Breakdown assistance remains the automobile club’s most important service. But most new members afford the more comprehensive assistance package.
Germany’s largest association continues to grow: As the ADAC in Munich announced, it has now exceeded the 22 million member mark. According to ADAC President Christian Reinicke, most of them are members because of the free breakdown assistance. But three quarters of new members take out the more expensive premium membership with additional services.
Last year, the number of members rose by 380,000, and since January of this year by a further 190,000. Europe’s largest automobile club now sees itself as a “mobility club” that offers a wide range of assistance – from breakdown services for cyclists to emergency locksmith services and telemedical advice.
Annual contributions range from 54 to 139 euros. Around 5 million ADAC members have a basic membership, 15.7 million have a plus membership with Europe-wide benefits, and a good 780,000 have a premium membership with worldwide international health insurance. The average age of ADAC members is currently 52 years. On average, they stay with the club for 21 years.
The most important service is breakdown assistance for drivers. Vehicles are currently being kept for longer, and the number of road patrol calls rose to over 3.5 million last year. Unlike in previous decades, it is no longer possible to call the ADAC in the event of a breakdown, sign the membership application and then receive free help.
Source: Stern
