What AAA membership covers and how to join
AAA membership gives you roadside information — towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, and jump-starts — plus discounts on hotels, car rentals, and insurance. You join by contacting your local AAA club directly, either online or by phone. Membership costs vary by club and membership tier, typically ranging from around $50 to $150 per year for basic coverage, with higher tiers offering longer towing distances and additional services.
When you join, you choose a membership level. The basic tier usually covers towing up to a certain distance (often 3 to 7 miles), while premium tiers extend that to 100 miles or more. You also get a membership card and a phone number to call for roadside help. The card goes in your wallet; the number goes in your phone. When you break down, you call that number, tell them where you are, and they dispatch a tow truck or service vehicle to you.
AAA also bundles other benefits into membership — discounts at thousands of hotels and restaurants, reduced rates on car rentals, travel planning services, and sometimes insurance discounts. These vary by club and membership level, so check what your local club offers before you join.
Key Takeaways
- AAA membership provides towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, and jump-starts through a network of service providers in your area.
- You join through your local AAA club, not a national hotline, and membership costs and coverage limits vary by club and tier.
- Basic membership typically covers towing 3 to 7 miles; premium tiers extend coverage to 50, 75, or 100 miles depending on the club.
- Your membership card and the roadside information phone number are the two things you need to keep with you in your car.
- AAA membership also includes discounts on travel, hotels, car rentals, and sometimes insurance, though these benefits differ by club.
How to contact AAA when you need roadside help
When your car breaks down, call the roadside information number on the back of your AAA membership card. Have your membership number ready — it is printed on the card. Tell the dispatcher your location, what is wrong with the car, and where you want to be towed. They will ask whether you need a tow truck, a locksmith, fuel, or a jump-start, and they will dispatch the nearest available service provider.
The dispatcher will give you an estimated arrival time and a description of the vehicle coming to help you. Stay in or near your car in a safe location. If you are on a highway, move to the shoulder and turn on your hazard lights. The service provider will call or text you when they are a few minutes away.
You do not pay the service provider at the roadside. AAA has already contracted with them, and your membership covers the cost up to your coverage limit. If the tow exceeds your limit — for example, you need to be towed 50 miles but your membership covers only 7 — you pay the difference directly to the tow company.
What happens if you need to be towed beyond your coverage distance
Every AAA membership tier has a maximum towing distance. If you need to go farther, you are responsible for the overage cost. For example, if your membership covers 7 miles and you need a 20-mile tow, you pay the tow company for the extra 13 miles. The rate for overages varies by tow company and region, but it is typically $3 to $5 per mile.
Before you join, think about where you drive most often. If you live in a rural area or frequently drive long distances away from home, a higher-tier membership with 50-, 75-, or 100-mile coverage may save you money in the long run. If you mostly drive within your city, basic coverage is usually enough.
Membership tiers and what each one covers
AAA clubs offer different membership levels, and the names and coverage limits vary by club. A typical structure looks like this: basic membership covers towing up to 7 miles, fuel delivery, lockout service, and jump-starts. Plus membership extends towing to 50 or 100 miles and may include additional services like fuel delivery to a farther distance. Premier membership, the highest tier, covers towing up to 100 miles and often includes extra perks like discounted hotel stays or travel planning.
The cost difference between tiers is usually $20 to $50 per year. If you drive a long commute or travel frequently, the extra distance coverage can be worth it. If you rarely drive far from home, basic membership is usually sufficient. Check your local AAA club's website to see the exact tiers, distances, and prices they offer.
Other roadside services included in your membership
Towing is the main service, but AAA membership also covers lockout service, fuel delivery, jump-starts, and tire changes on many plans. If you lock your keys in the car, call the roadside number and a locksmith will come unlock it. If you run out of gas, they will deliver fuel to you. If your battery is dead, they will jump-start it. If you have a flat tire, some plans include tire change service, though this varies by club and tier.
These services are included in your membership at no additional cost, up to a certain number of calls per year. Most clubs allow four to six roadside service calls annually. If you exceed that number, additional calls may cost you a fee, though this is rare for most members.
How membership cost compares to paying out of pocket
A single tow can cost $75 to $300 or more, depending on distance and your location. A lockout service call runs $50 to $150. A jump-start or fuel delivery is typically $50 to $100. If you need roadside help even once a year, AAA membership usually pays for itself. If you need it twice, you are definitely ahead.
AAA also negotiates rates with service providers, so members often pay less per service than someone calling a tow company directly. Beyond roadside information, the hotel and travel discounts can add up if you travel regularly. Many members find that the non-roadside benefits — discounts on car rentals, hotels, and insurance — offset the membership cost even if they never use the towing service.
What to do if you are not satisfied with the service you received
If a service provider was late, rude, or did not fix the problem, contact your local AAA club directly. Provide your membership number, the date and time of the service call, and a description of what went wrong. AAA clubs take complaints seriously because they contract with these service providers and want to maintain quality.
If the service provider overcharged you or charged you for something that should have been covered, ask AAA to review the bill. Many disputes are resolved by the club reimbursing you or negotiating with the provider. Keep your receipt and any documentation of what was promised versus what you were charged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my AAA membership if I am traveling out of state?
Yes. AAA has reciprocal agreements with clubs in all 50 states and Canada, so your membership works nationwide. Call the roadside information number on your card from anywhere in North America, and they will dispatch a local service provider to you.
What if I have an older car that breaks down a lot?
AAA membership covers the tow, not the repair. If your car needs frequent repairs, membership will save you money on towing costs, but you should also budget for the actual repairs. Consider whether the car is worth fixing or whether it is time to replace it.
Do I need to renew my membership every year?
Yes. AAA membership is annual and must be renewed. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail or by email before your membership expires. You can renew online, by phone, or in person at your local AAA office. If you forget to renew, you lose coverage until you renew again.
Can I add family members to my membership?
Yes. Most AAA clubs offer household memberships that cover multiple drivers in the same household at a discounted rate compared to individual memberships. Ask your local club about household membership options and pricing when you join.
What if the tow truck does not show up within the estimated time?
Call the roadside information number again and ask for an update. Delays happen, especially during bad weather or high-demand periods. If the wait becomes unreasonable — more than an hour past the estimate — ask to speak to a supervisor and explain the situation. AAA can sometimes dispatch a different provider or offer compensation for the delay.