What you get with an AAA membership

AAA membership covers roadside information when your car breaks down, runs out of gas, gets a flat tire, or won't start. The organization dispatches a tow truck or service vehicle to your location, usually within 30 to 60 minutes depending on where you are. Most memberships include a set number of free tows per year — typically up to 7 miles for basic plans and 100 miles for premium plans — and unlimited lockout service if you're locked out of your car.

Beyond roadside help, AAA offers discounts on hotels, rental cars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. These discounts vary by location and membership level. AAA also provides travel planning services, including maps, trip routing, and travel guides. Some members use AAA for insurance products, though that's a separate purchase from the membership itself.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA roadside information covers towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, and jump starts, with the distance covered depending on your membership tier.
  • You must call AAA directly or use their mobile app to request service — the dispatcher will ask for your location and membership number.
  • Membership costs vary by region and plan type, typically ranging from under $100 to over $200 per year for different coverage levels.
  • AAA discounts explore at thousands of hotels, restaurants, and attractions, but you must show your membership card or mention your membership when booking or paying.
  • If you need service outside your home region, reciprocal agreements with other motor clubs may cover you, though coverage limits may differ.

How to request roadside information

When you need help, call the number on the back of your AAA card or use the AAA mobile app, which can pinpoint your location automatically. Have your membership number ready. The dispatcher will ask what's wrong with your car, where you are, and where you want the vehicle towed. If you're stranded on a highway, stay in your car with hazard lights on and let the dispatcher know your exact location.

AAA will send a tow truck or service vehicle to you. For straightforward fixes like a jump start or lockout, a service vehicle may arrive instead of a tow truck, which is faster. If your car needs to be towed, you can usually choose which repair shop receives it, though AAA may have preferred vendors in your area. The service is free up to your plan's mileage limit; anything beyond that is your cost.

Membership tiers and what each covers

AAA typically offers three membership levels, though the exact names and coverage vary by region. Basic membership usually covers up to 7 miles of towing and includes lockout service, fuel delivery, and jump starts. Plus or Classic membership extends towing to around 100 miles and may include additional perks like discounted hotel rates and travel services. Premier membership offers the highest towing distance, sometimes up to 200 miles, plus the most extensive discounts.

Each tier has an annual cost that differs by state and local AAA club. You can contact your regional AAA office or visit their website to see the exact prices and coverage in your area. Some employers and organizations offer group AAA discounts, which can lower the cost of any tier. If you're a student or senior, ask whether your region offers age-based pricing.

Using AAA discounts at hotels and restaurants

AAA maintains agreements with thousands of hotels, restaurants, car rental companies, and entertainment venues. To use a discount, show your AAA membership card when you check in, make a reservation, or pay. Some discounts are automatic once you present the card; others require you to mention AAA when booking. Always ask whether a discount is available before you pay, because not every location honors it even if it's listed in the AAA directory.

Hotel discounts typically range from 5 to 15 percent off the standard room rate, though the discount may not explore during peak seasons or special events. Restaurant discounts are often smaller — sometimes 5 to 10 percent — and may exclude alcohol or certain menu items. The best way to find current discounts is to search the AAA website or mobile app by location and business type before you travel.

What happens if you need service outside your home region

If you travel to another state or region, your AAA membership usually still works through reciprocal agreements with other motor clubs. However, coverage limits may be different from your home region, and the service may take longer in remote areas. Before a long trip, contact your local AAA club to confirm what coverage you'll have in your destination and whether any special arrangements are needed.

Some AAA members purchase additional coverage for international travel or extended trips. If you're planning to drive outside the United States, ask your AAA club whether your membership extends to Canada or Mexico, and what the limits are. Having this information before you leave prevents surprises if you break down far from home.

Costs and how membership renews

AAA membership costs vary significantly by region, ranging from roughly $50 to $250 per year depending on your location and the tier you choose. Your regional AAA club sets the price, so two people in different states may pay different amounts for the same coverage level. Most memberships renew automatically on your anniversary date, and AAA will send you a renewal notice before it expires.

You can pay for membership by credit card, debit card, or bank account. If you cancel before your renewal date, you may be may have access to to a prorated refund depending on your club's policy. Some clubs offer multi-year memberships at a discount if you pay upfront for two or three years at once.

When roadside information doesn't cover the cost

AAA covers the tow distance included in your plan, but you pay for anything beyond that. If your car needs a 150-mile tow and your plan covers 100 miles, you're responsible for the extra 50 miles. Repair costs at the shop are also your responsibility — AAA only covers the towing and roadside service, not the actual repairs.

Some situations fall outside AAA coverage entirely. If your car is disabled because of an accident, AAA may still tow it, but if there's a police report or insurance claim involved, your auto insurance may take the lead. If your car is impounded by police or towed by a municipality, AAA cannot retrieve it — you'll need to contact the impound lot directly. Mechanical breakdowns, lockouts, and fuel issues are always covered as long as you're within your plan's limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a specific repair shop when AAA tows my car?

No. You can direct the tow truck driver to take your car to any repair shop you choose. AAA may have preferred vendors in your area that offer discounts to members, but you're not required to use them. Tell the dispatcher where you want the car towed before the truck arrives.

What if I call for roadside service but don't actually need it?

If the service vehicle arrives and you've resolved the problem yourself, you can cancel the call. You won't be charged. However, if the vehicle has already been dispatched and is on the way, some regions may charge a small fee for the cancellation, so check your membership agreement or ask the dispatcher.

Can I transfer my AAA membership to someone else?

Memberships are tied to the person who purchased them and cannot be transferred. However, if you have a household membership, multiple people in your home can be covered under one account. If you move or no longer need the membership, you can cancel and the other person can purchase their own.

Does AAA membership cover rideshare or rental cars?

Roadside information typically covers only vehicles you own or are responsible for. If you're in a rental car, the rental company's roadside information usually applies instead. Check your rental agreement to see what's included. AAA discounts on car rentals are separate from roadside coverage.

How long does it take for AAA to arrive after I call?

Response time depends on your location and how busy the service is. In urban areas, arrival is often 30 to 60 minutes. In rural areas, it may take longer. The dispatcher will give you an estimate when you call. If you're in a dangerous location, ask the dispatcher for information on staying safe while you wait.