AAA Colorado ~ EnCompass Magazine

Your Member Services

Automotive - AAA Colorado offers a wealth of automotive services, beginning with AAA's famous roadside assistance program that follows the member, not the vehicle. Other services include Approved Auto Repair and Auto Body Repair facilities (inside front cover), automotive products at AAA Colorado offices, and auto sales and leasing through AAA Colorado AutoSource (page 9). All can be accessed through www.aaa.com, including AutoManager, which manages the maintenance of your vehicle.

Insurance & Financial Services - AAA Colorado's independent insurance agency offers auto, home, life and umbrella products from several highly rated national insurers, as well as its exclusive brand, "AAA Insurance." For a competitive quote, call 866-399-9836, or click on "Insurance" at www.aaa.com. AAA Colorado also offers financial services like the
AAA Visa card, certificates of deposit and money market deposits. Call
303-753-8800 or click on "Financial" at www.aaa.com for Visa card
information. For deposit products, call 800-526-7120.

AAA Travel - Get much more than free TourBooks, maps and TripTiks. AAA Domestic Travel Counselors can help plan your road trip. AAA Travel Professionals understand national and international travel, from guided tours to independent adventure. AAA Colorado's travel store (in most offices and online) contains books, atlases, luggage and other travel items.

EnCompass and www.aaa.com - Your membership brings you six issues of EnCompass magazine a year, and AAA Colorado's website. Online you'll find a 24/7 virtual office for member-only information, a sampling of travel vacations, TripTik maps, insurance and auto information, car sales and leasing, and the Show Your Card & Save member savings program.

Show Your Card & Save Program - This is the member savings program of AAA. Simply show your AAA membership card to save money at hundreds of retail and service shops, travel-related companies, lodging and automotive facilities. Various restrictions apply; for details visit your local AAA office, or go to www.aaa.com/save, call 877-244-9790, ext. 2054.

Keep your tank full for winter

AUTOMOTIVE - With the price of gasoline yo-yoing week to week, you could be tempted to drive a little farther with the needle hovering around "E." But coasting on fumes while you attempt to squeeze the last drops from the bottom of your tank increases your risk for two problems-besides the obvious one of running out of gas.

Fuel-line freeze-up When moist air condenses inside your gas tank, water droplets sink to the lowest point in the fuel system. And when the mercury drops below freezing, that water will turn to ice, which may result in frozen fuel lines.

"The typical symptoms of frozen fuel lines are stalling soon after ignition, followed by difficulty restarting," says Denver roadside assistance administrator Jim Abel.

A fairly full fuel tank reduces the room available for moist air, with consequently less condensation. Dean Miller, owner of Accurate Auto Specialists, a AAA-approved repair facility in Highlands Ranch, has another way to reduce the risk of freezing. "Try to fill up at a busier location to ensure you are getting recently delivered fuel, not fuel that was blended for earlier, warmer seasonal temperatures."

Contamination

Dirt, sediment and rust particles all find their way into your tank. Usually they settle harmlessly to the bottom. The longer you drive with the needle around "E," the more likely your fuel pump will suck up this junk, fouling the fuel filter and maybe even the injectors.

To avoid adding even more debris, try not to fill up while a tanker truck is unloading fuel into the gas station's underground storage, stirring up the debris in the storage system. For more tips and resources on car maintenance and winter driving, visit www.aaa.com and click on "Automotive."

Improved online TripTiks

AAA.COM - For years AAA's TripTiks have helped members plan and route road trips. Much more than just maps, they also include information on construction zones, local attractions, accommodations and restaurants. Members can get a TripTik from a travel counselor at any AAA office or go online to www.aaa.com (click on "Maps & Directions") where they have two options: ordering one that will be prepared and mailed, or building one that can be printed out immediately.

Recently, in response to member feedback, the online TripTiks have been improved. Enhanced features include a new look, higher-resolution maps, more tools and easier navigation. Additionally, online TripTiks now have a full-screen, non-popup interface; cleaner maps; a zoom feature; and an on-screen route modifier so you can change the default route between two points to suit your needs.

Protect yourself against identity theft

INSURANCE - Everything these days seems to be tied to your credit score, including your insurance rates. How do you keep your information safe from identity thieves?

