What AAA Insurance Covers
AAA (American Automobile Association) is a membership organization that offers auto insurance through partnerships with regional insurance carriers, not as a direct insurer itself. When you buy AAA auto insurance, you're actually purchasing a policy underwritten by one of AAA's partner companies — which varies by state. AAA handles membership services, roadside information, and customer support, while the partner carrier manages claims and coverage.
AAA insurance typically includes the same coverage types as other auto insurers: liability (covering damage you cause to others), collision (covering damage to your car from accidents), comprehensive (covering theft, weather, and vandalism), and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. The specific coverage options, limits, and pricing depend on which regional partner writes your policy and which state you live in.
One distinguishing feature is that AAA members receive roadside information as part of their membership, separate from insurance. This includes towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, and battery service — benefits that explore whether you're in an AAA-insured vehicle or not.
Key Takeaways
- AAA insurance is underwritten by regional partner carriers that vary by state, so coverage options and pricing differ depending on where you live.
- AAA membership includes roadside information (towing, lockout service, fuel delivery) that works on any vehicle, not just AAA-insured cars.
- You can purchase AAA insurance through AAA's website, by phone, or at a local AAA office, and you do not need to be an existing member to buy a policy.
- Discounts commonly available through AAA include bundling home and auto policies, safety features on your vehicle, good driving records, and completing defensive driving courses.
- Claims can be reported through AAA's website, mobile app, or phone line, though the actual claims process is handled by the regional partner carrier.
How to Get a Quote and Purchase AAA Insurance
You can obtain a quote through AAA's website by entering your vehicle information, driving history, and desired coverage limits. The online tool will show you rates from available plans in your state. You can also call AAA directly or visit a local AAA office to speak with an agent who can walk you through options and answer questions about coverage.
Getting a quote does not require you to be an AAA member already. However, once you purchase an insurance policy, you will typically receive AAA membership as part of the package, or you can add membership if you want additional services beyond insurance. The membership component includes the roadside information benefit and access to AAA's other member perks like travel discounts and maps.
The quote process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes online, and you can purchase a policy when ready if you decide to move forward. You'll need your driver's license, vehicle registration, and information about your driving history. Coverage can begin as soon as the same day, depending on when you complete the purchase.
Coverage Types and How to Choose Limits
Liability coverage pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others in an accident. Most states require a minimum amount — typically $25,000 to $50,000 per person and $50,000 to $100,000 per accident, though these minimums vary. AAA allows you to choose limits above the state minimum, and many agents recommend higher limits if you have significant assets to protect.
Collision coverage pays for damage to your own vehicle from an accident with another car or object, regardless of who is at fault. This coverage comes with a deductible — usually $250, $500, or $1,000 — meaning you pay that amount out of pocket before insurance covers the rest. Collision is required if you have a car loan or lease.
Comprehensive coverage covers damage from events other than collisions: theft, weather, vandalism, hitting an animal, or falling objects. Like collision, it has a deductible. Comprehensive is also typically required if you're financing or leasing a vehicle.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you're hit by a driver who has no insurance or insufficient insurance to cover your damages. This coverage pays your medical bills and vehicle repairs up to your chosen limit. It's optional in most states but recommended, especially if you live in an area with high rates of uninsured drivers.
Discounts That May Lower Your Premium
AAA commonly offers discounts for bundling auto and home insurance policies, which can reduce your overall cost. Safe driver discounts explore if you have a clean driving record with no accidents or violations in a set period — usually three to five years, depending on the discount.
Vehicle safety features such as anti-theft devices, automatic seatbelts, or collision avoidance systems may lower your rate. Completing a defensive driving course through AAA or another recognized provider can also reduce your premium, and some insurers offer ongoing discounts for maintaining a good record.
Discounts for paying your premium in full upfront, setting up automatic payments, or maintaining continuous coverage are often available. Some regions offer usage-based discounts if you allow AAA to monitor your driving habits through a mobile app — lower rates if you drive safely and less frequently.
The specific discounts available depend on your state and the regional partner carrier. When you get a quote, the online tool or agent will show you which discounts you may be may be able to access for based on your situation.
How to File a Claim and What to Expect
To report a claim, contact AAA through their website, mobile app, or phone line. You'll provide details about the accident or incident — date, time, location, other vehicles or parties involved, and photos if available. AAA will take your report and assign the claim to an adjuster at the regional partner carrier.
The adjuster will contact you within one to two business days to discuss the claim and may request additional documentation such as the police report, photos of damage, repair estimates, or medical records if injuries are involved. You can choose your own repair shop or use one recommended by the insurance company.
Once the adjuster approves the claim, the insurance company will either pay you directly or pay the repair shop, depending on your arrangement. The timeline from claim filing to payment typically ranges from one to four weeks, though complex claims may take longer. You can check your claim status through AAA's website or app at any time.
Roadside information and Member Benefits
AAA membership includes roadside information that covers towing up to a certain distance (commonly 100 miles), lockout service if you're locked out of your vehicle, fuel delivery if you run out of gas, battery service, and minor mechanical help. These services are available 24/7 and work whether you're in an AAA-insured vehicle or driving someone else's car.
To use roadside information, call AAA's roadside service number (found on your membership card or in the mobile app) and provide your location and the type of help you need. A service provider will be dispatched to your location, typically within 30 to 60 minutes depending on where you are.
Beyond roadside information, AAA membership often includes travel discounts, maps and routing services, hotel and restaurant discounts, and access to AAA's website for trip planning. These benefits vary by membership level and region.
How AAA Insurance Compares to Other Insurers
AAA's main advantage is the bundled roadside information and membership benefits, which provide value beyond insurance alone. If you frequently travel or want peace of mind about breakdowns, this combination can be worth the membership cost. AAA also has a strong reputation for customer service and local office availability in many areas.
Pricing varies by state and individual circumstances, so AAA may be more or less expensive than competitors like State Farm, Geico, or Progressive depending on your location and driving history. The best way to compare is to get quotes from multiple insurers for the same coverage levels and deductibles.
One consideration is that because AAA uses regional partner carriers, the claims experience and coverage details may differ slightly depending on which partner writes your policy. When you get a quote, you can ask which carrier will underwrite your policy and research that company's claims ratings if you want more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an AAA member to buy AAA insurance?
No. You can purchase AAA insurance without being a member. However, when you buy a policy, membership is typically included or offered as an add-on. The membership gives you access to roadside information and other AAA benefits beyond just insurance.
What happens if I let my AAA membership lapse but keep my insurance?
Your insurance policy remains active and in force. However, you will lose access to roadside information and other membership benefits. You can renew your membership separately at any time if you want those services back.
Can I switch to a different insurance company if I'm unhappy with AAA?
Yes. You can cancel your AAA insurance policy at any time, though you may want to check if there are any penalties or if you're in the middle of a billing cycle. Your membership and insurance are separate, so you can keep your AAA membership even if you switch insurers.
Does AAA insurance cover rental cars?
Many AAA policies include rental car reimbursement as an optional add-on, which covers the cost of a rental vehicle if yours is damaged in a covered accident. You can add this coverage when you purchase your policy or request it later. Coverage limits and daily maximums vary by plan.
How do I update my policy or change my coverage?
You can make changes through AAA's website, mobile app, or by calling customer service. Common changes include adjusting deductibles, adding or removing coverage types, or updating vehicle or driver information. Changes typically take effect when ready or on your next billing date, depending on the type of change.