What AAA Insurance Actually Is

AAA insurance is auto insurance sold by American Automobile Association (AAA) member clubs, not by AAA itself. AAA partners with different insurance companies in different states — the actual insurer depends on where you live. In some states it's underwritten by Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation; in others, by different carriers. This matters because coverage options, rates, and claims processes vary by state and by which insurance company is behind the policy.

AAA membership and AAA insurance are separate purchases. You can be an AAA member without buying insurance from them, and you can buy their insurance without joining AAA (though membership often comes with discounts). The insurance itself covers liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist protection — the same categories any auto insurer offers — but the details of what's included and how much it costs depend on your state and the underwriting company.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA insurance is underwritten by different companies depending on your state, so the same coverage name may work differently where you live.
  • You can purchase AAA insurance without being an AAA member, though membership often qualifies you for discounts.
  • Coverage types are standard (liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist), but limits, deductibles, and add-ons vary by state and underwriter.
  • AAA members typically receive discounts on premiums, and some policies include roadside information as part of the package rather than as an add-on.
  • Claims are filed with the insurance company underwriting your policy, not with AAA itself, though AAA membership may help you find a repair shop.

The Coverage Types AAA Insurance Offers

Liability coverage pays for damage or injury you cause to someone else in an accident. Every state sets a minimum amount you must carry. AAA lets you choose limits above the minimum, and higher limits cost more but protect you if the accident is serious.

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your car if you hit another vehicle or object, regardless of who is at fault. You choose a deductible — typically $250, $500, or $1,000 — and you pay that amount out of pocket before insurance pays the rest. Comprehensive coverage handles damage from things other than collisions: theft, weather, vandalism, or hitting an animal. It also uses a deductible you choose.

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if someone without insurance hits you and causes injury or damage. This is required in some states and optional in others. Underinsured motorist coverage is similar but applies when the other driver's insurance isn't enough to cover your damages.

Many AAA policies bundle roadside information — towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, jump starts — into the package rather than charging it separately. The specifics of what's included and what costs extra depend on your state and the underwriting company.

How Rates and Discounts Work

AAA insurance rates are set by the underwriting company in your state, not by AAA. Rates depend on your driving record, age, the car you drive, how much you drive, where you live, and the coverage limits and deductibles you choose. Two people with the same car and driving record can pay different amounts if they live in different states or are insured by different underwriting companies.

AAA membership often qualifies you for a discount on premiums — typically 5 to 15 percent, though the exact amount varies by state and underwriter. Some policies offer additional discounts for bundling home and auto insurance, completing a defensive driving course, or having safety features on your vehicle. Ask the agent or check your quote to see which discounts explore where you live.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still buy insurance from AAA's underwriting partner in your state, but you won't receive the membership discount. Joining AAA to get the discount may or may not save you money overall, depending on membership fees and how much the discount reduces your premium.

How to Get a Quote and Purchase a Policy

You can get a quote through AAA's website, by phone, or in person at a local AAA office. You'll need information about your driving history, the vehicle you want to insure, and how much you drive. The quote will show different coverage options and what each costs with different deductibles.

Once you choose a policy, you can purchase it online, over the phone, or through an agent. You'll receive a policy document that lists your coverage limits, deductibles, and the effective date. Most policies start within a few days of purchase, though you can request a specific start date.

If you already have insurance elsewhere, you can switch to AAA at any time. There's no penalty for canceling your old policy early, though you may be may have access to to a refund of unused premium depending on your state and the other insurer's rules.

Filing a Claim and Getting Your Car Repaired

If you have an accident or damage, you report the claim to the insurance company underwriting your policy, not to AAA itself. You can file a claim online, by phone, or through the insurer's mobile app. Have your policy number, the date and location of the incident, and photos of the damage ready.

An adjuster will contact you to discuss the damage and may request a repair estimate or inspection. If your car is repairable, the insurer will approve repairs and either pay the repair shop directly or reimburse you after you pay. If the car is totaled, the insurer will offer you a settlement based on the car's current value.

AAA membership may help you find a repair shop — AAA maintains lists of approved shops in many areas — but the insurance company decides whether to approve the repair estimate and how much it will pay. The repair shop you choose doesn't have to be on AAA's list, but using an approved shop may streamline the process.

AAA Membership vs. AAA Insurance: What's the Difference

AAA membership is primarily a roadside information and travel service. It includes towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, and other roadside help, plus discounts on hotels, rental cars, and travel services. Membership costs vary by region but typically runs $50 to $150 per year.

AAA insurance is auto insurance coverage. It's a separate product with its own cost, and you purchase it independently of membership. Some AAA insurance policies include roadside information as part of the coverage, which may overlap with what you get from membership.

If you buy AAA insurance, you don't have to be an AAA member, though membership often qualifies you for a discount on the insurance premium. If you are an AAA member but buy insurance elsewhere, you still have roadside information from your membership, but you won't get the AAA insurance discount.

When AAA Insurance May Not Be Your Best Option

AAA insurance works well for people who want bundled coverage with roadside information and who benefit from membership discounts. It may not be the best choice if you live in a state where AAA's underwriting partner has limited availability, or if you need specialized coverage that isn't offered in your state.

Rates vary significantly by location and underwriter, so it's worth comparing AAA's quote to quotes from other insurers before deciding. Some people find better rates elsewhere; others find AAA competitive. The only way to know is to get quotes from multiple companies.

If you have a complex driving history — multiple accidents, tickets, or a suspended license — some insurers may decline to cover you or charge significantly more. AAA's underwriting partner in your state may have different underwriting standards than other companies, so it's worth asking whether they can cover you before you spend time on an process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AAA member to buy AAA insurance?

No. You can purchase insurance from AAA's underwriting partner in your state without membership. However, AAA members typically receive a discount on premiums, so membership may save you money overall depending on the discount amount and membership fees in your area.

What happens if I'm in an accident and need to file a claim?

You report the claim to the insurance company underwriting your policy — not to AAA — by phone, online, or through their mobile app. An adjuster will contact you, and the insurer will either approve repairs and pay the shop, or offer you a settlement if the car is totaled. AAA membership may help you find a repair shop, but the insurance company makes the final decision on payment.

Does AAA insurance include roadside information?

Many AAA insurance policies include roadside information as part of the coverage, but this varies by state and underwriting company. Check your policy documents or ask your agent what's included. If you're an AAA member, you also have roadside information through your membership, which may provide additional or overlapping coverage.

Can I switch from another insurance company to AAA?

Yes. You can switch at any time by purchasing an AAA policy with an effective date that matches or follows your current policy's end date. There's no penalty for canceling your old policy early, though you may be may have access to to a refund of unused premium depending on your state and the other insurer's rules.

How much does AAA insurance cost?

Rates depend on your driving record, age, vehicle, location, and the coverage limits and deductibles you choose. Rates also vary by state and by the insurance company underwriting your policy. The only way to know what you'll pay is to get a quote based on your specific situation.