AAA Premier is the highest tier of roadside information AAA offers
AAA Premier is AAA's top-level membership tier, designed for drivers who want the broadest roadside coverage. It extends towing distance, adds lockout service, fuel delivery, and other perks beyond what Standard or Plus members receive. The exact benefits and cost vary by state and local AAA club, since each operates independently.
If you drive an older vehicle, travel long distances regularly, or want maximum peace of mind on the road, Premier may be worth the higher annual fee. But if you rarely leave your area or drive a newer car under warranty, Standard or Plus membership might cover what you actually need at a lower cost.
Key Takeaways
- AAA Premier typically includes 200 miles of free towing, compared to 100 miles for Plus and 7 miles for Standard, though these distances vary by state.
- Premier adds lockout service, fuel delivery, and fluid delivery at no extra charge, while Standard members usually pay per service.
- The annual cost of Premier membership ranges widely depending on your state and local AAA club, so comparing your club's specific rates matters more than national averages.
- Your vehicle's age, how far you typically drive from home, and whether you have roadside coverage through insurance or a car warranty should all factor into whether Premier is worth the cost.
What Premier covers that Standard and Plus do not
Premier membership bundles several services that Standard and Plus members either do not receive or must pay for separately. Lockout service — unlocking your car when keys are locked inside — is included at no charge for Premier members. Standard members do not have this service; Plus members may have it depending on their state club's offerings.
Fuel delivery is another Premier-only perk. If you run out of gas, AAA will deliver up to five gallons to your location at no charge. Standard and Plus members typically pay a service fee for this. Premier also covers fluid delivery — delivering coolant, oil, or other fluids if your vehicle needs them roadside — which is not available to lower tiers.
The most significant difference is towing distance. Premier members receive up to 200 miles of free towing in most states, compared to 100 miles for Plus and 7 miles for Standard. This matters most if you break down far from home or need to reach a specific repair shop rather than the nearest one.
How towing limits affect your actual costs
The towing distance included in your membership directly determines whether you pay out of pocket when your car breaks down. If you have a Standard membership with 7 miles of free towing and your car fails 50 miles from home, you pay for the remaining 43 miles yourself — typically $5 to $10 per mile depending on your location and the towing company.
Plus membership's 100-mile towing covers most breakdowns within a metro area or between nearby cities. Premier's 200-mile limit covers longer highway trips and reaches across state lines in some cases. If you regularly drive more than 100 miles from home — for work, family visits, or vacations — the extra towing distance in Premier can save you hundreds of dollars on a single breakdown.
Check your state's AAA website to see the exact towing distances for each tier, since some clubs offer slightly different limits. Also ask whether the distance is measured from your home, from the nearest repair facility, or from where you break down — this changes how far the tow actually goes.
When your car insurance or warranty might overlap with Premier
Before paying for Premier, check whether you already have roadside coverage elsewhere. Many auto insurance policies include roadside information — towing, lockout service, fuel delivery — as an add-on or standard feature. If your policy covers these services, paying extra for Premier membership duplicates that protection.
New and certified pre-owned vehicles often come with roadside information through the manufacturer's warranty. Hyundai, Kia, BMW, and others include towing and lockout service for the first few years of ownership. If your car is still under warranty, you may not need Premier until the warranty expires.
Read your insurance policy's roadside section and your vehicle's warranty documents before deciding. If you have coverage through both, Premier becomes an optional third layer rather than essential protection. If you have neither, Premier fills a real gap.
Comparing Premier to Plus and Standard membership
| Service | Standard | Plus | Premier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Towing distance | 7 miles | 100 miles | 200 miles |
| Lockout service | Not included | Varies by state | Included |
| Fuel delivery | Not included | Not included | Included (up to 5 gallons) |
| Fluid delivery | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Jump starts | Included | Included | Included |
| Winching/extraction | Included | Included | Included |
All three tiers include basic services like jump starts, tire changes, and winching if your car is stuck. The differences cluster around distance and convenience services. Standard is the bare minimum; Plus covers most urban and suburban breakdowns; Premier is built for frequent long-distance drivers or those who want maximum coverage without worrying about distance limits.
How to find your state's AAA Premier pricing
AAA membership costs vary significantly by state because each state has its own AAA club with different operating costs and service areas. There is no single national price for Premier membership. Your local club sets its own rates, which means the cost in California may differ from the cost in Texas or New York.
To find your state's Premier pricing, visit your state AAA website directly — search "AAA [your state]" to find the right club. Look for the membership page or pricing section, where you should see annual costs for Standard, Plus, and Premier tiers. Some clubs also offer discounts if you pay for two years upfront or if you are a member of certain organizations.
Call your local AAA club if the website does not clearly list Premier pricing. Ask whether the cost includes any additional discounts, whether there are family plans that cover multiple drivers, and whether the membership renews automatically or requires manual renewal each year.
Deciding whether Premier is worth the cost for your situation
Premier makes the most sense if you drive an older vehicle with higher breakdown risk, regularly travel more than 100 miles from home, or want to avoid any out-of-pocket towing costs. It also appeals to drivers who value the convenience of lockout and fuel delivery service, even if they rarely use them.
Premier is less necessary if you drive a newer car under warranty, rarely leave your metro area, have roadside coverage through insurance, or are willing to pay for occasional towing out of pocket. In those cases, Plus membership usually covers what you need at a lower annual cost.
The decision ultimately depends on your vehicle's age, your typical driving patterns, and what you already have through insurance or warranty. Calculate the cost of a single long-distance tow in your area — if that cost approaches or exceeds the annual Premier membership fee, Premier likely pays for itself on the first breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AAA Premier cover towing for mechanical repairs that happen during a trip?
Yes. Premier covers towing to any repair facility you choose, whether that is a dealership, independent shop, or facility near where you are traveling. You are not limited to the nearest shop. The 200-mile towing distance applies regardless of the reason for the breakdown.
Can I use my AAA Premier membership if I am driving someone else's car?
Yes, as long as you are the one calling for service. AAA membership is tied to the person, not the vehicle. However, some services like fuel delivery may have limits or require the vehicle owner's permission, so mention that you are driving someone else's car when you call.
What happens if I need towing beyond the 200-mile limit?
You pay the full cost of towing beyond 200 miles. AAA will still dispatch a tow truck, but you are responsible for the charges over the included distance. Some towing companies offer discounts to AAA members on the overage, so ask when you call.
Does Premier membership cover towing for accidents?
Yes, Premier covers towing after an accident. However, your auto insurance may also cover accident-related towing, so check your policy first. If both cover it, use whichever has fewer restrictions or better coverage for your situation.
Can I upgrade from Plus to Premier mid-year?
Yes. Contact your local AAA club and ask about upgrading. Most clubs will prorate the cost, charging you only for the remaining months of the membership year at the Premier rate. You do not have to wait until your membership renews.