AAA Insurance

AAA roadside assistance is worth it if a driver has multiple cars, an older car, or a car with frequent mechanical problems. AAA roadside assistance might also be worth it if a driver plans to make frequent use of AAA discounts or wants extensive roadside coverage.

AAA ranked 14th out of 22 companies in WalletHub's analysis of the Best Roadside Assistance due to its above-average protection and reasonable pricing. Drivers can choose between three different levels of AAA roadside assistance, but they all include the same base services.

Drivers can choose between three different levels of AAA roadside assistance, but they all include the same base services.

AAA Roadside Assistance Benefits

• Towing
• Locksmith services
• Tire changes
• Battery changes and jump starts
• Stuck vehicle services
• Fuel assistance
• Bicycle coverage

Other AAA benefits include trip planning services like maps and guides. AAA also provides miscellaneous discounts and perks, including hotel and rental car discounts, free or discounted passport photos, legal defense insurance, and identity theft monitoring.

The details of AAA's services depend on the level of coverage that you choose. Prices also vary by location, just like with car insurance premiums, and some regions have a one-time enrollment fee of around $10-$15. Drivers can add family members to their plan for an additional fee, often ranging from $30 to $65 per year.

AAA Roadside Assistance Plans

AAA Basic and Plus members who are in a collision up to 100 miles from home qualify for the trip interruption benefit, while Premier members can receive the benefit for a wider variety of reasons. Basic and Plus memberships also include daily credit monitoring, lost wallet assistance, and bicycle assistance up to the plan's towing limits. Premier members receive these perks, too, as well as $10,000 in identity theft insurance and coverage for motorcycles, RVs, and trailers.

Alternatives to AAA Roadside Assistance

The top alternatives to AAA roadside assistance are your car insurance provider, your cell phone company, and competitor auto clubs.

Car Insurance Provider

Adding roadside assistance to your car insurance policy is usually cheaper than purchasing a AAA plan. However, using it – especially more than once or twice a year – might cause your premium to increase, since it can be treated as a claim. That makes AAA a good option if you can't afford for your premium to rise.

Cell Phone Company

Cell phone companies like Verizon and AT&T offer cheap roadside assistance for their customers. In general, these plans cost $3 a month and cover four incidents per year. Verizon and AT&T roadside assistance plans cover towing, fuel delivery, flat tire changes, lockout services, and dead batteries. Verizon also includes winching. If the coverage options are enough for you, these plans can be a good value.

Credit Card

Many rewards credit cards offer roadside assistance benefits, but they usually involve a flat fee for each service call rather than a subscription model like AAA.

AAA Competitors

AAA competitors like Allstate Motor Club and Good Sam sell similar roadside assistance subscription services.

It's worth noting that some providers, including AAA, might charge a small one-time enrollment fee in addition to the annual price. However, these fees vary by state and are sometimes waived.

New-Car Roadside Assistance Plans

Drivers with newer cars might not need AAA if their car warranty includes roadside assistance. If roadside assistance is not included, drivers might be able to purchase it separately at the dealership. Most plans will cover the car for 2-5 years or up to a certain mileage limit.

Bottom Line: Is AAA Roadside Assistance Worth It?

Yes, AAA roadside assistance is worth it for the average driver. Whether AAA roadside assistance is worth it for you depends on how much coverage you need and how much it costs in your state. The added perks and discounts are worth considering, too, though these bonuses will not cover the cost of membership for every driver. You can join AAA by applying online on their website or in person by visiting your local AAA branch.

Yes, AAA does offer free towing for customers who have the company's roadside assistance coverage. AAA roadside assistance costs range from under $50 to more than $130 per year for coverage that includes towing up to 5 miles for basic plan subscribers. AAA customers can request roadside assistance online, or they can call 800-222-4357.

What AAA Roadside Assistance Covers

• Towing services
• Flat tire services
• Lockout services
• Winching
• Fuel delivery
• Jump starts and battery replacement

While AAA's roadside assistance covers towing and other services, it doesn't cover the cost of repair parts, replacement keys, or major fixes due to things like engine failure or structural damage.

AAA Free Towing Limit vs. Popular Competitors

Yes, AAA offers discounts on rental cars from Hertz, Budget, Thrifty, and Dollar Car Rental. The exact amount of a AAA rental car discount depends on factors such as the type of car and the length of the rental period, but AAA customers can save up to 20%. In order to get a discount, you will need to provide the rental car company with your AAA policy number.

AAA Rental Car Discounts

Can I Use AAA's Insurance for My Rental Car?

If you have liability, comprehensive, or collision coverage on your AAA policy, they will transfer to your rental car. Your rental car will have the same coverage limits as your personal car. As long as the car you're renting is of similar value to your own, you can probably skip the rental company's coverage. You'll also want to pass on rental insurance at the counter if you plan to use a credit card as secondary coverage.

Yes, AAA offers a defensive driving course discount for drivers who have successfully completed an approved driver education course. By voluntarily taking an approved defensive driving course, AAA car insurance customers in eligible states can get a discount of up to 5%. Once the discount expires, drivers can renew it by taking another course.

Defensive driving courses improve your driving skills by teaching you how to handle difficult situations on the road. For example, common traffic school topics include DUI/DWI laws, the consequences of different moving violations, and how to share the road. Specific details vary between states and classes, but online defensive driving courses typically cost up to $40 and take 4-12 hours to complete. 

To learn more, check out WalletHub's guide to AAA discounts.

AAA roadside assistance costs between $38 and $171 per year, depending on the region and the membership level chosen. A one-time enrollment fee will also be charged at the time of purchase, when getting a AAA membership. AAA roadside assistance is included with the cost of a AAA membership, and drivers can select a classic, plus, or premier membership plan.

AAA Roadside Assistance Cost and Benefits

The costs presented in the table are sample costs for Florida residents

Memberships of all levels also include benefits besides roadside assistance, such as identity theft insurance and trip interruption coverage.

All AAA Roadside Assistance Plans Include:

• Towing
• Flat tire services
• Lockout services
• Winching/extrication
• Fuel delivery
• Jump starts

AAA towing mileage limits vary depending on your state and membership level. Plus and premier memberships generally include higher towing mileage limits and more coverage overall than a classic membership. For instance, in some regions, the classic plan covers up to $50 in locksmith services, while the plus and premier plans pay up to $150.

AAA Roadside Assistance Cost Comparison

• AAA - $38 to $171 per year
• State Farm - $30 per year
• Allstate - $79 to $149 per year
• Progressive - $16 per year
• Geico - $14 per year

For more information about choosing between roadside assistance options, check out WalletHub's guide to the best roadside assistance.