AAA Premier is the highest tier of AAA roadside coverage
AAA Premier is AAA's most comprehensive roadside information membership level. It covers towing up to 200 miles (compared to 100 miles for Plus members), lockout service, fuel delivery, battery service, and winching — the same services as lower tiers, but with higher limits and faster response times in many areas.
You pay an annual membership fee for Premier coverage. The exact cost varies by state and your local AAA club, but it is typically the highest-priced membership option. Once you join, you get a membership card and a phone number to call 24/7 when you need roadside help.
Premier is designed for people who drive older vehicles, drive long distances regularly, or want the peace of mind that comes with the longest towing distance and fastest available service in their region.
Key Takeaways
- AAA Premier covers towing up to 200 miles, lockouts, fuel delivery, battery service, and winching at no additional charge when you call roadside information.
- You pay an annual membership fee that varies by state; contact your local AAA club or visit AAA.com to see the current price in your area.
- When you need help, you call the number on your membership card or use the AAA mobile app, and a dispatcher sends a service provider to your location.
- Premier members typically get faster response times and priority dispatch compared to members at lower tiers, though actual wait times depend on local demand and provider availability.
- Your membership covers you in any vehicle you are driving, not just one you own, as long as you are the one calling for help.
What services are included in Premier coverage
Premier membership includes towing up to 200 miles to a repair shop, hospital, or home of your choice. If your car breaks down 150 miles away, AAA will tow it all that distance at no cost to you. If you need a tow longer than 200 miles, you pay the difference.
Lockout service means a technician will come unlock your car if you lock your keys inside. Battery service covers jump-starts and battery replacement if your battery dies. Fuel delivery brings gasoline or diesel to your location if you run out of gas. Winching covers extraction from a ditch, embankment, or snow bank — the service that pulls your car out when it is stuck.
All of these services are included in your annual membership fee. You do not pay per service call or per mile towed. You call once, and the service is covered.
How to use your Premier membership when you need help
When your car breaks down or you get locked out, call the number on the back of your AAA membership card. A dispatcher will ask your location, what happened, and what vehicle you are driving. They will tell you how long until a service provider arrives — typically 30 minutes to an hour in urban areas, longer in rural regions.
You can also use the AAA mobile app if you have a smartphone. The app uses your location and lets you request service without making a phone call. You will get a notification when the service provider is on the way and can track their arrival in real time on some apps.
The service provider will arrive, fix the problem if it is a straightforward one (like a jump-start or lockout), or tow your car if needed. You do not pay them anything — your membership covers the cost. If the repair shop or destination is beyond your towing distance, you are responsible for the extra cost.
What Premier does not cover
AAA Premier does not cover mechanical repairs once your car reaches a shop. If a technician diagnoses a transmission problem, you pay for that repair — AAA only covers the tow to get you there. It also does not cover towing for accidents involving another vehicle; your auto insurance handles that claim.
Premier does not cover towing for traffic violations, impound situations, or if your car is parked illegally. It does not cover service for commercial vehicles, motorcycles, or RVs (though some AAA clubs offer separate RV coverage). If you lock your keys in a rental car, your rental agreement and insurance may not recognize AAA coverage, so check before you assume it applies.
Towing distance is measured from the breakdown location to your chosen destination. If you ask to be towed 150 miles to a specific repair shop, that uses 150 of your 200 miles. You cannot bank unused miles or carry them over to the next year.
Premier versus Plus and Basic membership tiers
AAA offers three main membership levels: Basic, Plus, and Premier. Basic covers towing up to 7 miles and includes lockout and fuel delivery. Plus covers towing up to 100 miles and includes the same services. Premier covers towing up to 200 miles and includes all the same services, plus priority dispatch in many regions.
The main difference is towing distance. If you rarely drive more than 10 miles from home, Basic may be enough. If you take road trips or drive an older car, Plus or Premier makes more sense. Premier is worth the extra cost if you drive long distances regularly or want the assurance of being towed all the way home from far away.
Response time can also differ. Premier members often get faster dispatch because they are prioritized in the queue, but this varies by region and how busy the local service network is on any given day.
How much Premier membership costs and how to join
AAA Premier membership costs vary by state and by which AAA club serves your area. In most states, annual Premier membership ranges from roughly $100 to $200 per year, but you should check your local AAA club's website or call them directly for the exact price where you live.
Some employers, credit unions, and insurance companies offer AAA memberships at a discount. If you have health insurance, auto insurance, or a credit card through a major provider, ask whether they offer AAA discounts. You can also join online through AAA.com or in person at a local AAA office.
When you join, you will receive a membership card in the mail within one to two weeks. You can use your membership when ready if you join online — the system will give you a temporary membership number you can use right away, and your physical card arrives later.
When Premier coverage applies and when it does not
Your Premier membership covers you when you are driving any vehicle — your own car, a borrowed car, a rental car — as long as you are the one calling for help. If someone else is driving your car and calls for roadside information, that call may not be covered, so make sure anyone who drives your car knows to have you call instead.
Coverage applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in the United States and Canada (depending on your AAA club's service area). If you break down in a state far from home, you are still covered. If you travel internationally, your membership does not explore outside North America, so check whether your destination is covered before you travel.
Your membership is personal to you. If you sell your car or move, your membership stays active as long as you pay the annual fee. If you do not renew before your membership expires, you lose coverage and will need to rejoin to use the service again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AAA Premier cover me if I am driving someone else's car?
Yes, as long as you are the one calling for help. Your membership covers you as the driver, not the vehicle. If someone else is driving your car and needs roadside information, they should have you call on their behalf so the service is covered under your membership.
What happens if I need to be towed more than 200 miles?
AAA will tow you the full 200 miles at no cost. If your destination is beyond that, you pay the towing company directly for the extra distance. Some members choose to be towed 200 miles to a closer city and then arrange their own transportation for the remaining distance.
Can I use my Premier membership if I am locked out of a rental car?
It depends on the rental company's policy. Some rental agreements do not recognize AAA coverage for lockouts. Call your rental company before you assume AAA will cover it. If they do not, you may need to call the rental company's roadside information line instead.
How fast will someone arrive if I call for roadside help?
Response times vary by location and demand. In cities, you can typically expect 30 minutes to an hour. In rural areas, it may take longer — sometimes two to three hours. When you call, the dispatcher will give you an estimated arrival time based on local service availability.
Do I lose my unused towing miles if I do not use them?
Yes. Your 200-mile towing distance is per service call, not a yearly allowance. You cannot save unused miles or carry them over to next year. Each time you call for a tow, you get up to 200 miles for that specific call.