Aaa Auto Insurance: Understanding Towing Coverage

AAA car insurance customers are only covered for towing up to 7 miles as part of their policy. This means that if you want to be covered for longer distances, you'll need to purchase a separate AAA membership plan, which offers up to four free tows per year. The cost of these plans varies depending on the level of cover you choose, with the basic plan offering towing up to 5 miles and the more expensive plans offering up to 200 miles. So, if you're an AAA car insurance customer and you want to be covered for towing, it's worth considering upgrading to a membership plan to get the level of cover you need.

AAA roadside assistance costs

AAA offers three levels of membership: Classic, Plus, and Premier. While all AAA members have the benefits of 24/7 emergency roadside assistance, DMV/MVD services, trip planning by travel experts, and discounts at 80,000+ hotels, restaurants, movie theatres, and more, there are some differences in what each plan covers.

The Classic membership is the cheapest option, at $64.99 per year. It includes 5-mile tows, four times per year, emergency fuel delivery (fuel cost not included), and $50 locksmith reimbursement (car only).

The Plus membership costs $99.99 per year and offers additional benefits such as lost baggage insurance. It includes 100-mile tows, four times per year, emergency fuel delivery (fuel cost included), and $100 locksmith reimbursement (car only).

The Premier membership is the most expensive option, at $124.99 per year. It offers the highest level of service, including 200-mile tows (once per year) and 100-mile tows three times per year, RV and motorcycle towing, emergency fuel delivery (fuel cost included), $150 locksmith reimbursement (car and home), a one-day car rental included with a tow, $50 windshield repair reimbursement, and up to $1,500 in worldwide trip interruption coverage.

It's important to note that the cost of adding family members to your plan varies by membership level and location. For example, in California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah, the Premier membership costs $84.99 per year per additional member, while the Plus membership costs $64.99, and the Classic membership costs $44.99. On the other hand, in Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska, the Premier, Plus, and Classic memberships all cost $44.99 per year per additional member.

Additionally, the specific benefits included in each membership level may vary by state. For instance, in Arizona, you can add RV and/or motorcycle coverage to your Plus membership for an additional yearly fee, while in Utah, the Plus membership includes RV and motorcycle coverage.

Towing distance limits

AAA auto insurance offers towing services to its customers, but the distance varies depending on the plan and region. Basic plan subscribers typically receive towing services for up to 5 miles, while some sources mention 7 miles. The distance limit for towing services can range from 3 to 7 miles, depending on the membership level and the regional club.

It is important to note that AAA's roadside assistance does not cover the cost of repair parts, replacement keys, or major fixes due to engine failure or structural damage. Additionally, exceeding the towing capacity of your vehicle can be dangerous and may cause damage to your car. Always refer to the owner's manual or the manufacturer's guidelines to understand the specific towing capacity of your vehicle.

To summarise, while AAA offers towing services as part of its roadside assistance, the distance limit depends on the specific plan and region. It is crucial to stay within the specified towing capacity to ensure safety and avoid potential vehicle damage.

AAA membership levels

AAA offers three levels of membership: Classic, Plus, and Premier. Each level provides different benefits and services to meet the unique travel, driving, and spending habits of its members.

The Classic Membership is perfect for those who routinely drive short distances of 5 miles or less. It provides essential benefits, including 24/7 roadside assistance, accident protection, travel assistance, and other perks. This includes up to 5 miles of free towing (4 times per year), a free jumpstart for a dead battery, free flat tire removal and spare installation, and free emergency fuel deliveries (members pay the pump price for fuel). Classic members also receive up to $50 coverage for vehicle entry services and extraction service with up to one truck and driver. This plan costs $65 per year or $6.16 per month, with a one-time enrollment fee of $15.

