What happens when you call AAA for a tow

When you call AAA's roadside information line, a dispatcher takes your location, vehicle details, and the reason you need a tow. They send a tow truck to you and give you an estimated arrival time—usually 30 to 60 minutes depending on your area and current demand. The tow operator assesses your vehicle on-site, confirms where you want it taken, and handles the hookup and transport. You pay nothing at the scene if you're a current AAA member within your coverage limits.

The entire process is designed to move quickly. You don't need to arrange payment, sign contracts in advance, or negotiate with the tow operator. AAA handles the billing directly with the service provider. If your vehicle needs to go to a specific shop, you can request that destination when you call, though AAA will tow to any licensed repair facility or your home.

Key Takeaways

  • Call AAA's roadside information number (on your membership card or through the AAA mobile app) and have your membership number, vehicle location, and vehicle details ready.
  • AAA members receive a set number of free towing miles per year depending on membership level—Basic covers 7 miles, Plus covers 100 miles, and Premier covers 200 miles.
  • If your tow exceeds the free mileage limit, you pay the overage charges directly to the tow operator, not to AAA.
  • You can request a specific repair shop or destination, but AAA will tow to any licensed facility if you don't have a preference.
  • The tow operator will contact you before arriving if they cannot locate your exact position, so keep your phone accessible.

Membership levels and towing coverage

AAA offers three membership tiers, each with different towing allowances. Basic membership includes 7 free towing miles per incident. Plus membership covers 100 free miles. Premier membership covers 200 free miles. These limits reset annually on your membership renewal date, not per calendar year.

The mileage is measured from the point of breakdown to your chosen destination. If you break down 50 miles from home and request a tow home, and you have Plus membership (100 miles), you use 50 miles of your annual allowance. If you break down 150 miles away and have Basic membership, you pay for the tow beyond 7 miles—the operator will tell you the overage cost before hooking up.

Membership also covers lockouts, fuel delivery, jump-starts, and winching in addition to towing. These services don't count against your towing mileage. If you need multiple tows in a year, each one draws from the same annual pool of free miles.

How to request a tow: step by step

Step 1: Call AAA roadside information. The number is printed on your membership card. If you don't have your card, use the AAA mobile app (available for iOS and Android) to request a tow directly. The app shows your membership details and location automatically.

Step 2: Provide your location and vehicle information. Tell the dispatcher your street address, intersection, or highway mile marker. Have your membership number ready (it's on your card). Describe your vehicle: year, make, model, color, and license plate. Tell them why you need a tow—engine failure, accident, flat tire, dead battery, or other issue.

Step 3: Specify your destination. Say where you want the vehicle taken: your home address, a specific repair shop, a dealership, or a tow yard. If you don't have a preference, AAA will direct the operator to a nearby facility. Some areas have AAA-preferred shops that may offer member discounts on repairs.

Step 4: Confirm your contact number and wait. The dispatcher reads back your phone number and gives you an estimated arrival window. Stay near your vehicle and keep your phone on. The tow operator may call 10 to 15 minutes before arrival to confirm they're heading to the right location.

Step 5: Meet the operator and authorize the tow. When the truck arrives, the operator will verify your membership and vehicle details. They'll ask where you want the vehicle towed and confirm the destination address. You don't sign anything unless you're paying an overage charge. The operator handles the hookup and transport.

What to do if the wait is longer than expected

Tow times vary by location and time of day. Urban areas during rush hour may see longer waits than rural areas at off-peak times. If your estimated arrival window passes without contact, call AAA back using the number on your card. The dispatcher can check on the truck's status and give you an updated time.

If you're stranded in an unsafe location—on a highway shoulder in heavy traffic, for example—tell the dispatcher when you call. Some areas have priority dispatch for safety-critical situations. If you need to leave your vehicle temporarily, lock it and leave a note on the windshield with your phone number so the operator can reach you.

Paying for tows that exceed your coverage

If your tow distance exceeds your membership's free mileage limit, the tow operator will calculate the overage and tell you the cost before they hook up your vehicle. You can pay by card or cash at that point. The operator works for the towing company, not AAA, so they handle payment directly with you.

Overage rates vary by region and towing company. A typical overage might cost $3 to $5 per mile beyond your limit, but this is not fixed. Ask the operator for the rate before authorizing the tow if you want to know the exact cost. Some members choose to have the vehicle towed to a closer location first, then arrange a second tow later if needed—though this uses two of your annual tows.

Using the AAA mobile app instead of calling

The AAA mobile app lets you request a tow without calling. Open the app, tap "Roadside information," and select "Tow." The app automatically detects your location using GPS, so you don't have to describe where you are. Enter your vehicle details and destination, then submit. A dispatcher contacts you within a few minutes to confirm and provide an arrival estimate.

The app also shows you the status of your tow truck in real time—you can see the truck's location on a map and get a notification when it's 5 minutes away. This is especially useful if you're in an unfamiliar area or if you need to step away from your vehicle briefly. You can also use the app to view your membership details, remaining towing miles, and service history.

What to bring and what to expect at the tow yard or shop

Bring your membership card and a photo ID when you meet the tow operator. If you're being towed to a repair shop you chose, call ahead and let them know you're coming. Some shops have specific receiving hours or need advance notice for accident vehicles.

If you're being towed to a tow yard (usually because it's after hours or you haven't chosen a shop yet), ask the operator which yard and get the address and phone number. Tow yards typically charge daily storage fees after the first day, so arrange for repairs or pickup quickly. If your vehicle was in an accident and you have insurance, contact your insurer before the tow to confirm they'll cover the tow and storage costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a tow if my AAA membership has expired?

No. AAA only covers members with active memberships. If your membership has lapsed, you can renew it when ready through the app or by phone, but coverage doesn't explore retroactively. If you're stranded and your membership is expired, you'll need to pay the full tow cost out of pocket or contact your insurance company if you have roadside coverage through them.

What if I'm towed to a shop and they find the problem is minor—can I get a refund on the tow?

No. AAA charges for the tow service itself, not based on what the repair shop finds. Once the tow is complete, the charge stands. However, if the operator never arrived or the service was not provided, contact AAA directly to dispute the charge.

Do I need to tell AAA which repair shop to use, or can I choose any shop?

You can choose any licensed repair facility. AAA will tow to your preferred shop, a dealership, a tow yard, or your home. Some areas have AAA-preferred shops that offer member discounts on repairs, and the dispatcher can suggest one if you don't have a preference. The choice is yours.

What if my vehicle is stuck in mud or a ditch—can AAA tow it out?

AAA can arrange winching or recovery services, which are covered under roadside information and don't count against your towing mileage. However, if the recovery is complex or requires heavy equipment, the tow operator may refer you to a specialized recovery service. Ask the dispatcher when you call if your situation requires recovery rather than standard towing.

Can I request a tow if I'm not at my vehicle?

Yes. You can request a tow to your home or a repair shop even if you're not physically present, as long as you can provide the vehicle location and access instructions. If the operator needs to enter your vehicle (for example, to steer it during hookup), you may need to authorize entry or provide a key. Discuss this with the dispatcher when you call.