AAA membership costs between $56 and $132 per year, depending on which membership tier you choose and your location

The American Automobile Association (AAA) offers three main membership levels: Basic, Plus, and Premier. Basic membership, the entry-level option, typically costs around $56 to $70 per year. Plus membership runs roughly $100 to $120 annually. Premier, the highest tier, costs between $120 and $132 per year. These prices vary by state and region because AAA is a federation of regional clubs, each setting its own rates within a general framework.

The price difference reflects the scope of roadside information coverage. Basic covers towing up to 3 miles; Plus extends that to 7 miles; Premier goes to 100 miles. If you live far from repair shops or frequently drive long distances, the higher tiers may save money on tow costs alone. Many people also join for the discount benefits — AAA negotiates rates at hotels, rental car companies, and retailers — which can offset the membership fee within a few months of use.

Key Takeaways

  • Basic AAA membership costs $56–$70 per year and covers towing up to 3 miles, lockout service, and fuel delivery.
  • Plus membership ($100–$120 yearly) extends towing to 7 miles and adds additional service calls per year.
  • Premier membership ($120–$132 annually) provides 100-mile towing and the most service calls, useful for rural drivers or frequent long-distance travelers.
  • Prices vary by state because AAA operates as a federation of regional clubs; your local AAA club sets the rate for your area.
  • Many members recoup the annual cost through hotel, rental car, and retail discounts within the first few months.

What each membership tier covers

All three tiers include the same core services: roadside towing, lockout information, fuel delivery, and battery service. The differences lie in towing distance and the number of times per year you can use each service. Basic members get four towing calls and four lockout calls per year. Plus members receive six of each. Premier members get unlimited service calls, though towing is still limited to the stated distance (100 miles for Premier).

AAA also bundles discounts into all membership levels. You receive reductions on hotel stays through partnerships with major chains, discounts on rental cars from companies like Hertz and Budget, and savings at retailers including Best Buy and Bed Bath & Beyond. Some regional AAA clubs add local discounts specific to their area. The discount value depends on how often you travel and shop, but members who book one or two hotel stays per year often find the membership pays for itself.

Roadside information is the primary draw for most members. If your car breaks down, you call AAA and a tow truck arrives. You do not pay per use — the service is included in your membership. This differs from paying out of pocket for a tow, which can cost $100 to $300 depending on distance and the towing company.

How location affects your membership price

AAA operates through regional clubs in each state and some multi-state regions. The club in your state sets membership prices, so a Basic membership in California may cost a different amount than the same tier in Ohio. This structure reflects regional differences in operating costs and service demand. To find the exact price for your area, you need to check your local AAA club's website or call their membership line.

Some regions also offer promotional pricing, especially during sign-up periods or for members renewing after a lapse. A new member might pay a discounted first-year rate, then the standard rate in subsequent years. Bundling — adding a household member to your account — sometimes reduces the per-person cost, though this varies by club.

Membership renewal and payment options

AAA memberships renew annually on the date you joined. You receive a renewal notice by mail or email before your membership expires. Most clubs allow you to renew online, by phone, or by mail. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or check. Some clubs offer automatic renewal, where your payment method is charged on the renewal date without requiring you to take action each year.

If you cancel before your membership expires, AAA typically does not issue refunds for the unused portion. However, if you cancel within a short window after joining — usually 30 days — some clubs offer a full refund. Check your local club's cancellation policy before joining if this matters to you.

Comparing AAA to other roadside information options

Several alternatives exist if you want roadside information without joining AAA. Some auto insurance policies include roadside information as an add-on, usually for $3 to $10 per month. Credit card companies like American Express offer roadside information to cardholders at no extra cost. Roadside information apps like Better World Club and Honk provide coverage through your phone, typically costing $50 to $100 per year.

The main advantage of AAA is the combination of roadside information and discount benefits. If you only need towing, a standalone roadside information service or your insurance add-on may be cheaper. If you value hotel discounts and travel perks alongside roadside help, AAA's bundled approach often costs less than buying each benefit separately.

How to find your local AAA club's pricing

Visit AAA.com and enter your zip code to find your regional club. Each club maintains its own membership page with current pricing for all three tiers. You can also call your local club directly — the phone number appears in the zip code search results. Some clubs allow you to join online when ready; others require a phone call or in-person visit to a local office.

When you contact your club, ask whether any promotional rates are currently available. New member discounts, multi-year discounts, and household member discounts vary by club and change throughout the year. A few minutes on the phone can reveal whether a lower rate applies to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get AAA membership for less than the standard price?

Some clubs offer promotional rates for new members or discounts if you join for multiple years upfront. Employer and alumni associations sometimes negotiate group rates with AAA. Contact your local club directly to ask about current promotions — standard pricing is a starting point, not always the final cost.

Does AAA membership include coverage for my spouse or household members?

Most clubs allow you to add household members to your account, usually for an additional fee per person. This is cheaper than buying separate memberships. Confirm with your local club whether added members receive the same coverage level or a different tier, and what the additional cost is.

What happens if I use my towing benefit more than the yearly limit?

Once you exhaust your allotted service calls for the year, additional calls are not covered by membership. You would pay out of pocket for towing after that. Premier's unlimited calls avoid this problem, which is why it appeals to drivers in remote areas or those who frequently experience car trouble.

Is AAA membership worth it if I rarely drive?

If you drive infrequently and do not travel or shop at places offering AAA discounts, the membership may not pay for itself. However, roadside information is valuable insurance against a single breakdown — one unexpected tow can cost more than a year of membership. Consider your driving habits and whether the discount benefits align with your spending.

Can I cancel my AAA membership anytime?

Yes, you can cancel at any time by contacting your local club. Most clubs do not refund unused membership time, though some offer a refund window within 30 days of joining. Check your club's cancellation policy before you join if this is a concern.