How to Request AAA Roadside Assistance When Your Car Breaks Down

How to request AAA roadside information

If you are a current AAA member and your car breaks down, you can request roadside information by calling AAA's dispatch line, using the AAA mobile app, or requesting help through your AAA account online. The fastest method is usually the phone call — you will reach a dispatcher who can send help to your exact location within minutes. You will need your AAA membership number, your vehicle's location, and a description of what is wrong with the car.

AAA roadside information covers services like towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, battery service, and flat tire changes for members. The specific services and distance limits depend on your membership tier — basic membership typically includes up to 7 miles of free towing, while higher tiers offer 100 miles or more. If you are not yet a member, you cannot request information through AAA, though you can still call a towing company directly.

Key Takeaways

Call AAA's dispatch line, use the AAA mobile app, or log into your AAA account online to request roadside information — the phone call is usually fastest.
Have your AAA membership number, your exact location, and a description of your vehicle problem ready before you contact AAA.
Your membership tier determines how far AAA will tow you for free — basic plans cover 7 miles, while premier and higher tiers cover 100 miles or more.
If you are locked out, out of fuel, or have a dead battery, AAA can often send help without a tow truck, which means faster service.
AAA typically arrives within 30 to 60 minutes in urban areas, though rural locations may take longer.

Calling AAA dispatch directly

The phone number for AAA roadside information is on the back of your membership card. If you cannot find your card, you can look up the number on the AAA website by entering your state. When you call, a dispatcher will ask for your membership number, your current location, and what is wrong with your vehicle.

Be as specific as possible about your location — give the street address, highway mile marker, or intersection where you are stopped. If you are on a highway, tell the dispatcher which direction you are facing and whether you are in a safe spot or need to be moved. The dispatcher will also ask whether you need a tow or a service that does not require towing, like a lockout or fuel delivery. This information helps them send the right type of help and estimate how long you will wait.

After you hang up, you will receive a text message or email with the name and phone number of the tow truck driver or service provider heading to you. You can call that driver directly if you need to give them more details about where you are or if your situation changes.

Using the AAA mobile app

The AAA mobile app lets you request roadside information without making a phone call. Open the app, tap the roadside information button, and the app will use your phone's location to pinpoint where you are. You will then describe what is wrong with your car and confirm your membership information.

The app is useful if you are in a noisy environment, do not want to talk on the phone, or prefer a written record of your request. However, the app still sends you to a dispatcher who may call you to confirm details, so you should have your phone available. If your phone battery is very low, calling directly is safer because you do not need the app to stay open while you wait.

Requesting help through your AAA account online

You can also log into your AAA account on the AAA website and request roadside information from there. This method works the same way as the app — you enter your location and describe your problem — but it requires you to be near a computer or have a working internet connection on your phone.

Online requests are slower than phone calls because a dispatcher still has to contact you to confirm your location and get more details. Use this method only if you are in a safe location and have time to wait for a callback, or if your phone service is poor but you have data or WiFi.

What information you need to have ready

Before you contact AAA, gather these details so the dispatcher can help you faster:

Your AAA membership number (on your card or in your account)
Your exact location — street address, highway name and mile marker, or intersection
Your vehicle's year, make, model, and color
Your license plate number
A description of what is wrong — engine will not start, flat tire, locked out, overheating, etc.
Whether you are in a safe location or need to be moved away from traffic
Your phone number so the driver can reach you

If you are on a highway, also tell the dispatcher which direction you are facing and whether you are in the travel lane or on the shoulder. This helps the driver find you quickly and safely.

Understanding your membership tier and coverage limits

AAA offers several membership levels, and each one covers different towing distances at no extra charge. Basic membership typically includes up to 7 miles of free towing. Plus membership usually covers up to 100 miles. Premier membership covers up to 200 miles. If your car needs to be towed beyond your membership's distance limit, you will pay the difference out of pocket.

All membership tiers cover the same non-towing services — lockouts, fuel delivery, battery service, and flat tire changes — at no charge. These services do not count against your towing distance limit. If you need a tow beyond your coverage, the dispatcher will tell you the estimated cost before the tow truck arrives, so you can decide whether to proceed.

Your membership card or account page shows which tier you have. If you are not sure, call AAA customer service before you break down so you know what to expect.

What happens after you request information

Once you call or submit a request, AAA will send you a confirmation with the name and phone number of the service provider heading to you. In urban areas, help typically arrives within 30 to 60 minutes. In rural areas or during very busy times, it may take longer.

While you wait, stay in your vehicle if it is safe to do so, or move to a safe location away from traffic. Keep your phone with you so the driver can reach you. If your location changes or you need to cancel, call the driver directly using the number AAA gave you.

When the driver arrives, they will confirm your membership and the service you need. If you are being towed, ask the driver where they are taking your car — most will take you to a repair shop of your choice, or to a AAA-affiliated shop if you do not have a preference. You are not required to use a AAA shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have my membership card with me?

You can still request information if you have your membership number. Look it up in your AAA account online or call AAA customer service before you break down. If you cannot find your number, the dispatcher can look you up by your name, address, and phone number, though this takes longer.

Does AAA roadside information work if I am out of state?

Yes. AAA membership works nationwide and in Canada. Call the AAA dispatch number for your home state, or look up the dispatch number for the state where you are stranded on the AAA website. The service is the same regardless of location.

What if the tow truck driver and I disagree about the cost?

The dispatcher should tell you the estimated cost before the driver arrives, especially if your tow exceeds your membership distance limit. If the final bill is higher than the estimate, ask the driver to explain the difference. You can also contact AAA customer service after the fact to dispute the charge if you believe it was incorrect.

Can I request AAA roadside information for someone else's car?

Only if you are listed on the membership. If you are the primary member, you can request information for any vehicle you own or are authorized to drive. If you are not on the membership, the car owner needs to call and request information themselves, or add you to their membership first.

What if my car is in a dangerous location, like on a busy highway?

Tell the dispatcher when ready that you are in an unsafe location. They will prioritize your request and may send help faster. If possible, turn on your hazard lights and move to the shoulder or a safe area away from traffic. Do not stand in the roadway while you wait.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.