AAA's main towing number and how to reach them

AAA's towing dispatch line is 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357). This is the number to call if you need a tow or roadside service right now. The call center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When you call, have your membership card or account number ready — the dispatcher will ask for it before sending help.

If you are a member, the call is free. If you are not a member, AAA will still send a tow truck, but you will pay the full cost out of pocket. Non-member towing rates vary by region and distance, typically ranging from $75 to $150 for a local tow, though longer distances cost more.

You can also reach AAA through their website at aaa.com or through the AAA mobile app if you have it installed. The app lets you request roadside service without making a phone call and shows you the tow truck's location in real time once dispatch confirms your request.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-222-4357 to reach AAA towing dispatch 24 hours a day, and have your membership number ready when you call.
  • AAA membership covers towing up to a certain distance (usually 7 miles for basic membership, more for higher tiers), and non-members pay the full cost.
  • The AAA mobile app lets you request a tow without calling and tracks your tow truck's arrival in real time.
  • Dispatch will ask for your location, vehicle description, and the reason for the tow before sending a truck to you.

What information you need to have ready

When you call AAA towing, the dispatcher will ask for several pieces of information in this order: your membership number (or phone number if you do not have your card), your current location, the make and model of your vehicle, and what is wrong with it. If you are stranded on a highway, be ready to describe your location using mile markers or nearby exit numbers rather than street addresses.

If you are calling from the roadside and do not know your exact location, tell the dispatcher what you can see — the highway number, the direction you are heading, nearby towns, or landmarks. Many cell phones automatically share location data with 911, but AAA dispatch may not have that same access, so verbal description matters.

Membership tiers and towing distance coverage

AAA offers three main membership levels, and each covers a different towing distance at no charge to you. Classic membership covers up to 7 miles of towing. Plus membership covers up to 100 miles. Premier membership covers up to 200 miles. If your tow exceeds your membership limit, you pay the difference.

The distance is measured from the point of breakdown to the repair shop or destination you choose. If you need a tow longer than your coverage allows, AAA will still send a truck — you just pay the overage. This is why it matters to know your membership level before you call.

What happens after you call

After you give the dispatcher your information, they will tell you an estimated arrival time for the tow truck. This typically ranges from 30 minutes to two hours depending on your location and how busy the local dispatch center is. The dispatcher will also give you a confirmation number and may ask if you want to stay in your vehicle or move to a safe location.

Once the tow truck is on the way, you can track its progress through the AAA app if you requested service through the app. If you called by phone, the driver will contact you when they are about 10 minutes away. Stay alert for the truck and be ready to unlock your vehicle when the driver arrives.

Regional AAA clubs and local numbers

AAA is organized into regional clubs, and some members prefer to call their local club directly instead of the national number. If you have a local AAA office near you, their phone number may be on your membership card. Calling your local club can sometimes result in faster service because the dispatcher is familiar with local roads and tow operators.

However, the 1-800-222-4357 number works nationwide and will route your call to the correct regional dispatch center automatically, so there is no disadvantage to using the national number. Both routes reach the same tow trucks.

Non-emergency towing and scheduled service

If your vehicle is not broken down on the roadside but you need a tow for another reason — moving a vehicle from your driveway, towing a vehicle you just bought, or scheduling a tow in advance — you can call your local AAA club directly to arrange it. These non-emergency tows may have different pricing and availability than roadside emergency tows.

Some AAA clubs also offer preferred pricing at certain repair shops, so ask the dispatcher or your local club whether the shop you want to use is on their preferred list. This can save you money on the repair itself, not just the tow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I call AAA but I am not a member?

AAA will still send a tow truck to you, but you will pay the full cost without any membership discount. Rates for non-members typically start at $75 to $150 for a local tow, depending on distance and your region. Some people join AAA on the spot during the call to get the member rate, though this varies by location.

Can I request a specific repair shop when I call for a tow?

Yes. Tell the dispatcher which shop you want the truck to take your vehicle to, and they will include that in the tow order. If you do not have a shop in mind, the dispatcher can suggest nearby shops or tow to a dealership if your vehicle is under warranty.

What if the tow truck does not show up within the estimated time?

Call the number on your confirmation and reference your confirmation number. The dispatcher can check the truck's status and give you an updated arrival time. If there is a significant delay, ask whether a second truck can be sent or whether you should make other arrangements.

Does AAA towing cover lockouts and jump starts?

Yes. AAA roadside service includes lockouts, jump starts, fuel delivery, and tire changes in addition to towing. These services are free for members and do not count against your towing distance limit. Call the same number for any roadside emergency, not just tows.

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

Yes, as long as you are the AAA member. The service follows the member, not the vehicle. Tell the dispatcher whose car you are driving and provide the vehicle information when asked, and the tow will be covered under your membership.