AAA Auto Club Group is a membership organization that provides roadside information, insurance products, and travel services

AAA Auto Club Group operates in 13 western and central U.S. states and offers roadside help when your car breaks down, won't start, or gets a flat tire. The organization also sells auto insurance, home insurance, and travel-related services to members. Unlike a government program, AAA is a private membership club — you pay an annual or monthly fee to join, and membership determines what services you can use.

The roadside information part is what most people think of first: if you're stranded on the highway or stuck in a parking lot, you call AAA and they send a tow truck or locksmith to help. But AAA also functions as an insurance broker and travel agency, bundling different products under one membership.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA membership costs vary by state and membership tier, typically ranging from under $100 to several hundred dollars per year, and you can cancel anytime.
  • Roadside information covers towing, lockouts, jump-starts, and fuel delivery, with limits on how far they'll tow you depending on your membership level.
  • AAA sells auto and home insurance through partner companies, not as a direct insurer, so rates and coverage vary by location and your driving history.
  • Travel services include discounts at hotels, restaurants, and attractions, plus trip planning help, but these are discounts rather than free services.
  • You can join online, by phone, or at a local AAA office, and membership starts when ready or on a date you choose.

What roadside information actually covers

When you call AAA roadside information, they dispatch a service provider to your location. The most common service is towing — if your car won't run, they'll tow it to a repair shop of your choice. The distance they'll tow depends on your membership level: Basic membership typically covers up to 7 miles, Plus covers up to 100 miles, and Premier covers up to 200 miles. If you need to go farther, you pay the difference.

Beyond towing, roadside information includes lockout service (they send a locksmith if you're locked out of your car), jump-starts for dead batteries, fuel delivery if you run out of gas, and tire changes if you have a flat. These services are included in your membership at no extra charge when you call. Response time varies by location and demand, but AAA aims to reach you within 30 to 60 minutes in urban areas and longer in remote locations.

One important limit: roadside information is for breakdowns and emergencies, not for accidents or damage from collisions. If you're in a crash, you'll need to contact your insurance company or call 911 for emergency services. Also, AAA roadside information only works if you're a current member — your membership card or account number is how they verify you.

AAA insurance products and how they work

AAA doesn't directly underwrite insurance; instead, it partners with insurance companies that sell policies under the AAA brand. This means the actual insurer varies by state — in some states it's Infinity, in others it's a different company. When you buy AAA auto insurance, you're buying a policy from that partner company, but you manage it through AAA and pay AAA your premium.

AAA auto insurance covers liability (damage you cause to others), collision (damage to your own car from a crash), comprehensive (theft, weather, vandalism), and uninsured motorist protection. Rates depend on your driving history, age, location, and the car you drive — the same factors any insurance company uses. AAA advertises discounts for bundling auto and home insurance, paying in full upfront, or having safety features in your car, but the actual discount amount varies by state and insurer.

Home insurance through AAA works the same way: AAA partners with an insurer in your state, and you buy a homeowners or renters policy through AAA. You can bundle auto and home for a potential discount, though you're not required to. If you need to file a claim, you contact AAA or the partner insurer directly — the process is the same as with any insurance company.

Travel discounts and member benefits

AAA membership includes access to a travel discount program. This means you can get reduced rates at participating hotels, rental car companies, restaurants, and attractions like theme parks and museums. The discount amount varies — some places offer 10 percent off, others offer a flat dollar amount or a free upgrade. You show your AAA card or membership number at checkout to receive the discount.

AAA also offers trip planning services through their website and local offices. If you're planning a road trip, you can use AAA's trip planner tool to map your route, find AAA-approved hotels, and locate AAA-member discounts along the way. Some AAA offices have travel agents on staff who can help you book hotels and rental cars, though this is a service you pay for separately — it's not included in membership.

The value of travel discounts depends on how much you travel and which businesses participate in your area. If you rarely use hotels or eat at restaurants that offer AAA discounts, this benefit may not save you much money. Check AAA's website for your state to see which businesses near you offer discounts before you join.