Be cautious when giving out personal information, and use a cross-cut shredder to dispose of unwanted papers containing it. Mail checks from a secure place.

The sooner you know there's a problem, the easier it is to fix. Check your credit card statements for transactions you didn't make. Get a copy of your credit report at least once a year from one of the three credit reporting services: Equifax (800-525-6285, www.equifax.com), Experian (888-397-3742, www.experian.com) and Transunion (800-680-7289, www.transunion.com). You are entitled to a free copy once every 12 months as part of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

If you are a victim of identity theft

Notify your credit card companies, your bank, the police and the three credit reporting agencies listed above.
Complete a Federal Trade Commission ID Theft affidavit and report. Send copies of the affidavit to companies where the thief opened accounts or incurred debts in your name, along with copies of any supporting documents the company may require. The FTC's ID Theft Line is 877-438-4338 and its websites are www.consumer.gov/idtheft and www.ftc.gov.
Notify the Social Security Administration's fraud line, 800-269-0271. Identity theft insurance provides reimbursement to crime victims for the cost of restoring their identity and repairing credit reports. On average, these policies cost between $25 and $50 for $15,000 to $25,000 worth of coverage. Some companies include it as part of their homeowner's insurance policies. Others sell it as an optional endorsement or stand-alone policy.

Contact your AAA Insurance agent at 866-625-3601 to find out more about identity theft insurance.

AAA's new NASCAR driver

TRAVEL-Roush Racing has selected 21-year-old driver David Ragan to take over the reins of the AAA No. 6 Ford Fusion car from Mark Martin. Ragan has been involved in motor racing since age 11 and hit the NASCAR circuit as soon as he turned 18. He credits his father-a former Cup driver, auto shop owner and AAA towing provider — with instilling knowledge and tenacity into him. "My father has always preached, 'Whatever you do, do the best you can.' It's great to be able to call AAA's 50 million members my fans, and to race for them. I hope they have a good time."

Save on electronics, two ways

MEMBER SAVINGS-Didn't get quite what you wanted for Christmas? Two new Show Your Card & Save partners might have the answer. Sirius Satellite Radio and Circuit City have become national partners, offering special savings for AAA members.

Sirius offers more than 130 channels, including 67 channels of commercial-free music. Its variety of music, sports, news and entertainment even includes a new station dedicated to NASCAR, due in January. AAA members can take advantage of a special package offer that includes 20% savings on radios, free shipping, free activation and one free month of service with the purchase of an annual subscription. The AAA package offer can only be accessed when buying online through www.aaa.com/Sirius, or by calling 866-274-7487.

Circuit City has more than 5,000 consumer electronics products available, from games, movies and music to computers, cameras and home appliances. Your AAA membership means you can save 10% on purchases of $199 and up (certain products are excluded). In many cases, you will be able to apply your member savings on top of existing Circuit City sales offers, for even greater savings. Visit www.aaa.com/circuitcity to receive a promotional code. This code can be used to apply your 10% savings when shopping online at www.aaa.com/circuitcity, or via Circuit City's toll-free number, 800-593-4391.

Got your passport yet?

TRAVEL-From Jan. 23, 2007, Americans will need a passport to travel by air to or from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, South America, Central America and Caribbean countries. By 2009, a passport or another type of secure approved documentation will be needed for all trips to and from these countries, including land border crossings and cruises. Americans already need a passport to enter and leave most foreign countries.

Passport renewals can be submitted by mail. If you have never had a passport before, you need to visit a Passport Acceptance Facility in person with your application form, passport photos, a certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate, and proof of identity such as a current driver's license. Minors applying for their first passport must have the consent of both parents.

For more information, visit www.aaa.com or the only official website for passport information, www.travel.state.gov/passport. AAA offices can assist you with passport application forms, passport photos and finding the location of your nearest Passport Acceptance Facility.

Take the Travel Challenge

The 2007 AAA Travel High School Challenge kicks off Jan. 8-16 with a national online contest. More than 50,000 high school students registered for last year's competition, which is aimed at improving knowledge of world destinations and building awareness of career opportunities in travel and tourism. The AAA Travel Challenge has run annually since 2002 and is sponsored by AAA's partners in the travel industry.

