Why AAA Roadside Assistance So Expensive? Is It Worth In 2024

Have you ever wondered why AAA roadside assistance costs so much?

Imagine you’re stuck on a deserted road, late at night, and your car won’t start. At that moment, having a trusted service to call is priceless.

AAA roadside assistance costs more because they provide lots of services like towing and battery help, which need money.

To join AAA and use these services, you pay a yearly fee. This fee also covers extra things like travel discounts. AAA has to pay for things like helpers and offices, so they add that cost to the fee.

Like any business, AAA wants to make money, so they set prices to earn a profit. Also, AAA is well-known, so they don’t have much competition, which can keep prices higher.

Sometimes, they add extra fees for specific services or if you’re far away. Where you live also matters – if it’s a city, it might cost more.

Plus, there are different membership levels with different benefits, so prices can vary. Lastly, AAA roadside help often comes with car insurance, which can make the insurance more expensive.

Let’s explore why AAA’s services come with a higher price tag, but also why many drivers find it worth every penny.

Table of Contents

What is AAA roadside assistance?

AAA provides roadside assistance to its members, offering several benefits for car-related emergencies.

Here are the main services

Towing

AAA will tow your car to your repair shop, a AAA-approved facility, a gas station, or your chosen destination. The covered miles depend on your membership type and local club rules.

Flat Tire Service

AAA will inflate or replace your spare tire at no cost.

Fuel Delivery

AAA will deliver enough fuel to get you to the nearest gas station. Diesel fuel is also available if needed.

Car Battery Service

AAA can jump-start your car, test the battery, and replace it if needed.

Mechanical First Aid

AAA can do minor repairs to get your car running again.

Locksmith Service

If you lock your keys in your car, AAA will try to unlock it. If they can’t, towing benefits apply.

Extrication/Winching Service

AAA will free a stuck vehicle if it can be safely reached from a normal road.

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How Does AAA Roadside Assistance Work?

AAA Roadside assistance work by,

Call 1-800-AAA-HELP or use the AAA app for 24/7 roadside assistance.
The app uses your location to connect you to the right help center.
Your AAA membership works anywhere in the U.S. and Canada.
AAA Mobile app offers TripTik® maps and trip planning.
Find AAA-approved hotels, restaurants, and repair shops on the app.
Book hotels and rental cars through the AAA app.
Locate cheap gas stations with the AAA Mobile app.

AAA Membership Costs

Are you thinking about joining AAA but unsure if it fits your budget?

Let’s break down the costs so you can see if the peace of mind is worth the price.

The cost of AAA membership varies based on where you live and the level of coverage you choose.

To get exact pricing, you’ll need to contact AAA in your region.

AAA offers three membership plans

Classic,
Plus, and
Premier.

Base prices are for one named member.

You can add family members for an extra annual cost, which is cheaper than getting individual memberships.

Here are the average costs

Membership Level	Annual Cost for One Driver	Annual Cost per Additional Driver
AAA Classic	$38 – $74	$25 – $48
AAA Plus	$60 – $124	$34 – $80
AAA Premier	$77 – $164	$45 – $109

Understanding these costs can help you to decide which membership level is best for you and your family.

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What Are The Different Levels Of AAA Membership?

You know what?

AAA offers various insurance products such as

AAA auto insurance,

AAA home insurance, and

AAA life insurance.

AAA Gap Insurance

They also provide AAA roadside assistance through three membership levels: Classic, Premier, and Plus.

Each level offers different benefits, from basic towing to priority service and 24/7 emergency support.

For more information or assistance, you can contact AAA insurance customer service

To get an AAA insurance quote or find AAA insurance near you, visit their website.

