Is AAA membership worth it? – Costs, benefits and alternatives (2023)

Do you own onenew or used car, you've probably experienced your share of car problems: unexpected breakdowns, unexplained noises, lingering mechanical defects, or accidents caused by unsafe road conditions or human error. These issues are inconvenient, expensive, and potentially dangerous to your safety.

For more than a century,American Automobile Association (AAA)has provided invaluable support - including free roadside assistance and towing - to millions of American drivers for whom car problems are all too real.

AAA also offers some other valuable benefits, including discounted auto insurance rates, travel services, and identity theft protection. But do these benefits justify the annual cost of AAA membership?

What is AAA?

AAA is a not-for-profit association of regional automobile clubs collectively serving the entire United States.

AAA membership costs vary widely. Membership costs start at around $50 per year and range up to $200 per year, depending on membership level and location. But if you drive regularly, it can be a wise investment.

Organizational structure and AAA clubs

AAA is a non-profit association made up of (and jointly owned by) more than 40 regional clubs.

Most AAA clubs have multiple physical locations spread throughout their service areas. These places sell maps and travel literature as well as travel products such as passports and international driving licenses.

AAA's roadside assistance calls and other automotive services are provided by a network of AAA-approved contractors, usually auto repair shops and towing companies.

To find your regional AAA club and the branch closest to your home or office, enter your zip codeAAA club search tool.

AAA Membership Levels and Benefits (Membership Levels)

AAA has three primary membership levels: Classic (also called Basic), Plus and Premier. It also offers RV coverage that you can add to Plus and Premier memberships.

AAA usually charges an annual membership fee. Aswarehouse clubsAsCostco, AAA household memberships have one primary member (who pays higher membership dues) and several associate members.

Classic is the lowest price category and Premier is the highest, but annual costs can vary significantly between clubs. For example primaryAAA MinneapolisClassic members pay $69 per year, plus $38 per associated member, docAAA CarolinaClassic members pay $64 per year and $35 for each associate member.

Membership dues can also change over time, and most clubs only guarantee dues for the first year. In some cases, clubs charge a one-time membership fee that is usually less than the cost of an annual membership. For example, AAA Minneapolis includes a $15 application fee in the first year's price.

Universal services and benefits of AAA membership

All AAA membership levels include these universal services and benefits. However, each AAA club is different and some may offer additional services.

For a full picture of what your local club can or cannot do for you, visit their website or call your local customer service.

Replacement of battery

If you agree to pay full price for a replacement battery, AAA service providers will provide it without counting it towards your annual roadside assistance benefit.

Travel agency services

AAA offers a variety of free or low-cost travel agency services, including personalized travel planning, discount tickets to popular attractions, travel reservations (including flights, hotels and trains), travel and cruise planning and reservations, group travel arrangements and international travel guides.

Service fees may apply for certain travel booking services.

International driver's license

AAA offices can issue international driver's licenses at special member rates, a variable discount off the full price that can vary from office to office, but usually hovers around $20 per card. license. Permits require two passport-sized photos and a valid driver's license, and AAA can issue them while you wait.

Hertz discount on car hire

All AAA members receive special discounts on rental vehiclesHerc. Discounts can be as small as a few percentage points or north of 20%, depending on location and vehicle model.

Hertz Gold Plus membership

All AAA members get a free Hertz Gold Plus membership, which normally costs $60 a year. Gold Plus members get expedited billing, the ability to change the vehicle selection on the spot and other useful benefits. AAA Plus members receive 675 free Hertz Gold Plus bonus points. AAA Premier members get 1,100 free points.

trade discounts

AAA members receive tons of exclusive discounts and offers from thousands of partner retailers, including national companies like The UPS Store andBest buy. Offers vary by retailer and product, but can be up to 50% off full price.

As a general rule, you must present a valid AAA membership card in person or enter the number on the online billing portal to receive discounts.

Free domestic AAA travel materials

Helpful domestic travel materials such as road maps, local guides and planners are free with AAA membership. International travel material covering Europe and other regions is free for Plus and Premier members and 50% off the cover price for Classic members. You can buy them at the AAA office or order online.

Insurance products

Some AAA clubs offer insurance products from AAA affiliate insurance companies: Automobile Club Inter-Insurance Exchange, Auto Club Family Insurance Company and AAA Life Insurance Company. The products include life insurance,home owner insurance,renter's insurance,car insurance, and excess insurance.

AAA says its insurance products are cheaper than other providers, but there are many variables at play and it's hard to generalize the depth of potential discounts.

AAA approved auto repair discount

All AAA members can receive a 10% discount on parts and labor at AAA-approved auto repair shops that display the AAA logo in their windows. The benefit is limited to $50 per repair.

