AAA Premier membership is the highest roadside information tier AAA offers, covering towing up to 200 miles and other services beyond what basic AAA includes

AAA Premier is one of three membership levels AAA sells. It includes the longest towing distance (200 miles), the most lockout service calls per year, and fuel delivery. The other two tiers are Plus, which covers up to 100 miles of towing, and Basic, which covers up to 7 miles. Premier costs more per year than Plus or Basic, but the difference in what you get depends on how often you use roadside services and how far from home you typically break down.

AAA membership is regional — you join through your local club, and the cost and exact benefits vary by state. A Premier membership in California, for example, costs differently and may include slightly different services than Premier in Ohio. Before you commit to any tier, check what your state's AAA club actually offers under each level.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA Premier covers towing up to 200 miles, lockout service up to four times per year, fuel delivery, and fluid delivery at no additional charge to members.
  • You pay an annual membership fee upfront; roadside services themselves cost nothing when you call AAA and identify yourself as a member.
  • The 200-mile towing limit means AAA will tow your car up to 200 miles to a repair shop of your choice, but you pay for any repairs the shop does.
  • AAA membership is sold by regional clubs, so the exact cost, coverage limits, and included services vary by state and sometimes by county.
  • Premier is worth comparing to Plus if you drive long distances regularly or live far from repair shops, because the extra towing distance can save you hundreds on a single breakdown.

What Premier membership actually covers

Premier includes four main services. Towing covers up to 200 miles to a repair facility you choose — AAA does not pick the shop, you do. Lockout service covers up to four calls per year if you lock yourself out of your car; a locksmith comes to you and opens the door. Fuel delivery means if you run out of gas, AAA sends a driver with fuel to your location. Fluid delivery

All four services are included in your membership fee. When you call AAA roadside information and give your membership number, you do not pay the driver or technician — AAA covers it. You only pay for repairs that happen after the car reaches the shop, and you only pay if you choose to have that shop do the work.

Premier also includes some services that Basic and Plus do not. You get up to four lockout calls per year instead of one or two, and you get the longest towing distance. If you have a breakdown 150 miles from home, Premier gets you towed all the way; Plus would only cover 100 miles, leaving you to pay out of pocket for the remaining 50 miles.

How much Premier costs and what affects the price

AAA Premier membership fees vary by state and region. In some states, Premier costs around $150 to $200 per year; in others it may be higher or lower. The exact price depends on your local AAA club's operating costs, the state's insurance regulations, and current promotions. Some clubs offer discounts if you pay for multiple years upfront or if you bundle membership with other AAA services.

Your membership renews every 12 months from the date you join. If you join in March, your renewal date is March of the following year. You can cancel anytime, though most clubs do not refund the unused portion of your membership fee if you cancel mid-year.

To find out what Premier costs in your area, visit your state's AAA website or call the local club directly. They can tell you the current price, what discounts are running, and whether you can try a lower tier first to see if you actually use the services.

When the 200-mile towing limit matters

The difference between Premier (200 miles) and Plus (100 miles) is most important if you live far from repair shops or drive long distances regularly. If you break down 120 miles from home, Plus leaves you paying for the last 20 miles out of pocket. If you break down 180 miles away, Plus covers only 100 miles and you owe for 80 miles — which can easily cost $500 to $1,000 depending on the towing company's rates in that area.

One long-distance breakdown can cost more than a year of Premier membership, so if you commute more than an hour from home or take frequent road trips, Premier often pays for itself on a single incident. If you rarely drive more than 30 minutes from home and live in a town with repair shops nearby, Basic or Plus may be all you need.

Keep in mind that the 200-mile limit is per incident. If your car breaks down 300 miles away, AAA tows you 200 miles toward home or toward a shop, and you are responsible for arranging and paying for the remaining 100 miles. AAA will not tow you the full distance.

How to use Premier membership when you break down

When your car breaks down, call AAA roadside information at the number on your membership card. Have your membership number ready. Tell them what is wrong with the car, where you are, and where you want the car towed. AAA dispatches a tow truck to your location — this usually takes 30 minutes to an hour in urban areas, longer in rural areas.

The tow truck driver arrives, hooks up your car, and tows it to the repair shop you named. You ride along or arrange your own ride. Once the car reaches the shop, your AAA coverage ends. The shop gives you an estimate for repairs, and you decide whether to have them fix it. You pay the shop directly for any repairs.

If you are locked out, call AAA and they send a locksmith. If you run out of fuel, call AAA and they bring you gas. The process is the same: give your membership number, wait for the technician, and they handle it at no charge to you.

Premier versus Plus: which tier makes sense for you

Choose Plus if you drive mostly in your local area, live in a town with repair shops within 50 miles, and rarely take road trips. Plus covers 100 miles of towing, which is enough for most urban and suburban breakdowns. The annual cost is lower than Premier.

Choose Premier if you commute more than an hour from home, take regular road trips, live in a rural area far from shops, or drive an older car that breaks down more often. The extra 100 miles of towing coverage and the extra lockout calls per year justify the higher cost if you actually use them.

You can also start with Plus and upgrade to Premier later if you find yourself needing more coverage. Most AAA clubs allow you to change tiers at renewal time or mid-year for a small fee. Some clubs even let you upgrade when ready if you call and ask.

What Premier does not cover

Premier does not cover repairs. AAA tows your car to a shop, but the shop's labor and parts are your responsibility. Premier also does not cover damage to your car during towing — though AAA trains drivers to minimize risk, if something goes wrong during the tow, you would need to file a claim with AAA's insurance.

Premier does not cover towing if your breakdown is caused by something you did intentionally, such as driving on a flat tire until the rim is damaged, or if you ran out of fuel more than once in a 12-month period (some clubs limit fuel delivery to one or two calls per year). It also does not cover towing for accidents involving other vehicles — that is a matter for your car insurance.

Premier membership is not the same as roadside information through your car insurance. Some insurance policies include roadside information, and some do not. If your insurance includes it, you may have two separate roadside services available. Check your insurance policy to see what it covers, because you might not need AAA if your insurance already provides towing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Premier membership if I am not the one driving?

Yes. If you are a passenger in a car that breaks down, the driver can call AAA using your membership number and you will receive the same services. Some clubs limit this — check your membership agreement or call your local club to confirm whether passengers can use your membership.

Does Premier cover my spouse's car or just mine?

That depends on your club's rules. Some clubs sell household memberships that cover all cars in the household; others sell individual memberships that cover only one car. When you join, ask whether your membership covers one car or multiple cars, and whether it covers household members or just you.

What happens if I use up all four lockout calls before the year ends?

Once you have used four lockout calls, additional lockouts are not covered by your membership. You would have to pay a locksmith directly. Your four calls reset on your membership renewal date.

Can I cancel Premier and get a refund if I do not use it?

Most AAA clubs do not refund unused membership fees. Once you pay for the year, the membership is yours to use or not use. If you want to cancel, contact your local club and ask about their cancellation policy — some clubs may make exceptions or offer credits toward future membership.

Does Premier membership work if I break down in another state?

Yes. AAA membership is honored nationwide. If you break down in another state, call AAA roadside information and give your membership number. The same coverage applies — 200 miles of towing, lockout service, and fuel delivery. However, the specific towing company and repair shops available may differ by region.