What AAA membership covers and how to join

AAA (American Automobile Association) is a membership organization that provides roadside information, travel planning, discounts, and insurance services to drivers. When you join, you pay an annual or monthly fee and receive a membership card that gives you access to towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, and other roadside help 24 hours a day. You can join through AAA.com, by phone, or at a local AAA office — membership usually starts the same day you sign up.

The main reason people join is roadside information. If your car breaks down, you lock your keys inside, run out of gas, or get a flat tire, you call AAA and they send a service vehicle to you. The service is included in your membership at no extra charge, though some situations (like towing beyond a certain distance) may cost extra depending on your membership tier.

AAA also negotiates discounts with hotels, rental car companies, restaurants, and entertainment venues. These discounts vary by location and partner, so the ones available to you depend on where you live. You show your membership card or give a code at checkout to receive the discount.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA membership includes 24-hour roadside information for towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, and other common car emergencies at no extra charge per call.
  • Membership costs vary by location and tier, with basic plans starting around $50 to $150 per year, though prices differ by region.
  • You receive a membership card when ready upon joining and can use roadside services the same day.
  • AAA offers discounts at thousands of businesses including hotels, restaurants, and entertainment, though which discounts are available depends on your location.
  • You can join online at AAA.com, by phone, or at a local AAA office in your state.

How to join AAA and what information you need

To join AAA, you need a valid driver's license, a current mailing address, and a phone number. If you are joining online at AAA.com, you will also need a payment method — either a credit card or bank account for monthly or annual billing. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.

Start by going to AAA.com and selecting your state from the homepage. Each state has its own AAA club, and membership prices and benefits vary slightly by region. Enter your ZIP code to confirm you are in the right club's service area. Then click the membership option that matches what you need — most people choose the basic tier, which covers standard roadside information.

You will be asked to enter your name, date of birth, driver's license number, address, phone number, and email. Double-check that your address and phone number are correct, because AAA uses these to dispatch roadside help if you call. Then select your payment method and billing frequency (monthly or annual). Annual membership is usually cheaper per month than paying monthly, but monthly gives you the option to cancel anytime.

Once you complete payment, your membership is active when ready. AAA will email you a digital membership card that you can show on your phone, and a physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can start using roadside information services right away using either the digital or physical card.

Roadside information coverage and how to use it

When you need roadside help, call the AAA number on the back of your membership card or use the AAA mobile app to request service. A dispatcher will ask where you are, what the problem is, and what type of vehicle you drive. They will send the nearest AAA-approved service provider to your location. Most calls are answered within a few minutes, and a service vehicle usually arrives within 30 to 60 minutes depending on how remote you are.

Basic AAA membership typically includes up to 100 miles of towing per service call, lockout service, fuel delivery, battery service, and flat tire changes. If your car needs to be towed more than 100 miles, you pay the difference — the cost varies by location and service provider. Some situations, like towing to a specific shop you choose rather than the nearest one, may also have extra charges.

The app is often faster than calling. You can take a photo of your location, describe the problem, and request service without speaking to anyone. The app also shows you a map of where the service vehicle is and gives you a real-time estimate of arrival time.

Membership tiers and what each one covers

AAA offers several membership levels, though the exact names and prices vary by state. The most common tiers are Classic (basic coverage), Plus (higher towing limits), and Premier (the highest coverage). Classic is the entry-level option and covers most common roadside emergencies. Plus increases your towing distance — usually to 200 miles instead of 100 — and Premier goes even higher.

The difference between tiers is mainly how far AAA will tow your car for free. If you rarely drive long distances or live close to repair shops, Classic is usually enough. If you take road trips or live far from services, Plus or Premier may be worth the extra cost. Check your state's AAA website to see the exact towing distances and prices for each tier in your area, because these vary significantly by region.

All tiers include the same basic services — lockouts, fuel delivery, battery service, and flat tire changes. The main difference is how far they tow you for free.

Discounts and member benefits beyond roadside help

AAA negotiates discounts with thousands of businesses. Common discounts include 10 percent off hotel stays at major chains, discounts on rental cars, reduced admission to theme parks and museums, and discounts at restaurants and entertainment venues. You show your membership card or provide a membership number at checkout to receive the discount.

The specific discounts available to you depend on your location. AAA's website has a searchable discount directory where you can enter your ZIP code and see which businesses near you offer AAA discounts. Some discounts are nationwide (like certain hotel chains), while others are only available in specific regions.

AAA also offers travel planning services, including trip routing, hotel reservations, and travel insurance. Members can call or visit a local AAA office to plan a trip, and staff will help you map your route and find hotels along the way. This service is included with membership.

AAA insurance and other services

In addition to membership, AAA offers auto insurance, home insurance, and other insurance products. These are separate from your membership — you do not get insurance just by joining AAA. If you want AAA insurance, you explore for it separately and pay a different premium. Some states allow AAA members to receive a discount on AAA insurance, but this varies by location.

AAA also offers battery sales and installation, vehicle inspections, and other services at some local AAA offices. These are not included in membership and cost extra. Check your local AAA office's website to see what services they offer.

Canceling your membership or changing your plan

If you want to cancel your AAA membership, you can do so online through your account on AAA.com, by calling the number on your membership card, or by visiting a local AAA office. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, most states allow you to receive a full refund. After 30 days, refund policies vary by state — some offer prorated refunds if you cancel mid-year, while others do not.

If you want to upgrade to a higher tier (like from Classic to Plus), you can do this online or by calling. AAA will usually credit the amount you have already paid toward the higher tier and charge you the difference.

If you move to a different state, you may need to transfer your membership to that state's AAA club. Contact your current AAA club to ask about transferring, as the process and any fees vary by state.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does AAA membership cost?

Prices vary by state and membership tier. Basic (Classic) membership typically ranges from $50 to $150 per year, with higher tiers costing more. Monthly payment options are also available but cost more per month than paying annually. Check your state's AAA website for exact pricing in your area.

Can I use my AAA membership if I am traveling outside my home state?

Yes. Your AAA membership works nationwide and in Canada and Mexico. Call the number on the back of your card from anywhere, and AAA will dispatch a service provider to help you. Some services may have different coverage limits or costs depending on where you are.

What if I get locked out of my car at night or on a weekend?

AAA roadside information operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Call the number on your membership card anytime and a lockout service will be dispatched to you. There is no extra charge for after-hours service.

Do I have to use AAA-approved service providers, or can I choose my own mechanic?

AAA dispatches approved service providers, and you generally cannot choose a specific shop. However, if you need your car towed to a specific mechanic instead of the nearest one, you can request that — though you may pay extra for the additional distance. Ask the dispatcher about the cost before they tow your car.

Can I share my AAA membership card with family members?

Your membership card is for your use only. Family members who want roadside information need their own memberships. However, if a family member is driving your car and needs roadside help, they can call AAA and provide your membership number to receive service.