How to Request a Tow Through AAA (and What to Expect When You Do)

When your car breaks down on the side of the road, calling for a tow is often the only option. For millions of drivers, that call goes to AAA. But knowing how to request a tow — and what happens next — can make a stressful situation a lot more manageable.

What AAA Roadside Assistance Actually Is

AAA (the American Automobile Association) is a membership-based organization that provides roadside assistance, among other services. When you request a tow, you're drawing on a benefit tied to your membership tier — not purchasing a one-time service on the spot.

AAA contracts with a network of local towing and service providers. When you call, AAA dispatches the nearest available contracted provider to your location. You're generally not getting a direct AAA employee — you're getting a vetted local operator working under AAA's service standards.

How to Request a AAA Tow

There are three main ways to contact AAA for roadside assistance:

• Phone: Call 1-800-222-4357 (1-800-AAA-HELP). Available 24/7.
• AAA Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android. You can request service, track your driver, and share your location directly through the app.
• AAA Website: Some regions allow service requests through the member portal.

The app is increasingly the preferred method because it uses GPS to pinpoint your location automatically — removing one of the most common sources of confusion during a breakdown call.

What You'll Need to Provide

When you request a tow, be ready to share:

• Your AAA membership number
• Your exact location (mile marker, cross streets, highway name, or GPS coordinates)
• Your vehicle's make, model, and year
• A brief description of what's wrong (won't start, flat tire, collision damage, etc.)
• Whether you're in a safe location or need emergency assistance first

If you're in an unsafe location — on a highway, in a tunnel, or in poor visibility conditions — say so immediately. Dispatchers can flag the call accordingly.

AAA Membership Tiers and Tow Distance 🚗

Not all AAA memberships cover the same tow distance. This is one of the most important variables to understand before you need a tow.

Beyond your covered mileage, you pay out of pocket — typically a per-mile rate that varies by region and the contracted towing company. If your mechanic or dealership is farther than your tier covers, you'll either pay the difference or arrange a secondary tow.

AAA also limits the number of service calls per membership year — usually four. After that, additional calls may be billed directly.

Where Can You Tow To?

AAA doesn't restrict you to a specific shop. You can generally direct the tow truck driver to:

• A repair shop of your choosing
• A dealership
• Your home
• A safe parking area while you figure out next steps

The key constraint is distance. Where you can realistically tow for free — or at minimal cost — depends on your membership tier and how far you are from your destination.

What Happens After You Request the Tow

Once your request is submitted, AAA gives you an estimated arrival time (ETA). Through the app, you can often track the driver's location in real time.

The contracted driver will arrive, confirm your membership, and assess the situation. In some cases, the issue can be resolved on-site — a jump start, fuel delivery, or tire change — and no tow is needed. If a tow is required, the driver will load your vehicle and transport it to the destination you specify within your coverage range.

You'll need to sign off on the service before the driver leaves. Keep a copy of the service slip — it documents the call date, driver, mileage, and destination, which can matter if there's any follow-up dispute.

Variables That Affect Your Experience 🔧

Several factors shape how a AAA tow request actually plays out:

• Your location: Rural areas often have fewer contracted towers, meaning longer wait times. Dense metro areas typically have faster response.
• Time of day and weather: High-demand periods (winter storms, holidays, peak commute hours) stretch response times significantly.
• Vehicle type: Large trucks, RVs, AWD vehicles, and electric vehicles sometimes require specialized equipment. Not all contracted towers carry flatbed trucks — which are often required for EVs and AWD/4WD vehicles that can't be towed on two wheels.
• Membership status: Lapsed or expired memberships don't qualify for benefits. AAA may offer to sign you up on the spot, but policies on immediate benefit eligibility vary by region.
• State and regional AAA club: AAA is not a single national entity — it's a federation of regional clubs. Benefits, pricing, and contractor networks can differ depending on which club serves your area.

Electric Vehicles and Flatbed Requirements ⚡

If you drive an EV, this matters: most electric vehicles must be transported on a flatbed, not a standard wheel-lift tow truck. Towing an EV with the drive wheels on the ground can damage the motor or regenerative braking system.

When you call to request a tow for an EV, say so upfront. This ensures the dispatcher sends the right equipment — and avoids a situation where a truck arrives that can't safely move your vehicle.

The Part Only You Can Figure Out

How a AAA tow request plays out for you specifically depends on your membership tier, where you're located when you break down, what type of vehicle you drive, and how far you need to go. The coverage math — mileage limits, call limits, out-of-pocket costs beyond your tier — is what most drivers don't think about until they're standing on the shoulder of a highway doing it in real time. Knowing your tier and its limits before that moment is what separates a manageable situation from an expensive surprise.