AAA membership includes towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, and roadside repair, but the coverage limits and costs vary significantly by membership tier and your state.

AAA (American Automobile Association) operates as a federation of regional clubs, so what you pay and what you get depends on which club serves your state. A Basic membership in one state might cost $50 to $70 per year and cover up to 7 miles of towing, while a Plus membership in the same state might run $100 to $130 and cover up to 100 miles. Some states have higher or lower pricing, and some clubs bundle additional services like discounts on hotels or car rentals.

The core services across most AAA memberships include 24/7 towing to a repair facility of your choice, lockout information (getting into your car when keys are locked inside), fuel delivery if you run out of gas, battery service, and minor roadside repairs like changing a flat tire or jump-starting your battery. You call a single number, and AAA dispatches a service provider in your area. The service itself is free to you as a member; you pay only the membership fee upfront.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA membership tiers range from Basic (typically 7 miles of free towing per year) to Plus (typically 100 miles) to Premier (typically 200 miles), with annual costs varying by state and club.
  • You pay a flat annual membership fee, and then roadside services like towing, lockouts, and fuel delivery are included at no additional charge when you call AAA's dispatch line.
  • AAA is a federation of regional clubs, so pricing, coverage limits, and available add-ons differ by state; you must contact your state's club or check their website to see exact costs and benefits.
  • Towing distance limits reset each membership year, and if you exceed the limit, you pay out of pocket for the additional distance or can pay for a higher tier the next year.
  • AAA membership also includes discounts on hotels, rental cars, insurance, and other services, though these vary by club and are separate from roadside coverage.

How AAA Towing and Service Limits Work

Each membership tier includes a set number of towing events per membership year, not a set number of miles. For example, a Basic member might receive up to 7 miles of free towing per service call, up to four times per year. A Plus member might receive up to 100 miles per call, also up to four times per year. Once you use your allotted towing events, additional towing costs you out of pocket unless you upgrade your membership.

The distance limit applies to each individual tow, not a total annual pool. If you are towed 50 miles on one call and then need a tow 60 miles away three months later, a Plus member (100-mile limit) covers both fully. But if a Basic member (7-mile limit) needs a 50-mile tow, they pay for the distance beyond 7 miles. AAA typically charges members a per-mile rate for any overage, though the exact rate varies by region and service provider.

Lockout service, fuel delivery, battery service, and tire changes are usually unlimited within reason — you can call multiple times per year without hitting a cap. However, some clubs may limit these services to a certain number of calls per year or may charge a fee if you call too frequently in a short period.

AAA Membership Pricing by Tier

AAA offers three main membership levels, though names and exact benefits vary slightly by club. Basic membership typically costs $50 to $80 per year and covers 7 miles of towing. Plus membership usually runs $100 to $140 per year and covers 100 miles of towing. Premier membership, the highest tier, generally costs $150 to $200 per year and covers 200 miles of towing.

These are approximate ranges; your actual cost depends on your state's AAA club and current promotions. Some clubs offer discounts for multi-year memberships, household memberships (covering multiple household members), or memberships bundled with other services. New members sometimes receive promotional pricing for the first year, then renew at the standard rate.

You can join online through your state's AAA club website, by phone, or in person at a local AAA office. Most memberships renew automatically each year unless you cancel, and you can upgrade or downgrade your tier at any time, though mid-year changes may be prorated.

What Services Are Included Beyond Towing

AAA membership covers several roadside services in addition to towing. Lockout service sends a technician to unlock your car if you lock your keys inside; this is typically free and unlimited. Fuel delivery brings gasoline to your location if you run out of gas; you pay for the fuel itself, but the delivery service is free. Battery service includes jump-starting your car or replacing a battery if yours is dead; the jump-start is free, but you pay for a replacement battery if needed.

Tire service covers changing a flat tire to your spare; AAA provides the labor, and you keep the damaged tire to repair or replace later. Minor roadside repairs, such as replacing a serpentine belt, hose, or fuse, are sometimes included depending on your club and the complexity of the repair. For anything beyond these basic services, you are towed to a repair facility.

