What AAA Plus membership covers and what it costs
AAA Plus is a membership tier that extends the standard AAA roadside information package with higher towing limits and additional service calls per year. The membership includes towing up to 100 miles (compared to 7 miles in basic AAA), four service calls annually instead of four, lockout service, fuel delivery, and fluid delivery. The annual cost varies by state and region—typically between $120 and $180 per year—because AAA is a federation of regional clubs that set their own pricing.
The membership is personal to you, not to a specific vehicle, so you can use it on any car you're driving. If you own multiple vehicles, you still need only one membership to get roadside help on all of them. The coverage applies whether you own the car, are borrowing it, or are renting it—as long as you're the one calling for help.
Key Takeaways
- AAA Plus tows your vehicle up to 100 miles to a repair shop of your choice, compared to 7 miles with basic AAA membership.
- You get four roadside service calls per year (lockouts, fuel delivery, fluid top-ups, jump-starts) rather than the standard amount in basic membership.
- The membership covers you personally on any vehicle you're driving, not just one car you own.
- Cost ranges from roughly $120 to $180 annually depending on your state and AAA club, and discounts may be available through employers or group memberships.
How the 100-mile towing benefit actually works
When your car breaks down and needs a tow, you call AAA and tell them where you are and where you want the vehicle taken. With Plus membership, AAA will tow the vehicle up to 100 miles to a repair facility, your home, or another destination you choose. You do not pay per mile—the 100 miles is included in your membership.
The tow truck arrives, loads your vehicle, and takes it where you've directed. If the repair shop is farther than 100 miles away, you pay the difference out of pocket. If it's closer, there's no additional charge. This matters most if you break down far from home or want to use a specific mechanic who isn't nearby. With basic AAA, you'd pay for anything beyond 7 miles yourself, which can easily run $200 to $400 depending on distance and your location.
What roadside service calls include and how many you get
AAA Plus gives you four service calls per year for roadside problems that don't require a tow. These calls cover lockouts (you're locked out of your car), fuel delivery (you've run out of gas), fluid delivery (coolant, windshield washer, or other fluids), and jump-starts (dead battery). Each call is one service event, so if you get locked out twice in one year, that's two of your four calls used.
Once you've used all four calls in a membership year, additional roadside service calls cost money. The exact price depends on your AAA club, but lockout service alone can run $50 to $100 if you're paying out of pocket. Fuel delivery typically costs $30 to $50. For people who drive older cars, drive frequently in winter, or have had past lockouts, the four included calls often pay for the membership cost within a year or two.
How AAA Plus discounts differ from basic AAA membership
Basic AAA membership includes towing up to 7 miles and typically four roadside service calls as well. The real difference is the towing distance. If you live in a rural area, commute far from home, or frequently drive long distances, the extra 93 miles of towing coverage can save you hundreds of dollars on a single breakdown. If you live in a city and rarely drive more than 10 miles from home, basic AAA may be sufficient.
Some AAA clubs also offer a AAA Plus Premier tier, which extends towing to 200 miles and adds additional benefits like discounted hotel stays and rental car coverage. This tier costs more—typically $200 to $300 annually—and is worth considering if you travel frequently or take long road trips.
Where to find discounts on AAA Plus membership
AAA membership discounts are often available through employers, alumni associations, and group memberships. Many large employers negotiate group rates with AAA, and membership may be offered through your company's benefits portal or employee discount program. Credit unions, professional associations, and some insurance companies also bundle AAA membership at a reduced rate.
Your state's AAA club may also run seasonal promotions—typically in spring and fall—offering discounted first-year rates or waived joining fees. Contact your local AAA club directly or visit their website to ask about current offers. Some clubs offer discounts for paying annually upfront rather than monthly, or for renewing early before your membership expires.
When AAA Plus towing does and doesn't explore
AAA Plus towing covers breakdowns caused by mechanical failure, dead batteries, lockouts, and running out of fuel. It does not cover towing if your vehicle is impounded by police, seized for legal reasons, or involved in an accident where you're at fault and your insurance company is handling the claim. It also does not cover towing for damage caused by neglect—for example, if you haven't changed your oil in 50,000 miles and the engine seizes, that's typically not covered.
If you're in an accident and your insurance company has roadside information, their tow service may take priority over AAA. Check your insurance policy to see what roadside coverage you have, because using both services on the same incident can create confusion about who pays. AAA Plus will still help if your insurance roadside benefit is exhausted or doesn't cover your situation.
How to use your AAA Plus membership when you need roadside help
When you break down, call the AAA number on your membership card or use the AAA mobile app to request service. Have your membership number, vehicle information, and location ready. Tell the dispatcher what's wrong—mechanical failure, lockout, fuel delivery needed—and where you want the vehicle taken if it needs a tow. The dispatcher will send a tow truck or service vehicle to your location.
Response times vary by location and demand. In cities, help may arrive within 30 to 60 minutes. In rural areas, it can take longer. While you wait, stay in your vehicle with hazard lights on if you're on a highway, or move to a safe location if you can. The tow truck driver will confirm your membership and complete the service. Keep your receipt for your records, especially if you need to track how many service calls you've used in the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AAA Plus membership cover towing if I'm not the one driving?
Yes. The membership is tied to you as a person, not to a specific vehicle or driver. If someone else is driving your car or a borrowed car and breaks down, you can call AAA with your membership number and request service. The tow will be covered under your Plus benefits.
What happens if I use all four roadside service calls before my membership year ends?
Additional calls beyond the four included per year are not covered by your membership. You'll pay out of pocket for lockout service, fuel delivery, or other roadside help. Costs vary by location and service type, but lockouts typically run $50 to $100 and fuel delivery $30 to $50. Your membership renews on its anniversary date, and you get four new calls then.
Can I use AAA Plus towing to take my car to any repair shop I want?
Yes. You direct the tow truck to take your vehicle wherever you choose—a specific mechanic, a dealership, your home, or another location. AAA does not require you to use a preferred shop. The 100-mile distance is included; anything beyond that is your cost.
Is AAA Plus worth it if I have roadside information through my car insurance?
It depends on what your insurance covers. Many insurance roadside benefits cover towing only 5 to 10 miles and may limit you to their network of shops. AAA Plus gives you 100 miles and choice of destination. If your insurance roadside benefit is limited or you want a backup option, AAA Plus adds real value. Check your insurance policy first to see what you already have.
Do I need to renew AAA Plus every year?
Yes. AAA membership is annual and renews on the anniversary of your sign-up date. You'll receive a renewal notice before your membership expires. If you don't renew, your coverage ends and you'll need to rejoin to get roadside help again. Some AAA clubs offer discounts for renewing early or paying for multiple years upfront.