AAA Plus gives you roadside information with higher towing limits than basic AAA

AAA Plus is an upgrade from standard AAA membership that extends your towing distance and adds a few extra services. The main difference is that Plus covers towing up to 100 miles to a repair shop of your choice, compared to 7 miles with basic AAA. You also get lockout service, fuel delivery, and battery service included, the same as standard membership — but the longer tow is what you're paying extra for.

AAA Plus costs more than basic membership (the exact price varies by your local AAA club and region), but less than AAA Premier, which is the highest tier. You can add it when you join or upgrade an existing membership at any time. The membership runs for one year from the date you purchase it.

This guide explains what services come with Plus, what situations it covers, how to use it, and what to expect when you call for help.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA Plus covers towing up to 100 miles to a repair facility you choose, compared to 7 miles with basic AAA membership.
  • The membership includes lockout service, fuel delivery, battery service, and winch-out information at no extra charge per use.
  • You can call AAA's roadside information line 24 hours a day, and a dispatcher will send help to your location.
  • AAA Plus is available in most U.S. states through your local AAA club, though pricing and exact benefits vary by region.
  • The membership covers your vehicle when you are driving it, not when someone else is behind the wheel unless they are a household member.

What services come with AAA Plus membership

AAA Plus includes towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, battery service, and winch-out information. The towing benefit is the primary upgrade — you get up to 100 miles of towing to a repair shop, gas station, or your home, whichever is closest to your breakdown location. You choose where the tow truck takes your vehicle, and AAA covers the cost in full.

Lockout service means AAA will send a technician to unlock your car if you are locked out with the keys inside. Fuel delivery covers the cost of a technician bringing you fuel if you run out of gas on the road. Battery service includes jump-starts and, in some regions, battery replacement or installation. Winch-out information covers the cost of pulling your vehicle out of a ditch, mud, or snow if you become stuck.

All of these services are included in your membership — you do not pay per use. You only pay the annual membership fee. Some services have limits: for example, fuel delivery typically covers up to 5 gallons, and you pay for the fuel itself.

When and where AAA Plus covers you

AAA Plus covers you when you are driving your own vehicle within the United States and Canada. The membership is tied to one specific vehicle, so if you own multiple cars, you need separate memberships for each one. If a household member is driving your car with your permission, the coverage applies to them as well.

Coverage is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not need to be a member for a certain amount of time before using the service — coverage begins the moment your membership is active. If your membership expires, you lose coverage when ready, so renewal before the expiration date is important if you want continuous protection.

AAA Plus does not cover commercial vehicles, vehicles used for hire (like rideshare), or vehicles with commercial plates. It also does not cover towing for mechanical repairs that happened before you broke down — only the current breakdown.

How to use your AAA Plus membership when you break down

When your vehicle breaks down, call the AAA roadside information number on the back of your membership card. A dispatcher will ask for your location, the type of vehicle, and what is wrong. They will send a tow truck or service technician to your location, usually within 30 to 60 minutes in urban areas, though rural areas may take longer.

Tell the dispatcher where you want your vehicle towed. You can choose a specific repair shop, your home, a gas station, or any other location within your 100-mile towing limit. The dispatcher will confirm the distance and let you know if the destination is within your coverage. If it is beyond 100 miles, you can still request the tow, but you will pay the difference out of pocket.

Stay with your vehicle or wait nearby for the technician to arrive. Have your membership card ready when they arrive — they will verify your membership before providing service. If you do not have your card, the dispatcher can look you up by phone number or name, but having the card speeds up the process.

AAA Plus versus basic AAA and Premier membership

The main difference between AAA Plus and basic AAA is the towing distance. Basic AAA covers 7 miles of towing; Plus covers 100 miles. Both include lockout service, fuel delivery, and battery service. If you rarely drive far from home or a trusted repair shop, basic AAA may be enough. If you take road trips or live far from repair facilities, Plus is worth the extra cost.

AAA Premier is the highest tier and covers up to 200 miles of towing, plus additional services like fuel tank lockout (if you lock your keys in the fuel door) and some travel discounts. Premier costs more than Plus. The choice depends on how far you typically drive and whether the extra distance and services justify the price difference.

All three membership levels include the same basic services: lockout, fuel delivery, and battery service. The tiers differ only in towing distance and a few add-on perks. Your local AAA club can show you the exact pricing for each level in your region.

What happens if you need a tow beyond 100 miles

If your vehicle breaks down more than 100 miles from a repair facility, you can still request a tow beyond your coverage limit. AAA will tow you the full distance, but you pay the cost for miles over 100. The dispatcher will tell you the estimated cost before the tow truck arrives, so you can decide whether to proceed.

Some people choose to have their vehicle towed 100 miles to the nearest repair shop, then arrange a separate tow from there if needed. Others pay out of pocket for the full distance. The choice is yours, and the dispatcher can help you understand the cost difference.

If you frequently need tows beyond 100 miles, upgrading to AAA Premier (which covers 200 miles) may be more cost-effective than paying overage charges repeatedly.

How to purchase or upgrade to AAA Plus

You can purchase AAA Plus membership through your local AAA club's website, by phone, or in person at a club office. If you already have basic AAA membership, you can upgrade to Plus at any time — you do not have to wait for your membership to expire. The upgrade fee is the difference between what you have already paid and the cost of Plus membership.

Membership is sold by regional AAA clubs, so pricing varies. Some clubs offer discounts if you pay for multiple years upfront, or if you bundle membership with other AAA services like travel insurance or home insurance. Ask your local club about current pricing and any promotions they are running.

When you purchase, you will receive a membership card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your membership becomes active when ready, even before the card arrives — you can use the membership number from your confirmation email or receipt to call for roadside information right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AAA Plus cover me if someone else is driving my car?

Yes, if the driver is a household member with your permission. AAA Plus is tied to the vehicle, not the driver. If a non-household member is driving your car, coverage does not explore. Make sure anyone regularly driving your vehicle knows your membership number and how to call for information.

What if my car breaks down and I need a rental car while it is being repaired?

AAA Plus does not include rental car reimbursement. Some AAA members purchase additional coverage through their auto insurance or a separate travel protection plan. Ask your insurance agent whether your policy covers rental cars during repairs, or contact your AAA club about add-on coverage options.

Can I transfer my AAA Plus membership to a different vehicle?

Yes. Contact your local AAA club and provide the new vehicle's information. They will update your membership to cover the new car. If you sell or trade in your vehicle, update your membership as soon as possible so coverage applies to the correct car.

What if the repair shop is more than 100 miles away but it is the closest one available?

Call the dispatcher and explain the situation. They can tow you to the nearest shop within 100 miles, or you can pay out of pocket for the additional distance. Some shops can also arrange their own towing if you prefer, though AAA will not reimburse you in that case.

Does AAA Plus cover breakdowns on private property like a driveway?

AAA covers breakdowns on public roads and highways. If your vehicle breaks down in your driveway or on private property, you would need to arrange a private tow service. Coverage applies once your vehicle is on a public road or if you need help getting it to a public road.