Does AAA Offer Car Insurance — And What They Actually Sell

AAA does not sell car insurance directly, but it negotiates discounts with insurance companies on behalf of its members

AAA (American Automobile Association) is a membership organization that provides roadside information, travel services, and member discounts. It does not underwrite or issue car insurance policies itself. Instead, AAA partners with insurance carriers in each state — the actual insurers — and offers members discounted rates through those partners.

When you buy car insurance through AAA, you are buying from one of these partner companies, not from AAA. The policy is issued by the insurance carrier, and claims go through that carrier's process. AAA's role is to negotiate the discount and help you enroll, but the insurance company handles coverage, billing, and claims.

Which insurance companies partner with AAA varies by state. In some states, AAA partners with Amica Mutual or CSAA Insurance Group. In others, it may be different carriers. You can find your state's partner on AAA's website or by calling your local AAA office.

Key Takeaways

• AAA negotiates discounts with insurance carriers but does not sell insurance itself — the policy comes from the partner insurance company.
• The insurance carrier, not AAA, handles your policy, billing, and claims.
• Which insurance company partners with AAA depends on your state.
• AAA membership may also give you discounts with other insurers even if you do not buy through AAA's partner program.
• You can compare AAA's partner rates against other insurers before deciding to buy.

How AAA's insurance discount program works

AAA members contact their local AAA office or visit the AAA website to get a quote through the partner insurance company. You provide your driving history, vehicle information, and coverage preferences. The partner company quotes you a rate that includes the AAA member discount.

If you decide to buy, the policy is issued by the partner insurance company. Your monthly bill goes to that company, not to AAA. If you have a claim, you file it with the insurance company and work with their claims adjuster. AAA does not process claims or handle policy changes — the insurance company does.

The discount amount varies by state and by the insurance company. AAA does not set the discount; the partner company does. Some states see larger discounts than others, and discounts can change year to year.

What insurance companies partner with AAA by state

AAA's partner insurance companies differ across the country. The most common partners are Amica Mutual and CSAA Insurance Group, but other carriers partner with AAA in specific regions.

To find out which company partners with AAA in your state, visit AAA.com and enter your state, or call your local AAA office. They can tell you the partner name and provide a quote. You can also ask whether the partner company is the only option or whether AAA offers quotes from multiple carriers in your area.

Even if you do not buy insurance through AAA's partner program, some insurance companies offer AAA member discounts if you mention your membership when you get a quote elsewhere. This is separate from the partner program and worth checking when you shop around.

AAA membership benefits beyond insurance discounts

AAA membership includes roadside information (towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, and jump-starts), travel planning services, and discounts at hotels, restaurants, and retailers. These benefits exist whether or not you buy car insurance through AAA.

If you are already an AAA member for roadside information or travel benefits, you may find that adding car insurance through the partner program is convenient because you manage everything in one place. But the roadside information and the insurance are separate products from separate companies.

How to compare AAA insurance rates with other insurers

Before you buy insurance through AAA's partner program, get quotes from other major insurers. Call or visit websites for companies like State Farm, Geico, Progressive, Allstate, and others. Provide the same vehicle and driving information to each company so the quotes are comparable.

Compare the total annual cost, not just the monthly payment. Some insurers offer discounts for bundling home and auto insurance, paying in full upfront, or maintaining a clean driving record. These discounts can sometimes offset a lower base rate at another company.

Write down the coverage limits (liability, collision, comprehensive) that each quote includes, because a lower price might mean lower coverage. Make sure you are comparing the same coverage across all quotes before you decide.

When AAA insurance might make sense for you

AAA insurance through a partner company makes sense if the discount brings the rate below what you find elsewhere and the coverage meets your needs. It also makes sense if you value having one company handle both roadside information and insurance, or if you are already an AAA member and want to consolidate.

AAA insurance does not make sense if another insurer quotes you a lower rate for the same coverage, or if you do not value the roadside information benefit enough to justify any price difference. Insurance shopping is about finding the lowest rate for the coverage you need, regardless of the brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy car insurance directly from AAA?

No. AAA negotiates discounts with insurance companies but does not issue policies itself. When you buy through AAA, the policy comes from the partner insurance company in your state. AAA helps you enroll and get the discount, but the insurance company handles everything else.

Who do I call if I have a claim?

You call the insurance company that issued your policy, not AAA. The partner company's claims department will assign an adjuster and guide you through the process. AAA does not handle claims.

Does AAA membership automatically give me an insurance discount?

Not automatically. You have to get a quote through AAA's partner program to receive the discount. Some other insurance companies also offer AAA member discounts if you ask when you get a quote, but you have to mention your membership.

What if I do not like the rate AAA quotes me?

You are not required to buy. Get quotes from other insurers and compare. If another company's rate is lower, buy from them. Shopping around is the best way to find the lowest price for your coverage.

Can I cancel AAA membership if I buy insurance through them?

Yes. Your insurance policy and your AAA membership are separate. You can cancel either one without affecting the other. If you cancel AAA membership, your insurance stays in force as long as you pay the premiums to the insurance company.