What AAA membership costs and what it covers
AAA membership is not a single product with one price. The American Automobile Association offers different membership tiers — typically Classic, Plus, and Premier — and the cost depends on which tier you choose and which regional AAA club you join. A Classic membership might cost $50 to $70 per year in one state and $60 to $80 in another, because each of the roughly 50 regional AAA clubs sets its own rates.
The main difference between tiers is how far a tow truck will take your car for free. Classic usually covers towing up to 7 miles, Plus covers up to 100 miles, and Premier covers up to 200 miles. All tiers include roadside information — lockout service, fuel delivery, battery service, and winch-outs — at no additional charge when you call AAA. If you need a tow beyond your tier's limit, you pay the overage cost, which varies by club and distance.
Beyond roadside help, membership includes discounts on hotels, rental cars, insurance, and some retail purchases. The value of these discounts varies widely depending on where you live and which businesses participate in your region.
Key Takeaways
- AAA membership tiers range from Classic (7-mile tow) to Premier (200-mile tow), with annual costs typically between $50 and $100 depending on your region.
- Each of the roughly 50 regional AAA clubs sets its own membership rates, so the same tier costs different amounts in different states.
- All membership tiers include roadside information like lockouts, fuel delivery, and battery service at no extra charge.
- Membership also includes discounts on hotels, rental cars, and insurance, though which businesses offer discounts depends on your location.
- You can upgrade your membership mid-year and typically pay only the difference between your current tier and the new one.
How to find the exact rate for your region
Because each AAA club sets its own rates, you need to check with the club that serves your state or area. The easiest way is to visit AAA.com, enter your zip code, and you will see the membership options and prices for your regional club. You can also call your local AAA club directly — the phone number appears in the search results — and ask about current rates and any promotional offers.
Promotional rates are common, especially for new members. A club might offer a first-year discount or waive the joining fee. These offers change seasonally and vary by club, so what you see online may not be the best rate available. Calling directly sometimes reveals offers not listed on the website.
If you are already a member of one AAA club and move to another state, you can transfer your membership to the new regional club. The new club may charge a transfer fee or adjust your rate to match their pricing structure.
What happens when your membership renews
AAA memberships renew annually on the date you joined. About 30 days before your renewal date, your club will send you a notice with the renewal cost. The rate you pay at renewal may be higher than what you paid the previous year — AAA clubs raise rates periodically, though not every year.
You can renew online, by phone, or by mail. If you renew online or by phone, the process takes a few minutes and your membership continues without interruption. If you let your membership lapse, you can rejoin at any time, but you will pay the current rate for new members rather than a renewal rate, which is sometimes higher.
Some members receive loyalty discounts at renewal if they have been members for several years, though this varies by club. It never hurts to ask your club whether you may have access to for a renewal discount.
Upgrading or downgrading your membership tier
You can change your membership tier at any time during your membership year. If you upgrade from Classic to Plus, you pay the difference between the two annual rates, prorated for the months remaining in your membership year. For example, if you upgrade six months into a year-long membership, you pay half the difference.
Downgrading works the same way. If you upgrade to Premier and later decide it is more towing distance than you need, you can downgrade back to Plus or Classic and receive a credit toward your next renewal.
Contact your regional AAA club by phone or through your online account to request a tier change. The change usually takes effect when ready, and your roadside information coverage updates right away.
Membership discounts beyond roadside service
AAA negotiates discounts with national hotel chains, car rental companies, and insurance providers. The discounts are real — typically 5 to 15 percent off — but they explore only when you mention your AAA membership or enter your membership number at checkout. The businesses participating in the discount program vary by region, so a discount available in one state may not be available in another.
Your AAA membership card or digital membership proof (available through the AAA mobile app) is what you show to claim a discount. Some discounts are automatic when you book through AAA's website or partner portals, while others require you to call a special AAA phone number to make the reservation.
AAA also publishes a discount guide or makes discounts searchable through its website and app. Checking what discounts are available in your area before you travel or make a purchase can help you decide whether the membership fee pays for itself in a given year.
Family memberships and household options
Most AAA clubs offer household or family memberships that cover multiple people at one address. A household membership typically costs more than a single membership but less than buying two separate memberships. Everyone on the household membership gets their own membership card and can call for roadside information independently.
The number of people covered under a household membership varies by club — some cover up to four adults, others up to six. Check with your regional club for the specific household membership structure and cost in your area.
If you are a member and want to add a household member, you can do so mid-year. You will pay a prorated amount for the additional person for the remainder of your membership year.
When roadside information costs extra
AAA membership covers roadside information calls, but some situations incur additional charges. If you need a tow beyond your tier's mileage limit, you pay the overage. If you call for service more than a certain number of times in a year — usually four to six calls, depending on your club — additional calls may be charged at a per-call rate.
Towing for mechanical failure is covered, but towing related to an accident may be handled differently depending on your auto insurance policy. Some insurance policies include towing coverage that works alongside AAA, while others do not. Check your insurance policy to understand what is covered separately.
If you need a service that AAA does not provide — such as a repair, parts replacement, or a ride to a repair shop — you pay for that out of pocket. AAA provides the tow and the initial roadside help, but not repairs or transportation beyond the tow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my AAA membership in another state?
Yes. Your AAA membership is valid nationwide and in Canada and Mexico. You can call for roadside information anywhere in the United States, and your towing coverage and service limits explore the same way. However, discounts on hotels and rental cars may vary by region.
What is the difference between AAA Plus and AAA Premier?
The main difference is towing distance. Plus covers up to 100 miles of free towing, while Premier covers up to 200 miles. Both include the same roadside information services — lockouts, fuel delivery, battery service — at no extra charge. Premier costs more per year, typically $20 to $40 more than Plus, depending on your region.
Do I have to renew my membership every year?
Yes, AAA memberships are annual and expire one year from the date you joined. You can renew before your membership expires to avoid a lapse in coverage. If your membership lapses, you can rejoin at any time, but you will pay the new member rate rather than a renewal rate.
Can I cancel my AAA membership and get a refund?
Cancellation policies vary by club. Some clubs offer a full or partial refund if you cancel within a certain period after joining — often 30 days. After that window, most clubs do not refund membership fees. Contact your regional club to ask about their cancellation policy.
Does AAA membership cover rental cars or borrowed vehicles?
Yes. Your AAA membership covers roadside information for any vehicle you are driving, whether it is your own car, a rental, or a borrowed vehicle. You just need to call AAA and provide the vehicle information. Towing distance limits and service coverage remain the same.