Members Lounge
Issue: January/February 2012
Holland America Days
Learn about fun-filled and relaxing itineraries to Alaska, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Europe and other unforgettable destinations from Holland America Line and AAA Travel.
Unless otherwise noted, presentations take place at the AAA office listed.
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AAA Cruise Shows
Join us for our largest cruise shows of the year. Meet with cruise line representatives, attend lively seminars and take advantage of special offers and discounts on cruises to Europe, Alaska, the Panama Canal and other fascinating regions. Don't delay, RSVP today!
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Coeur d'Alene Cruise Show
Fri., Jan. 27, 4–7 p.m.
Best Western Plus, Coeur d'Alene
506 W. Appleway Ave.
RSVP: (208) 666-5715 - Spokane Cruise Show
Sat., Jan. 28, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Red Lion Hotel at the Park
W. 303 North River Dr., Spokane
RSVP: (509) 358-7039 - AAA South Sound Cruise Show
Sat., Feb. 4, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
La Quinta Inn & Suites
1425 E. 27th St., Tacoma
RSVP: (253) 756-3034 - AAA Olympia Cruise Show
Sat., Feb.11, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Red Lion Hotel
2300 Evergreen Park Dr., S.W., Olympia
RSVP: (360) 704-6185 - Vancouver Cruise Show
Sat., Feb. 25, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Heathman Lodge
7801 N.E. Greenwood Dr.
Rivers of the World
Join Viking River Cruises and AAA Travel to discover why a river cruise is the most relaxing way to experience the wonders of Europe, Russia, China and beyond:
AAA Yakima
Thurs., March 1, at 6 p.m.
RSVP: (509) 573-3677
January is Disney Month at AAA Travel
Let AAA Travel help you plan your next magical Disney vacation. In addition to EXCLUSIVE AAA member benefits on Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort packages, Disney Cruise Line vacations and Adventures by Disney programs, you'll also receive special values and savings when you book your Disney vacation with a AAA Travel professional during the month of January. Book between January 1 and 31 by calling (800) 430-9001.
You can also learn about cruises aboard the Disney Wonder® from Seattle through Alaska's Inside Passage on Feb. 15 at AAA Mount Vernon (6 p.m., RSVP: 360-848-2090) and on Feb. 16 at AAA Bellingham (6 p.m., RSVP: 360-752-6575).
No Spare Tires?
Your new car could be carrying a lighter load
Recent pressures on auto manufacturers to increase fuel economy have resulted in efforts to reduce vehicle weight. In fact, AAA's research reveals that 13 percent of all new cars sold in the first half of 2011 had no spare tire. This streamlining includes replacing the spare with run-flat tires, roadside inflator kits or emergency sealants.
Higher fuel economy standards likely will accelerate this trend over the next five years. How can you prepare before you're at the roadside kicking the tires out of frustration?
AAA suggests the following:
First, inspect the cars you currently drive, and consult your owner's manual. If your vehicle has a spare, be sure it is properly inflated and stowed. If you cannot locate a spare tire, keep looking for the alternative (run-flats or inflator kit). Vehicles designed without spares are usually equipped with some type of backup, and it is a good idea to be familiar with these devices before you encounter a flat. If you carry a sealant, check the date, and replace it every five years or after its use. The sealant can become less effective with age.
Become a Better Driver
ashington drivers 55 and older who complete this mature-driver classroom program may qualify for a discount on their auto insurance premiums. The fee for the class is $16 for members, $22 for nonmembers.
How to register for a class: Send a check or money order (made out to American Driving Services) with desired date noted to:
American Driving Services
P.O. Box 66681
Seattle, WA 98166-0681
Include date of birth and AAA number, if a current member. Confirmation letter with the details will be sent or e-mailed before the class date. Refer any questions about the program to Mary or Danny Lilleness at (800) 462-3728. Classes are 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information or for online classes, visit www.AAA.com/insurance.
| January | 14 | Renton | Highlands Community Church |
| 18 | Bellevue | The Gardens at Town Square | |
| 28 | Seattle (Roosevelt) | Calvary Christian Assembly | |
| Feburary | 1 | Redmond | Redmond Senior Center |
| 4 | Tacoma | The Villas at Union Park | |
| 9 | Oak Harbor | Regency on Whidbey Retirement Community | |
| 11 | Renton | Highlands Community Church | |
| 23 | Des Moines | Judson Park Retirement Community | |
| March | 10 | Renton | Highlands Community Church |
| 15 | Seattle (Ballard) | The Philadelphia Church | |
| 17 | Everett | Sons of Norway / Normanna Hall | |
| 24 | Silverdale | Crista Shores Retirement Community | |
| 31 | Tacoma | The Villas at Union Park |
Insurance
"The Big Storm that came through has cut off my power to my residence; do I have coverage to stay in a hotel until power is restored?"
If your home is not habitable due to a covered loss, "additional living expenses coverage" (also known as "loss of use coverage") may be provided on your homeowner's policy. The coverage provides payment for additional living expenses to maintain your family's current standard of living while the house is being repaired.
Generally, these additional living expenses pay for the difference between what it cost the family before the loss for housing, food, etc., and the additional expense post-loss. It typically includes such items as hotel or rental home stays, restaurant meals and laundromat costs, among others. (Keep your receipts as they will be required by your insurance adjuster.)
Homeowner's insurance policies specify the amount available for additional living expenses and may be limited to a percentage of your dwelling limit shown on your policy; usually 20 percent. Some carriers do not limit coverage to a specific percentage or dollar amount and instead limit it to a period of time, such as within 12 months. And some insurance carriers will provide additional living expense funds immediately upon being notified of a loss, while others may reimburse policyholders. It is important for policyholders to contact their insurance carrier promptly after a loss.
However, if you are without power due to a widespread power outage occurring away from your property, homeowner's insurance generally does not provide additional living expenses coverage. It is important to ask your AAA insurance agent about this coverage to determine what the limit is on your homeowner's policy and if it will be adequate—especially if you live in an area with a higher cost of living and have a larger family. Go to www.AAA.com/insurance or call (877) 222-4678 to speak with a AAA Insurance agent
