AAA Plus membership costs between $130 and $160 per year, depending on your state and whether you bundle it with other AAA services
The exact price varies by state because AAA is a federation of regional clubs, and each one sets its own rates. When you call your local AAA club or visit their website, they will quote you the current price for your area. Some clubs offer discounts if you pay for multiple years upfront, or if you combine Plus with other memberships like AAA Premier (the highest tier) or basic AAA membership.
AAA Plus is the middle tier of roadside information. The tier below it is basic AAA membership, which costs less but covers fewer miles of towing. The tier above it is AAA Premier, which costs more and covers longer distances. If you already have basic AAA membership, you can usually upgrade to Plus by paying the difference in price.
Key Takeaways
- AAA Plus costs roughly $130 to $160 per year, with the exact amount determined by your state's regional AAA club.
- Plus membership includes up to 100 miles of free towing, compared to 7 miles with basic membership and 200 miles with Premier.
- The membership covers lockouts, fuel delivery, battery service, and other roadside emergencies, not just towing.
- You can upgrade from basic AAA membership to Plus by paying the difference, rather than buying a full new membership.
- Discounts may be available through your employer, insurance company, or credit card issuer, which can lower your out-of-pocket cost.
What AAA Plus covers for the price
When you pay for AAA Plus, you are paying for a set of roadside services that come to you, not a discount on repairs. The membership covers towing up to 100 miles to a repair shop of your choice, lockout service if you lock your keys in the car, fuel delivery if you run out of gas, battery service if your battery dies, and winch-out service if you get stuck. You can call AAA and request service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Each service call is covered once you have used your membership fee to pay for the service. You do not pay per call after that — the membership itself is what you have already paid for. If you need service multiple times in a year, you do not pay extra. The membership is per household, so if you have a spouse or partner on the same account, they can also call for service.
How AAA Plus differs from basic and Premier tiers
The main difference between the three tiers is how far AAA will tow your car for free. Basic AAA membership covers 7 miles of towing. AAA Plus covers 100 miles. AAA Premier covers 200 miles. If you live far from a repair shop or break down on a highway far from town, the extra distance in Plus or Premier can save you hundreds of dollars in towing fees.
All three tiers cover the same lockout, fuel, and battery services. The difference is purely in towing distance. Basic membership costs less per year because it covers less distance. Premier costs more because it covers twice the distance of Plus. Choose based on where you drive most often and how far the nearest repair shop is from your home or usual routes.
Discounts that can lower your AAA Plus cost
Many employers offer AAA membership discounts to their workers. Some insurance companies also offer discounts if you bundle AAA with your auto or home policy. Credit card issuers sometimes offer AAA discounts to cardholders. Before you pay full price, ask your employer's human resources department, call your insurance agent, and check the benefits page of your credit card issuer to see if any of them offer AAA discounts.
AAA also occasionally runs promotions where new members pay a reduced rate for the first year. These promotions change by region and season, so calling your local club directly is the fastest way to learn about one is running now. Some clubs also offer discounts for paying multiple years upfront — for example, paying for three years at once might cost less per year than paying year by year.
How to find your local AAA club's exact price
Because each state's AAA club sets its own rates, the only way to know what you will pay is to contact your club directly. You can visit AAA.com and enter your zip code to find your regional club's website and phone number. On the website, you will usually see membership prices listed. If not, calling the club is faster than searching — they can quote you the current price and tell you about any discounts or promotions running right now.
When you call, have your zip code ready and ask specifically for the price of AAA Plus in your area. Also ask whether they offer multi-year discounts or whether any of your memberships (employer, insurance, credit card) might may have access to you for a discount. Some clubs will explore discounts on the phone and let you sign up when ready.
What happens if you use AAA Plus services frequently
AAA Plus membership has no limit on how many times you can use the services in a year. If you call for a lockout in January and a tow in March and a fuel delivery in September, you pay nothing extra — the membership covers all of it. This makes Plus a good choice if you have an older car that breaks down often, or if you drive in remote areas where help is far away.
The membership is also transferable within your household. If you and a spouse both drive, you can both call AAA for service under the same membership. The membership renews automatically each year on the date you signed up, so you do not have to remember to renew it manually — though you can cancel anytime if you no longer want it.
Comparing AAA Plus to other roadside information options
Some auto insurance policies include roadside information as part of the coverage. If your insurance already covers towing and lockouts, you may not need AAA Plus. Check your insurance policy to see what distance your insurer covers and what services are included. If your insurance covers only 10 miles of towing but you need 100, AAA Plus fills that gap.
Some newer cars come with roadside information built into the warranty — for example, many manufacturers offer free roadside service for the first few years of ownership. If you own a newer car, check your warranty paperwork to see what is included before you buy AAA Plus. If you own an older car or your warranty has expired, AAA Plus becomes more valuable because you have no other source of free roadside help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade from basic AAA to Plus without paying full price again?
Yes. Most AAA clubs let you upgrade by paying the difference between what you already paid for basic membership and what Plus costs. You do not have to buy a whole new membership. Call your local club and ask them to upgrade your account — they can usually do it over the phone.
Does AAA Plus cover my rental car if I break down while renting?
Yes, in most cases. AAA membership typically covers any vehicle you are driving, including rentals. However, some rental companies have their own roadside information included in the rental agreement. Check your rental agreement to see what is covered before you assume AAA will be your backup.
What if I need a tow longer than 100 miles?
If your car needs to go farther than 100 miles, you will pay for the distance beyond 100 miles. AAA will tow the first 100 miles for free, and you pay the towing company's rate for any additional miles. If long-distance towing is a concern, AAA Premier covers 200 miles and might be worth the extra cost.
Do I have to use a specific repair shop, or can I choose any mechanic?
You can choose any repair shop. AAA will tow your car to the mechanic of your choice, not to a shop AAA owns or recommends. This means you can use your trusted mechanic or shop around for the best price.
Is AAA Plus worth it if I rarely drive?
If you drive very little, basic AAA membership or your insurance's roadside coverage may be enough. The value of Plus depends on how far you drive and how far the nearest repair shop is from your usual routes. If you drive mostly in town and rarely go more than 10 miles from help, basic membership or insurance coverage is probably sufficient.