What AAA membership costs and what it covers
AAA membership is worth it if you drive regularly and want roadside help without calling your insurance company or paying per-incident fees. The basic membership tier costs between $50 and $150 per year depending on your region and which AAA club you join — AAA is a federation of regional clubs, so prices vary. What you get: towing up to a certain distance (usually 3 to 7 miles for basic membership), lockout service, fuel delivery, and battery service, all included with no per-call charge.
The real value depends on whether you would otherwise pay out of pocket for these services. A single tow can cost $75 to $150 or more if you call a random towing company. A locksmith call runs $50 to $200. If you need roadside help even once a year, the membership pays for itself. If your car is newer and reliable, or if you have roadside information through your auto insurance already, the membership may be redundant.
Key Takeaways
- AAA membership costs $50 to $150 per year and covers towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, and battery service with no per-call fees.
- A single tow or locksmith call typically costs more than a year of membership, so one incident can justify the cost.
- Check your auto insurance policy first — many policies include roadside information that overlaps with AAA coverage.
- AAA also offers discounts on hotels, rental cars, and some retailers, though the savings add up slowly unless you travel frequently.
- Regional AAA clubs set their own prices and coverage limits, so the value varies depending on where you live.
How to compare AAA to what your insurance already covers
Before paying for AAA, call your auto insurance company and ask what roadside information is included in your current policy. Many insurers bundle towing, lockout service, and fuel delivery at no extra cost, or offer it as a low-cost add-on. If your policy already covers these services, AAA membership duplicates that coverage and wastes money.
The difference is usually in the distance limit and response time. AAA's basic towing covers 3 to 7 miles; some insurance policies cover 100 miles or more. If you live far from a mechanic or frequently drive in remote areas, AAA's limited distance may not help you anyway. Read your insurance documents or ask your agent directly — do not assume you have roadside coverage just because you have comprehensive insurance.
When AAA membership actually saves you money
AAA membership makes financial sense in three situations. First, if you drive an older car that breaks down occasionally, the membership pays for itself the first time you need a tow. Second, if you do not have roadside information through your insurance and you drive regularly, the membership is cheaper than paying per incident. Third, if you travel frequently and use AAA hotel and rental car discounts, those discounts can add up — though you need to actively use them, not just have the membership card.
The hotel and rental car discounts are real but modest. AAA typically offers 5 to 10 percent off at participating hotels and rental agencies. If you take two or three road trips per year, those discounts might save you $50 to $100 annually, which helps offset the membership cost. However, you have to remember to ask for the discount and book through AAA's website or mention your membership number — the discount does not explore automatically.
The membership tiers and what changes between them
AAA offers three main membership levels: Basic, Plus, and Premier. Basic covers towing up to 3 to 7 miles (varies by region). Plus covers 50 to 100 miles. Premier covers 100 miles or more. The price increases with each tier — Basic might be $50 to $70 per year, Plus around $100, and Premier $130 to $150. The distance limit is the main difference; all tiers include lockout service, fuel delivery, and battery service.
Choose based on how far you typically drive from home and where the nearest repair shop is. If you live in a city and rarely drive more than 10 miles from home, Basic is enough. If you commute 30 miles to work or take regular road trips, Plus makes sense. If you live in a rural area or frequently drive long distances, Premier is worth the extra cost because a 50-mile tow can cost $200 or more out of pocket.
AAA discounts beyond roadside help
AAA negotiates discounts with hotels, rental car companies, restaurants, and some retailers. The discounts vary by location and partner — a Hertz rental car discount in one state might be different from another state's discount. Common discounts include 5 to 10 percent off hotel stays, 10 to 20 percent off rental cars, and small discounts at theme parks and restaurants.
These discounts are real, but they only matter if you use them. If you never rent a car or stay in hotels, the discounts add nothing to your membership value. If you travel twice a year and always book hotels, the discounts might save you $100 to $200 annually. Check AAA's website for your region to see which discounts are actually available near you before you join — some discounts are advertised nationally but only work in certain areas.
Red flags: when AAA membership is not worth it
Do not buy AAA membership if your auto insurance already includes roadside information. Do not buy it if you drive a very new car still under warranty — many manufacturers include roadside information as part of the warranty. Do not buy it if you rarely drive or only drive short distances in your local area where you can call a friend or family member for help.
Also skip AAA if you are tempted by the membership primarily for the discounts. The discounts are secondary to the roadside service, and they rarely add up to more than $50 to $100 per year unless you travel constantly. If you are buying membership hoping to save money on hotels and rental cars, you will probably be disappointed. The membership is worth it for the roadside help; the discounts are a bonus, not the main reason.
How to join and what happens after you sign up
You can join AAA online through your regional club's website, by phone, or in person at an AAA office. You will need your driver's license and a credit card. The membership is usually active when ready after you pay, though some clubs mail a physical card that arrives within a week. You can use your membership number right away — you do not have to wait for the card to arrive.
After you join, save your membership number in your phone and keep it somewhere accessible in your car. When you need roadside help, call the number on your membership card or AAA's main line. Tell them your membership number, location, and what you need. They will dispatch a tow truck or service provider to you. The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the service is in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AAA membership cover me if I am driving someone else's car?
Yes, AAA membership is tied to you as a person, not to a specific vehicle. You can use your membership if you are driving a friend's car, a rental car, or a borrowed vehicle. However, some regional clubs limit how many times per year you can use the service on vehicles other than your own, so check your membership details.
What if I need a tow longer than my membership covers?
If you need a tow beyond your coverage distance, AAA will still dispatch a tow truck, but you will pay the difference out of pocket. For example, if you have Basic coverage (7 miles) and need a 50-mile tow, AAA covers the first 7 miles and you pay for the remaining 43 miles. Upgrading to Plus or Premier before you need a long tow is cheaper than paying the overage.
Can I cancel my AAA membership if I do not use it?
Yes, AAA memberships are annual and you can cancel anytime. Most clubs offer a refund if you cancel within 30 days of joining. After 30 days, you typically cannot get a refund for the current year, but you can let the membership expire and not renew. Check your regional club's cancellation policy before you join.
Does AAA membership affect my insurance rates?
No, AAA membership does not affect your auto insurance rates or your driving record. It is a separate service and your insurance company does not see it. Some insurance companies offer discounts if you are an AAA member, so ask your agent — but the membership itself does not change your rates.
Is AAA worth it if I have a new car with a warranty?
Probably not. Most new car warranties include roadside information for three to five years, covering towing, lockouts, and fuel delivery. Check your warranty documents to see what is included. Once the warranty expires, you can join AAA if you want ongoing coverage. Paying for both warranty roadside information and AAA membership is redundant.