How to join AAA

You can join AAA through their website, by phone, or in person at a local AAA office. The fastest route is online at aaa.com — you'll enter your zip code, choose a membership tier, provide your name and address, and pay the membership fee. By phone, call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357) and a representative will walk you through the same information. In person, visit any AAA branch office, where staff can answer questions about which membership level fits your needs before you sign up.

Membership takes effect when ready after payment clears. You'll receive a physical membership card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your membership right away — AAA will email you a temporary digital card you can show on your phone if you need roadside service before the physical card arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA membership starts when ready after you pay, even though your physical card arrives later.
  • The three main tiers are Classic (basic towing), Plus (extended towing distance), and Premier (longest towing distance), with annual costs varying by region.
  • Roadside service covers towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, and jump-starts, but does not cover mechanical repairs or parts.
  • AAA also offers discounts on hotels, rental cars, and insurance through partner companies, separate from roadside coverage.
  • You can join as an individual or add household members to a single membership at a lower per-person cost.

AAA membership tiers and what each covers

AAA offers three main membership levels, each with different towing distances and service limits. Classic includes up to 7 miles of free towing per service call. Plus covers up to 100 miles. Premier covers up to 200 miles. All three tiers include lockout service, fuel delivery, jump-starts, and winch-outs at no extra charge.

The cost of each tier varies by region and changes annually. Your local AAA branch sets pricing based on the area you live in, so membership in one state may cost more or less than the same tier in another. When you enter your zip code on aaa.com or call to join, you'll see the exact price for your region before you commit.

Roadside service is limited to a certain number of calls per year — typically four to six, depending on your tier and region. If you use all your calls, you can still request service, but you'll pay out of pocket for that call. You can renew your membership annually to reset your service count.

What roadside service does and does not cover

AAA roadside service covers towing your vehicle to a repair shop, unlocking your car if you're locked out, delivering fuel if you run out of gas, jump-starting a dead battery, and pulling your vehicle out of a ditch or mud. The service sends a tow truck to your location — you don't have to arrange it yourself or pay upfront.

Roadside service does not cover the cost of repairs, replacement parts, or labor at a repair shop. If your engine fails and needs a new transmission, AAA will tow you to a mechanic, but you pay the mechanic's bill. If you run out of fuel, AAA delivers a small amount of gas to get you to a station, but you pay for the fuel itself. Lockout service gets you back in your car, but doesn't fix a broken lock or window.

Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You call the number on the back of your membership card, give your location, and a tow truck is dispatched. Wait times depend on how busy the local tow service is — in rural areas, it can take an hour or more; in cities, usually 30 to 45 minutes.

Household memberships and adding family members

You can add household members to your AAA membership at a reduced rate instead of each person paying for a separate membership. A household membership typically covers you, your spouse or partner, and any household members age 18 and under at no extra charge. Adult household members over 18 can be added for a lower fee than a standalone membership.

All members on a household membership share the same service call limit — if you use four of your six annual calls, the remaining two are available to any household member. This means you need to coordinate if multiple people in your home drive frequently, or consider upgrading to a higher tier if you expect heavy use.

When you join, you can add household members when ready, or you can add them later by contacting your local AAA office or updating your membership online.

Discounts and benefits beyond roadside service

AAA membership includes discounts at thousands of hotels, rental car companies, restaurants, and attractions across the United States and internationally. These discounts are separate from roadside service — you don't use up your towing calls to get them. You straightforward show your AAA card or provide your membership number when booking or checking in.

Common discounts include 10 percent off hotel rates at major chains, reduced rates on car rentals, discounts on movie tickets, and reduced admission at theme parks and museums. The exact discounts vary by location and partner, so it's worth checking aaa.com or asking at the time of booking what discount is available.

AAA also offers insurance products — auto, home, and life — through partner companies. These are sold separately from membership and require a separate purchase, but members often receive a discount on insurance quotes.

Renewing your membership and canceling if needed

AAA membership renews annually on the date you joined. You'll receive a renewal notice by mail and email about 30 days before your membership expires. You can renew online, by phone, or in person. If you don't renew by the expiration date, your membership ends and you lose access to roadside service, though your discount benefits may continue for a short grace period depending on your region.

If you want to cancel your membership, contact your local AAA office or call 1-800-AAA-HELP. Most regions allow cancellation within 30 days of joining for a full refund. After 30 days, refunds are prorated based on how much of your membership year remains. Some regions have different refund policies, so ask about yours when you call.

You can also pause your membership for up to 12 months if you're not driving temporarily — this keeps your membership active without charging you the full annual fee. Contact your local office to set this up.

How to use your membership when you need roadside service

When your car breaks down or you're locked out, call the number on the back of your AAA membership card. Have your membership number, vehicle information (make, model, year, and license plate), and your location ready. The dispatcher will confirm which service you need and send a tow truck to you.

You don't need to pay anything at the time of service — the tow truck driver will verify your membership and handle the billing with AAA. If you're towed to a repair shop, you pay the shop directly for any repairs; AAA only covers the towing itself.

Keep your membership card in your vehicle or take a photo of it on your phone so you have it when you need it. If you lose your card, you can still use your membership by providing your membership number to the dispatcher, or you can request a replacement card from your local AAA office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my AAA membership if I'm traveling out of state?

Yes. AAA membership works nationwide and in many countries internationally. Roadside service is available wherever you are in the United States. If you're traveling internationally, check aaa.com to see which countries your membership covers — coverage varies by region.

What happens if I use all my roadside service calls before my membership renews?

You can still call for service, but you'll be charged the full cost of the tow or service call. The amount depends on the distance and type of service. You can renew your membership early to reset your call count if you know you'll need more service.

Do I have to use a specific repair shop after AAA tows me?

No. You can direct the tow truck to any repair shop you choose — a dealership, an independent mechanic, or a shop of your preference. AAA tows you where you ask. You're not required to use any particular shop.

Can I transfer my AAA membership to someone else?

No. Membership is tied to the person who joined and their vehicle information. If someone else needs AAA coverage, they need to join separately or be added as a household member on your existing membership.

Is AAA membership worth it if I rarely drive?

That depends on your situation. If you drive occasionally but want peace of mind that help is available if something goes wrong, membership may be worth the cost. If you drive very rarely and have other options for roadside help (like roadside information through your insurance or credit card), you may not need it. Compare the annual membership cost in your region against how often you drive and what other coverage you have.