AAA Auto Insurance Review: Ratings and Quotes (2024)

AAA provides members-only insurance through regional insurance companies based on location. Here’s how to determine if it’s the right car insurance for you.

Taylor Milam-Samuel
Taylor Milam-Samuel
  • 8+ years writing for major outlets, including MarketWatch and Business Insider

  • Master’s in Education

Taylor Mlam-Samuel is a personal finance writer and credentialed educator. When she’s not helping readers better save and spend money, she can be found teaching.

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Courtney Mikulski
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
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Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.

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Mark Friedlander
Reviewed byMark Friedlander
Mark Friedlander
Mark FriedlanderDirector, Corporate Communications
  • Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute

  • 20+ years in insurance and communications

As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.

Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
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Konstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Updated September 5, 2023

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The American Automobile Association (AAA) is a members-only organization known for roadside assistance — the not-for-profit company partners with regional insurance companies to offer auto insurance coverage. You must have an AAA membership to qualify for coverage, but AAA doesn’t underwrite its policies.

AAA membership perks include travel discounts, extensive roadside help, and access to exclusive DMV locations. But membership perks aren’t a selling point for AAA insurance since you can become a member without buying insurance coverage.

Quick Facts
  • Your location determines your AAA regional insurance partner, which will underwrite your auto policy.

  • AAA is known for its roadside assistance program, but you don’t need AAA insurance to use it. You only need a membership.

  • AAA has three separate membership levels to choose from, with prices varying by location.

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What is AAA auto insurance?

When AAA began in 1902, it was a small, members-only motor club. The organization introduced insurance coverage for members a few decades later. Other aspects of the club, like exclusive discounts, travel help, and emergency roadside assistance, have stayed the same throughout the years. Today, the company partners with regional insurance companies to offer insurance coverage for millions of members.

AAA regional insurance partners like Automobile Club Group and Automobile Club of Southern California regularly rank in the top 10 for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power.[1]

The company is known for its roadside assistance, helpful customer service, and unique membership perks. Drivers must have an active AAA membership to access insurance. But members don’t have to buy insurance through AAA.

AAA pros and cons

Pros
  • Unique membership perks: Members get exclusive travel discounts and members-only DMV locations with shorter waits.

  • Standard extra coverage: AAA membership includes its generous roadside assistance program to provide tows, help with flat tires, and replace dead batteries.

  • High customer satisfaction: Some AAA regional insurers consistently rank in the top 10 for customer satisfaction.

Cons
  • Can’t choose a company: AAA assigns regional insurance partners for customers, limiting options for drivers.

  • Must buy membership: Membership is an additional expense; you must have it to get insurance coverage.

  • Different coverage based on location: All AAA insurance partners don’t offer the same coverages and discounts.

Average cost of AAA auto insurance

To help drivers shop for the best insurance options, Insurify uses proprietary data to compare auto quotes and calculate the average costs.

AAA average car insurance costs aren’t available at this time. But as you decide whether AAA is the right fit, it’s important to understand which factors affect your premiums. Your age, location, driving history, vehicle type, and credit history affect your car insurance costs.[2]

The national average car insurance costs are $253 per month for full coverage and $170 per month for liability-only policies. Keep these numbers in mind when you compare quotes from AAA and other car insurance companies.

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AAA car insurance coverage

Car insurance provided by every AAA regional insurer meets the minimum coverage requirements for each state. Most states require liability-only car insurance, which pays for vehicle repairs and medical expenses for the other driver after an accident you cause. Depending on your state, minimum coverage might include uninsured/underinsured motorists and personal injury protection.

AAA membership includes complimentary roadside assistance. It’s a nice perk that usually costs extra. You have to pay the membership fee with AAA, but that’s it.

If you want a full-coverage insurance policy, AAA recommends adding comprehensive, medical payments, and collision coverages.

Drivers can also choose additional coverage options for an extra fee, including the following:

  • Rental car reimbursement: If your car has damages or needs repairs due to a covered event, this insurance policy provides a rental car to use during that time.

  • Loan/lease coverage: If you finance or lease your vehicle, this additional coverage pays the difference between your insurance settlement after a total loss and what’s left on your loan or lease.

