AAA towing can cost $0 for eligible members when the tow is within the mileage included in their membership plan. If the tow exceeds that limit, you may have to pay additional charges. AAA’s towing benefits vary by regional club, but common plans include Classic, Plus, and Premier, with different towing distances and service limits.
A typical structure is approximately 5 miles for Classic, up to 100 miles for Plus, and one tow up to 200 miles for Premier, although exact benefits depend on your local AAA club.
Your actual cost depends on your membership level, towing distance, regional club, remaining service calls, vehicle type, and membership status.
How Much Does AAA Tow for Free?
AAA generally covers eligible towing within your membership’s mileage limit.
| Membership | Typical Towing Benefit | Service Calls |
| Classic | About 5 miles | Up to 4/year |
| Plus | Up to 100 miles | Up to 4/year |
| Premier | 1 tow up to 200 miles + additional tows up to 100 miles | Up to 4/year |
Benefits vary between regional AAA clubs. Some clubs offer Classic members 3 or 7 miles instead of 5, so check your local membership terms.
How Much Does AAA Classic Charge for Towing?
AAA Classic is the entry-level membership and generally includes a short-distance tow. Some AAA clubs provide approximately 5 miles, while others have slightly different limits.
If your plan covers 5 miles and you need a 3-mile tow to a repair shop, the tow can generally be covered by your roadside benefit. If you need a 15-mile tow, you may have to pay for the mileage beyond your included benefit.
How Much Does AAA Plus Charge for Towing?
AAA Plus generally provides up to 100 miles of towing, making it useful for drivers who travel farther from home.
For example, if your vehicle breaks down 60 miles away and your Plus membership is active and eligible, the tow may fall entirely within your covered mileage. Depending on the regional club’s rules, you may be able to choose a repair shop, home, or another qualifying destination.
How Much Does AAA Premier Charge for Towing?
Premier typically provides the most extensive towing benefit.
A common Premier structure includes:
- One tow up to 200 miles per membership year
- Additional eligible tows up to 100 miles
- Up to four roadside-assistance service calls per year
For example, a breakdown 175 miles from home could potentially qualify for the 200-mile Premier towing benefit. Exact rules and waiting periods vary by regional club.
Does AAA Really Give You Free Towing?
Yes, eligible towing can have no additional charge at the time of service when it falls within your membership benefit. However, AAA isn’t completely free because you pay an annual membership fee.
Membership prices vary by location and AAA club. Therefore, it’s more accurate to think of AAA towing as an included membership benefit rather than unlimited free towing.
What Happens If My Tow Is Longer Than My AAA Mileage Limit?
If your tow exceeds the mileage included with your plan, you are generally responsible for the additional cost.
For example, if Plus covers 100 miles and you need a 130-mile tow, the first 100 miles may be covered while the remaining 30 miles may result in an additional charge.
Ask AAA or the assigned towing provider for the estimated extra cost before authorizing an extended tow.
What If I’m Not a AAA Member?
If your vehicle has already broken down, don’t assume you can purchase AAA membership and immediately receive full roadside coverage.
AAA regional clubs may have:
- Waiting periods
- Service fees for existing breakdowns
- Restrictions on newly purchased memberships
- Different rules for upgraded plans
Some Plus and Premier benefits can have a 7-calendar-day waiting period, depending on the regional club. If you’re already stranded, ask AAA about same-day service rules before purchasing membership.
How Many Tows Does AAA Cover Per Year?
AAA commonly provides up to four roadside-assistance service calls per membership year, although exact terms vary.
These calls aren’t necessarily all towing services. Eligible roadside assistance can also include:
- Battery assistance
- Flat-tire service
- Lockout assistance
- Fuel delivery
- Other roadside services
Using several service calls during the year can reduce the number remaining.
What Factors Affect the Cost of an AAA Tow?
Several factors can affect what you ultimately pay:
Membership Level
Classic, Plus, and Premier have different towing mileage limits.
Towing Distance
A tow within your benefit can be covered, while additional mileage may cost extra.
Service Calls Used
AAA limits the number of eligible roadside calls during the membership year.
Regional AAA Club
AAA operates through regional clubs, so benefits and pricing can differ.
