ASAP membership is a discount program run by the American Automobile Association (AAA) that bundles roadside information, travel discounts, and insurance-related services into a single membership

ASAP stands for "American Automobile Association Service and information Program." It is not a separate organization — it is one membership tier within AAA. When you join ASAP, you pay an annual fee and receive roadside help (towing, lockouts, fuel delivery), discounts on hotels and rental cars, travel planning tools, and access to insurance products. The specific benefits and cost depend on which ASAP tier you choose and which state you live in, because AAA operates through regional clubs that set their own pricing.

ASAP is designed for people who drive regularly but want basic roadside coverage without paying for the higher-tier AAA memberships. If you are looking for roadside information alone, ASAP is one option; if you want more extensive travel benefits or concierge services, AAA offers other membership levels that cost more.

Key Takeaways

  • ASAP membership includes roadside information (towing up to a certain distance, lockout service, fuel delivery) and travel discounts at hotels and car rental companies.
  • Cost and coverage limits vary by state and by the specific AAA regional club that serves your area, so you need to check with your local club for exact pricing and benefits.
  • You can join ASAP online through AAA's website, by phone, or in person at a local AAA office, and membership is typically active within a few days.
  • ASAP membership is separate from auto insurance; it covers roadside help but does not replace collision, liability, or comprehensive coverage.
  • If you do not drive regularly or rarely travel, ASAP may cost more than you need; roadside information is also available through some auto insurance policies and credit card companies.

What roadside services ASAP covers

ASAP membership includes towing to a repair facility or destination of your choice. The distance covered varies — some regional AAA clubs cover up to 100 miles, others up to 200 miles — so confirm the limit with your local club before you join. If your car breaks down beyond that distance, you pay the overage yourself.

The membership also covers lockout service (a technician comes to unlock your car if you are locked out), fuel delivery (if you run out of gas, someone brings fuel to you), battery service (jump-start or battery replacement), and tire service (changing a flat tire or delivering a spare). These services are typically free to members, though some regional clubs charge a small fee for certain services or limit how many times per year you can use them.

One important limit: ASAP covers the vehicle itself, not the people in it. If you are injured in an accident, ASAP does not pay medical bills — that is what auto insurance is for. ASAP also does not cover damage to your car; it only arranges transport to a repair shop.

Travel discounts and other member benefits

Beyond roadside help, ASAP includes discounts at hotel chains (typically 5 to 10 percent off), car rental companies, and some restaurants and attractions. These discounts are available through AAA's website or by showing your membership card at the time of booking or check-in. The specific hotels and rental companies that participate vary by region.

ASAP members also receive access to AAA's trip planning tools, which include maps, routing, and information about attractions along your route. Some regional clubs offer additional perks like discounts on DMV services, legal services, or identity theft protection, though these vary widely.

Travel discounts are not automatic — you have to know they exist and actively look for them. Many people pay full price because they do not realize their membership includes a discount. Check AAA's website or call your local club to see what discounts are currently available in your area.

How to join ASAP and what it costs

You can join ASAP online at AAA.com, by calling your local AAA club, or by visiting an AAA office in person. You will need a valid driver's license and a current mailing address. Membership typically becomes active within a few business days of joining, though some clubs offer when ready digital membership cards.

Cost varies significantly by state and regional club. In some areas, ASAP membership costs between $50 and $100 per year; in others, it may be higher. Some clubs offer discounts if you pay for multiple years upfront or if you bundle ASAP with other AAA products. Ask about any current promotions when you join — many clubs run seasonal discounts.

When you join, you will receive a physical membership card and a digital card through AAA's mobile app. Keep the card in your car or on your phone so you can show it to a service provider if you need roadside help. If you lose your card, you can call AAA and provide your membership number instead.

ASAP versus other roadside information options

Roadside information is also available through other sources. Many auto insurance policies include roadside coverage as an add-on (sometimes called roadside information or roadside service), and some credit card companies offer it to cardholders at no extra cost. Before you join ASAP, check whether your insurance or credit card already covers towing and lockouts.

If your insurance does include roadside information, compare the towing distance limit and the types of services covered. Some insurance policies cover only towing, while others include lockouts and fuel delivery like ASAP does. If your insurance covers everything you need, you may not need ASAP membership.

Roadside information through insurance or credit cards is often cheaper than ASAP membership if you only need basic coverage. However, ASAP includes travel discounts that standalone roadside information does not, so if you travel frequently and want both roadside help and hotel discounts, ASAP may be the better value.

What happens when you use your ASAP membership

If you need roadside help, call the number on the back of your ASAP membership card or use AAA's mobile app to request service. You will provide your location, describe the problem, and tell the dispatcher where you want to be towed. A service provider will be dispatched to your location — response time varies depending on where you are and how busy the service network is in your area.

When the service provider arrives, show your membership card or provide your membership number. The provider will handle the service (towing, lockout, fuel delivery, etc.) at no charge to you, assuming the service is covered by your membership. If you request a service that is not covered or if you exceed your membership limits (like towing beyond the distance limit), you will be charged for the overage.

Keep in mind that ASAP does not cover damage to your car or injuries to people. If you are in an accident and need medical help, call 911. If your car is damaged, your auto insurance will handle the claim, not ASAP.

When ASAP membership may not be worth the cost

If you drive a newer car under warranty, roadside information may already be included in your manufacturer's warranty. Some car brands (like BMW, Mercedes, and others) include roadside service for a set number of years or miles. Check your warranty paperwork before paying for ASAP.

If you rarely drive or mostly take short trips close to home, the cost of ASAP membership may outweigh the benefit. Roadside help is most valuable if you regularly drive long distances or live far from repair shops. If you drive only occasionally around town, you might never use the membership.

If you do not travel or rarely stay in hotels, the travel discounts that come with ASAP will not save you money. In that case, you are paying for benefits you will not use, and a standalone roadside information product (through your insurance or credit card) might be a better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ASAP membership cover my family members or just me?

ASAP membership covers the vehicle and anyone in it at the time of the breakdown. You do not need to list family members separately. However, the membership is tied to one vehicle — if you have multiple cars, you need a separate membership for each one, or you can upgrade to a household membership that covers multiple vehicles (cost and availability vary by region).

What if I need towing beyond the distance limit?

You will be responsible for paying the overage cost. For example, if your membership covers 100 miles of towing and you need 150 miles, you pay for the extra 50 miles. Ask the dispatcher about the overage cost before you authorize the tow so you know what to expect.

Can I use ASAP membership if I am not the owner of the car?

Yes, as long as you have the membership card or membership number with you. ASAP covers the vehicle, not the person, so if you are driving a borrowed car and the owner has ASAP membership, you can use it. If you are driving a rental car, check whether the rental company includes roadside information in the rental agreement.

How long does it take to get roadside help after I call?

Response time depends on your location and how busy the service network is in your area. In cities, help may arrive within 30 minutes to an hour. In rural areas, it may take longer. The dispatcher will give you an estimated arrival time when you call.

Does ASAP membership cover accidents or damage to my car?

No. ASAP covers roadside information (towing, lockouts, fuel delivery) but does not cover damage, repairs, or medical expenses. If you are in an accident, your auto insurance handles the claim. ASAP only arranges transport to a repair shop.