AAA Plus is a mid-tier roadside information membership that covers longer towing distances than basic AAA
AAA Plus adds coverage for tows up to 100 miles, compared to 7 miles with standard AAA membership. The membership also includes the same lockout service, fuel delivery, and jump-start help as basic AAA, but with higher limits on some services. If you live far from a repair shop or frequently drive in remote areas, the extra towing distance is the main reason to choose this tier over standard membership.
AAA offers three membership levels: Classic (the base tier), Plus, and Premier (the highest tier). Each level costs more but covers longer distances and more service calls per year. Your choice depends on how often you drive, how far from help you typically are, and whether you want coverage for multiple vehicles.
Key Takeaways
- AAA Plus covers tows up to 100 miles, while standard AAA covers only 7 miles, making it useful if you drive long distances or live far from repair shops.
- The membership includes four free service calls per year for lockouts, fuel delivery, jump-starts, and winch-outs, with the same services available on standard AAA.
- AAA Plus costs more than standard membership but less than Premier, which covers tows up to 200 miles and offers more service calls annually.
- You can use AAA services at any AAA-affiliated shop, and the membership covers your vehicle regardless of who is driving it.
What services AAA Plus actually covers
AAA Plus includes four free service calls per year. Each call covers one of these situations: a lockout (you are locked out of your car), fuel delivery (you run out of gas), a jump-start (your battery is dead), or a winch-out (your car is stuck and needs to be pulled free). After you use all four calls in a year, additional calls cost money, though the exact price varies by region.
The towing distance is where Plus differs most from standard AAA. With Plus, AAA will tow your vehicle up to 100 miles to a repair shop of your choice. Standard AAA covers only 7 miles. If your car breaks down 50 miles from home, Plus gets you all the way there; standard AAA would cover only the first 7 miles, and you would pay out of pocket for the rest.
AAA Plus does not cover mechanical repairs, parts, or labor at a shop. It covers only the cost of getting your car there. Once your vehicle arrives at the repair shop, you pay the shop's bill directly.
How AAA Plus compares to standard AAA and Premier
| Feature | AAA Classic | AAA Plus | AAA Premier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Towing distance | 7 miles | 100 miles | 200 miles |
| Free service calls per year | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Lockout service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fuel delivery | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Jump-start | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Winch-out service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The main difference between the three tiers is towing distance. If you rarely drive more than 7 miles from a repair shop, standard AAA covers your needs. If you drive 20 to 100 miles from home regularly, Plus makes sense. If you frequently take long road trips or live very far from the nearest shop, Premier's 200-mile coverage is worth the extra cost.
All three tiers include the same four service calls per year. You do not get more calls with a higher tier; you get longer towing distance. If you use all four calls in one year, any additional service calls cost money regardless of which tier you hold.
Who should choose AAA Plus over other tiers
AAA Plus works best for people who drive regularly beyond 7 miles from home but do not take frequent long road trips. This includes people who live in suburbs or rural areas where the nearest repair shop is 30 to 80 miles away, or people who commute to a job that far from home.
If you drive only around town and rarely venture more than 10 miles from home, standard AAA is enough. If you take frequent road trips across states or live more than 100 miles from any repair shop, Premier's extra distance is worth the cost difference.
AAA Plus also makes sense if you own an older vehicle that breaks down more often. The four free service calls per year give you a buffer; if your car needs help twice in one year, you still have two calls left. With standard AAA, the same two breakdowns would use half your annual calls.
How to use AAA Plus when you need roadside help
When your car breaks down, call the AAA number on your membership card or use the AAA mobile app to request service. Tell the dispatcher what is wrong (lockout, fuel, battery, stuck vehicle, or mechanical breakdown). The dispatcher will ask for your location and the type of vehicle you drive.
AAA will send a tow truck or service provider to your location. If you need a tow, tell the dispatcher which repair shop you want to go to, or ask for a recommendation. The tow truck will take your vehicle up to 100 miles to that shop at no cost to you. If the shop is more than 100 miles away, you pay the difference.
You do not need to pay the service provider. AAA covers the cost as long as you have a valid membership card and the service is one of the four covered types. Keep your membership card in your car or have the app ready on your phone so you can provide your membership number when you call.
AAA Plus membership cost and how to join
AAA Plus membership costs vary by region and by how you join. Some AAA clubs charge one price; others charge different amounts depending on whether you join online, by phone, or in person. Annual membership typically costs more than standard AAA but less than Premier, though the exact difference depends on your local AAA club.
You can join AAA through your local AAA club's website, by phone, or in person at an AAA office. When you join, you will receive a membership card in the mail within one to two weeks. You can use your membership when ready if you join online or by phone; the card itself is not required to call for service, only your membership number.
Some employers, credit unions, and insurance companies offer AAA membership discounts. Before you join, check whether your employer or financial institution has a partnership with AAA that could lower your cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AAA Plus cover towing if I break down on the highway?
Yes. AAA Plus covers towing on any road, including highways. Call the number on your membership card and tell the dispatcher your location. AAA will send a tow truck to you and cover the tow up to 100 miles to a repair shop you choose.
Can I use AAA Plus if someone else is driving my car?
Yes. AAA membership covers your vehicle, not the driver. If someone else is driving your car and it breaks down, they can call AAA with your membership number and receive the same coverage you would.
What happens if I need a tow longer than 100 miles?
AAA Plus covers the first 100 miles. If the repair shop is farther away, you pay the towing company directly for the distance beyond 100 miles. Some people choose Premier membership specifically to avoid this situation on long road trips.
Do I have to use an AAA-approved repair shop?
No. You can choose any repair shop you want, and AAA will tow your vehicle there. AAA does not require you to use a specific shop, though some AAA clubs offer discounts at certain shops if you ask.
Can I transfer my AAA Plus membership to another person?
No. AAA membership is tied to the person who purchases it and the vehicle listed on the account. If you want coverage for a different vehicle, you may be able to add it to your existing membership, depending on your local AAA club's rules.