Premier AAA membership is AAA's highest roadside information tier, offering unlimited towing to any destination and additional coverage for lockouts, fuel delivery, and other common roadside emergencies
AAA offers three membership levels: Basic, Plus, and Premier. Premier is the most comprehensive option and costs more than the other two. The main difference is towing distance: Basic covers up to 7 miles, Plus covers up to 100 miles, and Premier covers unlimited distance to any destination you choose. This matters most if you live far from repair shops or frequently travel long distances.
Premier also includes services that Basic and Plus do not offer, such as lockout service, fuel delivery, and fluid delivery. If you are locked out of your car, AAA will send someone to help. If you run out of gas, they will deliver fuel. These services are included in your membership at no additional cost per use.
Key Takeaways
- Premier AAA membership covers unlimited towing to any destination, while Basic covers 7 miles and Plus covers 100 miles.
- Premier includes lockout service, fuel delivery, and fluid delivery at no additional charge per use, unlike Basic and Plus.
- You can call AAA's roadside information line 24/7, and they dispatch help to your location; you do not need to arrange towing yourself.
- Premier membership also includes discounts at hotels, restaurants, and retailers, though these vary by location and partner.
- Annual cost for Premier varies by state and region, typically ranging from $120 to $180 per year, depending on where you live.
What services are included in Premier membership
Premier covers roadside emergencies that leave you stranded. Towing is the main service: if your car breaks down, AAA dispatches a tow truck and covers the cost to move your vehicle to a repair shop of your choice, no matter how far away. You do not pay per mile or per tow. If you need multiple tows in a year, each one is covered.
Lockout service means AAA will send a locksmith to unlock your car if you lock your keys inside. Fuel delivery sends a technician with gasoline if you run out. Fluid delivery covers coolant, oil, or other fluids if you are low and stranded. Jump-start service is included if your battery dies. Winch-out service helps if your car is stuck in a ditch or off the road. Tire service covers roadside tire changes if you have a flat.
The unlimited towing distance is the key difference from Plus, which limits towing to 100 miles. If you break down 150 miles from home, Premier covers the full tow to your chosen destination. Plus would cover only the first 100 miles, leaving you responsible for the remaining distance.
How to use Premier AAA membership when you need help
When you have a roadside emergency, call AAA's roadside information number. This number is on your membership card and in the AAA mobile app. You provide your location, the nature of the problem, and where you want your car towed. AAA dispatches a service provider to your location.
You do not need to arrange the tow yourself or pay the service provider directly. AAA handles the dispatch and billing. The service provider arrives, assesses the problem, and either fixes it on the spot (like a jump-start or tire change) or tows your vehicle. You stay with your car or are transported to a safe location while you wait.
Response time varies by location and how busy the service network is. In urban areas, help typically arrives within 30 to 60 minutes. In rural areas, it may take longer. AAA does not may provide a specific arrival time, but they prioritize based on the nature of the emergency and available providers in your area.
Premier membership cost and what affects the price
Premier AAA membership costs between $120 and $180 per year in most states, though the exact price depends on where you live. Some states and regions have higher costs because the service network is more expensive to operate or demand is higher. AAA publishes rates by state on their website.
Membership is typically billed annually, though some regions offer monthly payment plans. If you join mid-year, the cost is prorated. Renewal notices arrive before your membership expires, and you can renew online, by phone, or at a local AAA office. AAA occasionally offers discounts for new members, multi-year memberships, or bundling with other products like travel insurance. These promotions change throughout the year.
How Premier differs from Basic and Plus membership
| Service | Basic | Plus | Premier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Towing distance | 7 miles | 100 miles | Unlimited |
| Lockout service | No | No | Yes |
| Fuel delivery | No | No | Yes |
| Fluid delivery | No | No | Yes |
| Jump-start | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tire service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Annual cost (typical) | $50–$70 | $80–$110 | $120–$180 |
The choice between tiers depends on how far you typically drive from home and repair shops. If you live in a city with many repair shops nearby, Basic or Plus may be sufficient. If you frequently travel long distances, live in a rural area, or want the peace of mind of unlimited towing, Premier is the better choice.
Basic membership is the lowest-cost option and works well for urban drivers who rarely venture far from home. Plus is a middle ground for drivers who take occasional longer trips but do not need unlimited distance. Premier is best for frequent long-distance travelers, rural residents, or anyone who wants maximum coverage without worrying about towing limits.
Additional benefits and discounts included with Premier
Beyond roadside information, Premier membership includes discounts at thousands of retailers, restaurants, and hotels across the United States. These discounts vary by location and partner. Common discounts range from 5 to 15 percent off at participating businesses. You show your AAA card at checkout or mention your membership when booking.
AAA also offers travel planning services, including discounted hotel rates through AAA's travel website and discounted admission to attractions like theme parks and museums. Some regions offer additional perks like discounted car rentals or travel insurance options. Premier members also receive the AAA magazine, which includes travel tips, car maintenance information, and information about member discounts. Digital access to the AAA mobile app is included, which lets you request roadside information, find nearby gas stations and repair shops, and view your membership details.
When Premier membership may not be the right choice
If you rarely drive long distances and live near multiple repair shops, Basic or Plus membership may meet your needs at a lower cost. If you own a newer car still under warranty, the manufacturer's roadside information may cover most emergencies, making AAA redundant. If you have roadside information through your auto insurance policy, check what it covers before paying for AAA.
Some employers and credit card companies offer AAA membership as a benefit or discount. If you have access to a discounted membership through work or a credit card, that may be a more cost-effective option than purchasing Premier directly. Compare what each option covers before deciding, paying attention to towing distance limits and which services are included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Premier AAA membership 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 to get roadside information for any car you are driving, whether you own it or not. The service provider will tow the vehicle to a destination of your choice.
Does Premier membership cover my family members or just me?
Standard Premier membership covers you as an individual. AAA offers household memberships that cover multiple people in the same household at a higher annual cost. If you want coverage for a spouse or adult children, ask about household membership options when you join or renew.
What happens if I need towing more than once in a year?
Premier membership covers unlimited towing calls throughout the year. There is no limit on how many times you can use roadside information. Each call is covered in full, with no additional charges or deductibles.
Can I choose which repair shop my car is towed to?
Yes. When you call AAA, you can tell them where you want your car towed. They will tow to a shop of your choice, whether it is a dealership, independent mechanic, or shop you have used before. You are not required to use AAA's preferred shops.
Is Premier membership worth the cost if I have roadside information through my car insurance?
Compare what your insurance covers. Many insurance policies limit towing distance to 50 or 100 miles, or they only cover towing to the nearest shop rather than your choice of destination. If your insurance has these limits and you frequently drive long distances, Premier AAA may provide additional protection worth the cost.