Comparison of AAA Roadside Assistance

Service	AAA Classic	AAA Plus	AAA Premier
Towing	Up to 5 miles / 4 tows per year with restriction	Up to 100 miles / 4 tows per year	Up to 200 miles / 1 tows per year Up to 100 miles / 3 tows per year
Flat Tire Service	Free inflation/replacement	Free inflation/replacement	Free inflation/replacement
Jump Start	Yes, Its included	Yes, Its included	Yes, Its included
Fuel Delivery	Offer Pump price	Free	Free
Identity Theft	Monitoring	Monitoring	$10,000 Identity theft Insurance
Legal Defence Reimbursement	Up to $1,000	Up to $1,500	Up to $2,000
Car Battery Service	Jump-starting, testing, replacement	Jump-starting, testing, replacement	Jump-starting, testing, replacement
Two services per year	Up to $250	Up to $500	Up to $1,500
Mechanical First Aid	Minor repair	Minor repair	Minor repair
Locksmith Service	Unlocking your car	Unlocking your car	Unlocking your car
Extrication/Winching	Once service per year	Two services per year	Two service per year
Additional Benefits	None	Priority service, 24/7 assistance, 24-hour hotline	Priority service, 24/7 assistance, 24-hour hotline, travel and insurance discounts
Vehicle Lockout Service Credit	Up to $60	Up to $100	Up to $150
Home Lockout Service Credit	None	None	Up to $150

Each membership level offers more benefits and services, with Plus providing the most comprehensive coverage.

What Are The Benefits of AAA Roadside Assistance?

9 benefits of AAA roadside assistance, they are

1. 24/7 Roadside Assistance

When you’re on the road, AAA’s got your back around the clock. No matter if it’s day or night, they’re there to help with towing, fixing flat tires, boosting batteries, and even getting your bicycle back on track if it breaks down while you’re riding.

2. Travel Discounts and Benefits

Are you planning a trip? AAA can help you save big on your travel expenses. From discounts on hotels, flights, and car rentals to providing trip interruption coverage in case your vacation plans hit a bump due to car troubles, they’ve got you covered.

3. Automotive Discounts and Benefits

Being a AAA member means more than just roadside assistance. You can also enjoy discounts on repairs at approved service centers, free car inspections at select locations, and even discounted Carfax vehicle history reports to ensure you’re making a smart purchase.

4. Additional Perks

But wait, there’s more! Depending on where you are and your membership tier, you could be eligible for extra perks like free notary services, discounts on passport photos, or even help from a locksmith if you find yourself locked out at home.

5. Bike and RV Assistance

It’s not just about cars. AAA extends its assistance to bicycles and RVs too. So whether you’re cruising on two wheels or hitting the road in your recreational vehicle, AAA’s got your back if you need a hand.

6. Identity Protection

Your personal information is precious, and AAA understands that. That’s why they offer free Identity Theft Monitoring to keep your data safe and secure.

7. Handy Mobile App

Manage your roadside assistance requests with ease using the AAA Mobile App. Track your service requests and get information about the service provider who’s coming to help you out.

8. Plans and Costs

With three membership plans to choose from – Classic, Plus, and Premier – you can pick the one that suits your needs best.

Each plan offers different benefits, such as towing distance and frequency, so you can find the perfect fit for you and your family.

9. Easy Sign-Up

Ready to join the AAA family? Signing up is simple.

Whether you prefer to do it online, over the phone, or in person at a AAA Store, you can enroll easily and start enjoying the benefits right away.

And remember, all the benefits extend to every driver in your household.

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Are There Any Hidden Fees Associated With AAA Roadside Assistance?

Yes, there are some hidden fees associated with AAA roadside assistance

Service charges
Fuel costs
Additional services
RV and motorcycle coverage
Towing restrictions
Battery replacement
Membership fee

Service Charges

When you call AAA for help, like towing or getting a locksmith, there might be an extra fee called a service charge. This fee can change based on where you are and what kind of help you need.

Fuel Costs

If you run out of gas and ask AAA to bring you some, you’ll have to pay for the gas they bring. This cost isn’t covered by the regular roadside assistance plan.