Auto repair shops do not automatically give a discount. You must request it verbally and show your AAA membership card for the current year. AAA-approved auto repair providers must also guarantee all repairs they perform for two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Identity Theft Tracking

AAA members get in freeIdentity theftmonitoring, including daily monitoring of Experian credit reports, email alerts of suspicious activity or changes to that credit report, and fraud resolution support following a potential identity theft incident.

Passenger porter and ambulance

Premier members have access to dedicated concierges while on the move. Concierge services are comprehensive and include local weather forecasts, reservation assistance (including golf appointments andrestaurantreservations), car rental and entertainment ticket sales.

Premier members can also take advantage of AAA's emergency travel assistance services, including prescription replacement, translation, lost ticket and document replacement, cash transfer, medical transportation and doctor's appointments.

AAA membership benefits by membership level

AAA members are entitled to certain additional benefits and privileges. Some are available at all three membership levels, while others are reserved for Plus or Premium (or just Premium) members.

1. Classic membership

AAA's initial membership level is alternately known as Classic or Basic, depending on the regional club. Although the classic services and benefits vary somewhat from club to club, they generally include these core benefits.

24/7 roadside assistance

The biggest advantage of AAA is roadside assistance. Classic members usually get at least four free roadside assistance calls per year. Calls over the four-year limit are the member's financial responsibility and typically cost $50 or more.

During a roadside assistance call, the emergency services provide a range of services: starting assistance (using mobile battery jump-start units), free battery testing, flat tire replacement if a serviceable spare tire is available, and minor on-site mechanical repairs.

Roadside assistance services may be transferred to vehicles not owned by an AAA member. For example, if you're driving a friend's car and it breaks down, you can use your AAA benefit at no charge to your friend.

Roadside assistance services are also available for pedal bikes (as opposed to e-bikes). Coverage includes bike repair and transport to a shop (towing) within a 5 mile radius. It's a useful advantage to get used tocyclistsso do recreational cyclists.

Towing

When a member's car is disabled or cannot be driven safely, AAA covers the cost of towing it back to an emergency facility or a facility of the member's choice within 25 miles of the car's current location.

Towing costs vary, but this convenience can easily be worth more than $100 per tow. use. In the case of longer towing, a personal payment is imposed.

Car rental for towed members

Members who have their cars towed as part of a free service call (limit four per year) are entitled to a discount on car hire while the repairs are needed.

This benefit is limited to Hertz rentals and is generally 20% off the sticker rental price. Members also enjoy freeHertz Gold Plus nagrademembership.

Locking of vehicles

Members who have lost their vehicle due to lost or stolen keys are entitled to a discount on the necessary locksmith services. The discount is usually $50 for Classic members, but may vary from club to club. If the total bill is less than the discount amount, there is no charge.

Fuel delivery

Members who have run out of gas are entitled to free fuel delivery from a nearby service station, provided they pay the full price of the gas delivered.

Travel insurance

Classic members get two basic onestravel insurancecoverages: trip interruption coverage (up to $500 per group) and travel accident coverage (typically $100,000 per group). Coverage limits may vary from club to club.

Extraction

Members who are driven off the road and stuck in mud, snow, sand or other difficult to navigate terrain are entitled to recovery and recovery service from one "normally equipped" service vehicle. It is usually a tow truck equipped with a powerful winch that can pull the car.

The service does not apply to cars parked on a street or driveway that is temporarily blocked by snow or flooding.

Discounted Carfax reports

Classic members receive a 20% discount on Carfax reports (which detail pre-owned vehicle ownership, accident and repair history) ordered online. A single Carfax report normally costs $40, so this benefit is worth $8 per car. report.

Reimbursement of legal costs

At AAA's discretion, attorneys' fees may be reimbursed to members who plead not guilty to certain eligible motor vehicle charges, including reckless driving and criminal negligence.

For Classic members, total compensation (split between litigation and appeal costs) ranges from $500 to $1,000 for serious violations, depending on the club. Compensation limits are lower for less serious offences.

Discounts in the travel shop

Members receive a discount when shopping at the AAA Travel Store, typically 10% to 15% (depending on the club).

2. Plus membership

Plus members get all the benefits of Classic membership plus the following benefits. Some are simply more generous versions of classic benefits. Others are brand new perks you unlock.

Plus traction

In addition, members receive free towing to a service center of their choice, up to 100 miles per service call. This provides a much wider range of choices than the Classic benefit, which only allows towing to unresponsive carriers within 3 miles.

Plus a locksmith

Additionally, members receive larger locksmith discounts, typically $100 to $150 (depending on the club).

