AA Armed Response: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is AA Armed Response?

AA Armed Response is a personal armed security service from the Automobile Association of South Africa. If you feel unsafe and you tap the AA Armed Response button, we will send armed response services to you.

2. Where does AA Armed Response work?

AA Armed Response works nationwide in South Africa. We have one of the largest networks of services with over 160 security partners. If you are in a situation where you feel unsafe, let us know via the AA Armed Response App. The closest service provider to your current location will come to your aid. This service provider may differ from call-out to call-out.

3. Can I only use AA Armed Response when I am at home?

You can use AA Armed Response whether you are in your car, going for a walk, jogging, riding a bicycle, or even when you are in a shopping centre.

4. What does AA Armed Response cost?

AA Armed Response is available from:

• R25 per month (AA Members) or R300 annually.
• R35 per month (Non-members) or R420 annually.

You are also able to add dependants: 

• AA Members save up to 50% on a subscription for a family of four. R25 for the main Member and R15 each for up to three additional dependants. After the three dependants added at the reduced rate, the cost returns to R25 for each additional dependant added. From the 11th dependant onward, the charge per dependant is R35 each.
• Non-Members can add dependants for R35 each.

5. Do I have to be an AA Member to subscribe to AA Armed Response?

No. You do not need to be an AA Member. AA Armed Response is available to anyone. AA Members pay reduced rates for AA Armed Response.

6. Do I have to own a vehicle to subscribe to AA Armed Response?

No. Anyone can subscribe to this service – whether you travel by car, or commute.

7. What happens if I need help?

If you need help:

• Press the ‘HELP ME’ button in the AA Armed Response App.
• We will call you to find out more and support you where needed.
• We will dispatch the nearest security services to your location.
• If you do not answer the call, we will still dispatch security services to your location.

8. What if I feel unsafe?

It is always better to act proactively. If you feel unsafe:

• Press the red AA Armed Response button in the AA Armed Response App.
• We will call you and find out more about your situation.
• We will guide you to a place of safety or provide an escort.

9. Can I call you in the case of domestic violence?

Yes, you can.

• Press the ‘HELP ME’ button in the AA Armed Response App.
• We will call you and find out more about your situation.
• We will guide you to a place of safety or provide an escort.
• If you are unable to use the AA Armed Response App, please phone 0800 008 762.

10. Do I need to have a smartphone to use AA Armed Response?

Yes, you do. AA Armed Response uses location-based services to find you. If you do not have data or your signal is lost, please phone 0800 008 762 if you need help.

11. How can I get AA Armed Response?

Download the AA Armed Response App and activate AA Armed Response from within the app.

12. How do I pay for AA Armed Response?

You pay for AA Armed Response via your credit card. Payments will be deducted monthly or annually on the day you subscribed. For example, if you subscribed on the 13th, your subscription fee will be deducted every month on the 13th. If you subscribed on the 1st of December 2019 and selected annual payment, then you will be debited again on the 1st of December 2020.

13. I am already an AA Member. Is this part of my Membership?

No. AA Armed Response is an additional service. You need to subscribe to this service separately.

14. Will I get an escort on request?

No, the service is responsive and cannot provide an escort.

15. How do I save a link on my home screen?

On Android:

Open your link you want to pin to your home screen in your phone’s browser. Tap the menu button and tap Add to home screen. You’ll be able to enter a name for the shortcut and then Chrome will add it to your home screen. The shortcut can be dragged around and placed anywhere, including in-app folders — just like a normal app icon.

On iOS:

Open the link you want to add to your home screen in your browser. Tap the Share button on the browser’s toolbar — that’s the rectangle with an arrow pointing upward. Tap the Add to Home Screen icon in the Share menu. You’ll be prompted to name the shortcut before tapping the Add button. The shortcut can be dragged around and placed anywhere, including in-app folders — just like a normal app icon.

16. Where do I find my AA Membership number?

You can find your AA Membership number on the AA App when viewing your eCard. If you do not have access to this, please contact us on 0117991696 and we will help you find your details. 

17. What if I feel unsafe on a hike in the Magaliesberg?

We will do our best to assist you. With our response network and the local authorities, do keep in mind that getting a resource to a hiking trail and on a hiking trail will take time.

28. Will you drive with me for the 30-minute drive on the way home from my night class that ends at 9pm?

Our services can be activated once the situation is deemed threatening or criminal with immediate effect.

19. Is there a limit on how often one can use the service?

No, there is no limit to usage as long as all events are confirmed incidents and not false alarms.

20. What happens when I need assistance on a mountain bike trail?

The control room and local service providers will engage with local authorities and resources to assist as access will be difficult without specialised vehicles.