AAA Gold gives you towing up to 100 miles, lockout service, fuel delivery, and battery service at no extra charge when you need roadside help
AAA Gold is the mid-tier membership option that covers the most common roadside emergencies. When your car breaks down, you lock yourself out, run out of gas, or your battery dies, you call AAA and they dispatch a service provider to your location. The tow truck can take your vehicle up to 100 miles to a repair shop of your choice, and most other services are handled on the spot.
The membership costs vary by region and membership length, but Gold typically runs between $100 and $150 per year depending on where you live. You get four service calls per year included in the membership — if you need more than four, additional calls are charged at a per-call rate that is lower than non-member pricing.
The service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You reach AAA through their phone number (printed on your membership card) or through their mobile app, which also lets you track the service vehicle's location once it's dispatched.
Key Takeaways
- AAA Gold covers towing up to 100 miles, lockouts, fuel delivery, and battery service with four calls per year included in your membership.
- You choose which repair shop the tow truck takes your car to, and AAA pays the towing cost directly — you do not pay out of pocket.
- Service is available around the clock, and you can request help through the phone number on your card or through the AAA mobile app.
- Additional service calls beyond four per year are available at a discounted rate compared to what non-members pay.
- Coverage applies when you are driving your own vehicle or riding in someone else's car, but not when you are a passenger in a commercial vehicle.
What services are included with Gold membership
AAA Gold covers five main types of roadside emergencies. Towing is the largest benefit — if your car cannot be driven, a tow truck takes it up to 100 miles to a repair facility. You pick the shop, and AAA pays the towing company directly. Lockout service means a technician comes to unlock your car if you lock your keys inside. Fuel deliveryBattery serviceWinch-out service
Each of these services is included in your membership at no additional charge, up to four service calls per year. The four-call limit resets on your membership renewal date. If you use all four calls and need a fifth service in the same year, AAA will still send help, but you pay a per-call fee that is typically $50 to $100 depending on the service type and your region.
How to request roadside service
When you need help, call the AAA phone number on the back of your membership card. Have your membership number ready — it is printed on the card and in the AAA app. Tell the dispatcher what is wrong with your vehicle and where you are located. They will ask for your phone number and the best place for the service vehicle to meet you.
Wait times vary depending on how busy the local service network is. In urban areas, a tow truck or service vehicle typically arrives within 30 to 60 minutes. In rural areas, wait times can be longer — sometimes two to three hours. The dispatcher will give you an estimate when you call.
If you prefer not to call, you can request service through the AAA mobile app. Open the app, select "Roadside information," enter your location, and choose the type of service you need. The app shows you the estimated arrival time and lets you track the service vehicle's location in real time once it is dispatched.
Towing distance limits and choosing your repair shop
AAA Gold covers towing up to 100 miles. If your destination repair shop is farther than 100 miles away, you pay the difference out of pocket. The 100-mile distance is measured from your vehicle's location to the repair facility, not from your home.
You choose where the tow truck takes your car. You can name a specific repair shop, a dealership, or even your home if the vehicle is drivable once it reaches there. If you do not have a preferred shop, the dispatcher can suggest nearby facilities. AAA does not require you to use a particular repair chain or network — you have the freedom to pick.
The tow truck driver will not perform repairs. They transport your vehicle and drop it off. Any work on the car is between you and the repair shop, and AAA membership does not cover repair costs themselves — only the towing to get there.
Coverage limits and what is not included
AAA Gold covers your own vehicle when you are the driver or a passenger. If you are driving someone else's car with their permission, you are covered. However, coverage does not extend to commercial vehicles, rental cars (unless you purchased additional coverage), or vehicles you are using for business purposes like rideshare or delivery driving.
The membership covers one vehicle per membership. If you have multiple cars, you need separate memberships for each one, or you can upgrade to a household plan that covers more vehicles.
Services not covered include mechanical repairs, parts replacement, or labor at a repair shop. AAA membership also does not cover accidents, collisions, or damage caused by hitting an object — those situations are handled by your auto insurance. If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, your insurance company handles the tow, not AAA.
Gold versus Plus and Premier membership tiers
AAA offers three main membership levels for roadside information. Plus is the basic tier and covers towing up to 7 miles, lockouts, fuel delivery, and battery service. Gold covers towing up to 100 miles and includes the same other services. Premier is the highest tier and covers towing up to 200 miles.
The main difference between tiers is towing distance. If you live in or frequently drive through rural areas, or if your regular repair shop is far from home, Premier or Gold makes more sense than Plus. If you mostly drive locally and your mechanic is nearby, Plus may be sufficient and costs less per year.
All three tiers include four service calls per year and the same lockout, fuel, and battery services. The choice between them depends on how far you might need to be towed.
Membership cost and how to join
AAA Gold membership costs vary by region and membership length. Annual membership typically ranges from $100 to $150 per year, though some regions charge more. Multi-year memberships and household plans (covering multiple vehicles or family members) have different pricing structures.
You can join AAA through their website, by phone, or at a local AAA office if one exists in your area. When you join, you receive a membership card in the mail within one to two weeks. You can use your membership number to request service before the physical card arrives.
AAA also offers discounts on other services — hotel stays, car rentals, insurance, and some restaurants and attractions — which may offset part of the membership cost depending on how much you use those benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my AAA Gold membership if I am stranded out of state?
Yes. AAA membership works nationwide and in Canada. When you call for service, tell the dispatcher your location and they will dispatch a local service provider in that area. The coverage limits and included services remain the same.
What happens if I use all four service calls before my membership renews?
You can still request service. AAA will send help, but you will be charged a per-call fee, typically $50 to $100 depending on the service type and your region. The four included calls reset on your membership renewal date.
Does AAA Gold cover my car if someone else is driving it?
Yes, as long as they have your permission to drive it. The coverage follows the vehicle, not the driver. If a friend borrows your car and it breaks down, they can call AAA using your membership number and receive the same service.
Can I upgrade from Plus to Gold mid-year?
Yes. You can upgrade at any time by contacting AAA. You typically pay the difference between what you already paid and the Gold membership price, prorated for the remaining months of your membership year.
Does AAA membership cover towing if my car is damaged in an accident?
No. Accident-related towing is handled by your auto insurance company, not AAA. AAA membership covers mechanical breakdowns, lockouts, fuel delivery, and battery issues — not collision or accident damage.