Save money for car owners

Most of your clients likely own more than one vehicle; and those costs can add up. Here are some ways car owners can save.

APA new-car buying service

A membership to the Automobile Protection Association (APA) gives consumers access to price quotes for up to five cars per year.

How much is available:

The report shows the invoice price of the vehicle, any factory options that you selected, pre-negotiated mark-up, and administration fees. Consumers enter the make and model, and the report will show what it should cost to purchase. It’s a valuable negotiation tool for clients buying new vehicles.

Eligibility:

Any person with a membership to the APA.

Cost to apply:

An annual membership costs $77, plus applicable taxes. Renewals cost $39 plus taxes.

Advisor commitment:

Minimal.

1

Degree of difficulty

1 out of 10

Tell your clients about this money-saving opportunity, which many are unaware of.

Where to apply:

Go to apa.ca/join.asp

Additional details:

In addition to new car pricing, the APA also has lists of preferred dealers and repair facilities.

Once a client becomes a member, she can request reports herself.

CAA discount program

The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has partnered with retailers to offer discounts on everyday purchases.

How much is available:

Discounts vary by retailer. For example, members can save 15% at Marble Slab Creamery, and 10% at East Side Mario’s and the Hard Rock Cafe. They can also receive 5% to 20% off the cost of a hotel room at participating hotels, or 15% off the price of hearing aids. A complete list of benefits and discounts is available on the website. The CAA also offers free maps and route preparation for all members.

Eligibility:

Any CAA member is eligible.

Cost to apply:

1

Degree of difficulty

1 out of 10

There are three levels of CAA membership.

• A Basic membership costs $70 plus taxes annually. It includes four service calls per year, and towing up to 10 km for a car or truck.
• A Plus membership costs $114 plus taxes annually, includes four service calls per year, towing up to 200 km, and covers a car, truck or motorcycle.
• A Premier membership costs $144 plus taxes annually, includes five service calls per years, towing up to 200 km four times each year and one towing of 320 km. It also covers a car, truck or motorcycle.

There are also plans available for RVs.

Advisor commitment:

Minimal. Most clients who drive have heard of the CAA. You can tell clients that, if they lock their keys in their cars once a year, they’ve broken even on the basic membership. But clients may not know about the third-party discounts that make membership attractive even if a service call is never needed.

Where to apply:

Any CAA retail location across Canada, or online at caa.ca.

Additional details:

For discounted attractions, clients can purchase tickets in advance at caasco.com (if they live in South Central Ontario).

Further, CAA members can earn CAA Rewards dollars by shopping at participating retailers. These dollars can then be used to save on renewal fees.

compiled by Lisa MacColl, an Ontario-based financial writer