How to join AAA and what membership costs

You can join AAA online through their website, by phone, or by visiting a local AAA office in person. Online is usually fastest — you provide your name, address, phone number, and email, choose your membership tier, and pay by credit card or bank account. Membership typically starts when ready or on a date you select.

Membership cost varies by state and membership level. Basic membership (the most affordable option) usually costs between $50 and $100 per year, though some states charge more. Plus membership (with higher towing limits) typically costs $120 to $180 per year. Premier membership (the highest tier) usually ranges from $180 to $250 per year. Monthly payment options are available but cost more over the year than paying annually upfront.

You can add household members to your membership — a spouse or adult child living at the same address — usually for an additional $30 to $50 per person per year. Each person gets their own membership card and can call roadside information independently. If you're not satisfied with membership, you can cancel anytime and receive a prorated refund for the unused portion of your membership period.

AAA membership tiers and what changes between them

AAA offers three main membership levels, and the primary difference is how far they'll tow your car. Basic membership includes up to 7 miles of towing, which works if you break down near a repair shop but may not be enough if you're on the highway far from town. Plus membership covers up to 100 miles, which is useful if you're stranded far from home or a trusted mechanic. Premier membership covers up to 200 miles and is designed for people who travel long distances regularly.

All three tiers include the same roadside services — lockouts, jump-starts, fuel delivery, and tire changes — at no extra charge. The difference is purely in towing distance. All tiers also include access to travel discounts and the ability to purchase AAA insurance products. Some states offer additional membership options or benefits, so check your state's AAA website for specifics.

If you're unsure which tier to choose, consider how far you typically drive from home and whether you have a trusted mechanic nearby. If you mostly drive locally and have a repair shop within 10 miles, Basic may be sufficient. If you take road trips or live far from services, Plus or Premier provides more protection.

What AAA membership does not cover

Roadside information does not cover damage from accidents, collisions, or intentional damage. If you're in a crash, you need to contact your insurance company or emergency services — AAA roadside information won't help. Similarly, if your car is damaged by weather, theft, or vandalism, that's an insurance claim, not a roadside information call.

AAA membership does not include free repairs. If your car breaks down and needs a new engine, transmission, or major repair, you pay for the repair yourself. AAA only covers the tow to a repair shop of your choice. The repair shop then charges you for the actual work.

Travel discounts are not the same as free travel. AAA negotiates reduced rates with hotels and restaurants, but you still pay for the room, meal, or attraction. The discount is typically 10 to 15 percent off the regular price, though some offers are better or worse depending on the business and time of year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AAA roadside information if I'm not in a AAA state?

AAA has reciprocal agreements with other auto clubs in states where it doesn't operate. If you're traveling outside AAA's 13-state territory, your membership may still provide roadside information through a partner club, but coverage and service limits may differ. Contact AAA before traveling to confirm coverage in your destination.

Does AAA roadside information work if someone else is driving my car?

Yes, as long as they have access to your membership card or account number. Roadside information is tied to your vehicle, not the driver, so anyone driving your car can call AAA and request help. Make sure household members or people who regularly borrow your car know your membership number.

What happens if I don't use my AAA membership?

You still pay your annual membership fee. AAA doesn't refund unused benefits or offer credits for months you don't use roadside information. However, you can cancel anytime and receive a prorated refund for the unused portion of your membership period if you cancel before your renewal date.

Can I get AAA insurance if I have a poor driving record?

AAA insurance is available to most drivers, but rates are higher for people with accidents or traffic violations on their record. The partner insurance company in your state will review your driving history and provide a quote. You can compare AAA's rates with other insurers to see which offers the best price for your situation.

How do I know if a business offers AAA discounts?

AAA's website has a searchable directory of participating businesses by state and category. You can also call your local AAA office or ask the business directly if they accept AAA discounts. Not all businesses in a chain participate — for example, one hotel location may offer AAA discounts while another doesn't.