Additional Services

Sometimes, if your car gets stuck really bad or needs special help, there might be extra charges. This can happen if you need winching or other tough jobs to get your car moving again.

RV and Motorcycle Coverage

If you have a big vehicle like an RV or a motorcycle and you want AAA to help if it breaks down, you might have to pay extra. The cost depends on where you live and what level of AAA membership you have.

Battery Replacement

If your car’s battery dies and you need a new one, AAA can help. But you might have to pay for the new battery, which can cost different amounts depending on the kind you need.

Towing Restrictions

AAA’s roadside assistance plans have some rules about towing, like how far they’ll tow your car for free or what types of vehicles they can tow. If you go over these limits, you might have to pay extra.

Membership Fees

To be a member of AAA and get roadside assistance, you have to pay a membership fee. This fee can be different depending on where you live and what kind of AAA plan you choose.

It’s important to know about these fees so you’re not surprised later on.

Understanding these fees can help you avoid any unexpected costs when you need help from AAA on the road.

Pros and Cons Of AAA Roadside Assistance

Pros of AAA Road Assistance

Reliable Assistance: With AAA, you have access to reliable roadside assistance 24/7, giving you peace of mind knowing help is just a phone call away.

Wide Range of Services: AAA offers a comprehensive range of services, including towing, battery jumps, flat tire changes, fuel delivery, and locksmith assistance, ensuring they can assist with various roadside emergencies.
Travel Discounts: AAA provides members with discounts on travel-related expenses such as hotels, flights, car rentals, and even vacation packages, helping you save money on your travels.

Additional Benefits: Members can enjoy additional perks like automotive discounts, identity theft protection, notary services, and passport photo discounts, enhancing the overall value of the membership.

Mobile App: The AAA mobile app allows members to request roadside assistance, track the status of their requests, and access other helpful features conveniently from their smartphones.

Cons of AAA Roadside Assistance

Membership Fees: AAA roadside assistance requires a membership fee, which can vary based on the level of coverage selected and the region, adding an additional expense for drivers.

Service Limitations: There may be limitations on the services provided, such as towing distance, frequency of service calls, and types of vehicles covered, which could potentially inconvenience some members.

Hidden Fees: While AAA offers valuable services, there are also hidden fees associated with certain services, such as service charges, fuel costs, and additional service fees, which could result in unexpected expenses for members.

Limited Coverage: AAA roadside assistance is primarily available in the United States, Canada, and certain international locations, so it may not be as beneficial for members who frequently travel to areas where AAA services are not available.

Dependency on AAA: Relying solely on AAA for roadside assistance may make some drivers complacent about maintaining their vehicles or learning basic car maintenance skills, which could lead to increased dependency on AAA’s services in the long run.

What Are The Main Differences Between AAA and Other Roadside Assistance Programs?

The Main Differences between AAA Roadside Assistance and Other Programs,

Coverage Scope: AAA helps with any vehicle you’re in, not just ones you own. Other programs usually only help with your own vehicles.
Towing Distance: AAA’s basic membership gives you up to 3 miles of free towing. Their higher memberships offer unlimited towing. Other programs might limit towing to only 15 miles.
Extra Services: AAA gives extra help like bringing you fuel, unlocking your car if you’re locked out, or getting your car unstuck. Some other programs don’t offer as many services or charge extra for them.
Membership Perks: With AAA, you get more than just roadside help. You also get travel discounts, help with identity theft, and discounts on car stuff. Other programs only focus on roadside help.
Response Times: AAA is known for being quick to respond, usually within 30 minutes. Other programs might take longer to help you.
Reputation and Availability: AAA is known all over the U.S. and has been around for a long time. Other programs might not be as well-known or available everywhere.
Costs: AAA costs around $65 a year to be a member. Getting roadside help from your car insurance might be cheaper. But AAA gives you more perks, especially if you travel a lot or have an older car.

