AAA generally does not charge a separate towing fee when your tow falls within the mileage included with your membership. Instead, towing is provided as a roadside-assistance benefit with a specific mileage allowance. If you exceed that allowance, you may have to pay for additional mileage or services not covered by your plan.
A common AAA structure is 5 miles for Classic, 100 miles for Plus, and one tow up to 200 miles for Premier, while additional eligible Premier tows are generally covered up to 100 miles. Benefits vary by regional AAA club, so check your local membership terms.
How Does AAA Towing Pricing Work?
Your AAA towing cost can depend on:
- Membership level
- Towing distance
- Remaining roadside-assistance calls
- Regional AAA club rules
- Vehicle type
- Special equipment or recovery services
If the tow is within your covered mileage, you generally won’t pay a separate towing charge. Additional mileage or services outside your benefits may cost extra.
How Much Towing Does AAA Include?
| Membership | Typical Towing Benefit |
| Classic | About 5 miles |
| Plus | Up to 100 miles |
| Premier | One tow up to 200 miles; other eligible tows up to 100 miles |
AAA benefits differ by region, so confirm your specific mileage allowance before requesting service.
How Does AAA Classic Charge for Towing?
AAA Classic is the basic membership level and commonly includes about 5 miles of towing per service call. If you need a 20-mile tow, for example, the first 5 miles may be covered while the remaining 15 miles could result in an additional charge.
Some regional AAA clubs have different mileage limits, so your local terms determine the exact benefit.
How Does AAA Plus Charge for Towing?
AAA Plus typically includes up to 100 miles of towing per eligible service call. A 75-mile tow would generally fall within the benefit, while a 125-mile tow could leave 25 miles subject to an additional charge.
Plus can be a better option for drivers who frequently travel longer distances.
How Does AAA Premier Charge for Towing?
AAA Premier typically includes:
- One tow up to 200 miles per membership year
- Up to 100 miles for remaining eligible service calls
For example, a 175-mile tow may be covered if your 200-mile benefit is available. A 225-mile tow could leave 25 miles subject to an additional charge.
Does AAA Charge Per Mile?
AAA can charge for mileage beyond your included towing allowance. You generally don’t pay for every mile when the tow is covered by your membership.
The basic formula is:
Covered mileage = included with membership
Mileage beyond coverage = potential additional charge
Excess-mileage rates vary by regional AAA club and towing provider, so ask for the exact out-of-pocket cost before authorizing a long-distance tow.
Does AAA Charge a Hookup Fee?
For an eligible tow covered by your membership, AAA generally treats towing as part of your roadside benefit rather than charging a standard commercial hookup fee.
Additional charges may apply when:
- You exceed your towing mileage
- Your included service calls have been used
- Special equipment is required
- Difficult vehicle recovery is needed
- Your vehicle isn’t covered
- The requested service falls outside your benefits
How Many Tows Does AAA Give You Per Year?
AAA commonly provides up to four roadside-assistance service calls per membership year. These calls aren’t necessarily all towing services.
Eligible services may include:
- Towing
- Battery assistance
- Flat-tire service
- Lockout assistance
- Fuel delivery
- Minor mechanical assistance
Once your included calls are exhausted, additional service charges may apply.
Does AAA Towing Follow You or Your Car?
AAA membership generally follows the member rather than one specific vehicle, subject to membership rules. This can allow you to receive eligible roadside assistance while driving or riding in another vehicle.
However, vehicle exclusions and other coverage conditions may apply.
What If I Need a Tow Longer Than AAA Covers?
You have several options:
- Pay for additional mileage beyond your membership allowance.
- Choose a closer repair facility within your covered distance.
- Use an eligible towing facility if your membership permits it.
- Call a local towing company and compare its direct quote with AAA’s additional charges.
What If I Am Not a AAA Member?
Don’t assume that purchasing AAA membership after your vehicle breaks down will make the tow free. AAA may have restrictions, waiting periods, or fees for service requested immediately after joining.
An existing breakdown may not qualify for standard membership benefits. Before purchasing a membership during an emergency, ask exactly what you will pay for the requested service.
Does AAA Charge More for a Long-Distance Tow?
