Yes, you still pay for access. I have nothing bad to say about AL. It's not foolproof though. Depending on the nature of the work and cost, I would use one of several methods to vet contractors. They can help resolve problems if they do arise. We get a monthly magazine with helpful homeowner tips. My problem is that we live outside metro Indy and a lot of contractors with reviews simply don't serve our area. If we lived in Indy, we'd use it more. I'd add that AL is a very progressive employer that really emphasizes health and wellness. I like that a lot!
I want to emphasize that my beef is with the contractor not AL FWIW.
Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate your friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.
--Mary Anne Radmacher