AAA membership costs between $56 and $132 per year, depending on which membership tier you choose and which regional AAA club you join

The three main tiers are Basic, Plus, and Premier. Basic is the least expensive and covers towing up to 3 miles; Plus covers up to 100 miles; Premier covers up to 200 miles. Regional AAA clubs set their own prices, so the exact cost varies by location — a membership in California may cost more or less than the same tier in Ohio. Most clubs offer discounts if you pay for multiple years upfront, and some offer lower rates if you join through an employer or membership organization.

Beyond towing distance, the membership includes roadside information for lockouts, fuel delivery, battery service, and flat tire changes. All tiers also include travel discounts, hotel and rental car discounts, and access to AAA's travel planning services. Some clubs bundle home or renters insurance discounts into membership as well.

Key Takeaways

  • Basic membership costs the least but covers only 3-mile tows, while Plus and Premier extend that to 100 and 200 miles respectively.
  • Your regional AAA club sets the price, so you need to check your local club's website or call to get the exact cost in your area.
  • All membership tiers include roadside information for lockouts, fuel delivery, battery service, and flat tire changes at no extra charge.
  • Multi-year discounts and employer discounts can lower your annual cost by 10 to 20 percent depending on your club and situation.

How the three membership tiers differ in price and coverage

Basic membership is the entry-level option and typically costs between $56 and $70 per year. It covers towing up to 3 miles, which is useful if you break down near a repair shop but not if you need to reach a specific mechanic across town. Basic also includes lockout service, fuel delivery, battery service, and flat tire changes, all at no additional cost when you call roadside information.

Plus membership usually runs $90 to $110 per year and extends towing coverage to 100 miles. This tier makes sense if you drive in rural areas, take long road trips, or want the security of reaching a mechanic of your choice rather than the nearest one. Plus includes all the same roadside services as Basic.

Premier membership is the highest tier, typically priced between $120 and $132 per year, and covers towing up to 200 miles. Premier is designed for people who travel frequently or live far from major repair facilities. It includes all roadside services and the same travel discounts as the other tiers.

Why prices vary by region and how to find your local rate

AAA is not a single national organization but a federation of regional clubs. Each club operates independently and sets its own membership prices based on local costs, competition, and the services it offers. The AAA club in one state may charge $65 for Basic membership while another charges $72 for the same tier.

To find out what membership costs in your area, visit your regional club's website directly or call their membership department. You can find your club by entering your zip code on AAA.com. Some clubs also offer membership through their local office, and staff can answer questions about pricing and current promotions on the spot.

Discounts that can lower your annual cost

Most AAA clubs offer a discount if you pay for two or three years upfront instead of renewing annually. The savings typically range from 10 to 20 percent of the total cost. For example, if Basic membership costs $65 per year, paying for three years upfront might cost $185 instead of $195, saving you $10.

Some employers, unions, and professional organizations have negotiated group rates with AAA. If your employer offers this benefit, your membership may cost 15 to 25 percent less than the standard rate. Check with your HR department or employee benefits portal to see if AAA membership is available at a discount.

A few AAA clubs also offer lower rates for students, seniors, or members of the military, though these discounts vary by region. Ask your local club whether any of these explore to you.

What roadside services are included in every membership tier

Regardless of which tier you choose, all AAA members receive the same roadside information services. If you lock yourself out of your car, AAA will send a locksmith or technician to open it. If you run out of fuel, they will deliver up to 5 gallons of gas to your location. If your battery dies, they will jump-start your car or replace the battery if needed.

Flat tire changes are also included — AAA will come out and change a tire for you, though you are responsible for the cost of a replacement tire if yours cannot be repaired. These services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you reach them by calling the number on your membership card or through the AAA mobile app.

The only service that varies by tier is towing distance. Everything else — lockouts, fuel delivery, battery service, and tire changes — is the same across Basic, Plus, and Premier.

Travel discounts and other member benefits beyond roadside help

AAA membership includes discounts at thousands of hotels, rental car companies, and attractions across the United States and internationally. You typically receive 5 to 10 percent off hotel rates when you book through AAA or show your membership card at check-in. Rental car companies like Hertz, Enterprise, and Budget offer AAA member discounts as well.

Many AAA clubs also provide travel planning services, including trip routing, hotel reservations, and travel insurance information. Some clubs offer discounts on home or renters insurance through affiliated insurance partners, though this varies by region. Your membership card also grants you discounts at restaurants, retail stores, and entertainment venues in your area — the specific discounts depend on which businesses have partnered with your regional club.

How to join or renew your membership

You can join AAA through your regional club's website, by phone, or in person at a local AAA office. When you join, you will need to provide your name, address, phone number, and email. You will also need to choose which membership tier you want and decide whether to pay monthly, annually, or for multiple years upfront.

If you already have AAA membership, you can renew it through the same channels before your membership expires. Most clubs send renewal notices by mail or email 30 to 60 days before your membership ends. You can renew online, by phone, or at an office location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my membership tier after I join?

Yes. You can upgrade or downgrade your membership tier at any time by contacting your regional AAA club. If you upgrade, you may owe the difference in price. If you downgrade, some clubs will refund the difference, though policies vary by region.

Do I have to renew my membership every year?

Yes, AAA membership is annual and expires 12 months after the date you join or renew. You will receive a renewal notice before your membership expires, and you can renew online, by phone, or in person. If your membership lapses, you can rejoin at any time.

Is AAA membership worth the cost?

That depends on how often you drive and how far from repair facilities you live. If you drive an older car, take long road trips, or live in a rural area, the towing coverage alone may pay for itself in one emergency. The travel discounts and roadside services add value for frequent travelers. If you rarely drive and live near repair shops, the cost may not be worth it for you.

Can I share my AAA membership with family members?

Most AAA clubs allow you to add household members to your membership for an additional fee, typically $30 to $50 per person per year. Each household member receives their own membership card and can call for roadside information independently. Check with your regional club for the exact cost and rules in your area.

What happens if I use roadside information and then cancel my membership?

You can cancel your membership at any time, even after using roadside services. However, if you cancel within a certain period after joining — usually 30 days — some clubs may not refund your membership fee. Read your club's cancellation policy when you join.