The Plus Membership is the most popular option, providing valuable extras beyond the Classic coverage. It offers all the benefits of the Classic membership, plus additional perks such as up to 100 miles of free towing (4 times per year), free fuel delivery service (including the cost of fuel and delivery), up to $100 coverage for vehicle entry services, and extraction service with up to two trucks and drivers. Plus members also receive Automobile Accident Protection for up to $600. This plan costs $95 per year or $8.74 per month, plus the one-time enrollment fee.

The Premier Membership offers the highest level of AAA perks. It includes all the benefits of the Plus membership, plus additional features such as up to 200 miles of free towing (once per year, with the other 3 tows limited to 100 miles), Automobile Accident Protection for up to $1,500, up to $100 reimbursement for home lockout services, a free one-day emergency car rental, and vehicle return protection for up to $500. Premier members also have access to free concierge services in the U.S. or internationally, as well as Travel Emergency and Medical Assistance services. This plan costs $135 per year or $11.74 per month, plus the one-time enrollment fee.

Optional Assistance Plans are also available for those who want to extend AAA benefits to their registered recreational vehicles (RVs). The Plus RV and Premium RV plans can be added to either the Plus or Premier memberships for an extra $35 per year.

AAA insurance vs AAA membership

AAA offers both insurance and membership services, with some overlap in the benefits they provide. While both AAA insurance and AAA membership can provide towing services, there are some key differences in terms of coverage and cost.

AAA insurance customers can receive towing services as part of their policy, but the coverage is limited to 7 miles. This means that if your preferred auto shop is nearby, AAA insurance may be sufficient. However, if you require longer-distance towing or more comprehensive services, AAA membership may be a better option.

AAA membership offers roadside assistance, which includes towing services, jump-starts, battery replacement, fuel delivery, lock-out assistance, and tire changes. The basic plan offers towing up to 5 miles, while higher membership tiers may offer longer-distance towing. AAA membership costs between $29 to $65 per year for the basic plan, with the option to add additional services for an extra cost.

One significant advantage of AAA membership is the number of free tows included. Depending on the membership level and regional club, members can receive up to four free tows per year. This can provide valuable peace of mind for those who frequently travel or are concerned about unexpected vehicle breakdowns.

When deciding between AAA insurance and AAA membership, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. If you're primarily interested in towing services, the coverage provided by AAA insurance may be sufficient, especially if you don't anticipate needing long-distance towing. However, if you're seeking more comprehensive roadside assistance and the added benefits of AAA membership, the membership option may be a more attractive choice. Additionally, combining AAA insurance with AAA membership can provide even greater peace of mind and ensure that you have a range of services at your disposal.

In conclusion, while both AAA insurance and AAA membership offer towing services, they cater to different needs. AAA insurance provides basic towing coverage as part of their policy, while AAA membership offers more extensive roadside assistance and benefits, including free tows and additional services. By understanding your specific requirements and comparing the features of each option, you can make an informed decision that best suits your vehicle and travel needs.

AAA roadside assistance availability

AAA offers 24/7 roadside assistance to its members in the US and Canada. This includes towing services, jump starts, battery replacement, flat tire services, fuel delivery, locksmith services, and mechanical first aid. The number of miles covered by towing services depends on the membership type and the rules of the local club. Basic plan subscribers are entitled to towing up to 5 miles, while AAA insurance customers are covered for up to 7 miles.

AAA has a fleet of more than 63,000 towing and roadside service trucks across the country. Members can request roadside assistance online, through the AAA mobile app, or by calling 800-AAA-HELP (800-222-4357). They can also send a text message with the word "HELP" to this number and receive a link to request service. Additionally, members can use Amazon Alexa or Google Home/Assistant to request roadside assistance.

To receive roadside assistance, members need to provide their 16-digit membership number, the location of the disabled vehicle, the type of service needed, a description of the vehicle, and a phone number where they can be contacted. AAA strives to provide fast and efficient service, with an average response time of 20 minutes faster than other tow services.

It is important to note that AAA benefits are available only to the member whose name is on the membership card. However, members can add adults and drivers under 21 years old who reside in their household as associates of their membership.

Frequently asked questions