How CAA Member Zafar Jamal saved $2,355 in just one year

As a newcomer to Ottawa, Zafar Jamal first signed up for a CAA Membership for peace of mind while he was behind the wheel. 

“We realized we were driving a lot more here,” explains Jamal, adding that he and his wife, Ambreen, moved from Toronto in 2020. “We were in a new city, so it made sense just to have that extra feeling of security.” 

Little did Jamal know that his CAA Membership would result in incredible savings, including a whopping $2,355 in the last 12 months alone. 

“The bulk of it came from the CAA Insurance,” shares Jamal, adding that he and his spouse have CAA home and auto insurance for two vehicles. “The further we got into the weeds, looking for what other options, benefits and discounts there were, CAA Insurance really came to the table; they were quite competitive.” 

Insurance aside, Jamal says his Membership has proven incredibly versatile. The couple also saved over $1,000 just by switching their cell phones to Rogers.  

“The savings that were available to CAA Members versus what the regular rates were, plus the discounts on the phones they gave us – made it absolutely wonderful,” says Jamal.    

Travelling with CAA 

As a frequent traveller, Jamal says his CAA Membership has proven invaluable, time and again. 

“I fly regularly, so I use the airport parking discount out of Ottawa religiously,” he says, adding he leverages the deal at least once a month. “Regardless of how long you’re parking there, it’s up to 20 per cent off; it’s absolutely golden.” 

Jamal and his wife have occasionally enjoyed savings at the Montréal–Trudeau International Airport as well, when flying out on vacation. In addition, his wife uses the CAA Member discount when booking VIA Rail tickets to visit friends back in Toronto.  

As the couple plans an upcoming holiday to western Canada, they’re even considering a hotel booking through CAA. 

“Clicking that CAA option is something we do often – to see what's the best deal,” he explains. “It’s become part of the process for us to say, ‘OK, what’s CAA’s play here?’” 

Lifestyle savings 

Last year, Jamal and his wife decided they wanted to get active, and started shopping for new bikes. 

“I stumbled across the CAA eStore for the first time,” recalls Jamal. “We bought some bicycles from Decathlon, and there was a link for three per cent back in CAA Dollars® – which was just a no-brainer for us.” 

From retail reductions to discounted tickets and restaurant deals, Jamal says the savings don’t seem to stop for CAA Members. Around Ottawa, he and his family have enjoyed discounts at Kelsey’s, COBS Bread and the Canadian Museum of Nature.  

"It just seems like every which avenue, it doesn't matter what I'm doing – CAA has a positive impact,” he enthuses. “Whether it's bicycles for exercise, savings at the museums, or three cents off at Shell*, I don’t know how much I’ve saved on that one”. 

“In every facet of life, the CAA Membership has an impact in a good way.” 

In fact, Jamal now considers himself a CAA advocate. He says he often goes out of his way to mention the benefits of CAA Membership to family and friends. 

“I can say it’s definitely not the CAA that my dad used to have, that’s for sure,” he reflects. “The same baseline is there, but it's grown by leaps and bounds. 

“I tell everybody and their dog, ‘You should get it! It helps, trust me – it’ll save the day for you, too.’” 

*Conditions apply. Partners and offers are subject to change without notice. Visit caaneo.ca/rewards/partners for details. Shell discount is only available at participating Shell locations.