What AAA membership gives you
AAA membership is a roadside information service you pay for annually. The organization dispatches tow trucks, locksmith services, fuel delivery, and other emergency help to members who call. You get a membership card, a phone number to call 24/7, and coverage that works in all 50 states and Canada — even if you're driving someone else's car or renting one.
The membership does not cover the cost of repairs themselves, only the dispatch and transport to a repair shop. If your car breaks down on the highway, AAA sends a tow truck at no extra charge (up to a mileage limit that depends on your membership tier). If you lock your keys in the car, they send a locksmith. If you run out of gas, they bring fuel to you.
AAA also offers discounts on hotels, rental cars, insurance, and other services through partnerships with national chains. These discounts are separate from roadside information and vary by location and membership level.
Key Takeaways
- AAA membership covers roadside towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, and battery service, with a phone call to their 24/7 dispatch line.
- Coverage limits vary by membership tier — basic plans tow up to 7 miles, while higher tiers cover 100 miles or more.
- You pay an annual fee (typically $50 to $150 depending on tier and region) and receive a membership card that works nationwide.
- Membership includes discounts at hotels, rental car companies, and other businesses, though these vary by your location and membership level.
- Coverage applies whether you're driving your own car, a rental, or someone else's vehicle, as long as you call from the car or have your membership number.
AAA membership tiers and what each covers
AAA offers three main membership levels, though the exact names and prices vary by region. Classic (or Basic) is the entry-level tier and covers towing up to 7 miles, lockout service, fuel delivery, and battery service. Plus (or Premier) covers the same services but extends towing to 100 miles. Premier Plus (or Premier) extends towing to 200 miles and adds additional perks like fuel delivery and lockout service with no distance limit.
Annual membership fees range from roughly $50 to $150 depending on which tier you choose and which AAA club serves your region — AAA is a federation of regional clubs, so pricing and benefits can differ between states. Some clubs offer discounts if you pay for multiple years upfront or bundle AAA membership with other services.
All tiers include 24/7 roadside information dispatch, membership card, and access to AAA's discount network. The main difference is how far they'll tow your car and how many service calls you get per year (most plans include four to six free service calls annually, with additional calls charged at a reduced rate).
How to join AAA
You can join AAA online through the national AAA website or by visiting a local AAA club office in person. Online, you'll enter your zip code to find your regional club, then create an account with your name, address, phone number, and email. You'll choose your membership tier and payment method, and your membership card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
If you join in person at a local club office, you can walk out with a temporary membership card the same day and receive your permanent card by mail. Some AAA clubs also offer membership through phone enrollment, though this is less common.
When you join, you'll receive a membership number and a phone number to call for roadside information. Save both in your phone — you'll need the membership number when you call for help, and you may need it to show your card at partner businesses for discounts.
How to use your membership when you need help
When you have a roadside emergency — a breakdown, lockout, dead battery, or empty fuel tank — call the AAA dispatch number on the back of your membership card or the number you saved during enrollment. Have your membership number ready and tell them your location, what's wrong with the car, and whether you need a tow or another service.
The dispatcher will send the nearest available service provider to your location. For towing, they'll ask where you want the car taken — usually a repair shop of your choice, though some members choose to have the car towed home. The service provider will arrive within 30 to 60 minutes in most urban and suburban areas; rural areas may take longer.
You do not pay the service provider directly. AAA covers the cost up to your membership tier's limit. If your tow exceeds the mileage limit (for example, you need a 150-mile tow on a Classic plan), you'll be charged for the overage, though the rate is usually discounted compared to calling a tow truck without AAA.
AAA discounts and additional benefits
Beyond roadside information, AAA membership includes discounts at thousands of businesses nationwide. Hotels like Best Western, Choice Hotels, and Marriott properties offer 5 to 10 percent discounts to AAA members. Car rental companies including Hertz, Budget, and Avis provide member discounts. Movie theaters, restaurants, and retail stores also participate in AAA's discount network, though which businesses offer discounts varies by region.
Some AAA clubs offer additional services for an extra fee, such as travel planning, insurance products, or financial services. These vary by club and are optional — your basic membership does not include them unless you add them separately.
To use a discount, show your AAA membership card at the time of purchase or provide your membership number when booking online or by phone. Not all locations of a participating business may honor the discount, so it's worth confirming before you commit.
What AAA membership does not cover
AAA roadside information does not pay for repairs, parts, or labor at a repair shop. It only covers the cost of dispatching a service provider and towing your car to a shop (within your tier's mileage limit). Once your car is at the shop, you pay for any repairs out of pocket or through your auto insurance.
Membership also does not cover traffic tickets, accident-related damage, or towing caused by illegal parking or impounding. If your car is towed by police or a parking enforcement agency, AAA will not cover the cost of retrieval.
Coverage is limited to vehicles you own or have permission to drive. If you're driving a rental car, AAA will still help you, but the rental company's roadside information may take priority depending on your rental agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my AAA membership if I'm driving a rental car?
Yes. AAA coverage applies to any vehicle you're authorized to drive, including rentals. Call AAA's dispatch line with your membership number and your location, and they'll send help. Note that some rental companies include their own roadside information, which may have different terms — check your rental agreement to see which service takes priority.
What happens if I need a tow longer than my membership tier covers?
You'll be charged for the distance beyond your tier's limit. For example, if you have Classic (7-mile limit) and need a 50-mile tow, you'll pay for the extra 43 miles at AAA's negotiated rate, which is typically lower than calling an independent tow truck. Ask the dispatcher for the overage cost before authorizing the tow if you want to know the charge upfront.
Do I have to use a specific repair shop, or can I choose where the car is towed?
You can choose. Tell the dispatcher which shop you prefer, and they'll tow your car there. If you don't have a preferred shop, the dispatcher can recommend one nearby. You're not required to use any particular business — the choice is yours.
How long does it take to receive my membership card after I join?
If you join online, your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you join in person at a local AAA club office, you'll receive a temporary card when ready and the permanent card by mail within the same timeframe. You can use your membership number to call for roadside information before your physical card arrives.
Can I cancel my AAA membership if I'm not satisfied?
Yes. Most AAA clubs offer a money-back may provide within a set period (typically 30 days) if you haven't used the service. Contact your regional AAA club directly to request cancellation or a refund. After the may provide period, you can still cancel, but you may not receive a refund for the remainder of your membership year.