Plus travel insurance

Plus members receive three basic travel insurance policies with higher limits that may vary by club. Generally, Plus family coverage is between $500 and $1,000, lost baggage coverage is a maximum of $250 per person. person, and travel accident coverage is $200,000 per person.

Gratis pasfotos

Plus members are entitled to two free sets of passport photos per year.

Plus bicycle service

Plus members enjoy free bike towing for up to 100 miles compared to 5 miles for Classic members.

Fuel delivery with free gas

Plus, members get free fuel delivery with enough free fuel to get them to the gas station. In isolated areas this can amount to several gallons.

Heavy Duty pullout

Plus members get a particularly powerful towing benefit: two standard service vehicles with winches and other towing equipment. This can be useful for heavier vehicles and those that are very stuck.

Confirmation of RV

Plus members can add an RV endorsement (technically known as an "RV Membership") for an additional fee, usually $30 to $50 more per year. The RV endorsement extends AAA's roadside assistance, towing and other vehicle-related services to RVs, motorcycles and boat trailers.

Plus compensation for legal costs

AAA legal fees are higher for Plus members, typically between $1,000 and $2,000 for serious offenses like manslaughter.

3. Premier membership

Premier members receive all the benefits of Plus membership as well as the following benefits. Some are unique to Premier, while others are more generous versions of perks available at lower tiers.

Free battery replacement

Premier members get one free battery replacement per year. That's a potential value of $100 or more, depending on the type of battery.

Top roadside assistance

Premier members are normally entitled to at least five free roadside assistance calls per year, depending on the club.

Premier traction

Premier members get free towing for the service of their choice, up to 200 miles of driving on one service call per year and 100 miles on the remaining service calls.

Premier Bravarija

Locksmith discount for Premier members is valid up to $200, depending on the club.

Free car rental reservation

Premier members whose cars break down are entitled to free car reservation assistance from AAA agents plus a free day on their Hertz rental. The following car rental days are discounted (20% to 25% discount).

Home lockout service

AAA Premier members can apply their locksmith discount to home locks, not just car or vehicle locks.

Free Carfax Report

Premier members receive one free Carfax report per year plus a 40% discount (approximately $16 value per individually ordered report) on all additional reports.

Premier travel insurance

Premier members benefit from slightly more generous travel insurance than Basic and Plus members. Generally, trip interruption coverage exceeds $1,000 per group and the travel accident cover is $200,000 per group.

Premier Travel Store discounts

Plus members get bigger discounts at the AAA Travel Store (usually 20% off).

Premium reimbursement of legal costs

Premier members qualify for even higher legal fees: typically $2,000 to $4,000 for serious violations.

Premium fee for identity card theft

Premier members receive up to $10,000 in identity theft insurance through Experian in addition to identity theft protection benefits available to Classic and Plus members.

AAA Membership vs Car Insurance Alternatives

Many car insurance companies offer roadside assistance, towing, fuel delivery, towing and other driver assistance for free or at a reduced cost. Depending on their price and frequency of use, it may be a better deal than AAA's roadside assistance services.

Allstate roadside assistanceoptions provide a representative picture of what is available from major car insurance companies. Other insurance companies with driver assistance packages includeSvenarodni,Geico,Progressive,State use, dvsLiberty Mutual.

MostAllstate Motor Club Membership Plansthey are available to the public, not just Allstate policyholders.

• Priority plan underway. The Roadside Advantage plan ($89 for the first year, then $105 each year thereafter) includes up to $100 in free roadside assistance services (locking, gas, jump start and towing) for up to three accidents per year, plus $500 in bond coverage for arrest, $750 trip interruption cover and exclusive travel partner discounts. Roadside Advantage driver benefits are roughly equivalent to AAA Classic.
• Elite plan on the way. The Roadside Elite plan ($165 for the first year, then $179 for each year thereafter) includes up to $250 in free roadside assistance for up to five accidents per year, unlimited towing, free RV coverage, $1,500 in trip interruption coverage and a free Carfax report. Benefits for Roadside Elite drivers are roughly equivalent to AAA Plus membership.
• Pay per use.Pay per use(formerly known as Good Hands Rescue) is available to everyone, including non-All-State policyholders. This pay-as-you-go scheme charges fees for basic roadside assistance and towing based on what local service providers are willing to charge (usually at or below prevailing area rates), including road closures, fuel delivery, quick start, tire changes, and towing. AAA does not have a pay-per-use model.
• Rule supplement. This option is only available to Allstate policyholders. It includes 24/7 roadside assistance services such as jump start assistance, fuel delivery and flat tire replacement, as well as towing to nearby workshops. Allstate's additional policy costs start at $25 per vehicle per year, but may vary based on factors including location, covered vehicles, existing policy parameters and the policyholder's driving record. For drivers of older vehicles who are primarily concerned about not being stranded (or having to leave their cars) on the side of the road, this is Allstate's most cost-effective option and is potentially a better deal than any AAA plan.

