If you already have AAA membership, AAA generally does not charge a separate towing fee when your tow is covered by your membership’s mileage benefit. Your coverage depends on your membership level and regional AAA club.
Generally, Classic provides a short-distance tow, Plus covers up to 100 miles, and Premier includes one tow up to 200 miles per household per membership year, with remaining eligible tows generally covered up to 100 miles.
AAA typically provides up to four roadside assistance service calls per membership year, although benefits vary by regional club.
AAA Towing Cost at a Glance
| Membership | Typical Towing Benefit | Service Calls |
| Classic | About 5–7 miles, depending on club | Up to 4/year |
| Plus | Up to 100 miles | Up to 4/year |
| Premier | One tow up to 200 miles; remaining eligible tows up to 100 miles | Up to 4/year |
So, how much does AAA charge for a tow? For an eligible tow within your membership’s coverage, the separate towing cost can effectively be $0. You pay for your annual AAA membership, while covered towing is included as a benefit.
How AAA Towing Coverage Works
AAA roadside assistance helps when your vehicle becomes disabled and cannot safely be driven. AAA can arrange a tow through a service provider based on your membership benefits.
Classic
Classic is the basic membership option. It generally includes approximately 5–7 miles of towing, depending on the regional AAA club.
It may be suitable for drivers who mostly travel locally and have nearby repair shops.
Plus
AAA Plus generally provides up to 100 miles of towing per service call. This can be a better option if you frequently travel between cities or use a repair shop farther from home.
Premier
Premier generally includes one tow up to 200 miles per household per membership year. Remaining eligible tows are generally covered up to 100 miles.
This makes Premier useful for drivers who regularly take long-distance trips.
Is AAA Towing Really Free?
AAA towing is often described as “free,” but you still pay the annual membership fee.
If your tow is eligible and falls within your mileage benefit, you generally will not pay the towing provider separately for the covered portion. However, you may have to pay for:
- Mileage beyond your coverage
- Specialized equipment or services
- Services outside your membership benefits
- Additional roadside calls after your annual allowance
How Much Does AAA Charge for Extra Towing Miles?
There is no universal nationwide AAA rate for extra towing miles. Additional charges depend on the regional AAA club and towing provider.
Before approving a tow beyond your coverage, ask:
- How many miles are included?
- What is the additional mileage rate?
- Is there a hook-up or service fee?
- Are there other charges?
Do not assume that a quoted national mileage rate applies to your local AAA club.
Can You Join AAA After Your Car Breaks Down?
Sometimes, but special rules may apply.
Some AAA clubs allow non-members to purchase membership and receive immediate roadside assistance for an additional, nonrefundable service fee. Other benefits may have waiting periods.
For example, regional AAA clubs have listed immediate-service fees such as $75 or $125. This is why you should check the rules for your specific AAA club before joining after a breakdown.
How Much Does AAA Membership Cost?
AAA membership prices vary by location and membership level. There is no single nationwide AAA membership price.
Your cost may depend on:
- Regional AAA club
- Classic, Plus, or Premier membership
- Number of household members
- Promotions
- Optional coverage
- Vehicle type
When comparing AAA with other roadside assistance options, consider both the annual membership price and the towing benefits.
AAA vs. a Local Towing Company
If you already have AAA and your tow is covered, AAA can be much cheaper than paying a towing company directly.
| Factor | AAA | Local Towing Company |
| Membership | Required for standard benefits | No |
| Annual fee | Yes | No |
| Pay per covered tow | Usually no | Usually yes |
| Mileage limits | Based on plan | Based on provider |
| Long-distance towing | Depends on plan | Usually available for a fee |
| Immediate service | Subject to membership rules | Generally available |
If you only need one tow and do not already have AAA, compare the membership cost and any immediate-service fee with the price of hiring a local towing company.
What Does a Tow Cost Without AAA?
A typical local commercial tow can often cost approximately 75–200, although prices vary significantly.
The final cost may include:
- Hook-up or dispatch fee
- Mileage
- Vehicle size
- Tow truck type
- Time of day
- Winching or recovery
- Storage
- Destination
Always ask for an estimated total before authorizing service.
Does AAA Tow to Any Repair Shop?
AAA generally allows covered vehicles to be towed to a destination within the applicable mileage limit. Some regional rules may provide additional options, such as towing to the responding service provider’s facility.
Tell the dispatcher your preferred destination before the tow begins.
Does AAA Cover Accident Towing?
AAA can provide towing after an accident, but coverage depends on your membership, vehicle, location, and circumstances. Specialized accident recovery may involve additional services or charges.
After an accident, make sure everyone is safe and contact emergency services or your insurance company when necessary.
Does AAA Tow Motorcycles and RVs?
Standard AAA benefits are primarily designed for eligible passenger vehicles. Motorcycles, RVs, motorhomes, heavy-duty vehicles, and other specialized vehicles may require additional coverage.
Confirm that your specific vehicle is covered before relying on standard AAA towing benefits.
How Many Tows Does AAA Give You?
AAA generally provides up to four roadside assistance service calls per membership year, subject to regional terms.
These are not four unlimited-distance tows. Your mileage benefit still depends on your membership level.
For example, Premier generally includes one 200-mile tow per household each membership year, while remaining eligible tows are generally covered up to 100 miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AAA charge for towing if I am a member?
Generally, no separate towing fee is charged when an eligible tow falls within your membership’s included benefit. Extra mileage and non-covered services may cost more.
How far will AAA tow for free?
Classic generally covers about 5–7 miles, Plus up to 100 miles, and Premier one tow up to 200 miles per household per membership year.
Can I use AAA immediately after joining?
It depends on your regional AAA club. Some locations offer immediate service for an additional fee, while certain enhanced benefits may have waiting periods.
Does AAA tow more than 100 miles?
Yes. Premier generally includes one tow of up to 200 miles per household per membership year.
Is AAA cheaper than paying for a tow?
If you already have AAA and your tow is covered, it can be significantly cheaper than paying a commercial towing company. If you are not already a member, compare all membership and service fees with local towing prices.
Conclusion
So, how much does AAA charge for a tow? If you are an eligible AAA member and your tow falls within your plan’s mileage benefit, the separate towing charge can effectively be $0.
Classic generally offers short-distance towing, Plus provides up to 100 miles, and Premier provides one 200-mile tow per household each membership year plus up to 100 miles on remaining eligible calls.
Because AAA pricing and benefits vary by regional club, check your local membership terms for exact coverage, fees, and waiting periods.
Need a Tow in Naperville?
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Call Towing Recovery Rebuilding Assistance Services at 630-200-2731 when you need towing assistance. Contact the company to discuss your situation and arrange the appropriate towing or recovery service.
