Okay, so there is no way around this - I was wronged. I was wronged by CSAA and it was a really frustrating, upsetting and time-consuming wrong. Although my close relatives have multiple lines of insurance there (car, earthquake & home) I will be hard pressed to ever step foot in their office in Berkeley again. So last week, I was tasked with doing some DMV business - a friend told me that AAA does DMV business for their automobile club customers - so I called AAA in the hopes they could help me with my DMV business. So to make a complicated situation more complicated - I had to transfer the ownership vehicle from someone who was deceased to someone that (due to age) no longer drives. After 50+ years AAA club member, we gave it up, just this year, although the Auto Insurance, Home Insurance & Earthquake insurance was still carried by my relative at AAA. Because I was a paid AAA member and several other circumstances held, the Customer Service Rep (experience is telling me to NEVER believe a customer service rep) told me I could go into any office and transfer the ownership. I asked them for the closest office to where I was (driving in the car) and they said Berkeley. So I arrived at the Berkeley office, waited in line for a time and the Customer Service gal stated since my relative no longer had a AAA membership, she could not do the transfer - no problem, I said good naturedly, I called ahead and your customer service rep on the phone said I could do it, because I had several special circumstances that allowed me to do it). The gal right in front of me said the only way I could do it was if I paid my relative's outstanding AAA club membership ($45). I said, and then I can close the membership account after I transact my business? No, the gal said, I would have to keep it open for at least two weeks and forfeit my $45. I was pretty upset at being told one thing and then being stalled by another person. I got my credit card out to pay, and then I just thought it was highway robbery. So I went to the El Cerrito DMV, wasted 4.5 hours out of my life and transacted my business there. So CSAA Berkeley, get your act together. I will never set foot in there again ever. Thanks paying back your 50+ year customer by treating them shabbily. My recommendation based on the above is avoid like the plague. read more

Best is the only word could describe all my visits and experiences for Berkeley AAAAA i add two more A's for them. Good people, knowledgeable, accurate and so fast. They took care of my insurance quotes, changes, registration and more. I thank both Leilani and Front Desk Manager. read more

Every time I come here, it's delightful. A woman greets you and is efficient and friendly. The clerk who has helped me the last two visits is also efficient, friendly and most importantly, doesn't make me feel dumb for not having taken care of a DMV matter. read more

Our AAA membership paid off today. Our venerable 1986 Toyota Camry LE was on its last legs. We were fortunate to find a 2009 replacement of same through a sequence of circumstances that would make an atheist cast a suspicious glance towards the heavens. Anyways, we headed to the University AAA with what we thought was all the required paperwork. Everything seemed to be going fine, but then we hit a snag. The person who was selling us the vehicle hadn't filled out the proper form to affirm transfer of title from himself in the previous owner. We had a handwritten Bill of Sale, but we were told that an official form would be required. Jiyoung, the AAA employee who assisted us, could not have been nicer about informing us about this. She processed our available documents and we paid the fees necessary, and then gave us the form we needed. She also highlighted the parts we needed to fill out and what would be needed by the previous owner. Jiyoung was kind, empathetic and just a joy to interact with. You can tell that she cares about her work and about people in general. Take a cue from Jiyoung, treat people well and you will receive more in return! We were able to get the additional form completed in less than an hour because the seller worked close by, and we soon had all our documentation recorded and walked out glowing with the euphoria of a long-awaited vehicle upgrade. Thank you, Jiyoung! You are wonderful! read more

I went to this branch twice in two days. I had to get my vehicle registration renewed. The person greeting at the door was friendly. I did not have to wait long to be seen. I was told I had to get my vehicle smogged. While I was there, I spoke to a very nice and helpful man about homeowners insurance. The next day, I came back to finish my registration after getting my vehicle smogged. Once again I was greeted at the door in a friendly way. I didn't have to wait long and then my registration was handled quickly. It was all easy and painless. They've also got a parking lot with plenty of space, and it's in my neighborhood. All good! read more

I had to obtain an International Driving Permit so I called around to different AAA offices in the Bay Area to find an office that could help me quickly. The person who answered the call in Berkeley knew what I needed and invited me to come into their office ASAP because the IDPs were running low, so I went to the Berkeley branch! I was blown away by the service I received from their staff. If you want to experience what great customer service is at a AAA Branch in the Bay Area, visit the Berkeley Branch on University Avenue. The staff there are friendly, courteous, professional, and super super-fast! They get you in and they get you out quickly and efficiently. I have been to other branches, but this one is the best. read more