Allstate's driver assistance options are all AAA-compliant in terms of direct value to drivers and passengers. And a pay-as-you-go model can save money for those without a roadside assistance membership. For Allstate policyholders who are mainly concerned with reducing the cost and hassle of vehicle breakdowns, adding a company policy is quite cost effective.

But Allstate can't match AAA's extensive network of non-travel partners. Drivers who can consistently take advantage of AAA member discounts at national brands like Best Buy and The UPS Store are likely to get more value with AAA than with an insurance company.

Benefits of AAA membership

AAA membership has some clear benefits for drivers and vehicle owners. Some of these benefits are not available from competitors, such as in-house driver service packages from car insurance companies.

1. Timely service in various emergency cases. AAA's industry-leading roadside assistance service is available 24/7. Whether you're on a country road in the middle of the night or a city highway in the middle of rush hour, you can count on AAA to answer your call for help and send help into the network in a timely manner.
2. It can dramatically reduce the cost of owning older cars. Emergency towing can cost upwards of $100. This means that one free tow a year usually covers the cost of a Classic membership, which is good news for older owners of breakdown-prone vehicles. You can also take advantage of other free or low-cost services, such as locksmithing, car rental, jump start assistance and battery replacement. AAA does not cover the total cost, but it can reduce it.
3. It can be used with any vehicle. When it comes to servicing non-members' vehicles, AAA adheres to the don't ask, don't tell rule. Its customer service staff won't ask if you own a car that needs servicing until you show it's not yours.
4. Includes potentially valuable travel benefits and retailer discounts. AAA Premier members can take advantage of potentially valuable travel benefits, including trip interruption and cancellation insurance and global emergency assistance. All AAA members have access to free or low-cost travel agent services and discounts at thousands of retailers around the world - some of which cut prices as much as 50% off retail. For members who travel frequently or spend lavishly at partner merchants, these benefits even cover the cost of membership.
5. AAA offers its own insurance products. AAA offers its own auto, home, life and liability insurance policies. While it's difficult to generalize the extent of potential discounts, AAA says these policies are cheaper for members than comparable products offered by competing insurers.
6. It has a reliable network of car repair partners. AAA has a trusted network of auto repair shops that give AAA members a 10% discount ($50 max on work over $500). This is a significant reduction in the cost of basic or recommended car repairs. In addition, AAA-approved repair providers must guarantee their work for two years or 24,000 miles, providing valuable peace of mind for people who own older vehicles.

Disadvantages of AAA membership

AAA membership has some significant drawbacks. The annual cost of membership is a significant factor here, especially for infrequent drivers, people with newer cars, and people who simply don't have the opportunity to use AAA services that often.

1. Not cost effective for infrequent users. If your car is in excellent condition and you don't regularly use value-added services like travel reservations, insurance, trade-in discounts and lockout assistance, you probably won't get your money's worth from AAA membership at any price. While you might argue for carrying AAA memberships just for the merchant discounts, it takes effort to consistently increase them. And if you don't spend much at AAA partner retailers, these discounts don't matter anyway.
2. Classic membership benefits are not nearly as generous. AAA Classic membership comes with four free roadside assistance calls per year, but many other perks are less generous. For example, its vehicle lockout coverage can be worth as little as $50 per visit, which is probably not enough to cover long or complicated calls. It also lacks a free battery replacement, which can cost $100 or more. And Classic members who claim the towing privilege usually have no choice but to go to a garage, where repairs can be more expensive.
3. Costs depend on the local club. AAA clubs are free to set their membership fees. As such, costs vary considerably from region to region. There's little rhyme or reason to the variation, and prices aren't necessarily tied to the local cost of living, so the only way to know for sure what you can expect to pay each year is to check your local club's website.
4. Services from comparable insurance companies may be more cost effective. Some car insurance companies offer better deals on roadside assistance and value added services. For example, Allstate Motor Club costs $89 and up for the first year and includes a host of free or reduced services and coverages that exceed what's available at any AAA price point.

Last word

AAAis much more than a reliable provider of free, 24-hour roadside assistance. Members receive a range of free or discounted benefits, including discounted car services, exclusive or discounted travel products and member discounts on in-house insurance.

But these services and benefits only have value if you use them. Many people maintain AAA membership for the roadside assistance benefits and rarely or never take advantage of the organization's other offerings. For those with unreliable cars, it's definitely a worthwhile strategy. For members with reliable vehicles, it is not.

Before you agree to pay $50 or more a year for another club membership, make sure you're getting your money's worth.