AAA also offers discounts on hotel stays, car rentals, insurance, travel packages, and retail purchases at participating businesses. These discounts are separate from roadside coverage and vary by club. Some clubs include travel planning services, discounted tickets to attractions, or roadside information while traveling outside the United States.

How to Use Your AAA Membership When You Need Help

When you need roadside information, call the AAA dispatch number on the back of your membership card or through the AAA mobile app. Have your membership number, vehicle information (make, model, year, color, license plate), and location ready. Tell the dispatcher what you need — towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, or another service — and where you are.

AAA will dispatch a service provider (usually a local towing company or roadside service contractor) to your location. The provider will contact you with an estimated arrival time. For towing, you can request that your vehicle be taken to a specific repair shop, your home, or another location of your choice; AAA does not require you to use a particular facility. Once the service is complete, you are done — there is no additional paperwork or payment unless you exceeded your towing distance limit.

If you are stranded far from home or in an unfamiliar area, AAA can also help arrange hotel accommodations, rental car discounts, or travel information through their travel services line. These services are typically discounted for members but may not be free.

Comparing AAA to Other Roadside information Options

AAA is not the only roadside information provider. Many auto insurance policies include roadside coverage as an add-on, typically costing $5 to $15 per year and covering towing, lockouts, and fuel delivery. Some credit card companies (particularly premium cards) include roadside information as a cardholder benefit. Roadside information apps like Better World Club or Roadside information Plus offer membership plans that compete with AAA on price and coverage.

The main advantage of AAA is brand recognition, nationwide coverage through a large network of service providers, and bundled discounts on travel and retail services. The main disadvantage is that you pay a separate membership fee on top of any insurance or credit card coverage you already have. If your auto insurance already includes roadside information, adding AAA membership may be redundant unless you value the travel discounts or the higher towing distance limits.

Before joining AAA, check whether your auto insurance policy includes roadside coverage and what the limits are. If your insurance covers up to 50 miles of towing and you rarely drive far from home, AAA membership may not be necessary. If you frequently take long road trips or live in a rural area, a higher AAA tier might be worth the cost.

Regional Differences in AAA Membership

AAA is organized as a federation of regional clubs, each with its own pricing, coverage options, and service agreements. The AAA club in California may offer different benefits or pricing than the club in New York or Texas. Some clubs include additional services like discounted roadside repair (not just towing), while others focus primarily on towing and lockout service.

To find out what AAA membership costs and covers in your state, visit your state's AAA club website or call their local office. You can also join online, and the website will show you the exact tiers, costs, and benefits available in your area. If you move to a different state, your membership may transfer to the new state's club, though you should confirm this with AAA to avoid any gaps in coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AAA membership cover towing if my car breaks down on the highway?

Yes, AAA covers towing for breakdowns, accidents, and other roadside emergencies. You call AAA's dispatch number, and they send a tow truck to your location. The tow is free up to your membership tier's distance limit (7, 100, or 200 miles, depending on which tier you have). If the tow exceeds that distance, you pay for the overage.

Can I use AAA towing to get my car to any repair shop I want?

Yes. AAA does not require you to use a specific repair facility. You can request that your vehicle be towed to your preferred mechanic, a dealership, or any other shop. If you do not have a preference, the dispatcher can suggest nearby options, but the choice is yours.

What happens if I need towing but I have already used up my annual tows?

If you have used all your included towing events for the year, additional towing is not covered by your membership. You would pay out of pocket for the tow, or you could upgrade your membership tier for the next year. Some members choose to upgrade mid-year if they know they will need more tows.

Is AAA membership worth it if my insurance already includes roadside information?

That depends on the limits of your insurance coverage and whether you value AAA's travel discounts. If your insurance covers 100 miles of towing and you rarely drive far from home, AAA may be redundant. If your insurance covers only 7 miles or if you frequently take long trips, AAA Plus or Premier might be worth the extra cost. Check your insurance policy first to see what is already included.

Can I use my AAA membership if I am traveling outside my home state?

Yes. AAA membership is valid nationwide, and you can use it for roadside information in any state. If you are traveling internationally, coverage may be limited; check with your club about coverage in Canada, Mexico, or other countries before you travel.