Much appreciation and gratitude to Lai! A friend referred me to Lai and gave her high remarks. A little context: This is my first time having to purchase auto insurance. After shopping around for a bit, I called Lai and it was all over from there. Lai helped me through understanding the different services AAA offers and broadly, helped me understand auto insurance in general. She made my experience in purchasing insurance less scary and answered all my questions. My main concern as a young driver is safety and after speaking to Lai, I can tell that is also AAA's concerns. I think this is what really sold me and additionally, the various benefits and perks that come with being a AAA member. Lai has exceeded my expectations as an agent. She was responsive to all my questions, concerns, and patiently waited while I continued to shop around. Her customer service was amazing - high energy and professional. She's detailed orentiend, in that ,she helped me go through understanding my coverage thoroughly. I can't wait to work with Lai for my additional insurance needs. Thanks Lai! I also wanted to note, I'm not an active yelp reviewer. In fact, I only post reviews when I need the people servicing me to be recognized for extraordinary services. I felt compelled to write something for Lai because that's great she was to me! read more

I have been a AAA member my whole life. I needed to renew my car registration immediately and shuddered at the idea of waiting in line at DMV until I was reminded that AAA could do it. I walked into the AAA Branch in Berkeley and was done in about 10 minutes. What a great service they provide! read more

Took care of my DMV business quickly and were very helpful and friendly. Convenient location with good parking.

Lia Saephanh is an absolute AAA All-Star Insurance Agent! I came into the Berkeley office feeling overwhelmed and helpless, needing to re-establish immediate coverage, and Lia just stepped right up and saved the day; her kindness, attentiveness to my issues and amazing professionalism is a shining example of AAA's outstanding service, and she is exactly the type of high caliber individual that is synonymous with this organization. Thank you Lai from the bottom of my heart for helping me in my time of struggle; you promptly accomplished what I needed and displayed with utmost class AAA's commitment to its' customers, and I will always be a lifelong member because of you. AAA Member For Life, Michael Colin McCarty read more

Thank to Dominic Marrujo for helping me with Passport photo and the document, made it a lot easier and save a lot of time. Thank again for your kindness. read more

My handy dandy AAA card has been in my wallet for many years. That card (and the service behind it) has helped me out of many a jam including cars that wouldn't start, flat tires, and a running vehicle with the keys locked inside. AAA's Emergency Road Service is one bit of inexpensive insurance that I'm very happy to have. I'm also still a huge fan of the TripTik® Travel Planner and love the feel of a paper map as I navigate the highlighted lines towards my long distance destination. Yes, my GPS will give me more instantaneous information regarding my route and businesses along the way. But at least right now, me and my paper maps are a lot smarter and the associated personal travel planning services in my Berkeley office makes for a superior combination. read more

Friendly and efficient service. Explained the process well, and were helpful and kind. Nobody waited very long, appointments were easy to make and the facility was quite comfortable. Highly recommend it. read more

The office staff were well organized, friendly and knowledgeable in the services provided to me

The computers were down when I went to try to do my work so I haven't really experienced it

I have gotten the best care from any insurance company from Lai Saephanh!! She is extremely motivated to get me the best policy for my needs and has gone out of her way to make me feel valued as a customer. I will be recommending her and this branch to anyone that asks. Could not sing her praises enough. read more

Went here for my international driver permit. Filled the form out ahead of time. I was greeted at the door and directed to the right area. No line and waited about 1 minute then I was helped by the clerk. Parking was easy as they have a lot. I was in and out in about 15 minutes. Excellent and friendly service. read more

Michael Elie- of the Berkeley Office of CSAA provided SUPERIOR service- so much that it did not feel as though I was speaking a staff member, rather a FRIEND! The conversation was with sincere eagerness to assist, yet CARE to listen to my information, challenges, and concerns. Michael was patient, insightful, KNOWLEDGEABLE, experienced, and humorous! He was able to put me at ease about my call, concerns, and call-back. CSAA cant 'coach' what Michael has....... although I wish they could! read more

Fast service and kind employees. Was in and out with my IDP in under 30 minutes. Would recommend!

