How many tows or service calls does it take for AAA to pay for itself?
One tow a year usually covers it.
A basic AAA membership runs about $60 to $80 a year, and a single tow or jump start can easily cost that much out of pocket. Two service calls and you're clearly ahead.
Checked Sep 8
What's your typical roadside need?
Why?
Cost per call is high A tow alone often runs $75 to $150, so one call can match the annual fee.
Membership is cheap Basic plans are around $60 to $80 a year, so the math works with minimal use.
Extras add value Fuel delivery, lockout help, and trip planning sweeten the deal beyond tows.
Prices vary by region and plan level, so check current AAA rates in your area.
If your situation is different
What's your typical roadside need: Just emergencies. One tow a year covers it. If you only call for a rare breakdown, one tow or jump start usually pays for the year.
What's your typical roadside need: Dead battery often. Two calls and you're ahead. Older cars or extreme climates make battery jumps common, so two calls easily justify the fee.
What's your typical roadside need: Long commutes. One tow plus fuel perks. If you drive a lot, the fuel discount and lockout help push it over the top even with one tow.
Who is an AAA membership right for?
Right for
- Drivers with older cars
- People who commute long distances
- Anyone with a dead battery or flat tire
- Road-trippers who want trip planning
Wrong for
- New-car owners with free roadside assistance
- City dwellers who never drive
- People who only drive short, familiar routes
- Those who already get towing through insurance
What does an AAA membership cost in 2026?
| Figure | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Basic membership fee | $60 to $80 a year, 2026 | This is the entry-level plan; one tow covers it. |
| Average tow cost | $75 to $150 per call, 2026 | One out-of-pocket tow can equal the annual fee. |
| Jump start cost | $50 to $100 per call, 2026 | A single dead battery can make the membership pay off. |
| Fuel delivery cost | $40 to $80 per gallon, 2026 | AAA includes this; paying out of pocket is steep. |
What's the biggest AAA membership mistake?
The biggest mistake is buying the cheapest plan and assuming it covers everything. Basic plans cap towing distance at 3 to 5 miles, so a long tow can still cost you. Instead, check your typical tow distance and pick the plan that covers it, or you'll pay twice.
How do you decide if an AAA membership is worth it?
- Count how many times you've needed a tow, jump, or lockout help in the past year.
- Compare that number to the $60 to $80 annual fee against $75 to $150 per call.
- Check your car's warranty or insurance for free roadside coverage you might already have.
- Choose the basic plan if you need one call a year; upgrade only if you tow far or often.
People also ask
Which AAA plan is worth it?
The Plus plan. That's the one most people should get. It covers the roadside help you actually use, plus up to 100 miles of towing and trip interruption. The basic plan is too thin, and Premier is only worth it if you tow a lot or
Does AAA cover towing on any car?
Yes, but only if you're the member and the car is yours. AAA towing follows the membership, not the car. As long as you're the one who called and the vehicle is one you own, drive, or are in, it's covered up to your plan's mileage limit.
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