The online contest takes the form of a timed multi-choice quiz. The top five scorers in each state will advance to their state competition — a proctored written exam — in March. State champions and their chaperones will receive an expenses-paid trip to the national finals in Orlando, Fla. in May, where they will compete for more than $100,000 in college scholarships and prizes.

The Travel Challenge is open to all public, private and homeschooled students in grades 9-12. Parents, students and teachers can find more information and online registration requirements at www.aaa.com/TravelChallenge.

A Colorado GEM
ProRodeo Hall of Fame

AAA TourBooks include a listing of points of interest around the state that offer a Great Experience for Members: exceptional places for your list of "things to do." GEMs are chosen solely on merit — an attraction or destination can't apply for GEM status.

Colorado has 28 GEMs and a different one will be featured in each issue.

The ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy in Colorado Springs is devoted to explaining, showcasing and demonstrating the art of rodeo. It depicts the history of the sport and honors its champions through multimedia presentations, audiovisual programs, art and artifacts. Exhibits in Heritage Hall trace the evolution of modern rodeo. The Hall of Champions displays statues of rodeo greats along with their trophies and tack.

The complex is home base for members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, and a font of information about participants from ropers and riders to steer wrestlers and clowns. The association also oversees the humane treatment of rodeo's four-legged athletes — the animals.

The museum is located at 101 Pro Rodeo Drive. To get there, take Interstate 25 to Exit 147. It's open daily, except major holidays.

For more information, click on "TourBook" at www.aaa.com, visit www.prorodeohalloffame.com, or call 719-528-4764.

Colorado's new Diamonds

Nearly 60,000 properties are inspected and rated annually by AAA across the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Of those, 93 hotels and 58 restaurants hold the highest rating — the AAA Five Diamond Award.

Colorado has three Five Diamond lodgings: The Little Nell in Aspen, The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek and The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. Joining the ranks of Four Diamond properties this year are the Hyatt Regency Denver, the Grand Hyatt Denver, The Lodge at Vail, Summit restaurant in Colorado Springs, Restaurant Kelly Liken in Vail and The Wildflower restaurant, also in Vail.

To become AAA Approved and Diamond rated, hotels and restaurants undergo a thorough inspection by one of AAA's 65 full-time professional evaluators. Five Diamond establishments complete a more extensive review that includes a series of inspections and final committee review.

For more information on AAA Diamond ratings, visit www.aaa.com/diamonds. Following are Colorado's 2007 Four Diamond lodgings and restaurants.

Properties

Aspen: St. Regis Resort
Beaver Creek: Beaver Creek Lodge; Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa
Broomfield: Omni Interlocken Resort; Renaissance Boulder Suites Hotel at Flatiron
Colorado Springs: Old Town GuestHouse
Deckers: Lost Valley Ranch
Denver: Brown Palace Hotel & Spa; Hotel Monaco; Hotel Teatro; Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center; JW Marriott Denver at Cherry Creek; The Grand Hyatt Denver; The Westin Tabor Center Denver
Durango: Apple Orchard Inn; General Palmer Hotel
Edwards: The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera
Englewood: The Inverness Hotel and Conference Center
Glendale: Loews Denver Hotel
Keystone: Keystone Lodge
Manitou Springs: Rockledge Country Inn; The Cliff House at Pikes Peak
Steamboat Springs: Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel & Conference Center
Vail: Sonnenalp Resort of Vail; The Lodge at Vail; Vail Cascade Resort & Spa; Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa
Westminster: The Westin Westminster

Restaurants

Aspen: Montagna; Range; Syzygy
Beaver Creek: Beano's Cabin; Grouse Mountain Grill; Mirabelle at Beaver Creek; Remington's Restaurant Boulder: The Flagstaff House Restaurant
Colorado Springs: Charles Court; Summit; The Penrose Room
Denver: Mirepoix; Palace Arms; Restaurant Kevin Taylor
Durango: Chez Grand-mere
Keystone: Alpenglow Stube; Keystone Ranch Restaurant
Manitou Springs: The Cliff House Restaurant
Ouray: Tundra Restaurant
Vail: Chap's Grill & Chophouse; Ludwig's Restaurant; Restaurant Kelly Liken; Sweet Basil; The Left Bank; The Wildflower