The American Automobile Association (AAA) is a renowned organization that provides a wide range of services to its members, including roadside assistance and towing services. With over 60 million members across the United States and Canada, AAA has established itself as a trusted and reliable partner for motorists in need of assistance. This comprehensive guide aims to provide an in-depth understanding of AAA's towing service rules, ensuring that members can make informed decisions and fully utilize the benefits of their membership.
AAA, or the American Automobile Association, is a renowned roadside assistance provider, offering a wide range of services to its members, including towing. Whether you're a seasoned driver or a new car owner, understanding AAA's towing rules and coverage can save you from unexpected expenses and ensure a smooth experience during breakdowns.
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to AAA's towing services is the distance covered. The towing distance limit varies based on your membership level, and it's essential to be aware of these limits to avoid any surprises.
| Membership Level | Towing Distance Limit |
|---|---|
| AAA Basic | Free towing to the nearest AAA-approved repair facility or the responding tow truck's station. |
| AAA Plus | Free towing up to 100 miles. |
| AAA Premier | - One tow up to 200 miles per membership year. - Three additional tows up to 100 miles each. |
It's important to note that any excess mileage beyond the covered limits will be charged at the prevailing commercial rate for that area. Therefore, it's advisable to be aware of your membership level and the corresponding towing distance limits to avoid unexpected costs.
In addition to the towing distance limits, it's essential to understand the number of tows covered by your AAA membership.
AAA membership provides up to four service calls per membership year, including towing.
Only one tow is covered per breakdown incident. If your vehicle requires multiple tows due to the same issue, you may be responsible for additional towing costs beyond the initial tow.
AAA's towing services are designed to cater to a wide range of vehicles, but there are certain limitations and exceptions to be aware of.
AAA covers most passenger vehicles, including cars, SUVs, vans, and unloaded pickup trucks.
Commercial vehicles are generally not eligible for AAA's towing services.
Recreational vehicles (RVs), motorcycles, and some trailers may have limited coverage depending on your membership level.
| Vehicle Type | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Passenger Vehicles (cars, SUVs, vans, unloaded pickup trucks) | Covered |
| Commercial Vehicles | Not Covered |
| Recreational Vehicles (RVs), Motorcycles, Trailers | Limited Coverage (varies by membership level) |
It's essential to check with AAA regarding the specific coverage for your vehicle type, as the rules and limitations may vary.
Another crucial aspect of AAA's towing services is the destination where your vehicle can be towed. The options available to you depend on your membership level.
For AAA Basic members, the towing destination is limited to the nearest AAA-approved repair facility or the responding tow truck's station.
AAA Plus and Premier members can choose to have their vehicle towed to any destination within the covered mileage limits, whether it's a specific repair shop, their home, or another location of their choice.
While all AAA membership levels offer valuable towing services, the AAA Premier membership provides additional benefits that can further enhance your roadside assistance experience.
Access to a free day of car rental when towing a vehicle due to a breakdown (fuel and service charges are not included).
Reimbursement of up to $50 per year for windshield repair or replacement costs.
These additional benefits can be particularly useful in situations where your vehicle requires extensive repairs or if you need temporary transportation while your car is being serviced.
AAA's towing services are designed to provide reliable assistance and peace of mind for its members during roadside emergencies. By understanding the towing rules and coverage, including distance limits, the number of tows covered, eligible vehicles, towing destinations, and additional Premier benefits, you can make informed decisions and maximize the value of your AAA membership.
Remember, AAA's towing services are intended for emergency breakdowns and not for regular vehicle transportation or relocation. Stay prepared and take advantage of these valuable benefits whenever you need them. With AAA's comprehensive towing services, you can rest assured that you'll have reliable support on the road, no matter where your journey takes you.
If you exceed the towing distance limit for your membership level, you will be charged at the prevailing commercial rate for the excess mileage. It's advisable to be aware of your membership level's towing distance limit to avoid unexpected costs.
No, AAA's towing services are intended for emergency breakdowns and should not be used for regular vehicle transportation or relocation purposes.
Yes, commercial vehicles are generally not eligible for AAA's towing services. Additionally, recreational vehicles (RVs), motorcycles, and some trailers may have limited coverage depending on your membership level.
AAA covers only one tow per breakdown incident. If your vehicle requires multiple tows due to the same issue, you may be responsible for additional towing costs beyond the initial tow.
For AAA Basic members, the towing destination is limited to the nearest AAA-approved repair facility or the responding tow truck's station. AAA Plus and Premier members can choose to have their vehicle towed to any destination within the covered mileage limits.
The AAA Premier membership offers a free day of car rental when towing a vehicle due to a breakdown (fuel and service charges are not included) and reimbursement of up to $50 per year for windshield repair or replacement costs.
There is a waiting period before you can start using AAA's towing services after becoming a member. The waiting period varies based on your membership level, with Basic members having a 24-hour waiting period, Plus members having a 5-day waiting period, and Premier members having a 10-day waiting period.
When calling for AAA's towing services, you should have the following information ready: your name, membership number, club code, expiration date, type of vehicle, nature of the problem, exact location of the vehicle, and tow destination (if towing becomes necessary).
Yes, AAA membership benefits are granted to the member, not the vehicle. You can use AAA's towing services if you're a passenger in someone else's vehicle, as long as the vehicle meets the eligibility criteria.
If your vehicle is started before the service representative arrives, you should call immediately to cancel your request. Each service call is entered into your membership record and counts toward your annual limit of allotted service calls.
Sarah isn't your average gearhead. With a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Automotive Technology, she dived straight into the world of car repair. After 15 years of turning wrenches at dealerships and independent shops, Sarah joined MICDOT to share her expertise and passion for making cars run like new. Her in-depth knowledge and knack for explaining complex issues in simple terms make her a valuable asset to our team.