AAA Membership Plus gives you roadside information up to 100 miles, plus discounts on repairs and travel

AAA Membership Plus is the mid-tier roadside information plan from the American Automobile Association. It covers towing up to 100 miles to a repair shop of your choice, lockout service, fuel delivery, battery service, and flat tire changes. You also get access to AAA's network of approved repair shops, which offer discounts on parts and labour. The plan costs between $100 and $150 per year depending on your region and whether you bundle it with other AAA services, though prices vary by local club.

The main difference between Plus and AAA's basic membership is the towing distance. Basic membership covers towing up to 7 miles; Plus extends that to 100 miles. This matters if you break down far from home or on a highway where the nearest repair shop is not close. You also get four service calls per year instead of the unlimited calls available with higher tiers, though most people do not exhaust four calls annually.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA Membership Plus covers towing up to 100 miles, lockouts, fuel delivery, battery service, and flat tire changes at no additional cost per call.
  • You can choose any repair shop for towing, not just AAA-approved ones, though approved shops offer discounts on repairs.
  • The plan includes four service calls per year; additional calls beyond that are charged at standard rates.
  • Membership is regional—you join through your local AAA club, and benefits and pricing vary by location.
  • Coverage applies to any vehicle you are driving, not just one registered to you, as long as you are the one requesting service.

What roadside services are actually covered

When you call AAA with a breakdown, a dispatcher sends a tow truck to your location. The truck can tow your car up to 100 miles to a repair facility you choose—a dealership, independent shop, or even your home garage. You do not pay the tow operator; AAA covers the cost. If your car cannot be towed (for example, if it is stuck in a ditch and needs a heavy wrecker), the standard tow is covered, but specialized recovery may cost extra.

Beyond towing, Plus membership covers lockout service—a technician comes to unlock your car if you lock the keys inside. Battery service includes jump-starts and, in some regions, battery replacement if yours is dead and cannot be revived. Flat tire changes are covered; the technician removes the flat and puts on your spare. Fuel delivery brings a small amount of fuel to your car if you run out of gas. None of these services count against your four annual calls if they are handled at the roadside; only calls that require a tow truck to transport your car count toward the limit.

How the four annual service calls work

AAA Membership Plus includes four service calls per year at no charge. A "service call" is counted when a tow truck is dispatched to your location, whether the truck tows your car or just provides roadside information like a jump-start or lockout service. Once you use all four, additional tow calls are charged at AAA's standard rates, which vary by region but typically run $75 to $150 per call depending on distance and service type.

The four calls reset on your membership renewal date, not on a calendar year. If you renew your membership in March, your four calls reset in March of the following year. Most drivers do not reach four calls annually, so this limit rarely becomes an issue. However, if you have an older vehicle prone to breakdowns or drive frequently in remote areas, you might want to consider AAA's Premier membership instead, which offers unlimited towing calls.

Choosing a repair shop and understanding discounts

When you call for a tow, you can direct the driver to take your car to any repair shop you choose. You do not have to use an AAA-approved shop. However, AAA maintains a network of approved repair facilities that offer discounts to members—typically 10 percent off parts and labour, though the exact discount varies by shop. These shops have agreed to meet AAA's service standards, which means they use quality parts and provide written estimates.

If you take your car to an approved shop, show your AAA card at the time of service to receive the discount. The discount applies to the repair bill itself, not to the towing cost. Some shops may require you to call ahead and mention your AAA membership so they can note it in your work order. If you prefer your own mechanic or a dealership, you can still use them; you just will not receive the repair discount.

Coverage limits and what is not included

AAA Membership Plus does not cover mechanical repairs themselves—only the cost of getting your car to a shop. It also does not cover towing if your car is disabled due to an accident, though it does cover towing if the accident damage prevents the car from running. Towing for traffic violations, such as being towed by police, is not covered. If your car is towed by law enforcement and impounded, AAA will not pay that bill.

The 100-mile towing limit is measured from your breakdown location to the repair shop, not from your home. If you break down 80 miles from home but the nearest shop is 30 miles in the opposite direction, you are still within the limit. However, if you request towing beyond 100 miles, you pay the difference. Towing for vehicles used for commercial purposes—delivery vans, rideshare cars, or vehicles used in a business—may not be covered; check your membership agreement or call AAA to confirm your vehicle type.

How to use your membership when you break down

When your car breaks down, call the AAA roadside information number on the back of your membership card. Have your membership number, vehicle information, and location ready. The dispatcher will ask what is wrong with your car and where you need it towed. If you are not sure where the nearest repair shop is, the dispatcher can suggest one, including AAA-approved shops in your area. The dispatcher will also tell you approximately how long the tow truck will take to arrive.

Wait with your car or move to a safe location if you are on a highway. The tow truck driver will contact you when they are close. Once the truck arrives, show the driver your AAA card. You do not sign anything or pay anything at the roadside. The driver will tow your car to the shop you specified. If you need a ride to the shop or home, ask the driver—many will provide a short ride as a courtesy, though this is not may provide and varies by location.

Regional differences and how to join

AAA is organized into regional clubs across North America. The club you join depends on where you live, and each club sets its own membership prices and may offer slightly different benefits. For example, AAA Northern California and AAA Southern California are separate clubs with different pricing. Before you join, visit AAA.com or call your local club to confirm the exact cost of Membership Plus in your area and what services are included.

You can join online, by phone, or in person at an AAA office. Membership is typically annual and renews on the same date each year. If you already have basic AAA membership, you can upgrade to Plus by contacting your club; the upgrade cost is usually the difference between the two membership levels, prorated for the remainder of your membership year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AAA Membership Plus cover my spouse or family members driving my car?

Yes. Coverage applies to anyone driving your vehicle, as long as they call AAA and provide your membership number. The call counts against your four annual calls regardless of who was driving. If a family member has their own AAA membership, they can use their own card and calls instead.

What happens if I need towing beyond 100 miles?

AAA will still tow your car, but you pay the additional cost beyond 100 miles. The amount depends on the distance and your region. Call the dispatcher before the truck arrives if you think you will exceed 100 miles, and ask what the overage charge will be.

Can I use AAA towing if my car was damaged in an accident?

Yes, if the accident damage prevents your car from running. AAA will tow it to a repair shop. However, if police tow your car as part of an accident investigation or impound it, AAA does not cover that tow—that is a law enforcement action, not a breakdown.

Do I have to use an AAA-approved repair shop?

No. You can direct the tow truck to any shop you choose. AAA-approved shops offer member discounts, but you are not required to use them. Your own mechanic or dealership is fine.

What if I run out of my four service calls before the year ends?

Additional calls are charged at standard rates, which vary by region but typically range from $75 to $150 per call. You can upgrade to Premier membership mid-year if you need unlimited calls, though you will pay a prorated amount for the upgrade.