I have been a BWC member for several years, but today was the first time that I've ever needed service, and it was a great experience. I locked my keys in my car in front of my house, so I borrowed a neighbor's phone to call Better World Club. I was told that the towing service (Frank's Towing in Jessup, MD) would be there within an hour, and they showed up 15 minutes later! He didn't even charge me anything (I was told there would be a $7 out-of-pocket charge). Thanks so much.

Rebecca - Columbia, MD
July 2008

This past Thursday (June 12th) I had the misfortune of having the starter to my car fail to work while on a trip. For the first time ever, I called for roadside assistance using my Better World Club (BWC) membership. A tow truck arrived in short order. I was particularly impressed with the fact that someone from the BWC called every 15 minutes to check on me. The roadside assistance I received from the BWC could not have been better!!! Thank you so much for such GREAT service!!!

Jeff - Latham, NY
June 2008

I just want to acknowledge and thank you for the service I have received from the BWC. I became a member just over a month ago and yesterday for the first time in 8 years I had a dead battery. The BWC customer rep. handled my emergency in a polite and efficient manner and I was on my way in about 40 minutes after getting a jump-start.

In addition, just one week ago I sent in my receipt for my first $10 gas reimbursement and I have already received it. Talk about a prompt turnaround!

Robert - Carmel, CA
June 2008

I want to commend the Tow truck driver who assisted us on our recent breakdown in LaValle, Maryland. He was very helpful in trying to diagnose the problem with the automobile. Then he took us to a garage with a very knowledgeable mechanic who ordered the part and a few days later installed it. The tow truck driver found a motel for us and helped us get settled in for the night and recommended a car rental firm so we could get to our Elderhostel course. I hope that you give him a special award.

Stevan - Whitacre, VA
May 2008

I wanted to say how pleased I was when I had to use your services for the first time. I had locked my keys in my car while it was running the morning after receiving several inches of snow. I called BWC and they said a locksmith would be there in about 45 minutes. In about 45 minutes, I got a follow-up call from BWC who checked with the locksmith to make sure they were on their way, which they were. Then I received another follow-up call from BWC to make sure everything went well. THANKS!

Melissa - St. Louis, MO
February 2008

The other night, my partner and I stopped at Target on our way home from the airport to pick up a few supplies. The roads had been pretty sketchy all day, thanks to an ice storm, and it was getting late, but we figured it would just be a quick stop. When we returned to our car, we discovered that we had a flat tire--and our attempts to take care of it were completely unsuccessful. We called BWC, and the repair guy came out. While he was changing the tire, he and I started chatting. He asked how I heard about BWC. I told him that I heard about it on Car Talk, and he then exclaimed, "This is the world's best auto club. They are the only ones who really care about little guys and small businesses like mine." He went on to say that AAA and the like just try to put him out of business. He was totally professional and got us back on the road in no time flat, and I got to make a new connection with a local auto shop.

So this is just a long-winded way of saying thanks for providing your service, and thanks for helping the little (auto repair) guys out. I appreciate it, and they do, too.

Jeremy - Iowa City, IA
December 2007

Just wanted to commend you on your really great ENewsletter. Of the many links of this nature that come to my email box, Kicking Asphalt is one I ALWAYS open, and I'm ALWAYS glad I did. The page is well designed and easy to use and the information is interesting and timely. Keep up the good work!

Linda - Boise, ID
October 2007

I used my Better World Membership for the first time a few weeks ago, after getting a flat tire. I had a very positive experience the whole way: Mary, in Michigan, took my call, and called me back in 5 minutes, telling me service vehicle would arrive in 20 min; Ken called me after 20 minutes to check in, and when I told him no one had come yet, he called the service co., and gave me an update; the service person then arrived in 10 min, and helped me in a pleasant an efficient way. Thanks!

Ann - Massachusetts
July 2007

You guys rock. I'd just like to say. Pay as you drive is the best thing I've heard in a long time. And due to your encouragement, we own only 1 car (and 2 bikes) and we're planning to exchange our current small car for a Prius.

Tracy - Massachusetts
May 2007

Just want to say that I am happy to renew. I am very fortunate to have reliable transportation but nails do happen. The response time was very quick which I greatly appreciate. Much better than my typical AAA experience.

Sheryl - Florida
April 2007

Thank you for the excellent service last week. The staff was kind, patient and provided great follow-up communication to my situation. I'm so glad I switched!

Anneliese - Massachusetts
December 2006

We had parked the car in the parking area of a wetlands north of Klamath Falls, when somehow, one of us (well, actually, it was this one of us) managed to lock the only key to the car in the trunk. We found a nice person who lived next door to the wetlands who let us use his phone and I called Better World. Mandy -- I believe her name was -- got a local tow company to come help us. Bob, the proprietor of Chiloquin Towing, in Chiloquin, Oregon, arrived cavalry-like, and had the car opened in a trice. Maybe even half a trice. And was extremely personable and gracious about the whole thing. Nice guy and excellent service. You should feel very comfortable sending him your business.

