The main downside of AAA is that its roadside assistance comes with membership fees, service limits, towing-distance restrictions, and coverage exclusions. AAA can be valuable for drivers who frequently need roadside help, but occasional users may find that paying for membership is not always worthwhile.
AAA provides services such as towing, jump-starts, flat-tire assistance, fuel delivery, and lockout assistance. However, the benefits are subject to specific rules, and coverage varies by membership level and AAA club.
What Are the Main Disadvantages of AAA?
AAA has several limitations that drivers should understand before purchasing a membership.
You Have to Pay for Membership
AAA is not a free roadside assistance service for most drivers. You pay an annual membership fee to access the included benefits.
If you rarely experience breakdowns or need a tow, the yearly membership cost may exceed what you would have paid for occasional roadside assistance.
Towing Distance Is Limited
One of the biggest disadvantages is that free towing depends on your membership level.
For example, AAA Classic generally provides up to 7 miles of towing to a destination, or unlimited mileage back to the service provider’s facility. AAA Plus can provide up to 100 miles, while Premier includes one tow of up to 200 miles per membership year, with other tows generally limited to 100 miles.
If you exceed the covered mileage, you may have to pay additional charges directly to the service provider.
Roadside Calls Are Limited
AAA does not provide unlimited free roadside assistance.
A cardholder generally receives up to four covered roadside assistance calls per membership year, although specific terms can vary by club and membership status. Additional service calls can result in a service charge.
These calls can include towing, battery service, tire changes, fuel delivery, lockout assistance, and other roadside services. Using several benefits early in the membership year can leave you with fewer covered calls later.
Some Services Are Excluded
AAA roadside assistance does not cover every towing situation.
Depending on the membership and local AAA club, exclusions can include towing for vehicle relocation, transportation to salvage yards, certain off-road locations, and vehicles that are safely operable. RVs and motorcycles may also require additional coverage.
This means you should check your specific membership terms before assuming a particular towing situation is covered.
New Members May Have Waiting Periods
Another disadvantage is that some benefits may not be immediately available after joining or upgrading.
For example, AAA states that certain extended roadside benefits associated with Plus, Premier, and optional RV or motorcycle coverage may have a waiting period after payment and processing.
AAA also does not normally cover a breakdown that occurred before you became a member. An immediate-service fee may apply if you need assistance when joining.
AAA Uses Independent Service Providers
AAA frequently dispatches independent roadside assistance providers rather than having every tow performed by AAA employees.
This can be an advantage because AAA has access to a large network, but the actual experience can vary depending on the local provider, equipment, availability, and location. AAA notes that in many areas, roadside providers are independent businesses.
Service May Be Restricted by Location
AAA assistance is not guaranteed in every location or situation.
Certain limited-access highways, beaches, vacant lots, construction areas, flooded roads, and other difficult-to-access locations can have restrictions. Severe weather can also restrict, delay, or suspend service.
Is AAA Worth It?
AAA can be worth the cost if you regularly travel long distances, have an older vehicle, want roadside assistance available across the U.S. and Canada, or simply prefer having emergency services available.
It may be less valuable if you drive infrequently, already receive roadside assistance through your insurance or vehicle manufacturer, or rarely need towing.
Consider these factors:
| Factor | AAA |
| Annual membership | Required |
| Free towing | Yes, within plan limits |
| Long-distance towing | Available with higher plans |
| Roadside calls | Limited |
| Extra mileage | May cost extra |
| Off-road assistance | Often restricted |
| Immediate new-member service | May involve a fee |
| Service providers | Often independent |
AAA vs. Paying for a Tow Yourself
For an occasional driver, paying a local towing company directly can sometimes make more financial sense than maintaining a yearly membership.
For example, if you only need a tow once every few years, compare the expected towing cost with several years of membership fees. On the other hand, frequent drivers may benefit from having roadside assistance available for towing, flat tires, battery problems, lockouts, and other emergencies.
The best choice depends on how often you drive, your vehicle’s condition, your travel distance, and how much emergency coverage you want.
How Can You Avoid AAA’s Downsides?
Before purchasing AAA, review the membership details for your local AAA club. Pay particular attention to:
- Annual membership cost
- Number of covered service calls
- Towing mileage
- Additional mileage charges
- Waiting periods
- Vehicle exclusions
- RV and motorcycle coverage
- Emergency service fees
- Local service availability
Also consider whether your auto insurance, credit card, vehicle manufacturer, or another roadside assistance plan already provides similar benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AAA completely free?
No. AAA generally requires an annual membership fee. Some individuals may qualify for special promotions or free household or associate memberships, but AAA membership is not generally free for everyone.
Does AAA have unlimited towing?
No. Towing mileage depends on the membership level. Additional mileage beyond the covered limit can result in extra charges.
How many times can I use AAA in one year?
Many AAA plans provide four roadside assistance calls per member per membership year. Additional calls can result in a service charge, and exact terms vary by AAA club.
Can I use AAA immediately after joining?
Not necessarily. Certain services may have waiting periods, and a breakdown that occurred before joining is generally not covered under the new membership.
Is AAA better than calling a towing company?
It depends on your situation. AAA can be useful if you need roadside assistance regularly, while directly hiring a towing company may be more practical for an occasional tow.
Conclusion
The biggest downside of AAA is that coverage is not unlimited. Membership fees, towing-mileage limits, service-call limits, waiting periods, exclusions, and additional charges can reduce the value for some drivers.
AAA can still be a convenient option for people who want dependable roadside assistance and additional membership benefits. However, compare the cost and coverage with your actual driving habits before deciding whether it is worthwhile.
Need a Tow Without AAA?
If you need immediate assistance and do not have AAA, Towing Recovery Rebuilding Assistance Services can help with towing and roadside needs. Whether you are searching for towing near me, towing Naperville, towing service, tow trucks, tow trucks Naperville, towing service near me, or tow trucks near me, getting help from a local towing provider can be a practical alternative.
Call Towing Recovery Rebuilding Assistance Services at 630-200-2731 for towing assistance.
