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

AAA (American Automobile Association) offers three main membership levels: Basic, Plus, and Premier. Basic is the least expensive option and covers roadside information for lockouts, dead batteries, and fuel delivery. Plus and Premier add more service calls per year and extend the distance they'll tow your vehicle. The exact price varies by state — AAA operates through regional clubs that set their own rates — so a Basic membership in California might cost a different amount than the same membership in Ohio.

Most people pay annually, though some regions offer monthly payment options that cost slightly more over the year. If you join mid-year, many clubs prorate the cost. AAA also runs promotions throughout the year, particularly around holidays, where you might pay less for the first year or get a discount on a multi-year commitment.

Key Takeaways

  • Basic membership typically costs $56 to $70 per year and covers four roadside service calls annually, including towing up to 7 miles.
  • Plus membership runs $90 to $110 per year and includes six service calls with towing up to 100 miles per call.
  • Premier membership costs $120 to $132 per year and provides unlimited service calls with towing up to 200 miles.
  • Regional AAA clubs set their own prices, so you should check your local club's website or call to confirm current rates before joining.
  • Discounts on membership are often available through employers, credit unions, or during promotional periods.

How the three membership tiers differ

The main differences between tiers are the number of service calls you get per year and how far AAA will tow your vehicle. Basic membership includes four towing calls annually with a 7-mile tow limit — useful if you break down near home but less helpful if you're stranded far away. Plus membership doubles your calls to six per year and extends the tow distance to 100 miles, which covers most situations where you need to reach a repair shop outside your when ready area.

Premier membership removes the annual call limit and tows up to 200 miles, making it the choice for people who drive long distances regularly or want the security of unlimited roadside help. All three tiers include the same basic services: lockout information, jump-starts, fuel delivery, and fluid top-offs. The difference is purely in how many times you can use them and how far they'll take your car.

What's included in every AAA membership

Regardless of tier, every AAA member gets access to roadside information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You call a single number, and AAA dispatches a service provider to your location. The service covers lockouts (they'll send someone to unlock your car), dead batteries (jump-start), flat tires (they'll change it or tow you), fuel delivery (if you run out of gas), and mechanical lockouts (if your keys are stuck in the ignition).

AAA membership also includes discounts at hotels, restaurants, rental car companies, and attractions — these vary by region and partner. Members also receive TripTik Travel, which is AAA's trip planning tool, and access to member-only pricing on travel bookings. Some regions include roadside legal services or identity theft protection, though these extras depend on your local club.

How to find your local AAA's current pricing

Because each regional AAA club sets its own rates, the best way to find out what membership costs in your area is to visit your club's website directly. AAA has clubs in most U.S. states, and you can locate yours by entering your zip code on AAA.com. Once you find your regional club, their membership page will show current prices for all three tiers.

You can also call your local club or visit in person — many AAA offices are located in shopping centers or near gas stations. When you contact them, ask whether they're currently running any promotions, because first-year discounts or multi-year deals can reduce your cost significantly. Some employers and credit unions also negotiate group rates with AAA, so check whether your workplace or financial institution offers a discount before paying full price.

Payment options and renewal

Most AAA clubs offer annual payment as the standard option, though some regions allow you to pay monthly in installments. Monthly payments typically cost more over the course of a year — you might pay $6 to $12 per month instead of one lump sum — so annual payment is usually the better deal if you can afford it upfront. Some clubs also offer multi-year memberships at a discount, which locks in your rate and saves money if you plan to stay a member for several years.

When your membership is about to expire, AAA will send you a renewal notice. You can renew online, by phone, or in person. If you renew before your current membership expires, there's no gap in coverage. If you let it lapse and then rejoin, you'll pay the full membership fee again with no credit for the unused portion of your previous membership.

Discounts that can lower your membership cost

AAA frequently offers first-year discounts or promotional rates, especially during back-to-school season, around the holidays, or when launching new membership campaigns. These might reduce your first-year cost by $10 to $20 or offer a free month of membership. Check your local club's website or sign up for their email list to hear about current offers.

Employer discounts are common — many large companies negotiate group rates with AAA that reduce membership cost by 10 to 15 percent. Credit unions, alumni associations, and professional organizations sometimes offer similar discounts. If you're a member of any of these groups, contact them to ask whether they have an AAA partnership before paying full price. Some insurance companies also offer AAA membership discounts or bundle it with auto insurance policies.

Whether AAA membership pays for itself

Whether membership makes financial sense depends on how often you think you'll need roadside help and what alternatives cost. A single tow from a private towing company typically costs $75 to $150, so if you use AAA even once per year, the membership often pays for itself. If you rarely drive or have a very new car with a manufacturer warranty that includes roadside information, you might not need it.

Consider also that AAA membership includes travel discounts and trip planning tools that some members use regularly. If you travel frequently and take advantage of hotel and rental car discounts, the membership can save money beyond just roadside help. The best approach is to estimate how many times per year you might need a tow or lockout service, multiply that by what a private service would cost, and compare it to the membership price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my AAA membership if I'm driving someone else's car?

Yes. AAA membership covers you as a driver, not a specific vehicle, so you can call for roadside help in any car you're driving. The service will come to wherever you are and information with the vehicle you're in at that moment.

Do I have to pay the full membership fee if I join mid-year?

Most AAA clubs prorate the membership cost if you join partway through the year, so you pay only for the months remaining until your renewal date. Some clubs charge a small joining fee on top of the prorated membership cost. Ask your local club about their specific policy when you join.

What happens if I use up all my service calls before the year ends?

With Basic and Plus memberships, once you've used your annual calls, you can still call AAA for help, but you'll pay out-of-pocket for the service. Premier members have unlimited calls, so this isn't a concern. If you find yourself running out of calls regularly, upgrading to the next tier might be worth the extra cost.

Can I cancel my membership and get a refund?

Most AAA clubs offer a refund if you cancel within a certain period — often 30 days — though some clubs have different policies. Contact your local club to ask about their cancellation and refund terms before joining.

Is AAA membership worth it if I have roadside information through my car insurance?

That depends on what your insurance covers. Some insurance policies include roadside help but limit towing distance or the number of calls per year. If your insurance coverage is limited, AAA membership might provide better protection. Compare what each covers before deciding whether you need both.