How Far Does AAA Tow?

Towing distance plays a big role in choosing the right AAA Membership. Read on to compare towing limits and annual service calls by Membership level and find answers to common questions.

Ultimately, the AAA towing distance is as far as you need, as long as you’re a member. However, there are limits to your AAA towing coverage, which are entirely dependent on the level of membership you sign up for—Classic, Plus, or Premier.

 

AAA Towing Distance by Membership

Membership Level	Miles	Allowance Per Year
Classic	5 Miles	4X/Year
Plus	100	4X/Year
Premier	100	4X/Year + One 200 Mile Tow

Classic: 5 Miles, 4X/Year + One 200-Mile Tow 

If you sign up for a Classic Membership are covered for the first 5 miles of towing at no charge per service call, with any additional mileage charged at a discounted rate. Alternatively, you can have your car towed back to a AAA-approved repair facility at no extra cost—even if it’s more than 5 miles away. This plan includes four service calls per year.  Five miles may not sound like much, but if you typically stay close to home, Classic is probably the best option for your needs.

Plus: 100 Miles, 4X/Year

Plus is the first upgrade after Classic, and it comes with an increased amount of towing that suits most drivers’ needs. 

Plus Members can have their vehicle towed up to 100 miles per service call, up to four times annually, at no additional cost. Similar to the Classic level, if you go over the mileage limit, you’ll pay a discounted towing rate per each additional mile. Or, you can have your car towed to a responding AAA facility at no extra cost.

Premier: 100 Miles, 4X/Year + One 200-Mile Tow 

Similar to Plus, Premier Members are covered for up to 100 miles of towing per service call, with discounted rates after 100 miles. Towing back to a responding AAA facility at no cost still applies at this level. Here’s the key difference: Premier Members get one 200-mile tow per household each Membership year. With this plan, Members get five service calls per year. 

  

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How far does AAA tow for free?

Roadside Assistance is included in your annual AAA Membership cost. Here’s what you get by Membership level:

• Classic: 5 Miles, up to 4 times per year
  
  
• Plus: 100 miles, up to 4 times per year
  
  
• Premier: 100 miles up to 4 times per year, plus one 200-mile tow annually 

How much does towing cost without AAA?

Towing out of pocket can get expensive fast. A short, 5-mile tow typically costs between $75 and $150, and longer tows can run several hundred dollars depending on your vehicle, location, and distance. That’s why many drivers say a AAA Membership pays for itself in one breakdown.

How many tows do I get per year with AAA?

AAA Memberships include a set number of Roadside Assistance calls per Membership year:

• Classic and Plus: 4 Service calls per Member
  
  
• Premier: 5 Service calls per Member

 

Can I choose where my car is towed?

Yes, you can choose where your vehicle is towed, as long as the destination is within your towing limits. If it exceeds those limits, you’ll pay a per-mile fee for the additional distance to the facility of your choice.

Which AAA Membership offers the longest towing distance?

Premier offers the longest towing coverage, including up to four 100-mile tows and one 200-mile tow each year.

Is AAA towing coverage based on the car or the Member?

AAA towing coverage is tied to the Member. For example, if you’re the passenger in a friend’s car and their car breaks down, you can still use your Membership for Roadside Assistance. The same goes for rental cars.

Does AAA tow motorcycles?

Yes. However, motorcycle coverage is an add-on service and is not included in the standard cost of a Classic, Plus or Premier Membership.

What if my AAA Membership doesn’t cover the full towing distance?

AAA can still tow your vehicle beyond your covered mileage. You’ll simply pay for the extra miles—often at a Member-discounted rate, which is typically less than what you’d pay by calling a tow company directly.

What happens if my tow exceeds my Membership’s mileage limit?

If you use all your service calls before your Membership year ends, you can still get help. Additional services are available at a Member-preferred rate, which is usually more affordable than paying out of pocket.

What counts as a AAA service call?

Each of the following counts as one Roadside Assistance call:

• Towing (any distance covered by your plan)
• Jump starts or battery testing/replacement
• Flat tire changes
• Lockout service
• Emergency fuel delivery
• Extrication (pulling your vehicle out if it’s stuck)
• Bicycle assistance (available in many regions)

Can I get extra AAA service calls?

Yes—there are two easy ways:

1. Upgrade to Premier: Premier Members receive five service calls per year, including one long-distance tow(up to 200 miles, depending on region).
2. Enroll in Automatic Renewal: Members who opt into Automatic Renewal typically receive one additional service call per year at no additional cost. You can opt out anytime.

What if I don’t use all my AAA service calls?

Unused Roadside Assistance calls don’t roll over. Your service call allotment resets at the start of each new Membership year.