AAA membership starts with choosing your membership tier, providing your contact information, and paying the annual fee — you can join online, by phone, or in person at a local AAA office

AAA (American Automobile Association) offers three main membership levels: Basic, Plus, and Premier. Each tier determines how far a tow truck will travel to reach you and how many free tows you get per year. Basic covers tows up to 7 miles; Plus extends to 100 miles; Premier covers up to 200 miles. You choose the level that matches your needs and budget, then complete a membership form with your name, address, phone number, and vehicle information.

The membership fee varies by region — AAA clubs operate independently in different states and territories, so the cost for Basic membership in California differs from the cost in New York. Most clubs charge between $50 and $150 per year for Basic membership, with Plus and Premier costing more. You can see your local club's exact pricing on their website or by calling their membership line.

Once you join, you receive a membership card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, though many clubs now issue a digital card when ready that you can use right away on your phone. The membership runs for 12 months from your join date, and you can renew online, by phone, or in person before it expires.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA membership comes in three tiers (Basic, Plus, Premier) that differ in tow distance and annual free tows, with pricing that varies by your regional AAA club.
  • You can join online through your local AAA club's website, by phone, or at a physical office location, and you'll need your vehicle information and a valid payment method.
  • A digital membership card is usually available when ready after joining, though the physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Membership covers emergency towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, and battery service, but does not cover mechanical repairs or parts.
  • AAA membership renews annually on your membership date, and you can set up automatic renewal to avoid a lapse in coverage.

Where to join AAA

Your local AAA club operates the membership program for your state or region. To find it, visit aaa.com and enter your ZIP code, or search "[your state] AAA membership" to locate the club's website and phone number. Each club maintains its own website with membership options, pricing, and the ability to join online.

Joining online is the fastest route. You select your membership tier, enter your personal and vehicle details, choose your payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account), and complete the transaction. The digital card appears in your account when ready, and you can add it to your phone's digital wallet or screenshot it for roadside use.

If you prefer to join by phone, call your local AAA club's membership line — the number appears on the club's website. A representative will walk you through the membership tiers, answer questions about coverage, and process your payment over the phone. If you want to join in person, most AAA clubs operate physical offices where you can sign up and receive your membership card on the spot.

What information you need to provide

AAA requires your full name, date of birth, mailing address, phone number, and email address. You will also need your vehicle's year, make, model, and license plate number. If you own multiple vehicles, you can add them to your membership, though some tiers limit how many vehicles are covered under one membership.

You will need a valid payment method — a credit card, debit card, or bank account information. AAA does not accept cash or checks for online or phone membership, though some in-person offices may have different payment options. If you are renewing an existing membership, you can use the same payment method on file or update it.

Some AAA clubs ask whether you are a new member or renewing, and whether you have any referral codes or discount codes. If your employer, insurance company, or alumni association offers AAA discounts, have that information ready — it can reduce your membership fee.

Membership tiers and what each covers

All AAA membership tiers include the same core services: emergency towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, battery service, and winch-out information. The difference lies in tow distance and the number of free tows per year.

Basic membership covers tows up to 7 miles and includes four free tows per year. This tier works best if you live close to a mechanic or dealer and rarely need long-distance towing. Plus membership covers tows up to 100 miles and includes four free tows per year, making it suitable for people who drive longer distances or live far from repair shops. Premier membership covers tows up to 200 miles and includes four free tows per year, designed for people who frequently travel long distances or live in rural areas.

Beyond the tow distance, all three tiers include the same roadside services: AAA will unlock your car if you lock your keys inside, deliver fuel if you run out of gas, replace a dead battery, and pull you out of a ditch or snowbank. If you need more than four tows in a year, AAA charges a per-tow fee for additional service, which varies by club but typically ranges from $50 to $100 depending on distance.

How membership works when you need roadside help

When you have a breakdown, lockout, or other roadside emergency, call AAA's roadside information line — the number is on your membership card and in the AAA mobile app. Have your membership number, location, and a description of the problem ready. AAA will dispatch a tow truck or service provider to your location, typically within 30 to 60 minutes in urban areas, though rural areas may take longer.

The service provider will handle the tow or service at no charge up to your membership tier's limit. If your tow distance exceeds your tier's coverage — for example, you have Basic membership but need a 50-mile tow — you will pay the difference. AAA charges a per-mile rate for distance beyond your coverage, which your local club can quote when you call.

You do not need to arrange payment with the tow truck driver. AAA bills you directly for any charges beyond your membership coverage, or you can pay out of pocket and submit a receipt for reimbursement if your membership should have covered it.

Annual renewal and membership lapses

Your membership expires 12 months after your join date. AAA typically sends renewal notices by email and mail 30 to 60 days before expiration. You can renew online, by phone, or in person using the same methods you used to join. Renewal usually takes just a few minutes and costs the same as your initial membership fee, unless your club has raised rates.

If your membership lapses — meaning you do not renew by the expiration date — you lose coverage when ready. AAA will not tow you or provide roadside services if you call after your membership has expired. You can rejoin at any time by paying the full annual fee; there is no penalty for a lapsed membership, but you will not have coverage during the gap.

To avoid a lapse, you can set up automatic renewal when you join or renew. AAA will charge your payment method on your renewal date each year without requiring you to take action. You can turn off automatic renewal at any time through your AAA account online or by calling your local club.

AAA membership discounts and added benefits

Beyond roadside information, AAA membership includes discounts at hotels, restaurants, car rental agencies, and entertainment venues. The discount amount varies by partner and location — some offer 10 percent off, others offer specific dollar amounts. You show your AAA card or membership number at checkout to receive the discount.

AAA also offers discounts on auto insurance through partner insurance companies. These discounts are separate from your membership fee and require you to get a quote from a participating insurer. Some AAA members save 5 to 15 percent on auto insurance, though the actual savings depend on your driving record and location.

Some AAA clubs offer additional services like travel planning, passport photo services, and notary services at their physical offices. Check your local club's website to see what services are available in your area beyond the standard roadside information and discounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my AAA membership if I am driving someone else's car?

Yes. AAA membership covers you as a person, not just your registered vehicles. If you are driving a friend's car or a rental car and need roadside information, you can call AAA and they will help you. The tow will go to a location of your choice, not necessarily to your home.

What happens if I need a tow longer than my membership covers?

AAA will still tow you, but you pay the difference. If you have Basic membership (7 miles) and need a 50-mile tow, AAA covers the first 7 miles and you pay for the remaining 43 miles at AAA's per-mile rate. Your local club can tell you the exact per-mile cost when you call for service.

Do I have to use AAA's tow truck, or can I call my own?

You can call your own tow truck if you prefer, but AAA will not reimburse you. AAA membership covers service only when you use AAA's network. If you call an independent tow company, you pay the full cost out of pocket.

Can I add family members to my AAA membership?

AAA memberships are individual, not household. Each person needs their own membership to receive roadside information. Some clubs offer household discounts if multiple people in the same home join, so ask about that when you sign up.

How do I cancel my AAA membership?

You can cancel online through your AAA account, by phone with your local club, or in person at an AAA office. Cancellations are effective when ready, and you will not be charged for the following year if you cancel before your renewal date. If you have already paid for the next year, you may be able to request a refund depending on your club's policy.