What AAA membership levels are and how they differ
AAA membership comes in three main tiers — Basic, Plus, and Premier — and the difference between them is how far a tow truck will come to you and how many times per year you can use it. Basic covers tows up to 7 miles, Plus covers up to 100 miles, and Premier covers up to 200 miles. Each level also includes roadside services like lockout information, fuel delivery, and jump-starts, but the tow distance is what separates them in price and real-world usefulness.
The tier you choose depends on where you live and how far from a repair shop you might be stranded. Someone in a city where the nearest mechanic is 5 miles away might never use the difference between Basic and Plus. Someone 50 miles from town will find Plus worth the extra cost; someone 150 miles out will want Premier.
AAA also offers membership for motorcycles, RVs, and commercial vehicles, each with its own tier structure. This guide focuses on standard auto membership, which is what most people hold.
Key Takeaways
- Basic membership covers tows up to 7 miles and costs less per year, but is only practical if repair shops are very close to your home or work.
- Plus membership covers tows up to 100 miles and is the most common choice for people who live in rural areas or travel regularly.
- Premier membership covers tows up to 200 miles and is worth considering if you live far from services or drive long distances frequently.
- All three tiers include lockout service, fuel delivery, jump-starts, and other roadside help at no extra charge per use.
- Membership cost varies by state and region, so the price difference between tiers is not the same everywhere.
Basic membership: 7-mile tow coverage
Basic is the entry-level membership and the cheapest option. It covers one tow per year up to 7 miles, plus unlimited lockouts, fuel delivery, jump-starts, and winch-outs (pulling a car out of a ditch). The 7-mile limit means the tow truck will take you to the nearest repair shop within that radius, or to your home if it is closer.
Basic makes sense if you live in or near a town with multiple repair shops, or if you rarely drive far from home. It also works if you have a second vehicle or a strong backup plan — for instance, if a family member can pick you up. The real risk is being stranded far from home with no other option; in that case, you would pay out of pocket for a longer tow, which can easily cost $300 to $500.
One tow per year sounds limiting, but most people use roadside information for lockouts or dead batteries, not tows. If you do need a tow and it exceeds 7 miles, you pay the difference yourself.
Plus membership: 100-mile tow coverage
Plus is the middle tier and the most popular choice. It covers one tow per year up to 100 miles, plus all the same roadside services as Basic. For most people, 100 miles is far enough to reach a major city or a trusted mechanic, even if you live in a rural area.
Plus is worth the upgrade if you live more than 10 or 15 miles from the nearest repair shop, or if you regularly drive to places you are not familiar with. It also gives you peace of mind on long road trips — if your car breaks down 80 miles away, you can get towed to a shop of your choice rather than wherever the nearest one happens to be.
The cost difference between Basic and Plus varies by state, but is usually $30 to $50 per year. For most people, that difference pays for itself the first time you need a tow longer than 7 miles.
Premier membership: 200-mile tow coverage
Premier is the highest tier and covers one tow per year up to 200 miles. This distance is useful if you live in a remote area, drive a long commute, or take frequent road trips. A 200-mile tow can reach across multiple states in some regions, or from a rural area all the way to a major city.
Premier also includes additional perks that Basic and Plus do not always have, depending on your state — these may include higher limits on fuel delivery or lockout service, or discounts on other AAA services. Check your state's specific offerings, because they vary.
Premier costs more than Plus — usually $40 to $70 more per year depending on where you live — but if you live far from services or drive long distances regularly, the protection is worth it. A single tow from a remote location can cost $800 or more if you pay out of pocket.
Roadside services included in all three tiers
No matter which tier you choose, you get the same roadside services at no extra charge per use. These include lockout information (if you lock your keys in the car), fuel delivery (a small amount of gas brought to you), jump-starts for a dead battery, winch-outs (pulling you out of a ditch or snow), and tire changes if you do not have a spare or cannot change it yourself.
You also get access to AAA's network of approved repair shops, which may offer discounts on labor or parts. Some AAA members use these discounts more often than they use towing, so the membership pays for itself even without a breakdown.
The number of times you can use these services per year varies by state and membership tier. In most states, you get four lockouts and four fuel deliveries per year, but this is not universal — check your state's rules when you join.
How membership cost varies by state and region
AAA membership is not priced the same everywhere. Each state club sets its own rates based on local costs, competition, and demand. Basic membership might cost $50 to $70 per year in one state and $80 to $100 in another. Plus and Premier follow the same pattern — the tier difference is usually consistent, but the starting price is not.
Your age also affects the price. AAA offers discounts for students, seniors, and members of certain professions. A student membership might be 20 to 30 percent cheaper than a standard adult membership, and senior discounts are common as well.
The best way to find out what membership costs in your area is to visit your state's AAA website or call the local club directly. Many AAA clubs also offer multi-year memberships at a discount — paying for three years upfront might save you 10 to 15 percent compared to renewing year by year.
Choosing the right tier for your situation
Start by asking yourself two questions: How far is the nearest repair shop from where I live and work? And how often do I drive long distances or to unfamiliar places? If the answer to both is "very close" and "rarely," Basic is probably enough. If repair shops are 20 to 50 miles away, or you drive regularly, Plus is the practical choice. If you live in a remote area or drive long distances often, Premier is worth the cost.
You can also think about it in terms of risk. What would it cost you out of pocket if your car broke down 50 miles from home? If that cost would be painful, Plus is insurance against it. If you live 150 miles from the nearest city, Premier is not a luxury — it is a necessity.
Remember that you can change your tier when you renew your membership. If you join Basic and find yourself needing longer tows, you can upgrade to Plus next year. Many people start with Plus and stay there because it covers most real-world situations without the extra cost of Premier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my tow more than once per year?
Each tier includes one tow per year. If you need a second tow in the same year, you pay the full cost out of pocket. Some AAA members buy additional tow vouchers in advance, or upgrade to a higher tier if they know they will need more coverage.
What happens if my tow is longer than my membership tier covers?
You pay the difference. 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. The out-of-pocket cost for that extra distance is usually $2 to $4 per mile, so it is worth knowing your tier limit before you break down.
Do I have to use an AAA-approved repair shop for the tow to be covered?
No. AAA will tow you to any repair shop you choose, whether it is on their approved network or not. The approved shops offer discounts to AAA members, but you are not required to use them.
Is AAA membership worth it if I have roadside information through my car insurance?
It depends on what your insurance covers. Many insurance policies include roadside information, but with lower tow limits (often 5 to 10 miles) or fewer uses per year. If your insurance covers long tows, you might not need AAA. If it does not, AAA is a good backup. Some people carry both because they cover different situations.
Can I add family members to my membership?
Yes. AAA memberships can include a spouse or household member at a lower cost than buying two separate memberships. The household member gets the same tier coverage and roadside services. Ask about household membership rates when you join.