AAA Plus Membership: Understanding Towing Limits

Quick answer

• AAA Plus typically includes a set number of towing services per membership year, often around 3-4.
• Towing limits can vary by membership level (e.g., Classic, Plus, Premier).
• Towing distance limits also apply, with Plus generally covering longer distances than Classic.
• Coverage usually includes towing to your chosen repair facility or a nearby one.
• Always check your specific AAA membership details for exact towing allowances and restrictions.
• Understand that “towing” may refer to different service types; clarify what’s included.

Who this is for

• Current or prospective AAA Plus members who rely on roadside assistance.
• Drivers who want to understand the limits and benefits of their AAA towing coverage.
• Individuals who need to plan for potential vehicle breakdowns and associated costs.

What to check first (before you act)

Your Membership Level and Benefits

Before assuming anything about towing, confirm your exact membership tier. AAA offers different levels, such as Classic, Plus, and Premier. Each level comes with a distinct set of benefits, including the number of towing services, the maximum towing distance, and where your vehicle can be towed. Your membership card or the AAA website will detail these specifics.

Towing Limits and Distance

Pay close attention to the “per year” towing limits. Most AAA Plus memberships allow a certain number of towing calls annually. For example, a common allowance might be 3 or 4 towing services. Additionally, there’s usually a maximum mileage covered for each tow. Exceeding this limit will incur additional charges, so it’s crucial to know what your policy allows.

Exclusions and Conditions

Every service agreement has fine print. Understand what constitutes a covered tow. For instance, are you covered if your vehicle is being towed from a private property, a construction site, or after an accident? AAA Plus generally covers towing due to mechanical breakdown or if your vehicle is stuck. Accident towing might have different protocols or require a separate service.

Your Vehicle and Location

Your membership covers specific vehicles listed on your account. Ensure your current vehicle is covered. Also, be aware of geographical limitations. While AAA operates nationwide through its affiliated clubs, coverage details can sometimes vary slightly by region or state.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

1. Access Your Membership Information

• What to do: Locate your AAA membership card, visit the AAA website, or use the AAA mobile app.
• What “good” looks like: You can easily find your membership number, level, and a summary of your benefits, including roadside assistance details.
• Common mistake: Relying on outdated information or assuming benefits haven’t changed since you last checked. Always verify current details.

2. Identify Your Membership Tier

• What to do: Look for the name of your membership level (e.g., Classic, Plus, Premier) on your membership card or online portal.
• What “good” looks like: You clearly know which tier you are enrolled in, as this directly dictates your benefits.
• Common mistake: Confusing different membership levels or assuming all AAA members receive the same towing benefits.

3. Review Towing Service Allotment

• What to do: Find the section detailing “towing services” or “tows per year” for your specific membership tier.
• What “good” looks like: You understand the exact number of towing calls you are entitled to within a 12-month period.
• Common mistake: Assuming unlimited towing or misremembering the number of included tows, leading to surprise charges.

4. Check Towing Distance Limits

• What to do: Locate the maximum mileage covered for each towing service under your membership.
• What “good” looks like: You know the standard distance AAA will tow your vehicle at no extra charge.
• Common mistake: Not knowing the mileage limit and assuming a tow will always be fully covered, only to be billed for excess miles.

5. Understand Towing Destination Options

• What to do: Read about where AAA will tow your vehicle. This typically includes your home, a repair facility, or a designated service provider.
• What “good” looks like: You know your options for where your car can be towed and if there are any restrictions on the destination.
• Common mistake: Assuming you can have your car towed anywhere, without realizing there might be limitations on the destination facility.

6. Note Any Special Circumstances

• What to do: Look for information on towing for accidents, motorcycles, RVs, or other special situations.
• What “good” looks like: You are aware if these types of tows are covered, or if they require a different service level or additional fees.
• Common mistake: Believing all roadside issues are covered identically, and then discovering that accident towing or towing larger vehicles has different rules.

7. Keep Track of Your Usage

• What to do: Make a note of when you use a towing service and how many you have remaining for the year. The AAA app might help with this.
• What “good” looks like: You have a clear mental or recorded tally of your towing calls used.
• Common mistake: Forgetting how many tows you’ve used, potentially overusing your allowance and facing unexpected costs.

