AAA Plus covers roadside emergencies beyond basic AAA, with higher towing limits and more service calls per year

AAA Plus is the mid-tier roadside information membership offered by the American Automobile Association. It extends the coverage of basic AAA membership by raising your towing distance, increasing the number of service calls you can request annually, and adding coverage for lockouts and fuel delivery. The main trade-off is a higher annual membership fee than basic AAA, but lower than AAA Premier (the highest tier).

If you already have basic AAA, you know the structure: you call a dispatch number, a service provider arrives, and AAA covers the cost up to your plan's limits. AAA Plus works the same way, but with more generous limits. The specific coverage amounts and annual costs vary by region and membership type (individual, household, or business), so your local AAA club sets the final price.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA Plus typically covers up to 100 miles of towing per service call, compared to 7 miles with basic AAA, and includes four service calls per year instead of four.
  • The membership includes lockout service, fuel delivery, and fluid delivery at no extra charge when you call dispatch.
  • You pay an annual membership fee upfront; roadside services themselves cost nothing when you use them within your plan limits.
  • AAA Plus does not cover mechanical repairs, parts, or labor — only the cost of getting your car to a repair facility or your home.
  • Coverage applies to any vehicle you own or regularly drive, as long as you are the one calling for help (not a friend or family member using your membership).

Towing distance and service call limits

The most visible difference between AAA Plus and basic AAA is the towing distance. Basic AAA typically covers 7 miles of towing; AAA Plus raises this to 100 miles. This matters most if you break down on a highway far from home or if your regular mechanic is across town. The tow truck will take your car to any repair shop you choose within that 100-mile radius, or to your home if you prefer.

You also get four service calls per year with AAA Plus, the same as basic AAA. Each call counts as one service call, whether it is a tow, a lockout, a jump-start, or fuel delivery. If you exhaust your four calls before the year ends, you can still request service, but you will pay out of pocket. Some members buy AAA Plus specifically because they know they will need more than one tow per year and want to avoid that surprise bill.

Lockout, fuel, and fluid delivery included

AAA Plus includes three types of service that basic AAA also covers: lockout information, fuel delivery, and fluid delivery. If you lock your keys in the car, a service provider will come unlock it at no charge (within your service call limit). If you run out of gas, they will deliver up to five gallons of fuel. If you are low on coolant, oil, or windshield washer fluid, they will deliver a small amount to get you mobile again.

These services count toward your four annual service calls, so you need to decide whether to use a call on a lockout or save it for a tow. In practice, many members use lockout service once or twice a year and reserve the remaining calls for towing. The fuel and fluid deliveries are less common but valuable if you are stranded in a rural area where the nearest gas station is miles away.

What AAA Plus does not cover

AAA Plus is roadside information, not auto insurance or a repair plan. It does not pay for parts, labor, or any work done on your vehicle. If your transmission fails, AAA will tow you to a shop, but the shop's repair bill is yours. If your battery is dead, AAA will jump-start you for free, but if the battery needs replacement, you buy the new battery and pay for installation.

AAA Plus also does not cover towing for accidents involving another vehicle, damage from hitting an animal, or any situation where a police report is filed. In those cases, your auto insurance handles the tow. Additionally, the membership does not extend to rental cars, motorcycles, or vehicles you do not own — only cars and trucks registered to you or that you regularly drive with the owner's permission.

How to request service and what to expect

When you need roadside help, call the dispatch number on the back of your AAA membership card. Have your membership number, vehicle information, and location ready. Tell the dispatcher what you need — a tow, a jump-start, a lockout service, or fuel delivery — and they will send a provider to your location. Response time varies by region and time of day, but typically ranges from 30 minutes to two hours in urban areas and longer in rural zones.

The service provider will arrive in a marked vehicle, verify your membership, and perform the service. For a tow, you can direct them to any repair shop within your 100-mile limit, or to your home. You do not pay the provider; AAA covers the cost. Keep your receipt or confirmation number for your records, especially if you are tracking your annual service calls.

AAA Plus versus basic AAA and Premier

Basic AAA is the entry-level membership and costs less annually, but the 7-mile towing limit makes it useful mainly for jump-starts and lockouts. If you live far from a repair shop or drive long distances regularly, the extra 93 miles of towing coverage in AAA Plus often pays for itself in a single breakdown. AAA Premier, the highest tier, extends towing to 200 miles and adds benefits like hotel discounts and travel planning services, but costs more.

The choice between Plus and basic depends on your driving habits and budget. If you drive an older vehicle, take long road trips, or live in a rural area, Plus is worth the extra cost. If you drive a newer car mostly around town and have a trusted mechanic nearby, basic AAA may be sufficient. Premier makes sense if you travel frequently and want the additional perks beyond roadside information.

Regional variations and membership costs

AAA is organized into regional clubs, and each club sets its own membership fees and coverage details. AAA Plus costs more in some regions than others, and the exact towing distance or number of service calls may vary slightly. Before you purchase, contact your local AAA club or visit their website to confirm the current price and coverage limits for your area.

Most AAA clubs offer online signup, phone signup, or in-person signup at their office. You can also upgrade from basic AAA to Plus at any time; the club will prorate the difference and credit it toward your new membership. If you are unsure whether Plus is right for you, ask the club representative about the cost difference and whether you can downgrade later if you change your mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AAA Plus if someone else is driving my car?

No. You must be the one calling for service. If a friend or family member is driving your car and breaks down, they cannot call AAA on your membership. You would need to call dispatch yourself and authorize the service. This rule exists to prevent membership sharing and fraud.

Does AAA Plus cover towing after an accident?

No. If your car is involved in a collision, your auto insurance handles the tow, not AAA. AAA Plus covers mechanical breakdowns, lockouts, and running out of fuel — not accidents or damage from collisions.

What happens if I use all four service calls before the year ends?

You can still call AAA and request service, but you will pay the full cost out of pocket. The dispatcher will quote you a price before sending a provider. Many members keep track of their calls and budget accordingly, or they upgrade to Premier if they find themselves needing more than four calls per year.

Can I transfer my AAA Plus membership to a family member?

No. AAA memberships are tied to the person whose name is on the account. Family members can purchase their own membership, or you can upgrade to a household membership that covers multiple drivers in your home at a discounted rate compared to buying individual memberships.

Does AAA Plus cover my rental car when I travel?

No. AAA membership covers only vehicles you own or regularly drive. Rental cars are covered by the rental company's roadside information or by your auto insurance if you purchase their roadside coverage. Some credit cards also include rental car roadside information, so check your card benefits before you travel.