Is AAA Worth It?
IS AAA WORTH IT? IT DEPENDS
Everyone has different reasons to have—or not have—AAA. Here are the most-asked questions about AAA membership to learn more about what they offer before making a decision.
WHAT ARE AAA’S ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE BENEFITS?
AAA is best known for towing but they also provide services like tire changes, battery jumps and replacements, out-of-fuel service, auto lock-out, and stuck-vehicle service. There are three levels of coverage: Classic, Plus, and Premier.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AAA CLASSIC, PLUS, AND PREMIER?
The main differences are mileage and price. Prices vary depending on where you live, but you will pay more for Plus and Premier membership.
- AAA Classic members get up to 5 miles of towing 4 times a year included with your membership.
- AAA Plus members get up to 100 miles of towing 4 times a year.
- AAA Premier members get 4 tows up to 100 miles and 1 tow up to 200 miles—which is great if you’re taking a long car trip and want to feel safe.
For new members, it’s important to know the Plus- and Premier-level services kick in 7 days after the new membership begins.
HOW IS AAA DIFFERENT FROM OTHER ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROVIDERS?
One big difference is that AAA will tow you to the location of your choice—not just back to the towing garage. There will be a charge, however, if the tow is higher than your mileage limit. The biggest difference to consider is that your AAA benefits follow you, in any car, unlike some other services that only cover a specific vehicle.
- Battery Service: If you need a jump, AAA will take care of that for you with no charge. The technician can also test your battery and—if it’s needed—replace it with a AAA Battery. You pay for the battery, but not the service call.
- Tire Change: When you get a flat tire, AAA will remove the flat tire and replace it with your spare. No need to get your hands dirty before a big meeting.
- Out-Of-Fuel Service: AAA will bring you enough gas to get to the nearest gas station. If you have Classic coverage, you pay for the gas; the service call is free. AAA Plus and Premier members get free gas along with the free service call.
- Lock-Out Service: Technicians with the proper tools can open your car—usually pretty quickly. If AAA has to call a locksmith, Classic members can get reimbursed up to $50 and Plus members for up to $100. Premier members can be reimbursed up to $150 for both car and home lock outs.
- Identity Theft Monitoring: This benefit is free to all AAA members and includes $10,000 Identity Theft Insurance for Premier members.
- More Benefits: There are additional benefits including International Travel Guides, International Travel Maps (free for Classic, Plus, and Premier members) and Passport Photos.
WHEN I JOIN AAA, CAN I USE IT RIGHT AWAY?
If you need Roadside Assistance in the same calendar day as you join, you will be charged an additional non-refundable Service Fee. New members can use their other benefits—like discounts for hotels, travel, or shopping—the same day they join.
CAN I ADD FAMILY MEMBERS TO MY AAA MEMBERSHIP?
You can add anyone who lives in your home. That includes kids in college, since they live at home but are away at school.
WHAT DO I DO WHEN I NEED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE?
AAA members can call, use the AAA Website, or the AAA App to request help. You’ll be asked to show your membership card and driver’s license.
WHAT IF MY CAR BREAKS DOWN OUT OF STATE—EVEN ACROSS THE COUNTRY?
AAA members who are far from home still call for help the way they normally would—by phone, online, or using the AAA Mobile app. A local club will send a technician to help.
DOES AAA OFFER DISCOUNTS—LIKE REAL DISCOUNTS I CAN USE?
That will depend on you, but AAA offers many, and varied, discounts. Members get discounts for:
- Attraction Tickets
- Automotive Maintenance & Repairs
- Auto Parts
- Electronics
- Health & Fitness
- Insurance & Finances
- Restaurants
- Retail Shopping
- Travel Planning, Hotels, Flights & Rental Cars
- And More