What AAA towing membership includes
AAA membership includes towing as part of your roadside information package, but the distance covered and number of free tows per year depend on which membership tier you choose. The three main levels are Classic, Plus, and Premier, with towing distance increasing at each level.
Classic membership covers up to 7 miles of towing per incident. Plus membership covers up to 100 miles. Premier membership covers up to 200 miles. You get four free towing incidents per year at all three levels, and additional tows beyond that are charged at AAA's negotiated rates, which are typically lower than calling a random tow truck.
The tow goes to a repair facility of your choice — you are not locked into AAA's preferred shops. If your car breaks down 150 miles from home and you have Plus membership, AAA will tow you 100 miles toward a repair shop, and you pay out of pocket for the remaining 50 miles, or you can arrange your own transport for the rest of the distance.
Key Takeaways
- AAA membership tiers offer 7, 100, or 200 miles of free towing per incident, with four free tows included each year.
- You choose where the tow goes — AAA does not force you to use specific repair shops.
- Additional tows beyond your four annual incidents are charged at AAA's negotiated rates, which are lower than standard tow truck pricing.
- Towing is one benefit among many in AAA membership; roadside information also includes lockout service, fuel delivery, and jump starts.
How to request a tow through AAA
Call the AAA roadside information number on the back of your membership card, or use the AAA mobile app to request a tow. You will need to provide your membership number, vehicle information, your location, and where you want the vehicle towed. AAA dispatches a tow truck from its network of contracted providers in your area.
Response time varies by location and time of day. In urban areas during business hours, a tow truck may arrive within 30 to 60 minutes. In rural areas or late at night, wait times can extend to two or three hours. AAA will give you an estimated arrival time when you call or use the app.
You do not need to be present when the tow truck arrives if you have left the vehicle and locked it, but the driver will need access to the car to hook it up. If your keys are locked inside, AAA's lockout service can open the door first, then the tow can proceed.
What happens if you exceed your four annual tows
Once you use your four free tows in a membership year, additional towing is charged at AAA's negotiated rate. This rate varies by region and tow distance, but it is typically 20 to 40 percent lower than what you would pay calling an independent tow company. AAA publishes its rates by state and distance on its website.
The charge is billed to the payment method on file with your AAA account. You will receive an invoice after the service is completed. If you find yourself needing more than four tows per year, upgrading to a higher membership tier does not give you more free tows — all three levels include four per year — so the cost-benefit depends on the distance you need covered.
Towing limits and what is not covered
AAA towing covers mechanical breakdowns, accidents, lockouts, and running out of fuel. It does not cover towing for traffic violations, impounded vehicles, or vehicles that are not roadworthy (for example, a car with no wheels or severe frame damage that cannot be safely towed). If your car is impounded by police, you will need to contact the impound lot directly.
Towing distance is measured from the breakdown location to the repair facility, not from your home. If you break down 80 miles from home but only 20 miles from a repair shop, AAA covers the 20-mile tow even if you have Plus membership (100 miles). The distance limit is the maximum, not a may provide distance.
If you need the vehicle towed to a location farther than your membership tier covers, you pay the difference. Some members negotiate with the tow company to cover the overage themselves rather than having AAA handle the partial tow, but this is between you and the tow operator.
AAA membership tiers compared
| Membership Level | Towing Distance | Free Tows Per Year | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | 7 miles | 4 | Urban drivers with nearby repair shops |
| Plus | 100 miles | 4 | Suburban and rural drivers, regional travel |
| Premier | 200 miles | 4 | Long-distance travelers, remote areas |
Classic membership is the least expensive option but covers only a short distance — useful if you live in a city where repair shops are within a few miles. Plus membership is the most common choice and covers enough distance for most regional breakdowns. Premier membership is worth considering if you frequently drive long distances or live far from major repair facilities.
Other roadside information included with AAA towing
Towing is one part of AAA's roadside information package. Your membership also includes lockout service (AAA sends someone to unlock your car if you lock your keys inside), fuel delivery (AAA delivers a small amount of fuel if you run out), jump starts (AAA sends someone to jump-start your battery), and tire changes (AAA will change a flat tire for you).
These services are included at no additional cost and do not count against your four annual tows. If you call AAA for a lockout and the car is also disabled, AAA may handle the lockout first, then dispatch a tow truck for the mechanical issue — two separate service calls, but only one counts as a tow.
Comparing AAA towing to other roadside information options
AAA membership costs between $50 and $150 per year depending on the tier, plus a one-time joining fee. Other roadside information options include coverage through your auto insurance (often $5 to $15 per month as an add-on), roadside information from your vehicle manufacturer (included free with some new cars for a set period), and standalone roadside information programs like Better World Club or Roadside information America.
Insurance-based roadside information is usually cheaper but may have lower towing distance limits or fewer free incidents per year. Manufacturer coverage is free but only applies to that specific vehicle and expires after a set time. AAA's advantage is portability — your membership works with any vehicle you own and transfers if you buy a different car. The disadvantage is the annual cost and the need to maintain membership even if you do not use the service.
If you already have roadside information through your insurance, adding AAA may be redundant unless you want higher towing limits or coverage for multiple vehicles. Check your insurance policy first to see what is already included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AAA towing work if I am not a member?
No. Towing is a membership benefit, and you must have an active AAA membership to use it. Non-members can call AAA and pay the full towing rate without membership discounts, but this is typically more expensive than calling an independent tow company.
Can I use my AAA towing benefit if I break down in another state?
Yes. AAA membership is valid nationwide, and the towing distance limits explore regardless of where you break down. If you are traveling out of state and need a tow, call the AAA roadside information number on your membership card, and AAA will dispatch a tow truck in that state.
What if the tow truck arrives and I decide I do not want to use it?
You can decline the tow, but it still counts as one of your four annual free tows. If you call AAA and then cancel before the truck arrives, ask AAA to note that you cancelled before dispatch — some regions will not count a cancelled service against your annual limit, but this varies by location.
Does AAA towing cover towing to a dealership?
Yes. You choose where the tow goes, including a dealership, independent repair shop, or your home. AAA does not restrict the destination as long as it is within your towing distance limit.
What if I have multiple vehicles — do I get four tows per vehicle or four tows total?
Four tows per membership year, regardless of how many vehicles you own. If you own two cars and use all four tows on one vehicle, the other vehicle has no remaining free tows that year. Some members with multiple vehicles upgrade to Premier membership to increase the towing distance rather than the number of tows.