| AAA Auto turns the page from its controversial past to a new ...
Still dogged by past negative media coverage and numerous accusations of allegedly dubious practices, used-car dealership AAA Auto is shedding its bad image and changing strategy by aiming to become a publicly listed company. ��������������������T��he largest Czech used-car dealership chain has started focusing on selling more expensive cars to avoid prob-lems related to customers� complaints about cheap trade-in cars that damaged the firm�s reputation in the past, said Anthony Denny, founder and chairman of the board of directors of AAA Auto. Extensive negative media coverage of AAA Auto practices in 2002�when some clients filed criminal complaints about the company that were investigated by police but were postponed�made the firm change its strategy and hire an internation-al breakdown insurance firm to prevent such situations in the future, Denny said.
Rosen: Making the best of those teen driving years
With two children driving and a third about to get behind the wheel, I'm keenly interested in ways to keep my auto insurance costs in check. That's why I was intrigued by a few product ideas and services that arrived in my mailbox after my recent a column about Safeco's Project Teen program for policyholders, which relies on Global Positioning System satellites to track the driving habits of young, inexperienced drivers. Like Project Teen, these safe-driving products that I just became aware of could have major implications on how much you pay to insure your student drivers. For many parents, help can't come soon enough. In a survey released in early July by AAA and Seventeen magazine, 61 percent of teens admitted risky behavior while driving, including text-messaging, talking on cell phones and speeding.
3 On Your Side: Roadside Assistance
(CBS 3) PHILADELPHIA If you're driving, the last thing you want is to break down. It can be dangerous and frightening. So having roadside assistance can give you peace of mind. But there are other ways to get it without joining a motor club. 3 On Your Side's Jim Donovan tells you about alternatives that will get you back on the road.We seem to constantly be on the go, driving here, driving there. So if our car breaks down, it can really slow us down.Marc Perlman is one who spends a lot of time in his vehicle."It's kind of low to the ground, small, 4-cylinder engine, so, it's got some pickup." said Perlman.But recently, he was the one who needed to be picked up after he had car trouble. Luckily, Marc has emergency roadside assistance but not through a motor club like AAA, but attached to his auto insurance policy he has with Progressive."It provides a tow service to come pick up their vehicle, also fix flats, if their battery dies on them, we'll help them get a charge, also help them if their keys are locked in the vehicle." said Michael McNamee with Progressive Insurance.
New Auto Theft Hotline
A new hotline is now at your fingertips to help report auto theft. AAA announced that they've partnered with HEAT, that's "Help Eliminate Auto Thefts," to staff a 24-hour tip line 7 days a week. Trained operators will be there to answer your calls in hopes of putting an end to theft. Callers are also urged to report chop shops, theft rings, even insurance fraud. That tip line is 1-800-242-heat, or you can visit their website at www.1800242heat.com. .
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