8. Understand How to Request Service

• What to do: Familiarize yourself with the process for calling AAA for a tow, including the information you’ll need to provide.
• What “good” looks like: You know the phone number or app function to use and what details (location, vehicle issue) to have ready.
• Common mistake: Fumbling for information or the correct number when stressed during a breakdown, delaying service.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Assuming unlimited towing	Unexpected bills for towing beyond your included allowance.	Always check your membership agreement for the exact number of tows per year.
Not verifying membership level	Receiving fewer benefits than expected, such as shorter tow distances.	Confirm your AAA membership tier (Classic, Plus, Premier) and its specific towing benefits.
Ignoring towing distance limits	Paying significant out-of-pocket costs for miles exceeding the covered limit.	Understand the maximum mileage covered per tow and plan your destination accordingly.
Failing to check destination restrictions	Being unable to tow your vehicle to your preferred mechanic if it’s out of range.	Know where AAA will tow your vehicle; it’s often to the nearest facility or a pre-approved provider.
Forgetting to track tow usage	Exceeding your annual tow limit and incurring extra charges.	Keep a personal log or use the AAA app to monitor how many tows you’ve used.
Not clarifying “towing” vs. other services	Expecting a tow for a simple jump-start or tire change when it’s not included.	Differentiate between towing and other roadside assistance services; understand what triggers a tow call.
Assuming coverage for all vehicles	Discovering your new car or a borrowed vehicle isn’t covered by your membership.	Ensure all vehicles you commonly drive are listed on your AAA account or understand how to add them.
Not knowing how to request service efficiently	Delays in receiving assistance during an emergency.	Save the AAA service number and familiarize yourself with the app or online request process beforehand.
Relying on outdated benefit information	Being surprised by changes in towing limits or service policies.	Periodically review your AAA membership benefits online or through their communications.
Not understanding accident towing procedures	Assuming accident towing is handled the same way as a breakdown tow.	Clarify AAA’s policy on accident towing; it may involve different procedures or coordination with insurance.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If your vehicle is stuck in a ditch, then AAA Plus will likely cover towing because this is a common roadside assistance scenario.
• If you need a tow over 100 miles and your Plus membership covers 50 miles, then you will pay for the additional 50 miles because exceeding the included distance incurs extra charges.
• If you have already used 3 towing services this year and your Plus membership allows 4, then you have one more tow covered at no additional cost.
• If your car breaks down and needs to go to your mechanic 30 miles away, and your Plus membership covers 50 miles, then the tow to your mechanic will be fully covered because the distance is within the limit.
• If you call for a tow and your vehicle is not covered under your membership, then you will be responsible for the full cost of the tow.
• If your AAA membership is expired, then you will not be able to use your towing benefits and will have to pay for roadside assistance services out-of-pocket.
• If you need a tow due to an accident, then check your AAA membership details, as accident towing may have different rules or require coordination with your insurance provider.
• If your vehicle requires a specialized tow (e.g., flatbed for a luxury car), then verify that your AAA membership level covers such specialized equipment, as it might incur additional fees.
• If you are unsure about your remaining towing services, then contact AAA directly or check your account online to avoid unexpected charges.
• If you need to tow your vehicle to a destination outside of your covered service area, then be prepared to pay the difference in mileage charges.
• If your Plus membership includes 4 tows per year, and you use one for a flat tire change (which might not always count as a full “tow”), then you should still track it to be safe, as some providers may count service calls differently.

FAQ

How many tows are typically included with AAA Plus?

AAA Plus memberships usually include a set number of towing services per membership year, often around 3 to 4. It’s essential to check your specific membership documents for the exact number.

What is the typical towing distance limit for AAA Plus?

The towing distance covered by AAA Plus varies, but it generally allows for longer tows than the Classic membership. You can usually expect coverage for a significant distance, such as 50 or 100 miles, with options to pay for additional mileage.

Can I choose any repair shop for my tow with AAA Plus?

AAA Plus typically allows you to choose your preferred repair facility, often up to a certain mileage limit. If your chosen shop is beyond the included distance, you may incur extra charges.

Does AAA Plus cover towing for accidents?

Accident towing coverage can vary. While AAA provides roadside assistance for accidents, the specifics of towing after an accident might differ from a standard breakdown tow and may involve coordination with your insurance.

What happens if I need more tows than my AAA Plus membership allows?

If you exceed your annual towing limit, you will generally be responsible for paying for the additional towing services at a per-mile rate, which can be higher than your membership rate.

Does AAA Plus cover towing for motorcycles or RVs?

Coverage for motorcycles and RVs can differ. Some AAA memberships may offer specific benefits for these vehicle types, or they might require an add-on or a higher membership tier for towing.

How do I know if my vehicle is covered under my AAA membership?

Your AAA membership typically covers the vehicles you own or regularly drive. You can usually add vehicles to your account through the AAA website or by contacting them directly.

What if my car breaks down far from home?

AAA Plus generally covers towing to your home or a repair facility within a certain distance. If you break down far from home, discuss your options with AAA to understand the most cost-effective towing destination.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific pricing for exceeding towing limits.
• Detailed comparison of AAA Plus vs. Premier towing benefits.
• How to dispute a towing charge.
• The process for claiming towing reimbursement from your auto insurance.
• Specifics on international AAA coverage or reciprocal agreements.
• How AAA towing services interact with other roadside assistance providers.