What do AAA members wish they'd known before joining?
The roadside service is the real value, not the discounts.
Most members join for the towing and battery jumps, and that's what saves them. The discounts are nice but rarely worth the membership alone.
Checked Sep 9
Why?
Towing pays for itself One tow can cover years of dues, especially if you drive an older car or long distances.
Discounts are thin Hotel and theme park deals look big but often match what you'd find free online.
Membership tiers matter The basic plan's 5-mile tow is useless for highway breakdowns; the Plus plan's 100 miles is what people actually need.
If you never break down, the value is mostly the discounts, which are mediocre.
Who is an AAA membership right for?
Right for
- Drivers of cars older than 8 years
- People who commute on highways daily
- Households with multiple cars
- Frequent road-trippers in remote areas
Wrong for
- New car owners with factory roadside coverage
- City drivers who never leave town
- People who only want discounts, not towing
- Those who already have roadside via insurance
What does an AAA membership cost in 2026?
| Figure | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Classic membership annual fee | $65 a year, 2026 | Covers 5 miles of towing; enough for local breakdowns but not highway issues. |
| Plus membership annual fee | $105 a year, 2026 | Includes 100 miles of towing; the level most members find worth it. |
| Average tow cost without AAA | $150 to $300 per tow, 2026 | One tow can exceed the Plus annual fee, so the membership pays for itself quickly. |
| Battery service call | Free with membership, 2026 | AAA will test and replace your battery on the spot; a typical service call costs $100+. |
What's the biggest AAA membership mistake?
The biggest mistake is buying the Classic plan to save $40 a year. The 5-mile tow limit leaves you stranded on the highway, and you'll end up paying out of pocket for a long tow or upgrading on the spot. Instead, get the Plus plan from the start; the extra $40 covers 100 miles and is the difference between a rescue and a bill.
How do you decide if an AAA membership is worth it?
- Check if your car is under warranty or if your insurance already includes roadside assistance.
- Count how many times you've needed a tow or jump in the last three years.
- If you drive a car older than 8 years or take highway trips monthly, choose the Plus plan.
- If you only want discounts, skip AAA and use free hotel loyalty programs instead.
People also ask
Is it worth it if I have a new car?
Probably not, unless you want roadside help. AAA's discounts rarely beat what your new car's warranty and insurance already cover. The one thing it's still worth it for is the tow truck and battery service.
Do they really tow 100 miles?
No, not 100 miles on a donut. A spare tire is for getting you to a shop, not a road trip. Keep it under 50 miles and under 50 mph, then get the real tire fixed.
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