Is AAA Worth It?
AAA is a great option for some drivers, but do the math to ensure it makes financial sense for you.
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Responding to more than 27 million calls a year in 2024, AAA has become the standard in roadside assistance. AAA membership not only provides assistance for stranded motorists, but it also offers discounts on car rentals, vacation packages, cellular service and more. The cost of an AAA membership varies, depending on where you live, the level of coverage and number of people on the plan .
To determine whether the cost of AAA membership is worth it, consider which AAA services you may use, and whether potential benefits — including peace of mind — will outweigh what you pay.
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Understanding AAA auto clubs
AAA (often referred to as “Triple A”) is not a single organization. Rather, it's a federation of regional motor clubs with locations throughout North America, which is why pricing and other details may vary depending on where you live.
When you look into a AAA membership, you can enter your ZIP code on the AAA site to determine which auto club covers your location. That club will determine the options available for you, and rates for services like roadside assistance and insurance coverage.
AAA costs
AAA has a three- or four-tiered membership structure, depending on your location. The price you’ll pay depends on where you live and which plan you choose.
Here are a few examples to give you a general idea of plan price ranges.
| Plan | Morris County NJ Annual Cost | Los Angeles County CA Annual Cost | Dallas County TX Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday | $24. | N/A. | N/A. |
| Basic/Classic | $33.50. | $52. | $41.65. |
| Plus | $60. | $87. | $79.65. |
| Premier plan | $78. | $116. | $106.65. |
| Note: A one-time admission fee may apply for new members, on top of annual dues. | |||
Membership plan benefits
Each plan offers different services or call-outs for a type of service. The table below is an example of the benefits for members in Dallas County, Texas. Check the club for your area to learn about the plans and services available to you.
| Plan | Classic | Plus | Premier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Services included |
| Everything included in Classic plan plus:
| Everything included in Classic and Plus plans plus:
|
AAA cost per driver
While AAA will cover all drivers in your family, each driver must be individually enrolled in your plan. And each enrollment comes with a small jump in price, although that fee may be waived for the first year in some locations.
The primary driver — the person first enrolled — is covered for the advertised base price. An additional adult, known as an associate member, can be added to a plan. Dependents who are younger than 26 and live with you or are full-time students can be added as dependent associate members. The rate you're charged for additional members will depend on your location and plan.
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AAA discounts and extras
A perk that draws many members to AAA is the discounts with national companies. The discounts vary, but examples include:
- Services at Napa Auto Parts, LensCrafters, Penske Truck Rental and The UPS Store.
- Restaurants such as Hard Rock Cafe, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Joe’s Crab Shack.
- Food delivery services such as Home Chef, Vital Choice and Harry and David.
- Entertainment venues such as AMC Theatres, Busch Gardens, Cinemark, Disneyland and SeaWorld.
- Technology such as from Dell, HP, Samsung and T-Mobile.
AAA works with a number of certified auto repair shops, and members get 10% off repairs up to $75, at these AAA-approved locations. Most repairs are guaranteed for two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.
AAA members can also get additional car-related benefits, which will vary depending on location. Examples are a free vehicle inspection or an AAA advocate in their corner if a dispute arises with a shop.
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Travel discounts
AAA is also known for its discounts on travel services. These include discounts with car rental companies like Hertz, Dollar Car Rental and The Parking Spot.
You can also save on hotels around the world. AAA has a few preferred partners — including Best Western Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and MGM Resorts International, but you can search AAA’s hotel-specific website to find deals on other stays as well.
AAA auto insurance
AAA membership is required to purchase its insurance.
Most AAA clubs offer auto insurance, but the type of insurance and individual rates vary by location. AAA’s insurance agents will look over any of your existing policies and provide advice as part of the membership.
Options may include:
- Full coverage insurance.
- Collision coverage.
- Comprehensive coverage.
- Medical payments coverage.
- Liability insurance.
- Uninsured motorist insurance.
Across the board, AAA offers a variety of auto, home, renters, life and small-business insurance.
» MORE: AAA auto insurance review
Is AAA worth it?
Whether it makes sense to join AAA depends on how protected you want to be and what your potential savings would be for roadside assistance.
Like auto insurance, AAA is set up so that you pay for coverage in advance that you hope you don’t have to use. In some cases, it can be more expensive to go without coverage, if you end up needing roadside assistance and have to pay for it yourself.
To help with your decision, get prices for tows and other road services in your area, and then weigh those costs against the price of an AAA membership in your area. Also take into account potential savings from other AAA benefits.
Drivers who might skip AAA membership
If you fit any of these descriptions, AAA membership probably doesn't make sense for you.
- You rarely drive your car.
- You already have coverage through a different company, such as with your vehicle's warranty.
- You’re financially secure and can comfortably cover the cost of roadside services without assistance.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
Also check your car insurance company’s coverage, which could be as little as $10 a year for basic roadside assistance that might be more fitting for your driving habits. Drivers who might benefit from joining AAA
If you fall into any of these categories, you could benefit from an AAA membership:
- Your financial situation makes it difficult to pay for roadside services without assistance.
- You are more comfortable paying a monthly membership price than an out-of-pocket cost all at once.
- You are on the road frequently.
- You tend to drive long distances.
- You drive an older car that may be less reliable.
Alternatives to AAA
For those who aren’t worried about having constant roadside assistance coverage, AAA’s plans might be more than what you need. There are other roadside assistance options available, that may be a better fit for your driving habits and budget. In addition to other organizations, consider asking your car insurance provider, car manufacturer, credit card company or cell phone provider if they have roadside assistance plans available.
There are also apps that offer on-demand roadside assistance. For example, using Honk, Driver Roadside and Mach 1 could be a better option if you want to avoid a membership fee. You pay when you need assistance only. However, these services could cost you more out of pocket than an AAA membership, depending on your location and the services you need.
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