AAA Membership Plus gives you towing up to 100 miles and other roadside services included in one membership tier

AAA Membership Plus is the mid-level membership option that AAA clubs offer in most states. It includes towing to a repair facility of your choice up to 100 miles, lockout service, fuel delivery, battery service, and winch-out information. The exact services and coverage limits vary slightly by state and by which AAA club you belong to — AAA is a federation of regional clubs, not a single national company.

If you already have AAA membership, you can check your membership card or log into your AAA account online to see which tier you hold. If you do not yet have membership, you can contact your local AAA club directly to compare Membership Plus against their other tiers (usually Classic and Premier) and confirm what each one covers in your state.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA Membership Plus includes up to 100 miles of towing, which covers most common breakdowns but may not reach distant repair shops or home if you live far from town.
  • Services like lockouts, fuel delivery, and battery jump-starts are included, but you still pay for the fuel, battery, or lock replacement itself — the membership covers the service call only.
  • You must call AAA directly from the roadside; the dispatcher will send a tow truck or service provider to your location and handle payment with your membership.
  • Coverage limits and available services differ by state and by AAA club, so confirm what your specific club offers before you need it.
  • Membership Plus is cheaper than Premier but covers less distance and fewer services, so compare the tiers based on how far you typically drive from home.

What services are actually included in Membership Plus

Membership Plus covers the service call itself, not the parts or materials. If you run out of fuel, AAA sends someone to deliver a small amount of fuel at no charge beyond your membership fee. If your battery is dead, they send someone to jump-start it for free. If you are locked out, they send a locksmith to open your car. If your car breaks down, they tow it up to 100 miles to a repair shop you choose.

You do not pay per service call — all of these are included in your annual membership fee. However, if the tow truck needs to winch your car out of a ditch or off the road, or if you need a second tow in the same calendar year beyond what your membership covers, additional charges may explore. Ask the dispatcher about any charges before the service is performed.

Membership Plus does not cover mechanical repairs, parts, or labor at the repair shop. It does not cover towing for accidents involving another vehicle (your auto insurance handles that). It does not cover towing if your car is impounded by police or towed by a property owner.

How the 100-mile towing limit works in practice

The 100-mile limit is measured from where your car breaks down to the repair facility you choose. If you break down 80 miles from home and want to be towed to your regular mechanic 30 miles away, that is a 110-mile tow and you would pay for the extra 10 miles out of pocket. If you break down 50 miles from home and want to be towed to a shop 40 miles away, that is within the 100-mile limit and costs you nothing.

The dispatcher will tell you the distance before the tow begins. If you want to be towed farther than 100 miles, you can ask the tow operator for a quote on the overage. Many people in rural areas or those who frequently drive long distances choose Membership Premier instead, which covers up to 200 miles, to avoid this situation.

How to use your Membership Plus when you need roadside help

Call the AAA number on the back of your membership card. Have your card number ready and be prepared to tell the dispatcher your location, what is wrong with your car, and where you want to be towed. The dispatcher will send a tow truck or service provider to you and will handle the payment directly with AAA — you do not pay the driver.

Wait with your car in a safe location if possible. The dispatcher will give you an estimated arrival time. If you are on a highway or in an unsafe area, move away from traffic and call 911 if you feel in danger. Once the service provider arrives, show them your membership card and let them handle the service.

Keep a record of the service date and what was done. If you have a question about a charge later, or if you need to file a claim with your auto insurance, you will have documentation of when AAA helped you.

Membership Plus versus Classic and Premier tiers

AAA typically offers three membership levels. Classic is the lowest tier and usually covers towing up to 7 miles — enough to reach a nearby shop but not much farther. Membership Plus covers up to 100 miles. Premier covers up to 200 miles and often includes additional services like fuel delivery in larger amounts or coverage for RVs and motorcycles.

The price difference between tiers is usually $30 to $60 per year. If you live in a city and rarely drive more than 20 miles from home, Classic may be enough. If you drive to other towns regularly or live in a rural area, Membership Plus or Premier makes more sense. Contact your local AAA club to see current pricing and what each tier includes in your state.

What Membership Plus does not cover

Membership Plus does not cover towing for accidents where another vehicle is involved — your auto insurance's collision or comprehensive coverage handles that. It does not cover towing if your car is impounded by police, repossessed, or towed by a property owner for parking violations. It does not cover towing for mechanical repairs that could have been prevented by regular maintenance, though AAA will still tow you if you break down.

It does not cover the cost of parts, repairs, or labor at the repair shop. It does not cover rental cars while yours is being fixed. It does not cover trip interruption or hotel stays if you are stranded far from home. If you want coverage for those situations, you would need to purchase additional roadside information or travel insurance separately.

How to check your current membership tier and coverage

Log into your AAA account on the AAA website for your state or region. Your membership card will show your tier name — look for "Classic," "Plus," or "Premier" printed on it. You can also call your local AAA club and give them your membership number; they will tell you exactly what you are covered for.

Before you need roadside help, write down the AAA phone number from the back of your card and keep it somewhere you can find it quickly — in your phone, in your glove box, or both. Some AAA clubs also offer a mobile app that lets you request service directly from your phone, which can be faster than calling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade from Classic to Membership Plus mid-year?

Yes. Contact your local AAA club and ask about upgrading. You will usually pay a prorated amount for the difference in price for the remainder of your membership year. The upgrade takes effect when ready once you pay.

Does Membership Plus cover towing if I hit a pothole or curb?

Yes, as long as the damage causes your car to break down. If you hit a pothole and your tire goes flat, AAA will tow you. If you hit a curb and bend your rim but the car still runs, towing is not necessary. The dispatcher will ask what happened and whether the car is drivable.

What if the repair shop is more than 100 miles away and I want to go there anyway?

You can ask the tow operator for a quote on the overage before they begin. Many will tow you the extra distance for an additional fee. Alternatively, you can be towed to a closer shop and arrange your own transportation to your preferred mechanic later.

Do I need to be a car owner to get Membership Plus, or can I use it if I am renting a car?

AAA membership is tied to you as a person, not to a specific car. You can use your membership to get roadside help for any car you are driving, including rentals. Just call AAA and tell the dispatcher which vehicle you are in and where you are.

If I use roadside service once, does my membership renew with the same coverage next year?

Yes. Using a service does not reduce your coverage or change your membership. Your Membership Plus tier and all its services renew when your membership renews, typically one year from the date you joined or last renewed.