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 because AAA is a federation of regional clubs, and each one sets its own rates. Your state's AAA club determines your cost. Most clubs charge somewhere in that $130 to $160 range for a single Plus membership, but some charge slightly less and others slightly more. If you already have basic AAA membership, upgrading to Plus typically costs $50 to $80 extra per year.
AAA Plus gives you extended towing and roadside help compared to basic AAA membership. The main difference is that Plus covers towing up to 100 miles to a repair shop of your choice, while basic AAA covers only 7 miles. You also get additional lockout service calls and fuel delivery attempts per year with Plus.
Key Takeaways
- AAA Plus membership costs between $130 and $160 per year in most states, though your specific state's AAA club sets the final price.
- The main benefit of Plus over basic AAA is extended towing distance — up to 100 miles instead of 7 miles — which matters if you break down far from home.
- If you already have basic AAA, you can upgrade to Plus for roughly $50 to $80 more per year instead of paying the full Plus price.
- AAA membership also includes discounts on hotels, rental cars, and other services, which come with both basic and Plus tiers.
What AAA Plus covers that basic AAA does not
The core difference between Plus and basic AAA is towing distance and the number of service calls you receive per year. With Plus, you get up to 100 miles of towing, which means if your car breaks down on a highway far from your home, AAA will tow it all the way to a repair shop you choose. Basic AAA covers only 7 miles of towing, which is usually enough to reach a nearby shop but not enough if you are stranded far away.
Plus membership also includes more lockout service calls — typically four per year instead of one or two — and more fuel delivery attempts. If you run out of gas multiple times a year or get locked out of your car frequently, Plus provides more coverage. Both tiers include jump-starts, tire changes, and winching, but the limits on distance and frequency differ.
How to find your state's exact AAA Plus price
Because each state's AAA club sets its own rates, the only way to know the exact cost for your membership is to contact your regional club directly or visit its website. You can find your state club through the national AAA website by entering your zip code. Once you find your club, you can call them or check their membership page to see current Plus pricing.
Some AAA clubs offer discounts if you pay for multiple years upfront, or if you bundle Plus with other AAA products like travel insurance or roadside plus packages. Asking about multi-year discounts when you join or renew can lower your per-year cost.
When Plus membership makes sense versus basic AAA
If you drive mostly in your local area and rarely travel long distances, basic AAA is usually enough. The 7-mile towing limit covers most situations where you break down near home or in town. But if you regularly drive on highways, take road trips, or live far from repair shops, the 100-mile towing distance in Plus becomes valuable quickly.
Consider Plus if you have an older car that breaks down more often, if you drive alone frequently on rural roads, or if you travel to places where the nearest repair shop is far away. One long-distance tow that would have cost $300 or $400 out of pocket pays for a year of Plus membership, so the math often works in your favor if you are at higher risk of needing a tow.
Other AAA membership tiers and how they compare
AAA offers three main membership levels: basic, Plus, and Premier. Premier is the highest tier and covers up to 200 miles of towing, plus additional lockout calls and fuel deliveries. Premier typically costs $200 to $250 per year, depending on your state. If you drive very long distances or want maximum coverage, Premier may be worth the extra cost over Plus.
Some AAA clubs also offer specialty memberships for motorcycles, RVs, or commercial vehicles, each with its own pricing. These are separate from the standard car membership tiers and cover vehicles specific to those categories.
What AAA membership includes beyond roadside help
All AAA membership tiers — basic, Plus, and Premier — come with discounts on hotels, rental cars, restaurants, and entertainment. These discounts can add up over the year and sometimes offset the membership cost. AAA members also get discounts on insurance through partner companies, though you have to shop around to see if those rates beat what you can find elsewhere.
AAA also provides travel planning services, maps, and trip routing for members. Some clubs include travel insurance or emergency cash services as part of membership, though this varies by state. When you are comparing the cost of membership, factor in whether you use any of these non-roadside benefits.
How to join or upgrade to AAA Plus
You can join AAA or upgrade to Plus through your state's AAA club website, by phone, or in person at a local AAA office if your area has one. When you join, you will need to provide your name, address, and vehicle information. If you are upgrading from basic to Plus, the club will calculate the difference and bill you for the upgrade.
Membership is typically annual and renews on the same date each year. You will receive a membership card in the mail, and most clubs also provide a digital card you can access through their mobile app. Keep your membership number handy — you will need it when you call for roadside help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my AAA Plus membership if I change my mind?
Most AAA clubs allow you to cancel within a certain window — often 30 days — for a full refund. After that window closes, you are locked in for the year. Check your club's cancellation policy when you join so you know the important date.
Does AAA Plus membership cover other people driving my car?
Yes, AAA membership covers anyone driving your vehicle, not just you. If a friend or family member breaks down in your car, they can call AAA and use your membership number to get roadside help.
What happens if I need a tow longer than 100 miles with Plus membership?
AAA will cover the first 100 miles. You are responsible for any distance beyond that, though you can negotiate with the tow company about the additional cost. Some people choose Premier membership specifically to avoid this situation.
Is AAA Plus worth it if I have roadside help through my car insurance?
That depends on what your insurance covers and how far you drive. Many insurance policies include basic roadside help, but the towing distance and number of calls per year are often limited. Compare your insurance coverage to AAA Plus before deciding whether to join.
Do I have to use AAA's tow truck, or can I choose my own?
With AAA Plus, you can choose your own repair shop, and AAA will arrange the tow to that location. You are not locked into AAA's preferred vendors, which gives you control over where your car goes.