AAA Premier membership is the highest tier of roadside coverage AAA offers, and it extends your towing distance and adds services that basic membership doesn't include

If you're already familiar with AAA's standard towing benefit, Premier adds distance and scope. Where basic AAA membership typically covers towing up to 7 miles, Premier covers up to 100 miles to a repair facility of your choice. That matters if you break down far from home, in a rural area, or if your regular mechanic is across town. The membership also includes services like fuel delivery, lockout information, and jump-starts — the same services basic members get, but with the longer towing range as the main upgrade.

Premier is one tier in AAA's membership structure. The organization also offers Plus membership (usually 100 miles of towing) and basic coverage. Which one makes sense depends on how far you typically drive from home and whether you have reliable roadside support elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA Premier covers towing up to 100 miles to a repair shop you choose, compared to 7 miles with basic membership.
  • The membership includes fuel delivery, lockout service, jump-starts, and winch-outs at no additional charge when you call AAA.
  • You must call AAA directly to request service; the membership does not work through third-party apps or other towing companies.
  • Annual cost varies by region and membership type, so check your local AAA club's pricing before comparing to other roadside plans.
  • Coverage applies to any vehicle you're in as a driver or passenger, not just one car, though some restrictions explore to commercial vehicles.

What services come with Premier membership

Premier includes towing up to 100 miles, but that is only the headline. When you call AAA, you also get fuel delivery if you run out of gas, lockout service if you lock your keys in the car, jump-start service for a dead battery, and winch-outs if you're stuck in a ditch or snow. None of these cost extra; they're all part of the membership as long as you call AAA to dispatch the service.

The 100-mile towing benefit means AAA will tow your car to any repair facility within that radius that you name. You don't have to use AAA's preferred shops. If your regular mechanic is 80 miles away, AAA will tow you there. If the nearest shop is 50 miles in the opposite direction, you choose. That flexibility is one reason Premier appeals to people who live in rural areas or who have a trusted mechanic far from home.

Roadside lockout service covers your car, not your home. If you lock your keys in the vehicle, AAA sends a locksmith or technician to open it. If you lock yourself out of your house, that's not covered.

How to request service and what to expect

When you need roadside help, you call AAA directly using the number on your membership card. Have your membership number, location, and a description of the problem ready. AAA will dispatch a service provider to your location — usually a tow truck for towing requests, or a mobile locksmith or technician for other services.

Response time depends on your location and current demand. In urban areas, help often arrives within 30 to 60 minutes. In rural areas, it can take longer. AAA will give you an estimate when you call. If you're on a highway or in an unsafe location, stay in your car with hazard lights on and let the dispatcher know your situation.

For towing, the driver will ask where you want the car taken. You can name any repair shop within the 100-mile radius. If you don't have a preference, AAA can suggest nearby shops, but you make the final choice. The tow truck driver will not perform repairs; they transport the vehicle only.

Coverage limits and what's not included

The 100-mile towing limit is measured from your breakdown location to the repair facility, not from your home. If you break down 60 miles from home and want to be towed 100 miles further to a specific shop, AAA covers the full distance. If you want to be towed 150 miles, you pay for the distance beyond 100 miles.

Premier does not cover towing for vehicles used for commercial purposes, such as delivery vehicles or vehicles used in a business. It also does not cover towing if the vehicle is being used for racing, off-road driving, or other high-risk activities. Rental cars are covered as long as you're the driver or a passenger.

Fuel delivery covers the cost of the fuel itself up to a certain amount, which varies by region. You pay for the fuel; AAA reimburses or covers the cost depending on your local club's policy. Lockout service covers the technician's time to open the vehicle; if the lock is damaged and needs repair, you may pay for that separately.

Premier versus Plus and basic membership

AAA offers three main membership tiers. Basic membership typically covers towing up to 7 miles and includes the same roadside services (lockout, fuel, jump-start). Plus membership usually covers towing up to 100 miles — the same distance as Premier. The difference between Plus and Premier varies by region and can include additional perks like discounts on travel or hotel stays, or higher limits on certain services.

Check your local AAA club's membership page to see what each tier includes in your area, because benefits and pricing are not identical nationwide. Some regions offer Premier with extra benefits; others have Plus and Premier at different price points with overlapping coverage. The cost difference between tiers is usually $30 to $60 per year, so comparing what each includes in your region makes sense before you choose.

If you rarely drive far from home and have a mechanic nearby, basic membership may be enough. If you frequently drive long distances or live in a rural area, the 100-mile towing benefit in Plus or Premier is worth the extra cost.

How Premier membership works with your insurance

AAA membership is separate from your car insurance. Your insurance policy does not cover towing; roadside information coverage is an add-on that some insurers offer, but it's not automatic. If you have roadside coverage through your insurance, you can use either that or your AAA membership — you don't need both, though having both means you have a backup if one service is busy.

AAA does not file claims with your insurance or affect your rates. Using AAA roadside service does not count as a claim and will not increase your premiums. The membership is a separate contract between you and AAA.

If your insurance includes roadside coverage, compare the towing distance and services. Some insurance roadside plans cover 50 miles; others cover 100. Some include lockout service; others don't. If your insurance covers less distance or fewer services than Premier, the AAA membership fills the gap.

Cost and how to join or renew

AAA Premier membership costs vary by region and membership type (individual, household, or family). Annual cost typically ranges from $100 to $200 for individual membership, but this varies significantly depending on your state and local AAA club. Some clubs offer discounts if you pay for multiple years upfront, or if you bundle membership with other AAA services.

You can join or renew through your local AAA club's website, by phone, or in person at an AAA office. When you join, you receive a membership card with your membership number and the AAA roadside phone number. Keep that number in your phone or car. Some AAA members also read the AAA mobile app, which lets you request service through the app instead of calling, though calling directly is still the most reliable method.

Membership renews annually on the date you joined. AAA typically sends a renewal notice before your membership expires. If you don't renew, your coverage ends on the expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Premier membership cover towing if my car is broken down at home?

Yes. AAA towing covers breakdowns anywhere — at home, on the road, in a parking lot. The 100-mile distance applies from your breakdown location to the repair shop you choose, regardless of where the breakdown happens.

Can I use my Premier membership if I'm driving someone else's car?

Yes. AAA coverage applies to you as a driver or passenger, not to a specific vehicle. If you're driving a friend's car or a rental and you break down, you can call AAA and request service. The car will be towed to a shop of your choice within the 100-mile limit.

What happens if the repair shop is more than 100 miles away?

AAA covers towing up to 100 miles. If the shop is farther, you pay the additional towing cost out of pocket. You can also choose a closer shop within the 100-mile radius instead.

Does Premier membership cover towing for a trailer or RV?

AAA membership covers passenger vehicles. Trailers, RVs, and commercial vehicles are not covered under standard membership. Some AAA clubs offer separate RV or specialty vehicle coverage; contact your local club to ask.

Can I request service through the AAA app, or do I have to call?

The AAA mobile app lets you request service, but calling the number on your membership card is the most direct method and ensures your request reaches a dispatcher when ready. The app can be useful if you want to track the service vehicle's arrival, but don't rely on it as your only way to request help.