2024 AAA Roadside Assistance Review
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American Automobile Association (AAA) memberships include 24/7 roadside assistance coverage nationwide. Membership will include four service calls per year for most emergency roadside services, such as tows, flat tire services and battery jumpstarts.
With a network of 27 motor clubs, 1,000 branches and 7,000 approved repair shops nationwide, you will likely find a AAA provider in your area.[1] Keep reading to learn more about AAA roadside assistance, its membership perks and costs.
Key Takeaways
|
Overview
AAA membership coverage and pricing can vary by region. The benefits below are based on memberships in southern California.
Classic |
Plus |
Premier |
|
---|---|---|---|
Availability[2] |
50 states |
50 states |
50 states |
Annual Pricing |
$52.50 |
$87.50 |
$116.50 |
Service Calls Per Year |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Tow Truck |
7 miles |
100 miles |
200 miles for first tow; 100 miles for subsequent tows |
Winching |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Battery Jumpstart |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Lockout |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Flat Tire |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Fuel Delivery |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Our Thoughts on AAA Roadside Assistance
AAA is a household brand that serves millions of U.S. drivers nationwide. From vehicle tows to locksmith services, AAA is a staple for all your roadside service needs.
In California, the cheapest plan covers seven miles. Unless your car breakdown happens near your home or an auto repair shop, you may need to pay some money out of pocket for the mileage not covered by AAA.
You will likely pay more for roadside coverage through AAA than your auto insurance provider.
For example, Liberty Mutual may charge as low as $7 per car per year for their roadside coverage add-on, whereas AAA memberships may cost $55 and up each year. However, AAA’s higher price tag purchases more than just roadside emergency services such as DMV support, travel planning resources and discounts on rental cars.
How Does AAA Roadside Assistance Work?
Read below for more information on using your AAA roadside assistance benefit when you need a service like a tow, battery jumpstart or fuel delivery.
How Often Can I Use AAA Roadside Assistance?
AAA memberships usually include four service calls per year. You can still contact AAA after the fourth service call but a $100 service charge will apply for subsequent requests.[3]
Can I Use My AAA Roadside Assistance for Someone Else?
It’s possible to call AAA for roadside assistance for somebody else if you are riding in their car as the driver or passenger and you must be present when assistance arrives. Keep in mind that you will need to provide photo ID when they arrive.[3]
How Long Does AAA Roadside Assistance Take?
It can take anywhere from 12 minutes to an hour for a professional to arrive at your location after contacting AAA.[4] The time can vary based on multiple variables such as what type of service and how far out your car is.
What Does AAA Roadside Assistance Include?
The coverage you receive will depend on which membership level you buy: Basic, Plus or Premier. The following chart spells out the differences between the three programs.[5]
Classic |
Plus |
Premier |
|
---|---|---|---|
Tow Truck |
7 miles |
100 miles |
200 miles for first tow; 100 miles for subsequent tows |
Winching |
1 |
2 |
2 |
Battery Jumpstart |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Lockout |
$60 |
$100 |
$150 |
Flat Tire |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Fuel Delivery |
Yes |
Yes, includes cost of fuel to reach nearest service station |
Yes, includes cost of fuel to reach nearest service station |
Accident & Ride Assist |
No |
No |
Yes |
Rental Car |
Discounted rates |
Discounted rates + 1-car class upgrade |
1-day complimentary standard rental car |
In addition to the above benefits, AAA memberships at all three levels will include the following perks:[5]
- DMV transactions at your local branch
- Personalized travel planning
- Personal notary services
- Passport services
- Discounted expedited passport and travel visa courier online services
- Discounted processing fees for airline tickets
- Discounted CARFAX vehicle history reports
What Isn’t Included With AAA Roadside Assistance?
AAA roadside assistance is not a car insurance policy. You will need to purchase auto insurance coverage as a separate AAA product or from another provider.
