AAA Premier membership gives you roadside information, travel discounts, and insurance-related services, with higher towing limits and broader coverage than basic AAA membership

AAA Premier is the mid-tier membership option between AAA Basic and AAA Plus. The main difference is the towing distance: Premier covers up to 100 miles of towing per service call, while Basic covers 7 miles and Plus covers 200 miles. You also get the same roadside services as Basic — lockout information, fuel delivery, battery service, and winch-outs — but the longer tow distance matters most if you live far from repair shops or frequently drive remote routes.

The membership also includes travel discounts at hotels, rental cars, and attractions; insurance discounts through partner companies; and access to AAA's trip planning and travel guides. These benefits vary by state and by which AAA club you join, so what's available in California may differ from what's available in Texas.

Key Takeaways

  • Premier membership covers roadside towing up to 100 miles, compared to 7 miles for Basic and 200 miles for Plus.
  • You get four service calls per year at no charge, and additional calls cost a per-call fee that varies by your AAA club.
  • Discounts on hotels, rental cars, and attractions are included, though the discount percentage depends on the merchant and your state.
  • You must call AAA directly or use their mobile app to request service; the membership card itself does not set up service.
  • Annual cost varies by state and club, typically ranging from $70 to $150 per year, and membership renews automatically unless you cancel.

Roadside information Services Included in Premier

Premier membership includes four free roadside service calls per year. Each call covers one service — a tow, a lockout, a fuel delivery — and you get four separate calls to use however you need them. If you use all four before the year ends, additional calls cost a per-call fee; your AAA club sets this fee, so it varies by location.

The services covered are: towing up to 100 miles to a repair shop or destination of your choice; lockout service if you're locked out of your car; fuel delivery if you run out of gas; battery service including jump-starts and battery replacement; winch-outs if you're stuck in a ditch or off-road; and flat tire information. Towing is the most commonly used benefit, and the 100-mile limit means you can reach most regional repair shops even if you're stranded far from home.

To use these services, call AAA's roadside information line (the number is on your membership card) or use the AAA mobile app. You'll need to provide your location, membership number, and a description of what you need. A dispatcher will send a service provider to you; response time depends on your location and current demand, but AAA typically aims for arrival within 30 to 60 minutes in urban areas and longer in rural zones.

Travel and Discount Benefits

Premier membership includes discounts at major hotel chains, car rental companies, and attractions like theme parks and museums. The discount percentage varies — some hotels offer 10 percent off, others offer a flat dollar amount per night — and availability depends on which AAA club you belong to and which merchant you're using. Not every location of a chain participates, so you'll need to verify the discount applies before you book.

To use travel discounts, show your AAA membership card at check-in or mention your membership number when you book online or by phone. Some merchants require you to book through AAA's website or travel portal to receive the discount, so check the specific terms for each business. AAA also publishes a discount directory on their website and in the member magazine, updated regularly with current offers.

Premier members also get access to AAA's TripTik Travel Planner, a free online tool for mapping routes, finding AAA-approved hotels and restaurants, and checking road conditions. This is available to all AAA members, not just Premier, but it's included in your membership at no extra cost.

Insurance Discounts and Related Services

AAA partners with insurance companies to offer discounts on auto, home, and life insurance. The discount amount and which insurers participate depend on your state. Some states have AAA-branded insurance products underwritten by partner companies; others straightforward have discount agreements with existing insurers. You'll need to contact the insurers directly or call your AAA club to learn what's available where you live.

Premier membership also includes identity theft monitoring and resolution services in some states, though this varies. Check with your AAA club to confirm whether this benefit is included in your membership or available as an add-on.

How to set up and Use Your Premier Membership

When you purchase Premier membership, you receive a membership card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your membership becomes active when ready upon purchase, even before the card arrives. You can view your membership number and benefits in the AAA mobile app or on the AAA website using your login credentials.

To use roadside information, call the number on the back of your membership card or use the AAA mobile app to request service. Have your membership number, vehicle information, and location ready. For travel discounts, present your card or membership number at the point of purchase. For insurance discounts, contact the insurance company or your AAA club directly.

Your membership renews automatically on the anniversary of your purchase date. AAA will charge your payment method on file unless you cancel before the renewal date. You can manage your membership, update payment information, and cancel anytime through your online account or by calling your AAA club.

Premier vs. Basic and Plus Membership

The main differences between AAA membership tiers are towing distance and annual cost. Basic covers 7 miles of towing and costs the least. Premier covers 100 miles and costs more. Plus covers 200 miles and costs the most. All three tiers include the same four free service calls per year, the same travel discounts, and the same insurance discount partnerships.

Choose Premier if you live 20 to 100 miles from your regular repair shop or if you frequently drive long distances. Choose Plus if you live in a rural area far from services or if you want the maximum towing distance. Choose Basic if you live in or near a city where most repair shops are within 7 miles.

Annual Cost and Renewal

Premier membership cost varies by state and by which AAA club you join. Typical annual cost ranges from $70 to $150, though some clubs charge more or less. Multi-year memberships (two or three years) usually cost less per year than paying annually. Some employers and organizations offer AAA memberships at a discount, so check whether your employer or a group you belong to has a partnership.

Your membership renews automatically each year on the anniversary of your purchase. AAA charges your payment method on file. If you want to cancel or switch to a different membership tier, contact your AAA club at least a few days before your renewal date. If you cancel after renewal, most AAA clubs offer a prorated refund for the unused portion of your membership.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 distance beyond that. The tow operator will quote you the additional cost before starting the tow. Some members choose to arrange their own tow for the remaining distance or negotiate with the operator.

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

Yes. The membership covers your vehicle, not just you as the driver. Anyone driving your car can call AAA roadside information and provide your membership number. The service will be dispatched to your vehicle's location.

Do I lose my free service calls if I don't use them?

Yes. Your four free service calls reset each year on your membership renewal date. Unused calls do not carry over to the next year. Once you've used all four, additional calls cost a per-call fee set by your AAA club.

Are travel discounts available at every location of a hotel or rental car chain?

No. Discounts vary by location and by merchant. Some hotels and rental car locations participate in AAA discounts, others do not. Always verify the discount applies before you book by checking the AAA website, calling the merchant directly, or showing your card at check-in.

What if I move to a different state?

You can transfer your membership to the AAA club in your new state. Contact your current club to request a transfer, and they will coordinate with the new club. Your membership benefits and renewal date typically stay the same, though some benefits may change based on what's available in your new state.