  • Replacement cost: This coverage increases the amount you receive for replacement parts or a new vehicle. It covers the replacement cost, often more than the car is worth.

Learn More: How Much Car Insurance Do You Need?

Learn More: How Much Car Insurance Do You Need?

How to get an AAA car insurance quote

Getting a car insurance quote from AAA is straightforward, but the process can differ depending on your location:

  1. Enter your ZIP code. When you visit AAA, a box prompts you to enter your ZIP code. AAA then navigates you to a state-specific AAA site based on your location.

  2. Call or complete the online application. Click “Get an insurance quote.” From there, you can call or complete an online application. You’ll include information about your driving history, vehicle, past insurance coverage, and more to complete the quote process.

  3. Review your options. After you complete the initial application, review your coverage options. You can also call AAA at 800-222-4357 to ask additional questions, like which discounts are available to you and how to get your insurance cards.

AAA car insurance discounts

Like most car insurance companies, AAA auto insurance partners offer discounts that can lower the cost of your coverage.

AAA discounts vary depending on your insurance partner, but they usually include some of the following:

  • Multi-vehicle: This discount applies if you insure more than one vehicle with AAA.

  • Alumni associations: Members of certain alumni associations and other professional networks may qualify for reduced premiums.

  • Loyalty: After one year of coverage through AAA, your premium can decrease by more than 5%.

  • Verified mileage: You’re eligible for a discount if you provide odometer readings as requested.

  • Driver training: Completion of an approved driving course can lower your costs.

AAA insurance bundling options

Bundling different types of insurance products can help you save money on policies. Insurance companies provide discounts for bundling to encourage current customers to add more policies.

AAA insurance partners typically offer bundling discounts for homeowners, renters, condos, and life insurance. But AAA companies offer a variety of bundling options.

For example, the Automobile Club of Southern California offers discounts for auto and home; auto and condo; auto and renters; or auto, home, and life. Your local AAA agent can explain the offers in your region.

AAA insurance reviews and ratings

AAA doesn’t provide car insurance. It’s a not-for-profit organization that coordinates membership perks and other offerings. But AAA partners with various regional underwriting companies across the country to provide AAA auto policy coverage. Because of that, AAA insurance reviews and ratings vary based on the insurance partner.

AAA customer reviews

Even though AAA has some complaints, customers on sites like Trustpilot are generally satisfied with AAA roadside assistance. The reviews for AAA are typically about membership benefits and don’t relate to insurance coverage.

But despite positive reviews about AAA roadside assistance and other membership benefits, reviews for AAA insurance partners are less complimentary. For example, reviews for CSAA Insurance Group, an AAA regional insurer, complain about delayed responses to claims and subpar customer service.

AAA ratings

It’s important to review company ratings from independent and third-party organizations that present unbiased information. The following AAA ratings look at different aspects of the insurance company, including the number of complaints, customer satisfaction, and financial stability.

AAA members get insurance through regional insurance companies, so ratings differ depending on the insurer.

  • AM Best: A

  • NAIC Complaint Index: Higher than expected (3.92)

AAA vs. other insurance companies

You have countless options for car insurance coverage, and due to new companies competing with older ones, the car insurance market is highly saturated. Allstate, Farmers, and GEICO are AAA competitors and might be worth a look.

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Insurance CompanyAverage Quote: Liability OnlyAverage Quote: Full CoverageA.M. BestIQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
AAAN/AN/AA3.4
Allstate$146$212A+4.1
Farmers$218$317A3.7
GEICO$125$178A++4.2
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
  • Insurify uses an in-house, proprietary method to rate and review the best car insurance companies. The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 crucial criteria, including average premiums, customer satisfaction, discounts, third-party ratings, and more, to calculate a final score for a company.

    Criteria are weighted by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings. With the IQ Score, Insurify is able to provide quantitative ratings for drivers to better compare car insurance companies and make informed decisions to meet their coverage needs.

AAA vs. Allstate

Allstate provides competitive car insurance premiums, with average costs of $212 per month for full coverage and $146 per month for liability. The main difference between Allstate and AAA is that you don’t need to pay for a membership to buy insurance through Allstate. But Allstate offers an optional roadside assistance membership plan similar to AAA’s members-only roadside assistance. 

