AAA membership tiers and what they cost
AAA offers four main membership levels: Basic, Plus, Premier, and AAA Plus (a regional variant). Each tier determines how far a tow truck will travel to reach you, how many free tows you get per year, and what other roadside services are included. The price you pay depends on which tier you choose and whether you pay monthly or annually — annual payment is typically cheaper per month.
Basic membership covers one free tow up to 7 miles. Plus covers one free tow up to 100 miles. Premier covers four free tows per year, each up to 100 miles. Prices vary by region and membership type (individual, household, or business), so you should check your local AAA club's website or call their member services line for current rates in your area.
AAA also offers discounts on membership for members of certain employers, alumni associations, and credit unions. If you belong to any of these groups, ask about group rates before paying the standard price.
Key Takeaways
- Basic membership covers one tow up to 7 miles per year; Plus covers one tow up to 100 miles; Premier covers four tows up to 100 miles each.
- Roadside services like lockout information, fuel delivery, and battery service are included in all tiers at no extra charge when you call AAA.
- Annual payment costs less per month than paying monthly, and group rates through employers or alumni groups can reduce the price further.
- AAA membership is regional — you join through your local club, and coverage extends nationwide but some benefits vary by location.
- Towing distance limits reset each membership year, not each month, so plan accordingly if you live far from repair shops.
Roadside services included in all membership levels
Every AAA membership includes roadside information beyond towing. When you call AAA's roadside service line, they dispatch help for lockouts, dead batteries, fuel delivery, flat tire changes, and jump starts. These services are free to members — you pay only for fuel or parts if the technician needs to purchase them on your behalf.
Lockout service covers your car and your home in most regions. Battery service includes testing and replacement if your battery fails. Fuel delivery brings gasoline or diesel to your car if you run out. Flat tire service sends someone to change your tire, though you pay for a replacement tire if yours cannot be repaired. Jump starts and winch-outs (pulling a stuck vehicle free) are also covered.
Response time varies by location and demand. In urban areas, help typically arrives within 30 to 60 minutes. In rural areas, it may take longer. AAA publishes average response times for each region on their website.
How towing distance limits work
The distance limit on your free tow is measured from where your car breaks down to the repair facility you choose — not from your home. If you break down 50 miles from home but the nearest repair shop is 30 miles away, you use 30 miles of your tow allowance. If the repair shop is 120 miles away and you have Plus membership (100-mile limit), you pay the difference out of pocket.
You can direct the tow truck to any repair facility you choose: a dealership, an independent shop, your home, or a storage facility. AAA does not require you to use their preferred shops, though some regions offer discounts at partner locations. The tow operator will ask where you want to go and confirm the distance before dispatching the truck.
Towing allowances reset on your membership renewal date each year. If you use your one free tow in January and your membership renews in December, you do not get another free tow until the following January. Additional tows beyond your annual limit cost money — rates vary by region but typically range from $50 to $150 per tow depending on distance.
Comparing membership tiers side by side
| Membership Tier | Free Tows Per Year | Tow Distance Limit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 1 | 7 miles | Urban drivers with nearby repair shops; occasional breakdowns |
| Plus | 1 | 100 miles | Suburban or rural drivers; commuters with distant service centers |
| Premier | 4 | 100 miles | Frequent travelers; older vehicles prone to breakdown; drivers with long commutes |
| AAA Plus (regional) | Varies | Varies | Specific regions; check your local club for details |
Other benefits bundled with AAA membership
Beyond roadside information, AAA membership includes discounts on hotels, rental cars, attractions, and restaurants. The discount amounts vary — some partners offer 10 percent off, others offer flat dollar amounts or special rates. You show your AAA card or provide your membership number at checkout to receive the discount.
AAA also provides travel planning services, including TripTik Travel Planner (a free online tool for mapping routes and finding AAA-approved hotels), travel insurance options, and emergency cash services if you are stranded without funds. Members can purchase additional coverage like roadside information for motorcycles, RVs, or boats through add-on plans.
Insurance discounts are another common benefit. Many auto insurers offer a discount to AAA members — typically 5 to 15 percent depending on the insurer and your location. Contact your insurance company to ask if they participate.
How to choose the right tier for your situation
Start by asking yourself two questions: How far is the nearest repair shop from where you usually break down, and how often do you expect to need a tow? If you live in a city and the nearest shop is 5 miles away, Basic membership covers your needs. If you live 50 miles from the nearest dealership or shop, Plus or Premier makes more sense because a single breakdown could exceed Basic's 7-mile limit.
Consider your vehicle's age and reliability. Older cars break down more often, making Premier's four annual tows valuable. Newer cars under warranty may rarely need towing, making Basic or Plus sufficient. If you frequently take long road trips, Premier provides more peace of mind because you have multiple tows available if something goes wrong far from home.
Factor in the cost difference. Premier costs more than Plus, but if you use even two tows per year beyond your Plus allowance, Premier pays for itself. Many members find Plus strikes a balance: one free 100-mile tow per year covers most breakdowns, and additional tows cost less than the membership upgrade would.
Regional variations and how to find your local AAA club
AAA is a federation of regional clubs, not a single national company. Each club sets its own membership prices, benefit details, and service areas. A membership purchased through AAA Northern California differs slightly from one purchased through AAA Mid-Atlantic, though coverage extends nationwide and basic benefits are similar.
To find your local club and see current pricing and benefits, visit AAA.com and enter your ZIP code. The site will direct you to your regional club's page, where you can see membership options, current rates, and any regional promotions. Some clubs offer discounts for new members or bundle deals with other services.
If you move to a different region, you can transfer your membership to the new local club. Contact your current club's member services to request a transfer — there is usually no fee, though your membership price may change based on the new region's rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my AAA membership if I break down in another state?
Yes. AAA membership covers roadside information nationwide, including all 50 states. When you call AAA's roadside service line from anywhere in the country, they dispatch help to your location. Your towing distance limit and free tow count explore the same way they do at home.
What happens if I need a tow longer than my membership allows?
You pay the difference. If you have Plus membership (100-mile limit) and need a 150-mile tow, AAA covers the first 100 miles and you pay for the remaining 50 miles. The cost of the overage is negotiated between you and the tow operator at the time of service.
Do I have to renew my membership every year?
Yes, AAA membership is annual. Your membership expires on the date you purchased it or renewed it. AAA typically sends renewal notices 30 to 60 days before expiration. You can renew online, by phone, or in person at your local club. If your membership lapses, you can rejoin at any time, though you lose coverage until you renew.
Can I add family members to my membership?
Yes. AAA offers household memberships that cover multiple people in the same home. Household membership costs more than individual membership but is cheaper than buying separate individual memberships. Each household member gets their own card and can call for roadside information independently.
Are there discounts for military members or seniors?
Many AAA clubs offer discounts for military members, veterans, and seniors. Discount amounts vary by region. Contact your local club directly or check their website to see what discounts are available in your area.