Potentially. AAA only covers the mileage included with your membership.
| Tow Distance | Classic* | Plus | Premier |
| 5 miles | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| 50 miles | Excess | Covered | Covered |
| 100 miles | Excess | Covered | Covered |
| 150 miles | Excess | Excess | Covered* |
| 200 miles | Excess | Excess | Covered* |
| 250 miles | Excess | Excess | Excess |
*Classic and Premier benefits can vary by regional club and membership conditions.
What About AAA Towing for RVs and Motorcycles?
RVs, motorcycles, trailers, and specialty vehicles can have different coverage rules. Don’t assume that standard automobile towing benefits apply to every vehicle.
If you own a motorcycle or RV, verify your specific roadside-assistance coverage before relying on AAA for long-distance towing or recovery.
Does AAA Cover Winching and Vehicle Recovery?
Basic towing and difficult vehicle recovery aren’t always the same service. A vehicle stuck in mud, snow, a ditch, or an embankment may require additional equipment or labor.
Before service begins, ask:
“Is the recovery fully covered by my membership, or will there be an additional equipment or labor charge?”
What Factors Determine Your AAA Towing Cost?
Membership Level
Classic, Plus, and Premier have different towing allowances.
Regional AAA Club
AAA clubs can have different mileage limits and membership terms.
Towing Distance
Mileage beyond your included allowance can result in additional charges.
Remaining Service Calls
Extra charges may apply after your included roadside calls are used.
Vehicle Type
Specialty vehicles may have different coverage requirements.
Special Equipment
Winching, recovery equipment, or additional labor can increase your cost.
Membership Timing
Recently purchased or upgraded memberships may have restrictions or waiting periods.
AAA Towing vs. Calling a Tow Truck Directly
| Factor | AAA | Local Tow Company |
| Membership | Required for standard benefits | Not required |
| Standard tow | Covered within benefit | Paid directly |
| Long-distance tow | Covered mileage + possible excess | Usually quoted by distance |
| Annual service limit | Usually applies | Generally none |
| Immediate service | Restrictions may apply | Usually available |
| Best for | Existing members | Immediate towing needs |
If you already have AAA and your tow is covered, using your membership may be cost-effective. If you’re not a member, compare AAA’s total cost with a direct quote from a local towing company.
How to Avoid Unexpected AAA Towing Charges
Before the tow begins, ask:
- How many roadside calls do I have remaining?
- How many towing miles are included?
- What destinations are covered?
- What is the additional-mileage rate?
- Are equipment or recovery charges extra?
- Is my vehicle covered?
- Are there waiting-period restrictions?
- How much will I owe the tow operator?
Getting the estimated out-of-pocket cost beforehand can help prevent unexpected charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does AAA charge for towing?
AAA generally provides towing as a membership benefit up to a specific mileage limit. If your tow exceeds that limit, you may pay for additional mileage or services outside your coverage.
Is AAA towing free?
Eligible towing within your membership’s covered mileage generally doesn’t have a separate towing charge. However, membership fees apply, and additional mileage or services may cost extra.
How many miles will AAA tow for free?
A common structure is 5 miles for Classic, 100 miles for Plus, and one 200-mile tow for Premier. Benefits can vary between regional AAA clubs.
Does AAA charge per mile after the towing limit?
AAA can charge for mileage beyond your included benefit. The exact excess-mileage rate depends on your regional club and towing provider.
Can I use AAA if I’m already broken down?
You may be able to purchase membership and request service, but an existing breakdown may not receive normal membership coverage. Restrictions and additional fees can apply.
Is AAA cheaper than a regular towing company?
AAA can be cheaper when you already have an active membership and the tow falls within your covered mileage. Without membership, compare the cost of AAA with a direct local towing quote.
Conclusion
AAA charges for towing primarily through its membership benefits rather than a standard flat towing price. Your membership level determines your covered towing mileage and roadside-assistance benefits.
A common structure is approximately 5 miles for Classic, 100 miles for Plus, and one 200-mile tow for Premier, although regional benefits can differ.
If you already have AAA, check your membership level, remaining service calls, and towing mileage before requesting service. For a long-distance tow, always ask about excess-mileage and recovery charges beforehand.
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