What AAA Tow Reimbursement Is and How It Works
AAA tow reimbursement is a benefit available to members of the American Automobile Association. When your vehicle breaks down or you're in an accident, AAA covers the cost of towing your car to a repair facility. The amount covered depends on your membership level and the specific plan you have with AAA. This guide explains how the reimbursement process operates, what you need to know about coverage limits, and what steps you should take if you need a tow.
Learn About Renewing Your Senior Driver's License →
AAA offers towing services in multiple membership tiers. The basic membership typically includes up to 3 to 5 free tows per year within a certain distance (often 7 miles). Higher membership levels, such as Plus or Premier, offer extended towing distance and more annual tows. For example, AAA Plus members may receive up to 100 miles of towing, while Premier members may receive up to 200 miles. These services cover situations including engine failure, lockouts, flat tires, battery issues, and accidents.
The reimbursement system works by having AAA maintain a network of tow providers across the United States and Canada. When you need a tow, you contact AAA directly, and they dispatch a towing service to your location. You typically do not pay out of pocket at the time of service—AAA covers the cost directly with the towing company. However, if you use a non-AAA provider or pay for a tow yourself, you may be able to submit a reimbursement request to AAA for the costs within certain limits.
Understanding your specific membership tier is essential. AAA membership levels vary by region, as AAA is organized into different clubs across North America. Some regions offer different benefits than others. Before you need a tow, review your membership card and documentation to know exactly what distance and number of tows your plan covers. This information typically appears on your member card or in your membership agreement.
Practical Takeaway: Contact AAA or log into your account before an emergency to confirm your towing coverage distance, annual tow limit, and membership tier. Write down the AAA roadside assistance number from your membership card and store it in your phone.
Membership Tiers and Coverage Limits
AAA operates three main membership levels in most regions: Basic, Plus, and Premier. Each level offers different towing distances and numbers of included tows per year. The Basic membership is the entry-level option and provides limited towing coverage, often 3 to 7 miles of free towing. This covers short distances to a nearby repair shop but may not help if you break down far from town. Plus membership extends coverage to approximately 100 miles, which handles most breakdowns within a reasonable service area. Premier membership offers the widest coverage at up to 200 miles, making it useful for people who travel long distances or live in rural areas.
Free Guide to Scheduling Your DMV Appointment in Monroe →
Most membership plans include 4 tows per year as part of the standard benefit. If you exhaust your free tows, additional tows typically cost $75 to $150 per service, depending on the distance and your region. Some plans offer unlimited towing for an additional fee. Additionally, AAA membership includes other roadside services beyond towing, such as fuel delivery, lockout assistance, jump starts, and tire changes. These services are typically included at no additional cost when you call AAA.
Towing distance limits are measured in different ways. Some plans state a specific mileage radius from your location to the repair facility. Others measure the actual distance the tow truck travels. Always clarify with AAA how the distance is calculated. If your breakdown occurs 120 miles from home and your plan covers 100 miles, you may be responsible for the additional cost, or AAA may negotiate the extra charge with the towing partner.
AAA membership pricing varies by region and membership tier. As of 2024, Basic membership costs approximately $60 to $80 annually in most areas, Plus membership runs $100 to $130 per year, and Premier membership costs $130 to $170 per year. Some regions offer different pricing. Family plans and multi-year discounts are often available. Senior discounts may also apply in certain areas. AAA periodically runs promotional offers that allow new members to join at reduced rates or get a free trial period.
It's worth noting that some insurance policies and credit card benefits also include towing coverage. Before purchasing AAA membership, check whether your auto insurance, homeowner's insurance, or credit card offers roadside assistance. You may already have towing coverage through these sources. However, many people find that having AAA membership provides more reliable access to roadside services and broader geographic coverage.
Practical Takeaway: Review what towing distance and annual tow limit aligns with your driving patterns and location. If you frequently drive long distances or live far from repair facilities, a higher membership tier may save you money over time.
How to Request a Tow and What to Expect
When your vehicle breaks down, the first step is to contact AAA. You can call the roadside assistance number on your membership card, access AAA through their mobile app, or contact your local AAA club directly. Most AAA clubs operate 24/7 roadside assistance lines. When you call, a representative will ask for your membership number, location, the type of vehicle you're driving, and what the problem is. They will also ask where you want the vehicle towed—typically to a repair shop, a dealership, or your home.
Learn How to Cook Country Ham Slices at Home →
The dispatcher will inform you of an estimated wait time for a tow truck to arrive. Depending on your location, this may be 15 minutes in a city or up to an hour or more in rural areas. The dispatcher will provide the name and phone number of the towing company that will service your request. You can track your tow truck's arrival in real time through the AAA mobile app in many regions. While you wait, move your vehicle to a safe location off the roadway if possible, turn on your hazard lights, and remain in or near your vehicle so the tow driver can locate you easily.
When the tow truck arrives, the driver will verify your AAA membership by checking your membership card or confirming your information. The driver may ask you to sign a form authorizing the tow and confirming where you want the vehicle taken. If you're using your AAA benefit within your coverage limits, you should not be charged at this point. The driver will load your vehicle onto the tow truck and transport it to your chosen destination. The entire process from dispatch to arrival at the repair facility typically takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on distance and location.
If you're stuck in an unsafe situation, such as heavy traffic on a highway, let the dispatcher know. They may prioritize your request or provide guidance on moving to a safer location. In some cases, AAA may recommend that you call local police for traffic control before the tow arrives. Never attempt to repair your vehicle on a busy highway—wait for professional help in a safe location.
Keep documentation of your tow. The tow driver should provide a receipt or confirmation of the service. Save this documentation in case you need to reference the tow later or submit a reimbursement claim. Include the date, time, location, towing company name, distance traveled, and any charges assessed.
Practical Takeaway: Store the AAA roadside assistance number in your phone contacts now, before you need it. When calling, have your membership card or account number ready to speed up the process.
Reimbursement for Out-of-Pocket Towing Expenses
If you arrange a tow yourself or use a non-AAA provider before contacting AAA, you may be able to receive reimbursement from AAA. However, reimbursement claims are subject to specific rules and limits. AAA will typically reimburse you for towing costs up to the maximum benefit amount for your membership tier, provided the tow was necessary and reasonable under the circumstances. For example, if your plan covers up to 100 miles of towing and you paid $150 for a 100-mile tow, AAA may reimburse the full amount. If you paid $300 for the same tow, they will likely reimburse only up to your membership benefit limit.
Learn How Bank Account Closures Work and Timeline →
To request reimbursement, you must submit a claim to AAA with supporting documentation. This includes the receipt or invoice from the towing company, proof of payment (such as a credit card statement or receipt), and the date and circumstances of the breakdown