AAA membership fees vary by membership tier and your state

AAA membership costs between roughly $50 and $150 per year for a single driver, depending on which membership level you choose and where you live. The three main tiers are Classic (basic roadside information), Plus (longer towing distance), and Premier (the longest towing distance and most services). Some states and regions charge more than others because AAA is organized by regional clubs, and each sets its own pricing.

Your membership fee covers roadside information services like towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, and jump starts. It does not cover the cost of repairs themselves — only the dispatch and transport to a repair facility. If you need a tow, you pay the membership fee once per year, and then towing is included; you do not pay per use.

AAA also offers discounts on hotels, rental cars, insurance, and other services as a membership benefit, though these vary by region and partner. The roadside information is the core service most people join for.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA membership costs between $50 and $150 per year depending on tier and location, with Classic being the lowest and Premier the highest.
  • Your membership fee covers unlimited roadside information calls within the year, including towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, and jump starts.
  • The main difference between tiers is how far AAA will tow you for free — Classic covers shorter distances, Premier covers longer ones.
  • AAA is organized by regional clubs, so the exact price and services available depend on which state or region you join through.
  • Membership also includes discounts on travel, hotels, and insurance, though these benefits vary by location and change over time.

The three membership tiers and what each covers

Classic membership is the entry-level option and typically costs $50 to $80 per year. It includes towing up to a set distance (often 7 miles), lockout service, fuel delivery, battery service, and flat tire information. If you need a tow longer than the included distance, you pay the difference.

Plus membership sits in the middle and usually runs $80 to $110 per year. It extends your free towing distance (often to 100 miles) and includes the same services as Classic. This tier makes sense if you live far from repair shops or frequently drive in remote areas.

Premier membership is the top tier, typically $120 to $150 per year, and covers the longest towing distance (often 200 miles or more). It also includes additional perks like locksmith service at no charge and sometimes higher limits on fuel delivery or other services. Premier is most useful if you take long road trips or live very far from major towns.

All three tiers cover the same basic services — the main difference is how far they will tow you. Your regional AAA club's website shows the exact distances and current pricing for your area.

How to find out what AAA costs in your state

Because AAA is organized by regional clubs, you need to check your specific club's website to see current pricing. Go to AAA.com and enter your zip code, or search for your state's AAA club directly (for example, "AAA of Northern California" or "AAA of Ohio"). The club website will show all three membership tiers, the exact towing distances for each, and the current annual fee.

Pricing can shift year to year, and some clubs offer discounts for paying multiple years upfront or for bundling membership with insurance. Your club's website will also show any current promotions. If you are already a member, your renewal notice will show the new price before you commit to renewing.

Some employers and credit unions also offer AAA membership at a discount as an employee or member benefit. If you have access to either, check whether they negotiate a lower rate before paying full price directly.

What the membership fee does not cover

Your AAA membership fee covers the dispatch and towing service, but not the repair bill itself. If your car needs a new transmission or engine work, AAA gets you to the shop — you pay the mechanic separately. This is an important distinction because people sometimes assume membership covers repairs.

Membership also does not cover damage to your vehicle during towing, though AAA carries insurance for this and claims are rare. It does not cover towing if your car is impounded by police, seized for unpaid tickets, or towed from private property without your consent. And it does not cover towing for accidents involving other vehicles — your auto insurance handles that.

If you need roadside help but are not a member, AAA will still dispatch a tow truck, but you pay the full cost out of pocket, which is usually $100 to $300 depending on distance.

When membership pays for itself

A single tow can cost $150 to $300 if you pay without membership, so one emergency tow in a year can cover your annual membership fee. If you drive an older car, live far from repair shops, or take frequent road trips, the odds of needing at least one tow in a year are high enough that membership usually makes financial sense.

If you drive a newer, reliable car and live close to repair facilities, you might go years without needing a tow. In that case, membership is optional — you are paying for insurance against an unlikely event. The non-roadside benefits like hotel and rental car discounts can add value, but they are not may provide to save you money unless you actively use them.

Some people also join for the lockout service and fuel delivery, which are cheaper than calling a locksmith or a fuel delivery service separately. A locksmith call alone can run $75 to $150, so if you lock yourself out once, membership has paid for itself.

How to join and what happens after you pay

You can join AAA through your regional club's website, by phone, or in person at a local AAA office. You will need a valid driver's license and a current mailing address. Membership typically starts when ready or within one business day, and you receive a membership card by mail within one to two weeks.

Once you are a member, you can call the roadside information number on your card or use the AAA mobile app to request service. The app lets you track your tow truck in real time and communicate directly with the driver. Response times vary by location and how busy the local tow network is, but AAA typically dispatches within 30 to 60 minutes in urban and suburban areas.

Your membership renews automatically each year unless you cancel. You will receive a renewal notice before your membership expires, showing the new fee. If the price increases and you do not want to renew, you can cancel online or by phone.

Alternatives to AAA membership

Some auto insurance policies include roadside information as an add-on for $5 to $15 per year. Check your current policy to see whether this is already included or available. The coverage is usually more limited than AAA — often just one or two free tows per year rather than unlimited — but it can be cheaper.

Credit card companies sometimes offer roadside information as a cardholder benefit, particularly premium cards. Check your card's benefits guide or call the number on the back to ask. This coverage is usually free but may have limits on how many times you can use it per year.

Some employers offer roadside information through their benefits package, and some cell phone plans include it as well. If you have access to any of these, compare what they cover against AAA's tiers before paying for membership separately.

If you do not join any membership program, you can always call a local tow truck company directly in an emergency. Prices are higher, but you avoid the annual fee if you rarely need towing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my AAA membership in other states?

Yes. AAA membership is honored nationwide and in Canada and Mexico. If you break down in another state, call the roadside information number on your card and give your membership number. The local tow network in that state will respond. Coverage limits and services are the same as in your home state.

Does AAA membership cover towing for accidents?

AAA covers towing for breakdowns and mechanical issues. For accidents, your auto insurance typically handles the tow. If you do not have collision coverage or your insurance has not been activated yet, you can call AAA and pay out of pocket, but this is not what the membership is designed for.

What if I only need roadside help once a year?

One tow without membership can cost $150 to $300, so a single use often covers the annual fee. If you drive an older car or live far from repair shops, the odds of needing help at least once are high. If you drive a newer car and live close to services, membership is optional.

Can I get a refund if I do not use my membership?

Most AAA clubs do not offer refunds for unused membership. However, you can cancel anytime and avoid paying for the next year's renewal. If you cancel mid-year, you typically do not receive a partial refund for the months remaining.

Is AAA membership worth it for someone who rarely drives?

If you drive only a few times per month and your car is reliable, membership is probably not necessary. The annual fee is only worth it if you are likely to need at least one tow or lockout service during the year. If you do drive occasionally and want peace of mind, the lowest-tier Classic membership is the most affordable option.