AAA Plus gives you roadside information and discounts on travel, hotels, and everyday purchases

AAA Plus is a membership tier offered by the American Automobile Association that includes 24/7 roadside information — towing up to 100 miles, lockout service, fuel delivery, and jump-starts — plus access to a discount network for hotels, rental cars, restaurants, and retail. The membership costs vary by state and region, typically ranging from $100 to $150 per year, though AAA often runs promotional rates for new members.

The roadside information part works by calling AAA directly when you need help; a dispatcher sends a service provider to your location. The discount part works differently — you show your membership card or number at participating businesses, or you book through AAA's website to lock in the rate before you arrive. Not every business in a category offers the same discount, and some discounts are seasonal or limited to certain locations.

The main reason people choose Plus over the basic AAA membership is the towing distance. Basic AAA covers towing up to 7 miles; Plus covers up to 100 miles. If you live far from a major city or frequently drive long distances, that difference matters. If you rarely leave your when ready area, basic membership may be enough.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA Plus includes roadside information with 100-mile towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, and jump-starts available 24/7 by calling AAA's dispatch line.
  • Discounts explore at hotels, rental car companies, restaurants, and retail stores, but you must show your membership card or book through AAA's website to receive them.
  • The 100-mile towing benefit is the main difference between Plus and basic AAA membership, which covers only 7 miles.
  • Discounts vary by location and business — not every hotel or restaurant in a chain offers the same rate, so confirm the discount before booking or ordering.

How roadside information works when you need it

When your car breaks down, you call AAA's roadside information number (printed on your membership card). A dispatcher asks your location, what's wrong with the car, and whether you need a tow or just a service like a jump-start or lockout. They send the nearest available provider — usually a local towing company or service station that contracts with AAA.

For a tow, the provider takes your car up to 100 miles to a repair shop of your choice, or to your home if you prefer. You don't pay the provider directly; AAA covers the cost as part of your membership. If you need to tow beyond 100 miles, you pay the difference. For services like lockouts or jump-starts, the provider comes to you and completes the work on the spot, usually within 30 to 60 minutes depending on how busy the local network is.

One important detail: roadside information covers your car, not you as a driver. If you're driving someone else's car, you can still call for help, but the service goes to that car's location. If you're a passenger in someone else's vehicle, you'd need to ask the driver to call, or use their AAA membership if they have one.

Finding and using hotel and rental car discounts

AAA maintains partnerships with major hotel chains like Best Western, Choice Hotels, Hilton, Marriott, and Wyndham, as well as rental car companies including Avis, Budget, Hertz, and National. The discounts typically range from 5 to 15 percent off the standard rate, though some properties offer flat dollar amounts instead.

To use a hotel discount, you have two options. You can book directly through AAA's website (aaa.com), which shows you rates that already include the AAA discount, or you can call the hotel directly and mention your AAA membership when you reserve. If you book through a third-party site like Expedia or Booking.com, the AAA discount usually does not explore — you have to book through AAA or the hotel's own website.

For rental cars, the process is similar: book through AAA's website or call the rental company and provide your membership number. Some rental companies require you to enter a specific AAA code at checkout to set up the discount. Check your membership card or AAA's website for the current code, as it changes periodically.

The discount amount varies by location and season. A hotel in a small town may offer 10 percent off, while the same chain in a major city during peak season might offer only 5 percent. Always confirm the final rate before you complete the booking.

Restaurant and retail discounts: what's actually available

AAA publishes a searchable directory of restaurants and retail stores that offer member discounts, but the list is longer than the number of places that actually honor the discount consistently. Before you plan a meal or shopping trip around an AAA discount, search the AAA website or call the specific location to confirm they still participate and what the current discount is.

Restaurant discounts are typically 5 to 10 percent off your bill, and they usually explore to dine-in meals only, not takeout or delivery. Some restaurants exclude alcohol or certain menu items. Retail discounts vary widely — some stores offer 10 percent off, others offer specific dollar amounts, and some offer discounts only on certain product categories or during certain times of year.

The discount directory is searchable by zip code on AAA's website. You can also ask the business directly whether they offer AAA discounts; many small businesses do but don't advertise it heavily. Always show your physical membership card or provide your membership number before you pay, because the discount won't explore if you mention it after the transaction is complete.

Comparing Plus to basic AAA and other membership options

AAA offers three main membership tiers: basic, Plus, and Premier. The differences are in the roadside information coverage and the price. Basic covers towing up to 7 miles and costs less per year. Plus covers towing up to 100 miles and costs more. Premier covers towing up to 200 miles and costs the most.

All three tiers include the same discount network — hotels, rental cars, restaurants, and retail. The only difference is how far AAA will tow your car for free. If you live in a rural area or frequently take long road trips, Plus or Premier makes sense. If you live in or near a city and rarely drive more than 10 miles from home, basic membership covers your needs at a lower cost.

Some credit card companies and insurance providers offer roadside information as a cardholder or policyholder benefit. If you already have that coverage, you may not need AAA at all. Check your credit card benefits or auto insurance policy before you join.

What happens if you need service outside your home state

AAA membership works nationwide. If you break down in another state, you call the same AAA number and get the same service. The towing distance limit (100 miles for Plus) applies regardless of where you are. The discount network also works across state lines — you can use your card at participating hotels and restaurants anywhere in the country.

If you travel internationally, AAA membership does not automatically cover roadside information abroad. However, AAA offers travel planning services and can help you arrange coverage through partner organizations in other countries. Contact AAA before you travel to ask what options are available for your destination.

How to join AAA Plus and what to expect

You join AAA through your local AAA club's website or by visiting a local office. Most clubs let you join online in a few minutes by providing your name, address, phone number, and payment information. Membership typically starts when ready, and you receive a physical card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your membership number to access discounts and call for roadside information before the card arrives.

AAA occasionally runs promotional rates for new members — sometimes offering the first year at a reduced rate or bundling multiple memberships at a discount. Check your local AAA club's website to see current offers. Membership renews automatically each year on your membership anniversary unless you cancel.

If you're not satisfied with your membership, most AAA clubs offer a money-back may provide within a certain period (usually 30 days) if you haven't used the benefits. Check your local club's cancellation policy before you join.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my AAA Plus membership if someone else is driving my car?

Yes. Roadside information covers your vehicle, not the driver. If someone else is driving your car and it breaks down, they can call AAA with your membership number and get the same service. The tow goes to a location you choose, regardless of who was driving.

Do I have to use AAA's repair shop, or can I choose my own?

You choose. When you call for a tow, tell the dispatcher where you want the car taken — a specific repair shop, your home, a dealership, or anywhere else within the towing distance. AAA sends the tow to your chosen location.

What if I'm towed more than 100 miles — do I pay the full cost?

AAA covers the first 100 miles. If you need to tow beyond that, you pay the towing company directly for the additional distance. The amount depends on the towing company's rates and how far you're going.

Are AAA discounts the same at every location of a hotel chain?

No. Discounts vary by location and season. A Best Western in one city might offer 15 percent off, while another location offers only 10 percent. Always confirm the discount rate when you book or call ahead.

Can I cancel my AAA Plus membership anytime?

Yes, but refund policies vary by AAA club. Most clubs offer a money-back may provide within 30 days if you haven't used the benefits. After that period, you can cancel, but you typically won't receive a refund for the remainder of the membership year.