AAA's main roadside information phone number is 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357)
This is the number to call if you are stranded on the road and need a tow, lockout service, fuel delivery, or battery jump. The line is staffed 24 hours a day. When you call, have your membership card or membership number ready — the dispatcher will ask for it to pull up your account and confirm your coverage level.
If you are calling from your car, you can also use the AAA mobile app to request service. The app shows your location automatically, which can be faster than describing where you are to a dispatcher. Both methods reach the same network of service providers.
The wait time to speak to someone usually ranges from a few minutes to 15 minutes during peak hours, depending on call volume in your region. If you are in an unsafe location, tell the dispatcher when ready — they may advise you to move to a safer spot while you wait.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-222-4357 for roadside information; the line operates around the clock and you will need your membership number.
- The AAA mobile app can dispatch help using your phone's location, which is often faster than calling.
- Service coverage depends on your membership tier — basic, plus, and premier each cover different tow distances and service types.
- Response times vary by location and time of day, but most calls connect within 15 minutes during normal hours.
- If you are unsure whether your membership is active or what it covers, ask the dispatcher before requesting service.
What your membership tier covers
AAA offers three main membership levels, and each one covers different distances and types of service. Basic membership typically covers up to 7 miles of towing per incident. Plus membership covers up to 100 miles. Premier membership covers up to 200 miles. These distances reset after each service call, so you can use your full coverage again the next time you need help.
All three tiers cover the same types of service: lockouts, fuel delivery, battery jump-starts, and winching. The difference is how far the tow truck will take your car. If you live far from a repair shop or frequently drive long distances, a higher tier saves you money on out-of-pocket towing costs.
Your membership card lists your tier. If you are not sure which one you have, the dispatcher can tell you when you call, or you can log into your AAA account online to check.
Using the AAA app instead of calling
The AAA mobile app is available for iPhone and Android. After you log in with your membership number, you can request roadside service without making a phone call. The app automatically sends your GPS location to the dispatcher, which means you do not have to describe where you are or worry about giving the wrong address.
The app also lets you track the service vehicle in real time, similar to a ride-sharing app. You can see how far away the tow truck is and get a notification when it is about to arrive. This is especially useful if you are stranded in an unfamiliar area or at night.
If you do not have the app or your phone battery is low, calling 1-800-222-4357 works just as well. The dispatcher will ask for your location, and you can describe it as specifically as you can — mile marker, street name, nearby business, or intersection.
What to tell the dispatcher
When you call, have this information ready: your membership number (on your card), your location, what kind of help you need, and whether your car is safe to sit in or if you need to wait outside. The dispatcher will ask follow-up questions based on your situation.
If your car will not start, they will ask whether the battery is dead or whether the engine is turning over but not catching. If you are locked out, they will ask whether you have a spare key nearby or whether you need the locksmith to open the car. These details help them send the right type of service vehicle.
Tell the dispatcher if you are on a highway, in a parking lot, or on a residential street. If you are on a major road, mention the direction you are facing (northbound, southbound, etc.) and any nearby exits or landmarks. The more specific you are, the faster the service vehicle can find you.
When to call before you break down
You do not have to wait until you are stranded to call AAA. If your car is making a strange noise or you are worried it might not make it to a repair shop, you can call the roadside information line and ask for a tow to a mechanic of your choice. This is useful if you are far from home or if your regular mechanic is across town.
You can also call to ask whether a particular repair shop is in the AAA network. Some shops offer discounts to AAA members, and the dispatcher can tell you which ones are nearby and whether they are currently open.
Regional phone numbers and special situations
The main number 1-800-222-4357 works nationwide, but some AAA clubs (regional divisions) have their own local numbers. If you are a member of a specific club — like AAA Northern California or AAA South Carolina — you might see a local number on your membership card. Both numbers reach the same service network, so use whichever is more convenient.
If you are traveling outside the United States, AAA has partnerships with roadside information programs in Canada and Mexico. When you call 1-800-222-4357 from abroad, the dispatcher can explain what coverage applies in that country and may transfer you to a local provider.
If you are a member of a different roadside information program (not AAA) but have a question about how it works, that program will have its own phone number on your membership card. Do not call AAA for help with a different service.
What happens after you call
After the dispatcher takes your information, a service provider in your area will be assigned to your call. You will receive a confirmation with an estimated arrival time. If the wait is longer than expected, the dispatcher may call you back with an update.
When the service vehicle arrives, the driver will verify your membership and ID before starting work. If you requested a tow, the driver will ask where you want the car taken — to a repair shop, your home, or another location. Make sure the destination is within your membership's tow distance, or you may be charged for the extra miles.
After the service is complete, you will receive a receipt. Keep it for your records. If you have a question about the charge or the service, you can contact AAA customer service during business hours to file a complaint or ask for clarification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I call and my membership has expired?
The dispatcher will tell you that your membership is no longer active. You can renew it over the phone at that moment, and your coverage will begin when ready. If you do not renew, you will be charged the full cost of the service call. It is faster to renew your membership before you need help, but you can do it in an emergency.
Can I request a specific repair shop or tow company?
Yes. Tell the dispatcher which shop you want your car taken to, and they will send a tow truck that services that location. If the shop is outside your tow distance, you will pay the difference. Some shops are in the AAA network and may offer member discounts.
What if I am locked out of my car with my keys inside?
Call 1-800-222-4357 and tell the dispatcher you need a lockout service. A locksmith will come to your car and open it. This is covered under all AAA membership tiers. Do not try to open the car yourself, as you may damage the lock or window.
Is there a limit to how many times I can use roadside information in a year?
AAA does not publish a specific limit, but the membership is designed for occasional emergencies, not frequent use. If you call for service multiple times in a short period, AAA may contact you to discuss whether you need a different type of service (like a repair plan) instead.
What if the service vehicle does not arrive within the estimated time?
Call the number on your confirmation or call 1-800-222-4357 again to ask for an update. If there is a significant delay, the dispatcher can sometimes send a different service vehicle or offer other options. After the service is complete, you can contact AAA customer service to report the delay.