So thanks to you collectively, to Mandy individually, and to Bob of Chiloquin Towing, for getting us out of a jam in a lot less time than i would have expected.

Michael - Oregon
October 2006

Recently the clutch in my car gave out while my husband and I were driving home from a weekend away at 1:00 in the morning. At the time, I had both AAA and Better World coverage, just in case. I first called AAA and they told me that they would not come tow my car to my shop because I was out of their range.

I called you next and the tow driver was there in 20 minutes. We were tired and cranky but the tow truck driver and your on call staff were so nice the angst melted away. And we got home.

To boot, the tow truck driver drove us home after we dropped the car off at my shop.

We are very grateful to Better World as AAA would have left us stranded. I've since canceled my AAA coverage which I had had since I was 16, 30 years ago.

In addition, I ride my bike to work more often, knowing I'm covered.

Thanks!

Dorritt - California
June 2006

I locked my keys in my car in a very, very small town off I-5 in California.

The gas station let me use their phone to call better world club. The entirety of the conversation was giving my location, number to be reached on and my club number, I was put on hold for 5 minutes and then the operator told me they had someone coming within a half hour. The tow truck driver arrived in under 15 minutes, got my car open in under 10 and I was on the road in 5 minutes later. When I asked the tow truck driver if I needed to pay him he said that it was prepaid and that "whoever your road club is a really good one and you should keep with them because they prepaid everything and there is nothing you have to do but sign."

Eric - Oregon
May 2006

Yesterday I had my first flat tire in Richmond Virginia where I live. Traffic was heavy and my day had already been very challenging. The gal who answered my emergency call was professional and very reassuring in her tone. It only took 20 minutes for help to arrive and within ten minutes I was headed back home with my spare tire quickly in place!

Then someone from Better World Club called me to be sure that all was well. I would recommend Better World Club to anyone who wants to drive with peace of mind!

Lynn
May 2006

Last night I left work after midnight and found that my car battery was flat. I called for help and was on my way very quickly. I'm not quite sure of the time, but when your representative called to check on me, I had already gotten home and was walking my dog.

You are now on my speed dial. Thank you again.

Katherine
April 2006

You people are insane. I like that in an auto club.

Micky
Minnesota
February 2006

I got half way between my home and a friend's this evening and realized I had a flat tire. ARGHH!

I called BWC, got a very helpful and nice Miranda on the phone, she tracked down a service guy, called me back to let me know he was coming, and in an hour everything was taken care of.

Miranda was terrific, and I just wanted you to know.

Molly
Washington
December 2005

Just wanted to say I had my first problems with my Prius this weekend (computer unit outage) and my first chance to test out the Better World Club help. It was great! The towing company came faster than they said they would, and the man was very nice and helpful, gave me a ride along with him to the dealer.

All was well, my Prius warranty was as good as my Better World Club membership, and I was on my way in a few hours without spending a penny. Whew! It WORKS!!

Linda
Portland, Oregon
December 2005

First off, I love the newsletter. It is not cute. It is humorous and informative. That's hard to pull off when you have a diverse customer base. The title itself is a clever play on words. It also speaks to the ethical basis of Better World's harm reduction practices. Better World in general deserves praise. There are precious few businesses that leave people with a positive feeling in addition to objectively good services. The one time I had to call for immediate assistance, Better World was there faster than I anticipated. The fellow who came was smart and professional.

I have renewed and signed up my children as well.

Jim
Connecticut
October 2005

After a relaxing dinner in the metropolitan DC area recently, I returned to my car to find the battery totally dead! My first thought was ..... here's my opportunity to try my Better World Club membership (my friends all thought I was crazy when I switched from AAA!). I was in for three good surprises.

After I explained my situation, the first thing Melissa asked was "are you in a safe place"? In 30+ years with AAA, I'd never been asked that question! Second, Melissa came back on the line with me to say that she'd contacted five service providers in my area and all
were giving a 90 minute or greater ETA, and she wasn't willing to settle for that. I reminded her that I was in the metro DC area and that might be the best we could expect. She wanted to try a little harder. Her next report to me was that she found a provider who gave a 45 minute ETA and he was on his way. And, last but not least, the tow truck showed up in 30 minutes .... even earlier than his ETA! I can't wait to pass the word to my skeptical friends!

Patricia Mowery
Northern Virginia
May, 2005

When I got out of my car in the remote lot where I park for work, I heard that telltale "SSSSSSS" that had me listening to each of my tires. Sure enough, the left front was going flat. I walked the three blocks to my office and called my new road service, Better World Club. The directions to the parking lot were complicated -- badly marked exit, a lot of new construction and roads in the area -- and it was a key-card lot besides. To make the situation perfect, my cell phone battery was low, and the tow truck driver wouldn't be able to contact me once I left my office and headed back to the car. The BWC operator gave me an estimate of when the truck driver would get there, and I gauged the return trip to my car on that. Well, the tow truck driver not only found the obscure parking lot but he beat me to my car! He had the tire changed in about 10 minutes, and I only missed about an hour's work. What started out a sour, stressed-out day turned into a pretty good one thanks to my positive experience with BWC.