After spending the last year without a car after moving to the Bay Area, we finally decided to purchase a Subaru for our California adventures. The first thing I did was renew my AAA membership, as I had been a faithful customer when I was a regular driver in the past. With that, I then learned that you can do registration services at their offices -- which was a lifesaver! In California, you only have 10 days to register a vehicle after purchasing before you're subject to serious late fees. That wouldn't be a problem, except for the fact that the next DMV appointment was nearly 20 days away! So I paid this office a visit and they were wonderful. I was in and out with my new registration in 10 minutes, and everyone was so friendly and helpful with my questions! I highly recommend using them for all your DMV needs -- it's much faster and more pleasant! read more

I happened to be in Berkeley and stopped by with some questions about title transfer. Carolina was super nice explaining very clearly what I needed to get. I have the Pinole branch only 5 min from home, but decided to go again to the Berkeley office-driving 30 min. Again, she helped me and completed my paperwork in no time. Congrats, Berkeley branch for having such a nice, knowleable person. ! :) read more

Super service at this AAA branch. Got an international driver's license and they were able to take the photo there too! Staff seemed able to address a number of customer needs (mine, travel, DMV services) and were courteous and efficient. I did come on Tuesday morning and the line was longer so I opted to come back for this appointment. Lucky to have this in Berkeley esp. to avoid going to DMV. read more

The staff are beyond wonderful. I needed a replacement car registration and sticker. It's so much easier than the DMV. No lines. Greeted warmly, served quickly, and they were all competent and friendly and I was in and out in ten minutes. read more

I just had to take a few moments to leave this well-deserved review. Because I have multiple cars and I'm often buying and selling, I do brisk business with the DMV counter at the Berkeley AAA office on University. Everyone at this location is good , but this review is for one person in particular who truly stands out. Christian, who works the DMV counter at this AAA location, is Simply the Best! Extremely knowledgeable, thorough and courteous beyond words, he is a dream to work with. No matter how long the line is outside in the hot sun, after Christian has handled my transaction, I actually leave feeling that my day has gone better simply because of how well I have been treated by him. Quite simply, he is the best! Don't believe me? Go and see for yourself and learn what it's like to be treated the way you should. read more

Slow Does not Insure if other drivers hit you If Liability only policy. Found another company 33% off with matching Liability Off shoot of a Major Insurance Corp who would pay $3,500 if hit by non insured AAA pays ZERO AAA there Road Service works very well they watch Subs . MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE A DISASTER Sub Contractor Private on a Tuesday morning afternoon they took 7 hours to show up. Would not answer text read more

Big shout out to Ms. Lillian Quintero SSA / Team Berkeley for such a pleasant and efficient experience in renewing my family's annual membership. I'm in Oregon and have gifted AAA to all my adult children for many years! This was my BEST experience ever in working with the Team Berkeley!!! THANK YOU, LILLIAN!!! read more

John Le comes through again! I switched insurance company because they were less costly at that time. I tried calling Mercury a few times and couldn't leave a message and when I did reach them it often took days to get a response. This happened the few times I reached out to them. I could only imagine if I had a real emergency it would be too difficult to work with them. John is knowledgeable and got me signed up with AAA in no time and with better rates/coverage and immediate response. read more

Great customer service! Staff was very friendly, patient, and helpful.

Front desk guy super nice and helpful. Customer service lady is a b***h. Completely on automotaun mode, not answering questions, just repeating some script in her head for questions somewhat similar. Did not complete the paperwork I gave her. Was just in there at 5p 5/22. My advice? avoid the dark Asian/pacific islander(?) lady with pretty eyes. I know that if I behaved the way at work she just did, is get fired. They must not have much customer service oversight there. Edit: yup, just as expected, I went to the claremont aaa 15 mins later, and they had no problem getting me my international driving permit. And they were super sweet. In and out in five minutes. Go there instead. read more

if you didn't know, AAA can act as a DMV for most things (they don't do drivers lisences) esp car registration and title transfers. i spend more time with AAA for these services than anything else. read more

Line is too long. Not even 4pm. I came here for international driver permit after looking on their website to make sure they took passport photos here that's required to get the permit. Only coming here they tell me the camera is broken. Also overheard another person being told the camera has been out of service for a couple of months. So why not put this notice up in the website? Would save hundreds of people trouble. U would expect from AAA, this sort of updated info on their website. read more

I always end up paying for my DMV car registration here instead of mail, because I get the sticker right away. Service has always been prompt and courteous. read more

