Is AAA Worth It? (2024)

If you get stranded on the side of the road, AAA — also known as Triple-A — might come in handy. Whether you’re dealing with a dead battery or a flat tire, its roadside assistance service can help. However, you have to buy a membership to take advantage of it.

Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from AAA so you can decide if it’s worth it for your situation.

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Pros and cons of AAA membership

Founded in 1902, the American Automobile Association (AAA) is a national nonprofit organization made up of AAA clubs around the country.^[1] In exchange for a membership fee, AAA members can enjoy a number of AAA benefits, including its well-known roadside assistance service. As a member, you’ll receive coverage on the road, regardless of whose vehicle you’re driving.

Just like any other product, AAA roadside assistance comes with benefits and drawbacks for drivers, including:

Is AAA worth it?

Whether AAA is worth joining depends on your particular lifestyle, driving habits, needs, and preferences.

You may find Triple-A worthwhile if you:

• Drive frequently

• Go on road trips or drive long distances

• Have an older car with diminished value

• Can’t afford roadside assistance during emergency situations

• Want access to exclusive member discounts and other perks

On the other hand, you may want to hold off on AAA if you:

• Don’t drive often

• Have roadside assistance coverage through an insurance company or financial institution

• Can afford roadside services and emergency service costs on your own

• Don’t travel very often and don’t need travel-related discounts

How much AAA membership costs

Factors like where you live and the coverage you choose affect the cost of AAA membership. If you’re interested in joining AAA, it’s a good idea to contact a regional motor club near you to get an exact quote. 

The three membership tiers and their prices are as follows:

Membership plan benefits

The bread and butter of AAA is 24/7 roadside assistance. As a member of Triple-A, you’ll receive assistance quickly, at any time of the day or night. Its roadside assistance services include minor mechanical repairs, battery jump-starts, spare tire replacements, tow truck services, and emergency fuel delivery.^[2]

A car lockout service, as well as extrication and winching, is also part of the free roadside assistance offerings. Here’s a look at the roadside assistance benefits that come with AAA plans:^[3]

AAA discounts and extras

In addition to roadside assistance, AAA offer several other benefits.

Auto-related discounts

As a member of AAA, you can enjoy automotive-related discounts to help you lower the cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle. You may save money on a CARFAX vehicle history report, NAPA Auto Parts, and fuel purchases through Shell.

Also, AAA partners with more than 7,000 auto repair shops in North America with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified or factory-trained technicians. If you join AAA, you can get at least 10% off repairs at any of these AAA-approved auto repair shops.

Travel discounts

If you travel frequently, AAA’s travel discounts can be a good way to reduce travel costs and save on car rentals and hotels. These include discounts with popular car rental companies, such as Dollar, Thrifty, and Hertz. You can also save on hotels through Triple-A’s preferred partners, which include Best Western Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and MGM Resorts International.

Additionally, AAA offers travel assistance for trips that meet certain criteria. This can cover lost tickets and baggage, emergency airline and hotel reservations, cash and money transfers, medical referrals, and more.

Other perks

In addition to auto-related discounts and travel discounts, AAA provides extra perks. Note that some are only available in certain locations with higher-tier plans. Several examples of the most popular perks include:

• Home and business discounts at retail stores like The UPS Store, Penske Truck Rental, HP, Samsung, and T-Mobile

• Discounted passport photos

• Free personal notary service

• Reimbursement toward home locksmith services

AAA vs. insurance roadside assistance

AAA is just one option for roadside assistance. Many auto insurance companies also offer roadside assistance as an optional coverage or as part of a standard car insurance policy. The insurance company and its insurance products will determine what’s included, but in most cases, you won’t get many of the perks AAA offers to members of its Classic, Plus, and Premier plans.

To make the best choice, get quotes from your local AAA auto club and several of the best car insurance companies. If you get roadside assistance through your insurance company, you may spend less up front and can enjoy a one-stop shop or the convenience of using one company for claims and roadside assistance. However, AAA may offer perks and discounts that you simply won’t find through an auto insurance policy.

AAA membership FAQs