Both insurance companies offer solid coverage options, including new car replacement, but Allstate has more options than AAA. If roadside assistance is your top priority, AAA is a better fit. But if you want specific coverage, like accident forgiveness, Allstate is a better option.

AAA vs. Farmers

Farmers is a reputable insurance company that covers almost every insurance product, including pet, auto, home, renters, and more. The company also has a wide array of discounts, including the ability to track your driving habits with an app and earn a lower price for safe driving. Average premiums are higher than expected though — $317 per month for full coverage and $218 for liability only.

AAA and Farmers allow customers to work one-on-one with an insurance agent. But Farmers offers more digital tools, including the option to file a claim online or on the mobile app. Because of that, it’s the better pick if you value digital access.

AAA vs. GEICO

Coverage from GEICO is available in every state, and it’s one of the most popular choices for car insurance. GEICO offers no-frills coverage and competitive prices. The average cost for full coverage is $178 per month, and liability only is $125. Plus, you don’t have to pay an annual membership fee.

But AAA offers more extensive coverage options, including loan/lease coverage, which can pay the difference between your loan and the insurance settlement after a total loss. GEICO doesn’t have a comparable coverage option. But GEICO might be a great choice if you’re looking for the cheapest premiums — AAA is likely better if you want extra coverage.

How to file an auto insurance claim with AAA

When you file an insurance claim, you request an assessment of damage or injuries for reimbursement. The insurance company responds to the claim with an estimate and, depending on your coverage, the funds to pay for it. If there’s an incident, you must file a claim even if you’re not at fault.

To file a claim with AAA, follow these steps:

  1. Call the claims number. The claims phone number depends on your regional insurer. Check your insurance card or view your policy to find the correct number.

  2. Describe the incident. Once you call, a claims representative will walk you through the steps for filing a claim and request information about what occurred.

  3. Connect with a claims adjuster. After the call, AAA will follow up with additional questions and information.

AAA insurance FAQs

If you’re considering a car insurance policy from AAA, the following information about the corporation might help you make an informed decision.

  • Is AAA legitimate?

    Yes. AAA is a reputable company with more than 100 years in business. More than 60 million people worldwide are AAA members. The AM Best ratings for the regional insurers are usually an A (Excellent) or higher, which indicates strong financial stability.

  • Is AAA car insurance worth it?

    AAA might be a great option if you’re looking for full-coverage car insurance and value a strong roadside assistance program. You must be a member of AAA to get insurance, and the membership comes with unique perks, like 24/7 roadside assistance, travel discounts, and exclusive DMV access at branch locations. Prices vary depending on location and membership level.

  • What’s the average cost of AAA car insurance?

    The national average for full-coverage car insurance is $253 per month. AAA insurance cost data isn’t available, but your age, location, driving record, credit history, and other factors affect how much you pay.

  • Who owns AAA insurance?

    AAA is a not-for-profit mutual benefit corporation and doesn’t have any shareholders. Instead, AAA reports to its members. Each regional insurance company, or club, is a not-for-profit membership organization with its own board of directors.

  • Who should get AAA insurance?

    AAA insurance is a solid choice if you want full-coverage car insurance and intend to use the membership benefits. These benefits include discounts, identity theft protection, car-buying services, and more.

  • Is AAA good at paying claims?

    Most AAA regional insurance companies, like CSAA Insurance Group, have A.M. Best ratings of A or higher, which signifies excellent financial stability. A company’s financial stability affects its ability to pay claims.

Sources

  1. J.D. Power. "2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study." Accessed July 1, 2023
  2. III. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?." Accessed July 1, 2023
Taylor Milam-Samuel
Taylor Milam-Samuel

Taylor Milam-Samuel is a writer and credentialed educator who is fascinated by how people earn, save, and spend their money. When she's not researching financial terms and conditions, she can be found in the classroom teaching.

Courtney Mikulski
Edited byCourtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
Courtney Mikulski
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
  • 3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content

  • Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score

Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.

Featured in

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Mark Friedlander
Reviewed byMark FriedlanderDirector, Corporate Communications
Mark Friedlander
Mark FriedlanderDirector, Corporate Communications
  • Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute

  • 20+ years in insurance and communications

As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.

Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

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