If you want to know how to get a free tow from AAA, you generally need an active AAA membership with towing included in your benefits. AAA provides roadside assistance towing, but the number of miles covered depends on your membership level. Classic usually offers limited towing, while Plus and Premier provide longer towing distances.
A “free tow” does not mean unlimited towing. If your tow exceeds your membership’s mileage allowance, you may have to pay additional charges.
Does AAA Really Offer Free Towing?
Yes. Towing is included with AAA roadside assistance for eligible members. Coverage generally applies when a vehicle cannot be safely driven because of a covered breakdown or other eligible situation.
Typical towing benefits include:
| Membership | Typical Towing Benefit |
| Classic | About 5–7 miles, depending on the club |
| Plus | Up to 100 miles |
| Premier | One tow up to 200 miles; remaining eligible tows up to 100 miles |
AAA is divided into regional automobile clubs, so exact benefits and terms can vary.
How Do You Get a Free AAA Tow?
Getting a covered tow is fairly simple.
Have an Active AAA Membership
You need an eligible AAA membership before requesting covered roadside assistance. Your benefits generally apply when you are driving or riding in a vehicle, subject to membership terms.
Make Sure the Tow Is Covered
Your vehicle must generally be disabled because of a covered breakdown, accident, or another eligible condition.
Request Roadside Assistance
Request service through AAA’s available roadside-assistance options, such as its app or online services. Have your membership information and identification available when help arrives.
Stay Within Your Mileage Limit
Your mileage allowance determines how much of the tow is covered. For example, if your benefit covers 100 miles and you need a 60-mile tow, the distance falls within your benefit. If you need to travel farther, additional charges may apply.
How Many Free Tows Does AAA Give You?
AAA generally provides up to four roadside service calls per membership year for primary members, although regional terms may differ.
Service calls can include eligible towing and other roadside services. This does not mean you receive unlimited free towing throughout the year. Mileage and service limitations still apply.
How Far Will AAA Tow for Free?
Your towing distance depends on your membership level.
AAA Classic
Classic generally provides approximately 5–7 miles of towing, depending on the AAA club. Some plans may also provide an unlimited tow back to the responding service provider’s facility.
AAA Plus
Plus generally provides up to 100 miles of towing per eligible service call, making it useful for breakdowns farther from home.
AAA Premier
Premier typically provides one tow up to 200 miles per household per membership year, while remaining eligible tows may be covered up to 100 miles.
Can You Join AAA and Immediately Get a Free Tow?
Do not assume that joining AAA after your vehicle breaks down will make the existing problem free.
AAA clubs can have waiting periods or additional service charges for newly enrolled members. Some clubs require new members to wait before receiving certain benefits, while others may charge a fee for immediate service.
Because AAA operates through regional clubs, waiting periods, fees, and eligibility requirements can vary.
If your vehicle has already broken down, check your local AAA club’s terms before purchasing a membership specifically for that tow.
What If Your Tow Is Longer Than the AAA Limit?
You may still be able to use AAA, but you could be responsible for the portion beyond your covered mileage.
For example, if you have Plus coverage for 100 miles but need a 130-mile tow, AAA may cover the eligible 100 miles while you pay the applicable charge for the remaining 30 miles.
Always ask about additional mileage charges before the tow begins.
Can AAA Tow Your Car to Any Repair Shop?
AAA can generally tow an eligible vehicle to a repair shop or another destination within your applicable mileage benefit.
Before the tow starts, confirm:
- Where the vehicle is being taken
- How many miles your membership covers
- Whether the destination is within your benefit
- Whether additional charges apply
Choosing a destination beyond your covered distance can result in extra costs.
Does AAA Cover Towing After an Accident?
AAA may provide towing for eligible accident-related vehicle disablements. However, coverage depends on the circumstances, membership terms, vehicle, and services required.
A severely damaged, overturned, or difficult-to-recover vehicle may require specialized equipment, which can result in additional charges.
Does AAA Cover RV and Trailer Towing?
Not necessarily. RV and motorcycle roadside assistance may require optional coverage, depending on your AAA club and membership.
If you regularly drive an RV, camper, or travel trailer, verify that your membership specifically covers the vehicle and towing service you need. Standard passenger-vehicle benefits should not automatically be assumed to cover recreational vehicles.
What Should You Check Before Requesting a AAA Tow?
Before requesting assistance, check your membership information and towing benefits.
Use this quick checklist:
- Confirm your membership is active.
- Check your towing mileage allowance.
- Check how many service calls remain.
- Confirm your vehicle qualifies.
- Choose a destination within your covered mileage.
- Ask about potential additional charges.
- Have your membership information ready.
Taking these steps can help prevent unexpected towing costs.
Is AAA the Cheapest Way to Get a Tow?
AAA can be cost-effective when you already have an active membership and your tow falls within the included benefit.
However, purchasing a membership after your vehicle breaks down may not provide a free tow. Waiting periods and immediate-service charges can apply.
If you need immediate towing and are not eligible for AAA coverage, comparing local towing companies may be a better option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a free tow from AAA?
Have an eligible active AAA membership, request roadside assistance for a covered vehicle problem, and stay within your membership’s towing mileage and service-call limits.
Can I use AAA immediately after joining?
Not necessarily. Waiting periods and immediate-service fees vary by regional AAA club. Check the terms for your local club before joining specifically for a tow.
How many times can AAA tow my car for free?
AAA generally provides up to four roadside service calls per membership year for primary members, subject to applicable terms and limitations.
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, with remaining eligible tows generally covered up to 100 miles. Exact benefits vary by club.
Does AAA tow to any repair shop?
AAA can generally tow an eligible vehicle to a chosen destination within the applicable mileage benefit. Extra charges may apply if the destination exceeds your coverage.
Can I get a free AAA tow without a membership?
Generally, no. AAA towing is a membership benefit. If you need assistance before becoming a member, you may have to pay a service charge, and the existing breakdown may not be covered.
Conclusion
So, how do you get a free tow from AAA? The simplest answer is to have an active eligible membership, request assistance for a covered vehicle problem, and stay within your towing mileage and service-call limits.
Classic offers limited towing, while Plus and Premier provide longer-distance coverage. Since AAA benefits vary by regional club, check your specific membership terms before requesting service.
If your vehicle has already broken down, don’t assume that purchasing AAA at the last minute will make the tow free. Check for waiting periods and immediate-service fees first.
Need Towing Assistance?
If you need immediate towing and cannot use a covered AAA benefit, Towing Recovery Rebuilding Assistance Services can provide towing and roadside assistance.
Whether you’re searching for towing near me, towing service, tow trucks, towing service near me, or tow trucks near me, professional towing can help get your vehicle safely to its destination.
For towing Naperville or tow trucks Naperville, call 630-200-2731 for towing assistance.
