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updated: June 27, 2023Picture the scene: you’re driving down a beautiful desert road, enjoying the breathtaking scenery and the freedom of being on the road, when your car starts to sputter. You pull over to the side of the road, where your engine dies and starts spewing steam. You’re miles from civilization and haven’t seen a gas station for hours. What do you do?
If you have roadside assistance, you simply call a number and request help. A tow truck will come to your location and bring you and your vehicle to the closest repair shop to be repaired. But roadside assistance is helpful in many situations, not just the ones where you’re stranded in the wilderness with a broken car. You might have the option to add roadside assistance to your car insurance policy or consider a third-party option from AAA or a similar company. The best choice for you will depend on several factors. This article will explore the pros and cons of AAA roadside assistance vs. the coverage you can get from your insurance provider.
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The American Automobile Association (AAA) is a national nonprofit composed of motor clubs around the country. AAA members have access to several benefits, the best-known of which is roadside assistance. For an annual fee, AAA members can call for help when needed, whether they're dealing with a dead battery, a flat tire, or a more serious situation. AAA membership services apply to the member, so you’re covered no matter whose car you’re driving.
In addition to roadside assistance, AAA offers several perks to members, including discounts on anything from travel to restaurant meals, identity theft protection, and more. You may also be able to get an auto insurance policy from AAA.
The cost of AAA membership depends on where you live and the level of coverage you choose. Prices vary between regions, so you’ll need to contact AAA directly to find the exact pricing in your location.
There are three membership tiers: AAA Classic, AAA Plus, and AAA Premier. Base prices are for one named member. You can add other family members for an additional annual cost that works out to be less than each person having an individual membership. The average cost ranges for each membership level are as follows:
