What AAA Towing Is and How to Use It

AAA towing is a roadside information service included with an AAA membership. When your car breaks down, won't start, or gets stuck, you call AAA and a tow truck arrives to either fix the problem on the spot or tow your vehicle to a repair shop. The service covers the cost of the tow up to a certain distance — usually 7 miles for basic membership and up to 100 miles for higher tiers — and you pay nothing out of pocket if you're a member.

To use it, you call AAA's roadside information number (on your membership card or through the AAA mobile app) and tell them your location and what's wrong with your car. They dispatch a local tow operator to you, typically within 30 to 60 minutes depending on where you are. The tow operator assesses the problem, fixes it if it's straightforward (like a jump start or lockout), or tows you to a shop you choose or one they recommend.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA membership includes towing coverage that pays for the tow truck to arrive and either repair your car roadside or transport it to a shop, with no charge to you as a member.
  • The distance covered by a single tow varies by membership level: basic plans typically cover 7 miles, while premium plans cover up to 100 miles.
  • You call the AAA number on your membership card or use the AAA mobile app to request a tow, and dispatch usually sends a truck within 30 to 60 minutes.
  • straightforward roadside fixes like jump starts, lockouts, and fuel delivery are often handled on the spot without a tow, saving you time and keeping your car where it is.
  • If you need a tow beyond your membership's distance limit, you pay the tow operator directly for the extra mileage.

AAA Membership Tiers and Towing Distance Limits

AAA offers different membership levels, and the towing distance included with each one varies. Classic membership typically covers up to 7 miles per tow. Plus membership usually covers up to 100 miles. Premier membership often covers the same 100-mile distance. The exact distances and what's included depend on your local AAA club, so check your membership card or the AAA website for your region's specific terms.

If your car needs to go farther than your membership covers, you're responsible for paying the tow operator the cost of the extra distance. For example, if you have Classic membership (7 miles) and need a 20-mile tow, you'd pay for the additional 13 miles. Knowing your coverage limit before you break down helps you decide whether to upgrade or budget for potential overage costs.

What AAA Towing Covers and What It Doesn't

AAA towing covers the truck's arrival and the tow itself — the labor of getting your car from point A to point B. It also covers common roadside repairs that don't require a tow: jump starts for a dead battery, lockout service if you're locked out of your car, fuel delivery if you run out of gas, and tire changes in some cases. These services are performed at your location and don't count against your towing distance.

What AAA towing does not cover is the repair work itself once your car reaches a shop. If the shop charges $500 to replace your alternator, that's your bill, not AAA's. AAA also doesn't cover tows for vehicles that aren't registered to the member, though some plans allow towing of a spouse's or household member's vehicle — check your membership details. Towing for accidents involving another vehicle may have different procedures; ask the dispatcher when you call.

How to Request a Tow and What Happens Next

Call the AAA roadside information number printed on your membership card. Have your membership number ready, your current location, and a description of what's wrong with your car. If you prefer, you can use the AAA mobile app, which can pinpoint your location automatically and sometimes shows estimated wait times for a tow truck in your area.

After you call or use the app, AAA's dispatch center contacts a local tow operator and sends them to you. Wait times vary: in cities, 30 to 45 minutes is common. In rural areas, it may take longer. The dispatcher will give you an estimated arrival time and may ask you to stay with your car or move to a safe location if you're on a highway. When the tow operator arrives, they'll confirm your membership, assess your car, and either fix it on the spot or ask where you'd like it towed.

Choosing a Repair Shop and Paying for Repairs

When AAA tows your car, you choose where it goes. You can name a shop you trust, ask the tow operator for a recommendation, or let AAA suggest one. The tow itself is covered by your membership, but any repair work at the shop is between you and that shop — AAA doesn't pay for repairs or negotiate repair costs on your behalf.

Before authorizing any work, ask the shop for an estimate and get it in writing. Some shops offer AAA member discounts, so mention your membership when you call ahead. If you're unhappy with a shop's estimate, you can have your car towed to a different shop, though you may pay for the second tow if it exceeds your membership distance limit.

What to Do If Your Tow Exceeds Your Membership Distance

If you need a tow longer than your membership covers, you'll pay the tow operator directly for the overage. For example, a 50-mile tow with a 7-mile membership means you pay for 43 miles. Rates vary by region and tow operator, but long-distance tows typically cost $3 to $5 per mile or more, depending on the terrain and time of day.

Before the tow begins, ask the operator what the total cost will be and what portion AAA covers. Some operators will give you an estimate; others charge by the mile and calculate the final bill at the end. If the cost is higher than you expected, you can ask the operator to stop at a closer shop, though that may not solve your car's underlying problem. Upgrading to a higher AAA membership tier (which covers more distance) is an option if you frequently drive long distances from home.

AAA Towing vs. Other Roadside information Options

AAA is one of several roadside information providers. Some car insurance policies include roadside information as an add-on or standard feature — check your policy to see if you already have coverage. Credit card companies sometimes offer roadside information to cardholders. Manufacturer warranties on newer cars often include roadside information for a set period. Each option has different distance limits, response times, and what's covered.

The main advantage of AAA is that it's a standalone membership you control: you choose your coverage level, and it works regardless of which car you're driving or which insurance company you use. The main disadvantage is the annual membership fee, which typically ranges from $50 to $150 depending on your tier and region. If you rarely drive long distances or already have roadside information through insurance or a warranty, a standalone AAA membership may not be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AAA towing if I'm not the registered owner of the car?

Most AAA plans cover the member and when ready household members. If you're driving someone else's car and you're a member, you can usually request a tow, but the car's owner may need to authorize it. Check your membership documents or call AAA before you need a tow to confirm who can use your coverage.

What if the tow operator arrives and my car is already fixed?

If a friend or another tow service fixed your car before AAA arrives, you can cancel the request when the operator calls or arrives. You won't be charged for a tow you don't use. However, some regions may charge a small dispatch fee if you cancel after the truck is already en route — ask when you call.

Does AAA towing cover tows for accidents?

AAA towing covers mechanical breakdowns and lockouts, but accident tows may be handled differently. If you're in an accident, contact your insurance company first — they often coordinate towing. You can also request AAA towing, but the process and coverage may differ. Call AAA's roadside number and explain the situation so they can advise you.

How much does AAA membership cost, and is it worth it?

AAA membership costs vary by region and tier, typically ranging from $50 to $150 per year. Whether it's worth it depends on how often you drive, how far from home you go, and whether you already have roadside information through insurance or a car warranty. If you drive frequently and live far from repair shops, AAA membership can pay for itself in a single long-distance tow.

Can I use AAA towing if I'm stranded out of state?

Yes, AAA membership works nationwide. If you break down in another state, call the AAA roadside number on your card and they'll dispatch a local tow operator to you. Response times may be longer in remote areas, and you should confirm your coverage limits before traveling long distances.