AAA membership fees range from about $50 to $150 per year for basic roadside information, depending on which AAA club you join and what coverage level you choose

The American Automobile Association (AAA) charges an annual membership fee that covers roadside information, towing, lockout service, and other benefits. The exact cost depends on your location — each state has its own AAA club with slightly different pricing — and which membership tier you select. Most people pay somewhere between $50 and $150 yearly for standard coverage, though premium tiers that include higher towing limits or additional services cost more.

You pay the fee once per year, usually by credit card or bank account. Your membership becomes active when ready after payment, and you receive a membership card in the mail within a few days. If you cancel before the year is up, most AAA clubs do not refund the unused portion, so timing matters if you are on the fence.

Key Takeaways

  • Basic AAA membership typically costs $50 to $150 per year and includes roadside towing, lockout service, and fuel delivery.
  • Your state's AAA club sets the price, so costs vary by location — call your local club or check their website to see the exact fee.
  • Premium membership tiers offer higher towing distance limits and additional services for $30 to $50 more per year.
  • Membership is annual and non-refundable if you cancel partway through, so confirm you want the coverage before paying.

How to find your local AAA club's exact pricing

AAA is not a single national organization with one price. Instead, it is a federation of regional clubs — one for each state or group of states — and each club sets its own membership fees. The club that serves your area determines what you pay.

To find out the exact cost in your location, visit AAA.com and enter your zip code, or call the club that serves your state directly. Their website will show you the membership tiers available and the price for each one. Some clubs offer discounts if you pay for two or three years upfront, so ask about that option when you call.

What is included in a basic AAA membership

A standard AAA membership covers roadside information when your car breaks down or you get stranded. This includes towing (usually up to 7 miles for free, with additional distance charged at a per-mile rate), lockout service if you lock your keys in the car, fuel delivery if you run out of gas, and jump-start service if your battery dies. You also get a membership card that you show to the dispatcher when you call for help.

Many AAA clubs also include discounts on hotel stays, rental cars, and attractions — these vary by club and are listed on your membership card or their website. Some clubs offer discounts at gas stations or restaurants as well. These perks do not cost extra; they come with your membership fee.

Premium membership tiers and higher coverage limits

Most AAA clubs offer a Plus or Premier tier above the basic membership. Plus typically covers towing up to 100 miles instead of 7, and Premier covers up to 200 miles. These tiers cost an additional $30 to $50 per year on top of the basic fee.

If you live far from a major repair shop or travel long distances regularly, the higher towing limit can save you money on a single call. For example, if your car breaks down 50 miles from home and you have basic membership, you would pay out of pocket for the distance beyond 7 miles. With Plus, that tow is covered. Check your club's website to see the exact towing limits and pricing for each tier.

How membership payment and renewal work

When you join AAA, you choose a payment method — credit card, debit card, or bank account — and the club charges your annual fee when ready. Your membership card arrives in the mail within 5 to 10 business days, though you can use your membership the same day you pay by providing your membership number to the dispatcher.

AAA will remind you before your membership expires, usually 30 days in advance. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail. If you do not renew by the expiration date, your membership ends and you lose roadside information coverage. If you rejoin later, you start a new membership year from the date you pay.

What happens if you cancel or do not renew

If you cancel your membership before the year is up, most AAA clubs do not refund the unused portion of your fee. This is stated in the membership agreement you sign when you join. If you are unsure whether you want to keep the membership, contact your club before the renewal date to ask about their cancellation policy — a few clubs offer partial refunds in specific situations, though this is rare.

If your membership expires and you do not renew, you straightforward lose access to roadside information. You can rejoin at any time by paying the current annual fee. There is no penalty for letting your membership lapse and rejoining later.

Comparing AAA membership to other roadside information options

AAA is not the only roadside information provider. Some car insurance policies include roadside information as an add-on for $5 to $15 per year, which is cheaper than AAA but may have lower towing limits or fewer service locations. Credit card companies sometimes offer roadside information to cardholders at no extra cost. Some newer cars include roadside information from the manufacturer for a set period after purchase.

If you already have roadside information through insurance or your car, check what it covers before paying for AAA. If you do not have any coverage and you drive regularly, AAA or a similar service is worth the cost — a single tow that is not covered can cost $100 to $300 out of pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AAA membership cover towing if my car is in an accident?

Yes, AAA covers towing for accidents the same way it covers mechanical breakdowns. Call the roadside information number on your card and tell them what happened. They will send a tow truck to your location. Your insurance company will handle the accident claim separately.

Can I use my AAA membership if I am traveling out of state?

Yes, AAA membership works nationwide. Your card is valid in all 50 states and Canada. If you break down in another state, call the roadside information number on your card and provide your membership number. They will dispatch a tow truck in that location.

What if I only need roadside information once or twice a year?

A single tow without membership typically costs $100 to $300 depending on distance, so if you use AAA even once per year, the membership fee usually pays for itself. However, if you rarely drive or have roadside information through your insurance, you may not need a separate AAA membership.

Can I get a refund if I do not use my membership?

No, AAA membership fees are not refundable based on usage. You pay for the coverage whether you use it or not, similar to insurance. If you decide you do not want the membership, you can cancel before renewal, but you will not receive a refund for the current year.

Do AAA discounts save enough money to justify the membership fee?

The roadside information coverage itself is usually the main value. Hotel and restaurant discounts vary by location and may save you $10 to $50 per year if you use them regularly, but most people join primarily for the towing and lockout service, not the discounts.