AAA claims are handled through your local AAA club, not a national phone line

AAA does not operate a single national claims department. Instead, each regional AAA club — there are about 50 across the United States — manages claims for its own members. When you need to file a claim, you contact the club in your state or region, not a central office. This matters because wait times, document requirements, and claim timelines can differ between clubs.

Your membership card lists your local club's name and phone number. If you have lost the card or do not know which club covers your area, you can find it by entering your ZIP code on the AAA national website. Once you have the right club's contact information, that is where your claim process begins.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your regional AAA club directly by phone or through their website — there is no single national claims number.
  • Have your membership number, policy number, driver's license, and details of the incident ready before you call.
  • Most AAA clubs accept claims by phone, online portal, or in person at a local office, depending on the type of claim.
  • AAA typically assigns a claims adjuster to your case within one business day of filing.
  • The claims process timeline varies by club and claim type, but you should receive a decision within two to four weeks for most auto claims.

What information you need before contacting your AAA club

Gather these documents and details before you call or file online. Having them ready speeds up the process and reduces the chance you will need to call back.

You will need your AAA membership number (on your card), your policy number, your driver's license number, and the date and time of the incident. For vehicle damage claims, have the other driver's name, phone number, address, driver's license number, and insurance information if you have it. For theft or vandalism, have a police report number. For medical or injury claims, have the names and contact information of any medical providers who treated you.

If you have photos of the damage, a written description of what happened, or witness contact information, have those ready too. AAA clubs vary in how much they want upfront — some will take a basic report over the phone and request documents later, while others ask you to upload everything at once through their online portal.

How to file a claim with your AAA club

Most AAA clubs offer three ways to file: by phone, through an online claims portal, or in person at a local office. Phone is usually the fastest if you reach someone when ready, but wait times vary by club and time of day.

To file by phone, call your regional club's claims department number. This number is on your membership card, on your club's website, or in the member app if your club has one. A representative will ask you to describe the incident, verify your membership and policy, and collect the information listed above. They will give you a claim number and the name of your assigned adjuster before the call ends.

To file online, log into your club's member portal or website and look for a "File a Claim" or "Report an Incident" button. You will fill out a form with the same information and upload photos or documents. Some clubs send you a confirmation number when ready; others take up to one business day to confirm receipt and assign an adjuster.

In-person filing at a local AAA office is an option in some regions. Call ahead to confirm your office accepts walk-in claims and to ask what hours they keep, since not all offices handle claims every day.

What happens after you file your claim

Within one business day, your AAA club will assign a claims adjuster to your case. The adjuster's job is to investigate the claim, review your policy coverage, and decide whether the damage or loss is covered and how much the club will pay.

Your adjuster will contact you by phone or email to ask follow-up questions, request additional documents, or schedule an inspection of your vehicle if there is physical damage. Be honest and thorough in your responses — inconsistencies or missing information can delay the decision.

For vehicle damage claims, the adjuster may ask you to get repair estimates from body shops or may send an inspector to assess the damage themselves. For theft claims, they will verify that you filed a police report and may ask for proof of ownership or purchase receipts. For medical claims, they will request records from your healthcare providers.

Timeline for claim decisions and payment

Most AAA clubs aim to make a decision on auto damage claims within two to four weeks of filing, though this varies by club and claim complexity. straightforward claims with clear liability and good documentation may be decided faster. Claims that require multiple inspections, medical records, or investigation into disputed facts take longer.

Once the adjuster decides to approve your claim, payment usually follows within five to ten business days. AAA typically pays by check mailed to your address, though some clubs offer direct deposit or payment to a repair shop if you authorize it.

If your claim is denied or the amount offered is less than you expected, your club will send you a written explanation. You have the right to ask for a review of the decision or to file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner if you believe the club made an error.

What to do if you cannot reach your AAA club

If your local club's phone lines are busy or their office is closed, check whether they have an online portal or mobile app where you can file 24/7. Most AAA clubs now offer this option.

If you are in an emergency — for example, you are stranded on the road — call the roadside information number on your membership card instead. That team can dispatch a tow truck or locksmith when ready and can also help you start a claims report if there is damage or an accident.

If you have a complaint about how your claim is being handled or believe your club is not following its own procedures, contact your state's insurance commissioner's office. They oversee AAA clubs and can investigate complaints. You can find your state commissioner's contact information through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a claim if I am not at home or near my AAA office?

Yes. Most AAA clubs accept claims by phone or online portal, so you can file from anywhere. If you need roadside help first, call the roadside information number on your card — they can dispatch help and start a claim report at the same time.

What if the other driver does not have insurance or I do not have their information?

Tell your adjuster when ready. If you have an uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist policy, your own AAA coverage may pay for your damage. Your adjuster will explain what coverage applies and what you need to do next, which may include filing a police report if you have not already.

How long do I have to file a claim after an accident?

AAA policies typically require you to report a claim within a reasonable time — usually 30 to 60 days, though this varies by club and policy. File as soon as you can after an incident. Waiting longer can make it harder to gather evidence and may give the club reason to deny the claim.

Can I choose my own repair shop, or does AAA require me to use a specific one?

Most AAA clubs let you choose your own repair shop. However, some clubs have preferred repair networks and may offer a discount if you use a shop on their list. Ask your adjuster whether your club has preferred shops and whether using one affects your out-of-pocket cost.

What if I disagree with the amount AAA is offering to pay?

Request a review of the decision in writing. Explain why you believe the amount is too low and provide any new evidence — such as repair estimates from other shops or documentation of the vehicle's condition before the damage. If you remain unsatisfied, you can file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner.