 6:59 am

      You’re very welcome NT! Now go out and save some money!

  7. Heidi C.

    May 8, 2013 at 11:08 pm

    I have used my CAA card for discounts – we eat at East Side Mario’s from time-to-time and have saved 10% which helps with a family of six!

    • Lena

      May 9, 2013 at 7:00 am

      Nice – yes, a family of six would certainly benefit from a little discount!

  8. sarah sar

    May 8, 2013 at 11:37 pm

    I must be the only person in the world who is not with CAA! i’m missing out!

    • Lena

      May 9, 2013 at 7:00 am

      Hahaha I was right there with you until a few weeks ago. You should definitely look into it Sarah!

  9. Nicole W.

    May 9, 2013 at 1:18 am

    I knew about the rewards/discounts, but I almost always forget to use them! :(

    Gorgeous dress, by the way! :)

    • Lena

      May 9, 2013 at 7:01 am

      Thanks Nicole! Wearing it tomorrow :)

  10. Vanda

    May 10, 2013 at 10:27 pm

    Good to know! Thanks, Vanda

    • Lena

      May 16, 2013 at 8:39 pm

      You’re welcome Vanda!

  11. mrdisco

    May 22, 2013 at 4:27 pm

    some great tips

    • Lena

      June 8, 2013 at 12:27 pm

      Thanks!

  12. Suzanne Smith

    May 31, 2013 at 4:16 pm

    I’ve used CAA for a long time, but I am guilty of UNDER-using their associated discounts. I’m an idiot.

    • Lena

      June 8, 2013 at 12:27 pm

      Oh no! TIme to change that Suzanne!

  13. Sharda

    June 8, 2013 at 9:47 am

    I’m going on their website now!

    • Lena

      June 8, 2013 at 12:27 pm

      Please do – I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

  14. Judy C

    June 8, 2013 at 10:29 am

    We have roadside assistance through Ford right now but will definitely keep CAA in mind once it runs out.

    • Lena

      June 8, 2013 at 12:28 pm

      It’s a great option – especially for all the extra perks!

  15. jill

    June 10, 2013 at 8:02 pm

    hmmm, I didn’t know my membership gave me so many benefits. I am going to look them up right now, thanks

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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