Vehicle Type
Motorcycles, RVs, trailers, and specialty vehicles may have different coverage rules.
Recovery Services
Winching, extrication, specialized equipment, or difficult recovery situations may involve additional limitations or charges.
Membership Status
New memberships and upgrades may have waiting periods or special restrictions.
Does AAA Tow Your Car to Any Repair Shop?
The answer depends on your membership and regional AAA rules.
Many AAA plans allow eligible vehicles to be towed to a repair facility or another qualifying destination within the covered mileage. Some regional clubs also provide special towing options for Classic members.
Before requesting service, ask AAA whether your preferred repair shop qualifies and whether the destination falls within your included mileage.
AAA Towing vs. Paying a Local Tow Truck
| Factor | AAA | Local Tow Company |
| Membership required | Yes for standard benefits | No |
| Included towing | Based on plan | Based on quoted price |
| Mileage | Plan-dependent | Provider-dependent |
| Long-distance towing | Stronger with Plus/Premier | Usually available for a fee |
| Existing breakdown | Restrictions may apply | Usually available immediately |
| Specialized recovery | Coverage varies | Depends on equipment |
| Membership cost | Annual fee | No membership required |
AAA can be valuable if you want ongoing roadside assistance. A local tow company may be more practical if you don’t have AAA or need a service that isn’t covered.
When Is AAA Worth the Membership Cost?
AAA may be worthwhile if you:
- Drive frequently
- Take road trips
- Travel long distances
- Own an older vehicle
- Want roadside assistance
- Want to reduce unexpected towing expenses
If you already receive roadside assistance through your auto insurance, vehicle manufacturer, or another service, compare the benefits before paying for another plan.
What Should You Ask AAA Before Requesting a Tow?
Before the tow truck arrives, confirm:
- How many roadside calls do I have remaining?
- How many towing miles are included?
- Can I choose the repair shop?
- Will I have an additional mileage charge?
- Is my vehicle eligible?
- Are winching or special equipment charges covered?
- Is my membership active?
- Is there a waiting period?
- What will I pay out of pocket?
Getting these answers first can help prevent unexpected charges.
What If You Need a Tow Right Now?
If you’re currently stranded, prioritize safety.
- Move away from traffic if possible.
- Turn on your hazard lights.
- Contact emergency services if you’re in immediate danger.
- Contact AAA if you have eligible coverage.
- If AAA isn’t available, contact a professional towing company.
- Ask for the total estimated price before approving a commercial tow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does AAA charge to tow?
For an eligible member, a tow within the included mileage can cost $0 at the time of service. Classic commonly includes a short-distance tow, Plus up to 100 miles, and Premier one tow up to 200 miles, subject to regional rules.
How many miles will AAA tow for free?
A common structure is approximately 5 miles for Classic, 100 miles for Plus, and 200 miles for one Premier tow. Regional clubs may have different limits.
Does AAA cover four free tows per year?
AAA commonly provides up to four roadside-assistance service calls per membership year. These calls can include towing and other eligible roadside services.
Can I join AAA after my car breaks down?
You may purchase membership, but the existing breakdown may not qualify for normal benefits. Waiting periods and special service fees can apply.
Does AAA charge for towing beyond the mileage limit?
Yes. If your tow exceeds the mileage included in your membership, you can be responsible for additional towing charges.
Is AAA cheaper than calling a tow truck directly?
AAA can be less expensive when you already have an active membership and the tow is covered. Without applicable coverage, compare the local towing company’s quote with any AAA out-of-pocket charges.
Conclusion
So, how much does AAA charge to tow? For an eligible member, the covered portion can cost $0, but the mileage depends on your plan and regional AAA club.
A typical structure is:
- Classic: about 5 miles
- Plus: up to 100 miles
- Premier: one tow up to 200 miles plus additional eligible tows up to 100 miles
- Service calls: generally up to four per membership year
Because AAA benefits vary by regional club, confirm your exact mileage, remaining service calls, and any additional charges before requesting service.
If you need immediate towing in Naperville, towing service, tow trucks, or roadside assistance, contact Towing Recovery Rebuilding Assistance Services at 630-200-2731. Whether you need a local tow, vehicle recovery, or transportation to a repair facility, professional towing assistance can help you get your vehicle safely where it needs to go.
