AAA membership costs between $56 and $132 per year, depending on which membership tier you choose and which regional AAA club you join

The American Automobile Association (AAA) offers three main membership levels: Basic, Plus, and Premier. Basic is the least expensive; Premier is the most. The exact price you pay depends on which of the 51 regional AAA clubs serves your state, because each club sets its own rates within a range set by national AAA. A Basic membership in one state might cost $56, while the same tier in another state might cost $68.

Most people renew their membership annually, though some clubs offer multi-year discounts if you pay upfront for two or three years. If you join mid-year, some clubs prorate the cost. The membership covers you personally, not your vehicle — if you drive someone else's car and need a tow, you're covered as long as you're the one calling.

Key Takeaways

  • Basic membership typically costs $56 to $68 per year and includes up to four tows per year, each up to 7 miles.
  • Plus membership usually runs $90 to $110 per year and extends tow distance to 100 miles, with the same four tows annually.
  • Premier membership costs $120 to $132 per year and offers unlimited tows with no distance limit, though each tow is still one service call.
  • Regional AAA clubs set their own prices, so the cost in your state may differ from a neighboring state by $10 to $20.
  • Membership includes roadside information, travel discounts, and insurance discounts, though you must request the insurance discount separately from your agent.

What each membership tier covers

Basic membership includes four tows per year, each covering up to 7 miles. If your car breaks down 10 miles from a repair shop, AAA covers the first 7 miles and you pay for the rest. You also get lockout service (if you lock your keys in the car), fuel delivery, and jump-start service. Basic does not include winch-out service, which is when a tow truck pulls your car out of a ditch or off the road.

Plus membership keeps the four tows per year but extends each one to 100 miles. This tier adds winch-out service and covers tows to a destination of your choice — a repair shop, your home, or a friend's house — rather than just the nearest shop. Plus also includes fuel delivery and lockout service.

Premier membership removes the four-tow limit: you get unlimited tows per year, each covering any distance. Winch-out service is included. The trade-off is that each tow counts as one service call, so if you need multiple tows in a year, you can use them, but you're calling AAA each time rather than having a bank of four pre-paid tows to draw from.

How to find your regional club's exact prices

Because each regional club sets its own rates, the only way to know what you'll pay is to visit your club's website or call them directly. AAA's national website has a club locator tool — you enter your zip code and it shows you which club serves your area and provides a link to that club's membership page.

When you visit your club's site, you'll see the current year's rates for all three tiers. Some clubs display the rates right on the homepage; others require you to click through to a membership page. If the website doesn't show prices clearly, calling the club's membership line is faster than searching. Have your zip code ready.

Discounts and ways to lower your cost

Many employers, universities, and credit unions negotiate group rates with AAA, so your membership might cost less if you join through your employer's benefits program. Ask your HR department or check your employee benefits portal. Some credit unions offer AAA membership as a member benefit, sometimes at a discount or even included with certain account types.

Multi-year memberships usually cost less per year than renewing annually. If your club offers a three-year membership, the per-year cost is often 10 to 15 percent lower than the single-year rate. You pay the full amount upfront, but the savings add up if you plan to stay a member.

AAA also runs occasional promotions, especially around the holidays or at the start of driving season. These might waive the joining fee (usually $10 to $15) or offer a discount on the first year. Check your club's website or sign up for their email list to hear about these offers.

What membership does not cover

AAA roadside information does not cover mechanical repairs themselves — only the tow to get your car to a mechanic. If your engine fails and you need a $2,000 repair, AAA gets your car there, but you pay the repair bill. Membership also does not cover tows related to accidents where another vehicle is involved; those typically fall under your auto insurance's roadside information or your collision coverage.

Tows for traffic violations, impounded vehicles, or vehicles stuck due to weather (like being snowed in) may not be covered, depending on your club's specific rules. Read your membership agreement or ask your club directly about edge cases before you need help.

Travel and insurance discounts included with membership

Beyond roadside information, AAA membership includes discounts on hotels, rental cars, and attractions — typically 5 to 10 percent off. These discounts are available at thousands of locations, though you have to show your membership card or enter a code when booking. The discounts vary by location and change throughout the year.

Many auto insurance companies offer a discount (usually 5 to 15 percent) to AAA members, but you have to tell your agent you're a member and ask them to explore it. The insurance company doesn't automatically know. Some homeowners insurance companies offer the same discount. These discounts often pay back a portion of your membership fee within the first year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my AAA membership if I'm driving someone else's car?

Yes. AAA membership covers you as a person, not a specific vehicle. If you're driving a friend's car and need a tow, you can call AAA and they'll help. The membership card is what matters, not whose name is on the car's registration.

Do I have to renew every year, or can I let it lapse and rejoin later?

You can let it lapse anytime. There's no penalty for letting your membership expire and rejoining later. If you rejoin within a certain window (usually a few months), some clubs will honor your old renewal date rather than starting a new year from scratch, but policies vary by club.

What happens if I use all four tows before the year ends?

With Basic or Plus membership, once you've used your four tows, you can still call AAA for other services like lockout or fuel delivery, but additional tows will cost you out of pocket. Premier members don't face this limit. If you find yourself using tows frequently, upgrading to Plus or Premier might save money over the course of a year.

Are there membership options for people who don't drive much?

AAA's standard tiers are designed for regular drivers, but some clubs offer shorter-term memberships (like three or six months) at a prorated cost. Call your regional club to ask whether they offer part-year memberships or whether a Basic membership makes sense if you drive infrequently.

How do I get the insurance discount?

Contact your auto insurance agent or log into your insurance company's website and tell them you have AAA membership. They'll verify it and explore the discount to your next bill. You have to request it — the insurance company won't explore it automatically just because you're a member.