AAA VS other Company’s Roadside Assistance Cost

Compared to other roadside assistance providers, from my research people are interested in getting service from AAA because of its customer support.

Let’s Break it down the pricing of AAA vs Other roadside assistance now,

Roadside Assistance Provider	Cost Per Year	Coverage	Add-On
AAA	$64.99 – $124.99	Towing (15-mile radius), Emergency fuel services, Vehicle lockout, Flat tire services, Extrication/winching, Labor/small mechanical repair	Add-ons: Motorcycle coverage ($30-$35) – Additional driver ($35-$45) – RV coverage ($99 – $209) – Motorhome/trailer ($35-$85)
Progressive	Varies	Unlimited service calls,Towing in any vehicle, Deductible reimbursement (up to $500) , Auto repair reimbursement ($500 per repair, $1,000 per consecutive year)
State Farm	Varies	Towing (coverage details may vary) Emergency fuel services Vehicle lockout Flat tire services Extrication/winching Labor/small mechanical repair
AARP	Varies	Emergency jumpstart services Towing Emergency fuel services Vehicle lockout, Flat tire services, Extrication/winching, Labor/small mechanical repair
FIMC Auto Hero	Varies	Unlimited service calls, Towing in any vehicle, Deductible reimbursement (up to $500), Auto repair reimbursement ($500 per repair, $1,000 per consecutive year)

Which Roadside Assistance Program Offers The Best Value For Money? AAA vs Better World Club vs Good Sam

The best roadside assistance program for value depends on individual needs and preferences.

Features	AAA Roadside Assistance	Better World Club Roadside Assistance	Good Sam Roadside Assistance
Cost	$64.99 – $124.99	$62.95 – $114.95	$99.95 – $179.95
Services	Comprehensive roadside assistance	Similar services with bicycle and motorcycle coverage	Focus on RV and motorhome coverage
Coverage	All 50 states, Canada, and international	Same region as Better World Club	Same regions as Better World Club
Additional Perks	Travel discounts, identity theft protection	Discounts on auto services and travel	Discounts on RV and motorhome maintenance
Customer Service	Strong reputation for efficient response times and good customer service	Positive reviews for customer service	Positive reviews for customer service
Plan Options	Classic, Plus, and Premier tiers	Single plan with optional add-ons	Basic and premium plan tiers
Insurance Integration	Membership includes deals and discounts on other services	Standalone roadside assistance provider	Standalone roadside assistance provider

Is AAA roadside assistance worth the annual cost for you? How often have you used it?

If you often need help on the road, AAA might be worth it for you. If you get stuck or your car breaks down a lot, the membership cost could be worth what you get.

Also, if you drive long distances or have an old car, AAA could be helpful for peace of mind. It comes with extra stuff like travel discounts and help with identity theft, which can add to its value.

But make sure to compare costs with other options like adding roadside help to your insurance. Check reviews to see if AAA is good in your area.

How Can You Purchase Roadside Assistance in AAA?

Visit the AAA website or call their customer service number.
Navigate to the “Roadside Assistance” section on the website or ask the representative about purchasing roadside assistance.
Provide your personal information, including your name, address, and contact details.
Choose the type of membership you want, such as Basic, Plus, or Premier, based on your needs and budget.
Select any additional add-ons or services you may want, such as coverage for additional drivers or RVs.
Review the membership terms and costs, including any applicable fees or discounts.
Enter your payment information and complete the purchase process.
Once your purchase is confirmed, you will receive your AAA membership card and roadside assistance details via email or mail.

Final Word

AAA helps when your car breaks down. It costs money, but you get lots of help in return. This includes fixing flat tires, giving you fuel if you run out, and even helping if you lock your keys in the car.

It’s good for people who travel a lot or have old cars. But watch out for extra charges. It’s smart to compare with other services before you decide.

Overall, AAA is there for you when your car needs help, giving you peace of mind on the road.

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Why is AAA Roadside Assistance So Expensive?