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One thing I remember seeing on tv a couple of years ago-- it seems other tow companies (not AAA affiliated) listen in on the cb's (scanners or whatever) and if they hear a call go out to for a AAA tow truck, they try to beat it there and insinuate that they are the AAA authorized tower, when they are not (they never claim to be, but just show up and say "did you call for a tow?" and if you allow them to hook up your car, you are stuck with paying the bill). Then when they get you to the garage they put the pressure on you to get work done at their garage and charge you an unholy amount of money. In this age of Nextel I don't know if they still do that, but it pays to ask the driver point blank if he is the authorized AAA tower, -- either that or have AAA tell you which tow company will be coming.
I dont know how other clubs work, but being a Canadian living in Southern California, I know my membership in the Canandain Automobile Association (CAA) works in both countries. So when Im a dumba** and lock my keys in my car in San Diego, or I misjudge the mileage my mom's ride gets in Vancouver, Im covered. So for anyone crossing borders on a fairly regular basis, go for it.