Had to get a passport photo today and was greeted by Dominic. He was friendly and efficient with me and the many other customers who came in while I was waiting. He managed to greet and direct each person quickly and courteously. He moved everyone along efficiently without making us feel rushed. High marks to him, especially, although I observed everyone who was working in the University Ave branch being friendly and knowledgeable. read more

AAA been a member for almost 25 years and I have not been disappointed. Look it's the the cheapest insurance but it's the most reliable and trust worthy out there. You can call a branch or call the 1800 number to get quick help. You can do travel, DMV and many other things with your membership. You must become a member and get road side service never change your own tire again. Membership is really inexpensive. read more

Straight up - if you don't have an AAA card in your wallet I don't even know what to say. It sets you back something like 60 clams a year for a basic membership. If you ever stay in a hotel more than one night a year bam there's your money back in a 10% discount most places which is so easy it's insane. Then this - I can't foretell the future but I do rely a bit on past experiences to help me have at least the ability to choose between this that or the other thing when that later time rolls around and I'll share this - AAA has helped me out on the road three different times and each time they left me like sad for the entire rest of the world because they were so tight and turned my frown upside down and why can't all the rest of the service providers be like them? It isn't hard. You just care about what you do and have skills and a little empathy and there you go. Made somebody's day better. And if you don't care about things like that stop reading and go away because you are no longer welcome in my review. My battery died the other morning. With a little warning and maybe if I wasn't all perhaps it will get better on its own I wouldn't have had to go into the convenience store and say hi I know you're busy but it looks like I might have to sit at the gas pump for a little longer than I had originally intended. I went inside after I called the 800 number. The totally helpful fellow named after my brother said to chill and in 45 minutes or so somebody would be there to help me. In 20, the yellow truck was there. She diagnosed me in a way that had me think hmm she has no incentive to upsell me I feel comfortable with this diagnosis and were I in a shop I'd probably be out like a thousand skins. It was the battery, not the alternator. She had brought the battery as promised. 30 minutes after I placed the call I had a new battery and a happy smiling face and parts and labor were half of what it would have cost anywhere else. Just for good measure, again. If you don't already have one do nothing else today (besides making another person smile which should always be one of the must-do things on your daily list) go to the website or make the call and get your bad self a membership. I care about you. read more

I've been a AAA customer since 1967 and had the pleasure of meeting personally your agent Lai Sae

For the last 2 weeks I had tried to use the DMV online website to change/update my address, however, whenever I would check on the status it would say no request found. This was incredibly frustrating so I decided to call them. The first two times I tried calling them first waiting 20 minutes, the second time waiting 27 minutes, they abruptly hung up on me! What, like seriously!?! The third time I called the wait time was up to 46 minutes and there was no way I would wait that long to hopefully speak to someone. I was so frustrated and even the thought of DMV made my blood boil, so my husband kindly offered to add me on his member services for only $10. This was the best move ever! I went to the Berkeley AAA at 10:15AM on a Saturday. There is a small parking lot. Upon walking in we were greeted and there was one guy at the front desk who was incredibly friendly and gave me the right forms to fill out. And I was in and out in less than 10 minutes with an updated address and a renewed car registration with the sticker. Now that is what I call excellent service. They even accepted my Discover credit card, sweet! Now I know to always come here if I ever need to change/update my address and or renew my car registration. They even gave me a warm goodbye. read more

Very sad to report a complete sea change at AAA. I have been a member for more than a decade, and I've always received wonderful service. Starting the beginning of 2013, I've been blown away by the poor, unreliable, uncaring service I've received from multiple AAA representatives. 1. It took 3 visits to warranty a defective battery originally provided by AAA. 2. I purchased a second car, and my insurance went up. I sold said expensive car, and my insurance went down by less than it had increased when I purchased the second car. 3. I purchased a much cheaper second car, and my insurance again went up by more than it had decreased. 4. Multiple reps have ignored my phone calls & emails, while at the same time spamming me with AAA branded personal auto communications. Amazing: AAA I hope you can be saved. I'm shopping other clubs. read more

Faster and more convenient than DMV. Been a member since 1972 - call to see if they can handle your needs before waiting at DMV. They use the Disneyland system for wait times - tell you 20 minutes and usually be there in 10 Join them! read more

excellent branch. delightful greeter, short wait time and pleasant and knowledgable clerk. read more