I've had to call BWC a couple of times since then, and the phone service has been friendly and attentive, the trucks have arrived right on time (unlike the perfunctory three-hour wait with "Triple Trouble"), and the service guys have been fast, efficient and thorough. The man who towed my car from a rooftop grocery store parking lot on a busy Saturday morning was especially great. I switched to BWC because it sounded like a green, socially aware business that I'd want to support, but I've stayed because it's a great business. I rave about it to my friends, too.

Karen & 1985 VW Cabriolet, Chicago IL

We Love our Better World Club membership. We have needed to call for a tow twice in the past 5 months and we really liked the service we received. We like that the first question the operator asks is if we are in a safe place. We also like your newsletter. It keeps us up to date on important issues and gives us ways to make a difference. We just feel so terrific having made the switch and we plan to tell all our friends.

Nancy Popkin and Mark Stanback

I love you guys and have my whole company on the plan as well as having a link to your website from my website.

David Rosenstein
President
www.intexsolutions.com

Dear Better World,
I want to thank you for your response to my email. I appreciate that you responded so promptly and that your organization is willing to recognize our relationship. My partner and I have enrolled in the travel club and look forward to using your services.

Best wishes,
Andrea Willson

I unfortunately needed to call you folks for roadside assistance a month or so ago. I was apprehensive as it was my first time to request service. I called your number and had to wait quite awhile to get connected. I thought to myself that it was not a good sign. Finally I was talking to a dispatcher and was told that I would be contacted back in a few minutes. It was only a couple of minutes and I was told that someone would be there within an hour or so. I was still apprehensive but to my delight my help arrived in about one-half hour! My tire was changed in just minutes and the service rep insisted on leading me to the nearest service station to fill up my spare tire for me. He even used his own 50 cents for the air!

I don't know why I was surprised - but I think that when anyone changes tracks they anticipate a bump in the road. I just wanted you to know that the road was smooth.

Leta Winston

Hello,
I just read your e-newsletter and wanted to respond to the Consumers Report magazine's giving the "edge" to AAA partly because of discounts, etc. Well, I was a AAA member for many years ( because I didn't know better) and the three times I actually attempted to use their "discounts", I was refused by the businesses. I tried with a hotel, a car rental agency, and a restaurant and they all told me that they no longer accepted the valid coupons for differing reasons. Only my opinion, but AAA's so-called "edge" is bogus and their nasty policies far outweigh their offers. Give me "politically correct" and straightforward any day.

Thanks,
Rosemary Moore (member)

We joined the Better World Club the last week of August 2002, just as our AAA membership was about to expire. Within a week we managed to lock ourselves out of our car while getting gas at a truck stop in a tiny town just off I-81 in Virginia. I called the toll-free number about 6:40 p.m. After checking to be sure that I could receive calls on my calling telephone (we had locked the cell phone in the car) I received a call 12 minutes later advising that help was on the way. At 7:20 the tow truck arrived and the young man opened our car (with its automatic locks) in seconds. I want to commend Better World Club for this first-class service. Together with their environmentally-friendly policies (unlike AAA) this is definitely a winning combination.

Laurence Pearl (member)
September, 2002

Dear Better World Club,

I am your newest member, and I just wanted to say how happy I am that you're here, and offering an alternative to AAA. I knew about AAA's insidious lobbying practices a few months ago, but didn't know what alternatives existed. Someone just sent me an email with the same info on AAA's practices, but this time there was a link to your site at the bottom, so I just signed up.

Also, I thought you might be interested in my AAA story:

I just called AAA to cancel my membership, spoke with a manager, and said that I STRONGLY objected to their lobbying practices, and because they were not properly disclosing their activities to their members, I INSISTED they refund my full year membership, starting from December 2001. They did immediately, no questions asked.

Kate Parrot

THANK YOU! for providing a fantastic alternative to the "evil AAA". We have felt for quite a while that we are being ripped off by AAA on both a personal and global level. I have been telling everyone about you and wish you much success! We are proud to be members.

Jennifer Erickson

"AAA lied to me. I was having a hard time getting a good rate for car insurance in Washington State because I had two tickets on my record. My insurance was through AAA, and I was paying a high rate. Eventually, the two tickets had fallen off my record. I called AAA and said that since the tickets had fallen off my record, I should get a better rate on my insurance. They said that I would get a better rate, but that I would have to buy collision insurance to get the better rate. I didn't think this was right, so I reported it to the insurance commissioner. AAA replied by saying that this was noted in their rate filing. This is not true. In fact, it's illegal in WA for this type of pricing to be noted in their rate filing."

Jeff Glick from Washington