What AAA towing membership includes

AAA towing membership covers the cost of a tow truck to come to your vehicle when it breaks down or you get stranded. The membership pays the towing company directly — you don't pay out of pocket and then wait for reimbursement. How far the truck will tow you depends on your membership tier: basic plans typically cover up to 7 miles, while higher tiers cover 100 miles or more. The service also includes lockout information, fuel delivery, battery service, and flat tire changes at no extra charge.

You call AAA's dispatch line (the number is on your membership card), tell them where you are and what's wrong with the car, and they send a tow truck from their network to your location. The dispatcher will give you an estimated arrival time. You stay with your vehicle or wait nearby — the tow truck driver will contact you when they're close. Once the truck arrives, the driver handles the tow or roadside repair, and you're on your way or headed to a repair shop of your choice.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA membership tiers differ in how far they will tow your vehicle, ranging from 7 miles for basic plans to 100 miles or more for premium plans.
  • You call AAA's dispatch number on your membership card, and they send a tow truck from their network — you don't arrange it yourself or pay the driver directly.
  • Lockouts, dead batteries, flat tires, and fuel delivery are included with membership and cost nothing extra when you use AAA's service.
  • The tow truck can take you to any repair shop you choose, not just AAA-affiliated shops, though some shops may be closer or preferred by the driver.
  • Membership is annual and renews each year; you need to maintain active membership to use the service.

AAA membership tiers and towing distance

AAA offers three main membership levels, each with a different towing distance. Classic membership covers tows up to 7 miles. Plus membership covers up to 100 miles. Premier membership covers up to 200 miles. The difference matters most if you break down far from home or a trusted repair shop — a 7-mile limit may not reach the nearest mechanic in a rural area, while a 100-mile or 200-mile limit gives you real options.

Beyond towing distance, all three tiers include the same roadside services: lockout information, battery service, fuel delivery, and flat tire changes. The price difference between tiers reflects the towing distance, not the quality of service or how fast help arrives. If you rarely drive far from home, Classic may be enough. If you take road trips or live in a rural area, Plus or Premier makes more sense.

How to use your AAA towing membership

When your car breaks down or you get stranded, call the AAA dispatch number printed on your membership card. Have your membership number ready and be prepared to tell the dispatcher your location (use landmarks, mile markers, or GPS coordinates if you're on a highway), what's wrong with the vehicle, and whether you need a tow or roadside service like a battery jump or lockout. The dispatcher will confirm your membership tier and towing distance, then send a truck from the nearest AAA-affiliated towing company.

Dispatch times vary depending on how busy the local towing network is and how remote your location is. In a city, a truck may arrive in 30 to 45 minutes. On a rural highway at night, it could take longer. The dispatcher will give you an estimate when you call. Stay with your vehicle or in a safe, well-lit place nearby — the driver will call or text when they're a few minutes away. Once they arrive, they'll confirm your membership and handle the tow or repair. You don't pay anything; AAA has already paid the towing company for your service.

What roadside services are included without extra cost

Lockout service means a technician will come unlock your car if you've locked your keys inside. This is faster and cheaper than calling a locksmith separately, and it's included with any AAA tier. Battery service includes a jump start if your battery is dead, or a replacement battery installed on the spot if the battery is too far gone to jump. Fuel delivery means a truck will bring you gasoline if you run out, though you pay for the fuel itself — AAA only covers the delivery. Flat tire changes include removing the flat, installing your spare, and putting the flat in your trunk.

These services are dispatched the same way as a tow: you call AAA, describe the problem, and a technician arrives. If the problem can be fixed roadside (a jump start, a spare tire, unlocking the door), you're back on the road in minutes. If it can't be fixed roadside (a dead battery that won't hold a charge, a flat tire with no spare, a locked car with keys inside and no way to reach them), the technician will tow you to a repair shop or your home.

Choosing where to have your car towed

You can ask the tow truck driver to take your car to any repair shop you choose — you are not required to use an AAA-affiliated shop. Tell the dispatcher your preferred shop's name and address when you call, or tell the driver when they arrive. If you don't have a preferred shop, the driver can suggest nearby options, and you can choose from those. Some drivers may suggest an AAA-affiliated shop because they work with it regularly, but the choice is yours.

If you're stranded far from home, you might ask to be towed to your home instead of a repair shop, though this counts against your towing distance limit. For example, if you have Plus membership (100 miles) and you're 80 miles from home, you can be towed home, but you'll have only 20 miles left if you need another tow that year. Plan accordingly if you're on a long road trip.

When AAA towing does not cover the cost

AAA membership covers mechanical breakdowns and roadside emergencies, but not every situation. If you're in an accident and your car is damaged, AAA will tow it, but the tow is covered by your auto insurance, not AAA — contact your insurance company first. If you run out of fuel, AAA delivers fuel, but you pay for the fuel itself. If you lock your keys in the car and a locksmith has to break a window to get in, AAA covers the lockout service, but not the window repair.

AAA also does not cover tows related to traffic violations, impound situations, or if your membership has lapsed. If your membership expired, you can renew it when ready by phone or online, but the service call won't be covered until the renewal is processed. If your car is impounded by police or a parking authority, AAA will not tow it — you must contact the impound lot directly and pay their fees.

Membership cost and renewal

AAA membership costs vary by region and membership tier. Classic membership is the least expensive, Plus is mid-range, and Premier is the most expensive. Prices also differ depending on whether you join through AAA directly, through an employer discount, or through a partner organization. Some employers offer AAA membership as a benefit, which may cost less than joining on your own. AAA also offers discounts for multi-year memberships and household memberships (covering multiple drivers in the same household).

Membership renews annually on the date you joined. You'll receive a renewal notice by mail or email before your membership expires. If you don't renew, your membership lapses and you lose access to towing and roadside services. If you need service after your membership has lapsed, you can renew when ready, but the service won't be covered until the renewal is processed — this can take a few hours to a day depending on how you renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AAA towing if I'm not the one driving the car?

Yes. AAA membership covers the vehicle, not just the primary member. If someone else is driving your car and it breaks down, they can call AAA using your membership number (which should be in the car or accessible by phone) and request service. The tow truck will come to them.

What happens if I'm towed more than my membership distance allows?

If you need a tow longer than your tier covers, you'll be responsible for the overage cost. For example, if you have Plus (100 miles) and need a 120-mile tow, AAA covers the first 100 miles and you pay for the remaining 20 miles. This is why choosing the right tier matters if you take long road trips.

Does AAA towing work in other states or countries?

AAA membership works across the United States and in Canada. If you're traveling outside North America, AAA towing will not be available. Some travel insurance plans include roadside information in other countries, so check your policy before an international trip.

Can I call AAA for a tow if my car was damaged in an accident?

Yes, AAA will tow your car after an accident. However, your auto insurance is responsible for paying the tow, not AAA. Contact your insurance company first and ask them to arrange the tow, or call AAA and let them know it's an accident claim — they'll coordinate with your insurance to confirm coverage.

What if the tow truck driver and I disagree about where to tow the car?

You have the right to choose where your car is towed. If the driver suggests a shop you don't want to use, tell them your preferred destination. If you don't have one, ask for options and choose from those. The driver works for you in this moment — they're there to help, not to decide for you.