AAA Membership Plus adds roadside service limits and towing distance beyond the basic plan
AAA Membership Plus is the mid-tier roadside information plan offered by the American Automobile Association. It covers the same basic services as standard AAA membership — lockouts, jump starts, fuel delivery, and tire changes — but extends the towing distance and increases the number of free service calls per year. The main trade-off is a higher annual fee than basic membership, but lower than AAA Premier, the highest tier.
The specific benefits depend on which AAA club you join, since each regional club sets its own membership tiers and pricing. However, the general structure is consistent: Membership Plus sits between basic coverage and Premier across most clubs in the United States.
Key Takeaways
- AAA Membership Plus typically includes 100 miles of free towing per service call, compared to 7 miles with basic membership.
- You receive four free service calls per year instead of the two or three included in basic plans.
- The annual cost varies by region but is usually $30 to $50 more than basic membership.
- Membership Plus does not cover mechanical repairs, parts, or labor — only the cost of getting your car to a repair facility.
- You can request service through the AAA mobile app, website, or phone, and a tow truck typically arrives within 30 to 60 minutes in urban areas.
Towing distance and service call limits
The clearest difference between Membership Plus and basic AAA is the towing distance. With basic membership, AAA covers up to 7 miles of towing at no charge. Membership Plus extends that to 100 miles, which means if your car breaks down on a highway far from home, you can be towed to a repair shop near your destination rather than the nearest facility.
Membership Plus also increases your annual service calls. Basic AAA typically allows two or three free service calls per year; Membership Plus raises this to four. Each call covers one service — a lockout, a jump start, a fuel delivery, or a tire change — so if you need multiple services in one incident, that counts as one call. If you exceed your annual limit, AAA charges a per-call fee, which varies by region but is usually $50 to $100.
The 100-mile towing distance is particularly valuable if you commute long distances, take frequent road trips, or live in a rural area. A breakdown 50 miles from home would cost you out of pocket with basic membership but would be covered under Membership Plus.
What Membership Plus does not cover
AAA Membership Plus pays for towing and roadside service only. It does not cover the cost of repairs, replacement parts, labor at a repair shop, or diagnostic fees. If your car needs a new alternator, a transmission rebuild, or any mechanical work, you pay for that separately.
Membership Plus also does not cover accidents, collisions, or comprehensive damage. If you need a tow because of a crash, AAA will tow your car, but your auto insurance collision coverage pays for the repairs. Some AAA members confuse roadside information with insurance; they are separate products.
The plan also does not cover towing for vehicles you do not own or operate regularly. If you borrow a friend's car and it breaks down, you cannot use your AAA membership to tow it unless your membership explicitly covers household vehicles or you have added that option.
How Membership Plus compares to basic and Premier tiers
| Feature | Basic AAA | Membership Plus | Premier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Towing distance | 7 miles | 100 miles | 200 miles |
| Free service calls per year | 2–3 | 4 | 4 |
| Lockout service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Jump start, fuel, tire change | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Annual cost (approximate) | $50–$80 | $90–$130 | $140–$180 |
Premier membership doubles the towing distance to 200 miles and is worth considering if you frequently travel long distances or live very far from major repair facilities. However, both Membership Plus and Premier offer the same number of free service calls per year, so the choice between them depends mainly on how far you might need to be towed.
Basic membership is sufficient if you rarely drive far from home, live in an urban area with repair shops nearby, or want to minimize membership cost. Membership Plus is the middle ground for people who take occasional long trips or want a safety margin without paying for Premier.
How to request service under Membership Plus
When you need roadside service, you can contact AAA through the mobile app, the website, or by phone. The phone number is on your membership card. You will need to provide your membership number, location, vehicle information, and a description of the problem.
AAA dispatches a tow truck or service provider from its network. In urban and suburban areas, response time is typically 30 to 60 minutes; in rural areas, it may take longer. You stay with your vehicle or wait nearby until the service arrives. The provider will handle the service on the spot (lockout, jump start, tire change, fuel delivery) or tow your car if needed.
If you are towed under Membership Plus, you can request to be taken to a specific repair shop, your home, or another destination within the 100-mile radius. AAA does not choose the destination for you.
Regional variations in Membership Plus pricing and benefits
AAA is organized into regional clubs — such as AAA Northern California, AAA Mid-Atlantic, and AAA Texas — and each club sets its own membership prices and benefit details. The structure of Membership Plus is similar across clubs, but the exact towing distance, number of service calls, and annual cost may differ slightly.
Before purchasing Membership Plus, check your local AAA club's website or call their membership line to confirm the specific benefits and cost in your region. Some clubs also offer discounts on membership if you pay for multiple years upfront or if you are a member of certain organizations.
AAA also offers discounts on hotels, rental cars, insurance, and other services to members at all tiers, so the value of membership extends beyond roadside information. These discounts vary by region and partner.
When Membership Plus makes financial sense
Membership Plus costs roughly $40 to $50 more per year than basic AAA. That extra cost is worth it if you are likely to need a tow longer than 7 miles even once per year. A single 50-mile tow from a private towing company can cost $200 to $400, so Membership Plus pays for itself quickly if you have one long-distance breakdown.
It is also worth considering if you drive an older vehicle with a higher breakdown risk, commute more than 30 miles to work, or take frequent road trips. If you rarely drive far from home and your car is reliable, basic membership may be sufficient.
Some people purchase Membership Plus for peace of mind rather than because they expect to use it frequently. That is a valid choice, but it is worth being honest about your actual driving patterns before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AAA Membership Plus cover my spouse or family members?
AAA membership is tied to a specific person and vehicle. If your spouse has their own membership card, they are covered under their own plan. Some AAA clubs offer household memberships that cover multiple people and vehicles at a discount, so check with your regional club about that option.
What happens if I need a tow longer than 100 miles?
If your tow exceeds 100 miles, AAA covers the first 100 miles at no charge, and you pay out of pocket for the remainder. The tow truck driver will inform you of the additional cost before proceeding. Some people purchase Membership Plus and then pay for longer tows when needed, rather than upgrading to Premier.
Can I use Membership Plus if I am towed by someone else first?
No. AAA reimburses towing only if AAA dispatches the tow truck. If a police officer, a bystander, or a private towing company tows your car before you call AAA, you cannot claim reimbursement. Always call AAA first when you need a tow.
Does Membership Plus cover rental car reimbursement or hotel stays?
No. Membership Plus covers only the tow and roadside service. If you are stranded overnight, you pay for a hotel yourself. Some auto insurance policies include rental car reimbursement, so check your insurance policy separately.
Can I pause or cancel my Membership Plus if I do not use it?
Yes. You can cancel your membership at any time by contacting your regional AAA club. If you cancel mid-year, some clubs offer prorated refunds, though policies vary. You can also pause membership for a few months if you know you will not be driving.