Everything You Need to Know About AAA Roadside Assistance

How Roadside Assistance Works:
A Comprehensive Guide

24/7 roadside assistance comes standard with all AAA Memberships. 

What is roadside assistance?

AAA Members can request roadside assistance in any vehicle (owned, leased, or rented), whether they’re the driver or passenger. 

When you have car trouble, from flat tires to dead batteries, roadside assistance will send out a technician to help resolve the issue and get you back on the road. And if the technician can’t fix the problem, then they’ll tow your vehicle to the nearest gas station or repair shop.

What services are included with AAA roadside assistance?

AAA roadside assistance includes: 

• Towing (distance varies by plan selected)
• Winching 
• Battery testing and jump starts
• Battery replacement (Installation is included for most vehicles; battery sold separately. AAA Members save at least $32 on batteries purchased from AAA.)
• Spare tire swap or inflation
• Car lockout service
• RV or motorcycle towing (offered with select plans)

Can you get AAA Roadside Assistance without a Membership? 

No. AAA Membership is required for roadside assistance. AAA roadside assistance is available 48 hours after purchasing a new AAA Membership. 

Cost of Roadside Assistance: Is It Worth It?

Yes. If you don’t have a roadside assistance plan, you can call a mechanic or a towing company. But you’ll need to pay out of pocket, which can be costly. According to J.D. Power, the average cost of a tow in the U.S. is around $109. Rates do vary, but you can expect to pay between $2.50 and $7 per mile. 

AAA Membership plans start at less than $6 a month(plans are charged annually), so if you need roadside assistance, your AAA Membership quickly pays for itself.

How to Sign Up for AAA Roadside Assistance

There are three ways to sign up for AAA roadside assistance.

1. Online: Learn more about AAA Membership and sign up online. 
2. By phone: Call 800-222-4357 to speak to a customer service representative who can answer your questions and sign you up.
3. In person: Visit your local AAA Branch and someone will help you sign up.

How to Use AAA Roadside Assistance in an Emergency

If you have car trouble on the road—or at the gym or at work—know that help is on the way. Just follow these steps.

1. Move somewhere safe: If you’re on a freeway, for example, try to pull over to the shoulder.
2. Gather information to share with AAA: We’ll need your AAA Membership number, your location, information about the vehicle, and the service needed.
3. Contact AAA Roadside Assistance: Call or text 1-800-AAA-Help (800-222-4357) or use the AAA Mobile App.

We’ll send a technician to your location to assist. You will be able to track the progress of your technician using the app.

How to Contact AAA Roadside Assistance 

Call or text 1-800-AAA-Help (800-222-4357). You can also use the AAA Mobile App. Simply click on the tow truck icon at the bottom of the screen and follow the prompts. You can also request roadside assistance online .