AAA membership includes roadside information, but what you get depends on which membership tier you buy

AAA roadside information is included with every AAA membership level, not sold separately. The coverage you receive — towing distance, lockout service, fuel delivery, and jump-starts — varies by membership tier. Basic membership covers towing up to 7 miles; Plus membership extends that to 100 miles; Premier membership goes to 200 miles. All tiers cover the same services (lockouts, fuel, jumps, winch-outs), just with different towing ranges.

You access the service by calling the AAA number on your membership card or using the AAA mobile app. When you call, you provide your location and describe the problem. AAA dispatches a service provider in your area — usually a local towing company or repair shop that contracts with AAA — and you wait for them to arrive. The service provider handles the work on-site or tows your vehicle to a repair facility if needed.

AAA membership costs vary by region and membership tier. Basic membership typically runs $50 to $70 per year; Plus runs $100 to $130; Premier runs $150 to $200. Some employers and insurance companies offer AAA memberships at a discount. If you already have roadside information through your auto insurance policy, you may not need AAA's coverage — check what your insurer provides first.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA roadside information is bundled with membership, not purchased separately, and the towing distance you get depends on whether you choose Basic, Plus, or Premier membership.
  • All membership tiers cover lockouts, fuel delivery, jump-starts, and winch-outs; the main difference is how far AAA will tow your vehicle at no charge.
  • You call the number on your membership card or use the AAA app to request service, and a local service provider dispatches to your location.
  • Check whether your auto insurance already includes roadside information before buying AAA membership, since many policies cover similar services.

What each AAA membership tier covers

AAA publishes the coverage details for each tier on its website, though the exact services and limits vary slightly by region. Basic membership includes towing up to 7 miles, lockout service, fuel delivery, jump-starts, and winch-outs. Plus membership includes the same services but extends towing to 100 miles. Premier membership extends towing to 200 miles and adds a few extras like fuel siphoning and minor mechanical information.

All tiers cover the service call itself — you do not pay a dispatch fee. If your vehicle needs to be towed beyond the included distance, you pay the difference between what AAA covers and what the tow company charges. For example, if you have Plus membership (100 miles) and need a 150-mile tow, you pay for the extra 50 miles out of pocket. Rates for additional towing distance vary by service provider and region.

Lockout service means AAA will pay for a locksmith to open your vehicle if you are locked out. Fuel delivery means a service provider brings you fuel if you run out. Jump-starts cover a dead battery. Winch-outs cover pulling your vehicle out of a ditch or similar situation. None of these services have a separate charge if you are a member.

How to request roadside information

Call the number on the back of your AAA membership card. That number connects you to AAA's dispatch center, where you provide your location, membership number, and a description of the problem. The dispatcher confirms which service you need and tells you approximately how long a service provider will take to reach you. Most dispatchers ask whether you are in a safe location and whether you need police information.

Alternatively, use the AAA mobile app if you have it installed. The app uses your phone's location to pinpoint where you are, which speeds up the dispatch process. You can request service, track the service provider's arrival in real time, and communicate with the driver through the app. The app also stores your membership information, so you do not have to recite it over the phone.

After you request service, a local towing company or repair shop that contracts with AAA receives the call. That service provider drives to your location and handles the work. If your vehicle needs to be towed, the driver will ask where you want it taken — usually your preferred repair shop, a dealership, or a facility AAA recommends. You ride along with the driver or arrange your own transportation, depending on the situation.

When AAA roadside information does not cover the cost

AAA does not cover damage to your vehicle caused by the roadside service itself. If a tow truck damages your car while towing it, you would file a claim against the tow company's liability insurance, not against AAA. AAA also does not cover the cost of repairs once your vehicle reaches a repair shop — roadside information covers only the dispatch, service call, and towing.

Lockout service does not cover lost or stolen keys, only being locked out of an unlocked vehicle. If you lose your keys entirely, you will need to call a locksmith directly and pay out of pocket, or contact your vehicle's manufacturer or dealership for key replacement. Fuel delivery does not cover the cost of the fuel itself, only the delivery service — you pay for the gas when the service provider brings it.

AAA also does not cover service calls for mechanical problems that require repair. If your engine will not start because of a mechanical issue rather than a dead battery, AAA will tow your vehicle to a repair shop, but the repair itself is your responsibility. The towing is covered; the diagnosis and fix are not.

AAA membership versus roadside information through insurance

Many auto insurance policies include roadside information as an optional add-on, usually for $3 to $10 per month. That coverage typically includes towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, and jump-starts — the same services AAA provides. The main differences are towing distance limits and whether you have to pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement.

Insurance-based roadside information usually reimburses you after you pay the service provider, whereas AAA typically covers the cost directly. Insurance coverage also often has a lower towing distance limit — many policies cover 50 to 100 miles — but some cover unlimited distance. Check your insurance policy's roadside information section to see what is included before buying AAA membership.

If you do not have roadside information through insurance and you drive an older vehicle or drive long distances frequently, AAA membership may be worth the annual cost. If you rarely drive far from home or already have insurance-based coverage, AAA is redundant. Some people carry both for peace of mind, but it is not necessary.

Regional differences in AAA coverage

AAA is organized into regional clubs — AAA Northern California, AAA South, AAA Midwest, and others — and each club sets its own membership prices and coverage details. The core services (towing, lockouts, fuel, jumps) are the same everywhere, but the towing distances and exact membership tiers may vary slightly by region. Some regions offer additional services like hotel discounts or travel planning that others do not.

When you buy AAA membership, you join the club for your region. If you move to a different region, you can transfer your membership to the local club, though you may need to pay a difference if membership costs are higher in the new region. If you travel frequently across regions, your membership is honored by all AAA clubs, so you can call for service anywhere in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AAA roadside information if I am driving someone else's car?

Yes. AAA covers you as the member, not the vehicle. You can call for roadside information in any vehicle you are driving, as long as you provide your membership number. The service provider will help whoever is in the car at the time.

What happens if I need a tow longer than my membership covers?

You pay the difference between what AAA covers and what the tow company charges. For example, if you have Plus membership (100 miles) and need a 150-mile tow, you pay for the extra 50 miles. Ask the dispatcher or service provider for an estimate of the additional cost before agreeing to the tow.

Does AAA cover towing if my vehicle breaks down on a highway?

Yes. AAA covers towing for any roadside emergency — breakdowns, accidents, lockouts, dead batteries — regardless of where you are. If you are in an unsafe location, call 911 first, then call AAA once you are safe.

Can I choose which repair shop my vehicle is towed to?

Yes. When you request service, tell the dispatcher or service provider where you want your vehicle taken. You can choose your preferred shop, a dealership, or any facility you trust. The towing cost is the same regardless of destination, as long as it is within your membership's towing distance.

Is AAA membership worth it if I have roadside information through my insurance?

Probably not. If your insurance already covers towing, lockouts, and fuel delivery, AAA membership is redundant. Check your insurance policy first to see what is included and what the towing distance limit is. If your insurance coverage is limited or does not exist, AAA membership may be worth the annual cost.