Fuel delivery is covered but not the cost of fuel. You are still responsible for paying for the cost of fuel if you arrange for somebody to deliver it to your location. Upgrading your membership to Plus or Premier may cover this cost but only enough to get your car to the nearest gas station.[5]
How Much Does AAA Roadside Assistance Cost?
At $52.50 per year, the Classic AAA membership is the cheapest option. To unlock additional benefits, you can upgrade to Plus ($87.50) or Premier ($116.50).[5]
How Do I Request AAA Roadside Assistance?
If you require an emergency roadside service, call the AAA roadside assistance number on your membership card. This number can vary by region and we recommend adding it to your phone’s contact list in case you leave your card at home or lose it. You can also request service through your phone by downloading the AAA mobile app.
When requesting service, you will be prompted to provide the following information:
- Your 16-digit membership number
- The location of the disabled vehicle
- Type of service needed
- Description of the disabled vehicle
- Phone number where you can be contacted
After confirming receipt of your request, AAA will dispatch a professional to assist you with getting your car back up and running. You may need to keep your phone’s GPS function enabled so the provider can locate your exact location. If your vehicle needs to be repaired, AAA may send you pertinent local information, such as network repair shops in the area.
If you already paid for services, you can request AAA for reimbursement. You will typically need to submit a reimbursement claim within 60 days of the service but this time frame may be shorter or longer depending on your AAA club’s policy. The reimbursement form will usually require the following information:[6]
- Membership information
- Location of vehicle breakdown
- Vehicle information
- Reason for using a non-AAA service provider
- Type of service received
- Vehicle tow destination
- Garage providing service
- Amount paid for roadside service
- Copy of itemized receipt
Keep in mind that vehicle storage fees are generally non-reimbursable.[7]
Pros & Cons of AAA Roadside Assistance
Pros |
Cons |
---|---|
Coverage for leased, rented and borrowed cars |
Other household members must purchase a membership |
Other membership perks |
Fee for requesting service within 48 hours of purchasing membership |
Fuel included for Plus and Premier plans |
New members can only buy Classic membership |
Pros
- Coverage for leased, rented and borrowed cars: Whether you’re driving your own car, leasing, renting a car or borrowing a friend’s car, AAA will cover you for roadside emergencies. The only exception is if you’re riding as a passenger in a taxi, rideshare service or some other vehicle for hire.
- Other membership perks: AAA memberships may include other benefits on top of roadside emergencies, including identity theft protection, free vehicle inspections, and discounts on vehicle history reports.
- Fuel included for Plus and Premier plans: Usually only the cost of fuel delivery is included but if you upgrade to Plus or Premier, the cost of enough fuel to reach the nearest service station will be covered.[3]
Cons
- Other household members must purchase a membership: AAA states that it can cover the entire household but only if other family members purchase an associate membership, albeit at a discounted rate.[8]
- Fee for requesting service within 48 hours of purchasing membership: AAA may charge a $75 fee if you use your roadside assistance benefit within 48 hours of signing up. If you need roadside assistance and you’re not a member already, you can buy a membership and receive support but you’ll be charged a $100 service fee.[9]
- New members can only buy Classic membership: If you want to upgrade to Plus or Premier, you’ll need to have been an AAA Classic member for 90 days with no tow service calls during this time.[5]
AAA vs. The Competition
Annual Cost |
Service Calls |
All Basic Services Covered? |
Towing Coverage |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
AAA (Classic) |
$52.50 |
4 |
Yes |
7 miles |
$18-$24 |
Varies |
Yes |
N/A |
|
$7-$35 |
6 |
Yes |
$200 |
|
$20 |
Varies |
Fuel delivery not covered |
N/A |
|
Travelers (Basic) |
$10 |
8 |
Yes |
15 miles |
Nationwide (Basic) |
$22-$24 |
4-6 |
Yes |
15 miles |
Varies* |
3-6 |
Winching not covered |
$75 |
*Free if you purchased collision and comprehensive coverage
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