AAA membership costs between $56 and $200 per year, depending on which plan you choose and which regional AAA club you join

The American Automobile Association (AAA) offers three main membership tiers: Basic, Plus, and Premier. Basic is the least expensive option and covers a limited number of towing miles. Plus and Premier add more towing distance, lockout service, fuel delivery, and other roadside perks. The exact price you pay depends on which of the 51 regional AAA clubs serves your area — pricing is not uniform across the country.

Most people pay their membership fee once a year, though some clubs offer monthly payment plans that spread the cost over 12 months. If you join mid-year, some clubs prorate the fee. New members sometimes receive a discount on their first year, and existing members may see renewal rates that differ from the initial membership cost.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA Basic membership typically costs $56 to $70 per year and includes up to 4 tows of 7 miles each.
  • Plus membership runs $100 to $130 per year and extends towing to 100 miles per incident.
  • Premier membership costs $150 to $200 per year and covers up to 200 miles of towing.
  • Your regional AAA club sets its own prices, so costs vary by state and sometimes by county.
  • Discounts for new members, multi-year commitments, and bundling with insurance are common but vary by club.

Basic membership: limited towing and roadside help

Basic membership is AAA's entry-level plan and typically costs $56 to $70 per year. It includes four towing incidents per year, each covering up to 7 miles. You also get lockout service (the AAA technician will unlock your car), fuel delivery if you run out of gas, and battery service if your battery dies on the road.

The 7-mile towing limit means the service works best if you break down near a repair shop or if you need a tow to the nearest facility. If your car fails 20 miles from home, you would pay out of pocket for the distance beyond 7 miles, or you could negotiate with the tow operator to cover the extra cost yourself.

Plus membership: 100-mile towing and expanded coverage

Plus membership costs roughly $100 to $130 per year and is the middle option. It raises your towing limit to 100 miles per incident and keeps the four tows per year. You still receive lockout service, fuel delivery, and battery service.

The 100-mile radius covers most situations where you need to reach a trusted mechanic or get home after a breakdown. This plan appeals to people who live far from repair shops or who travel regularly outside their when ready area. The price difference from Basic is usually $40 to $60 per year, which works out to roughly $3 to $5 per month.

Premier membership: maximum towing distance and priority service

Premier is AAA's highest tier, costing $150 to $200 per year. It covers up to 200 miles of towing per incident and includes the same four tows annually. You receive the same lockout, fuel, and battery services as lower tiers, but Premier members often get priority dispatch — meaning your call is answered faster during peak times.

Premier also sometimes includes additional perks like discounts on hotel stays, car rentals, and travel services, though these vary by regional club. The 200-mile towing distance means you can reach a shop across a state or get home from a long road trip without paying extra towing fees.

How regional clubs set different prices

AAA is not a single national organization with one price list. Instead, it is a federation of 51 regional clubs, each with its own board and pricing structure. The club that serves your state or region sets the membership cost for your area. This means a Basic membership in California might cost $65, while the same membership in Ohio costs $58.

To find the exact price for your area, you need to visit your regional club's website or call their membership line. The national AAA website can direct you to your local club. Some clubs also offer different pricing for members who pay annually versus those who choose monthly installments.

Discounts and ways to lower your membership cost

New members often receive a discount on their first year — sometimes $10 to $20 off the standard rate. Some clubs offer multi-year discounts if you commit to two or three years upfront. If you have auto insurance through certain carriers, bundling AAA membership with your policy may reduce the membership fee.

Employer discounts are also common. If your employer has a group membership agreement with AAA, you may pay a reduced rate. Credit unions sometimes offer AAA memberships to members at a discount. Student discounts exist at some clubs as well. Always ask your regional club whether you may have access to for any of these reductions before paying full price.

What is not included in any AAA membership tier

AAA membership covers roadside emergencies — towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, and battery service. It does not cover mechanical repairs, parts, or labor at a repair shop. Some AAA clubs partner with repair shops that offer member discounts on work, but the membership itself does not pay for the repair.

Membership also does not cover accidents, collision damage, or liability. That is what auto insurance is for. AAA membership and auto insurance serve different purposes and are not substitutes for each other. If you cause an accident, your insurance pays; if your car breaks down and you need a tow, AAA pays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel my AAA membership and get a refund?

Most regional clubs offer a refund if you cancel within 30 days of joining. After that window, refunds are typically not available, though some clubs may offer a prorated credit if you cancel mid-year. Contact your regional club's membership department to ask about their specific cancellation policy.

Do I have to renew every year, or can I pay for multiple years at once?

You can renew annually, or many clubs allow you to pay for two or three years upfront. Multi-year memberships sometimes come with a small discount compared to renewing year by year. Check with your regional club to see what payment options they offer.

What happens if I use all four tows before the year ends?

Once you exhaust your four included tows, additional tows are not covered by your membership. You would pay the tow operator's standard rate for any tows beyond that. Some members purchase additional tow packages, though availability and cost vary by club.

Does AAA membership cover towing if I break down in another state?

Yes. Your AAA membership works nationwide and in Canada and Mexico. When you break down outside your home state, you call the same AAA number and receive the same towing and roadside services your membership includes.

Is AAA membership worth the cost if I rarely drive?

That depends on your situation. If you drive infrequently and live close to repair shops, the membership may not pay for itself. If you drive an older car, live far from services, or travel long distances, the cost of even one tow can exceed a year's membership fee, making it worthwhile.