How Much Is AAA Roadside Assistance in 2025?

AAA roadside assistance is typically included with an annual AAA membership that ranges about $60–$200 per year in the U.S., depending on your region and plan (Classic, Plus, or Premier). Some areas also offer pay-per-use or “same-day” service options for non-members or new members, which can run roughly $100–$200+ per incident, but availability and pricing vary by local AAA club. Below is a detailed breakdown of what you can expect to pay, what’s included, and how to avoid surprise costs.

What AAA Sells: Memberships That Include Roadside Help

AAA is a federation of regional motor clubs, and pricing, benefits, and policies are set by your local club based on your ZIP code. Roadside assistance is not usually sold as a standalone subscription; instead, it’s a core benefit of annual AAA membership. Most members get up to four service calls per membership year, with towing and service limits determined by plan tier.

Typical 2025 Membership Prices and What They Cover

While exact prices vary by region, recent U.S. pricing falls into predictable ranges. Here’s what the main tiers generally cost and include in 2025.

• Classic (Basic): About $60–$90/year. Includes up to 4 service calls, short-distance towing (commonly 5–7 miles per tow), battery jump-starts, flat-tire changes, fuel delivery (you pay for the fuel), and basic lockout service (often with a dollar cap).
• Plus: About $95–$140/year. Includes up to 4 service calls, longer towing (commonly up to 100 miles per tow), free fuel delivery (fuel included), higher lockout coverage limits, and broader trip interruption coverage in many regions.
• Premier: About $135–$200/year. Includes up to 4 service calls, with enhanced towing (often one tow up to 200 miles and others up to 100 miles), the highest lockout coverage limits, concierge/travel benefits in many areas, and expanded trip interruption reimbursement.
• RV/Motorcycle add-ons: Typically an extra $30–$80/year on top of Plus or Premier for coverage of motorcycles, RVs, and certain trailers (availability varies by club).
• Associate/household members: Adding a second person to your account commonly costs an additional $30–$90/year depending on tier and club.

These ranges reflect advertised pricing seen across major markets in 2024–2025. Your exact cost will depend on your local club, any promotions, and optional add-ons like RV or additional household members.

Same-Day Use and Pay-Per-Use Options

Many clubs allow you to join and request roadside service immediately, though a same-day use fee may apply. Some clubs also offer limited “non-member” or “on-demand” roadside help at market rates without joining, but this is not universal.

• Same-day activation fee: Commonly an extra $25–$125 when you join and use benefits right away, with some restrictions on towing distance for that initial call.
• Non-member/on-demand service: Where offered, expect roughly $100–$200+ per incident, plus per-mile towing charges beyond a short included distance. Availability and pricing vary significantly by club.
• Waiting periods: A few clubs enforce a 48-hour waiting period for full benefits unless you pay for same-day activation; check your local policy.

If you need help immediately, joining plus paying the same-day fee can be cheaper than a one-off tow, especially if you anticipate additional roadside needs over the next year.

Common Extra Costs to Know About

Membership reduces out-of-pocket costs, but certain scenarios still generate charges or limits. Understanding them helps avoid surprises on the roadside.

• Towing beyond included miles: After your plan’s included towing distance, expect per-mile charges that can range widely by market (often $5–$10+ per mile).
• Battery replacement: Jump-starts are covered, but a new battery (if you opt to replace on-site via AAA’s battery service) is extra—commonly $150–$300 depending on vehicle and battery type.
• Fuel delivery: Classic typically charges for the fuel itself; Plus and Premier usually include the fuel at no additional cost.
• Locksmith limits: Plans cap locksmith reimbursement (e.g., Classic lower, Plus/Premier higher). Costs beyond the cap are out-of-pocket.
• Specialty vehicles: RVs, motorcycles, and certain trailers often require an upgraded plan/add-on; otherwise, service may be limited or billed.

Before a long trip, check your plan’s towing miles, lockout caps, and whether your vehicle type is fully covered to avoid higher-than-expected charges.

How to Reduce Your AAA Cost

There are ways to trim what you pay for roadside protection without sacrificing useful coverage.

• Shop your local club: Enter your ZIP code on AAA’s site or app to see exact pricing, as it varies meaningfully by region.
• Look for discounts: Many clubs offer student, senior, military, teacher, or employer-affiliated discounts, plus seasonal promos for new members.
• Add household members strategically: Sharing a plan and adding associates is often cheaper per person than separate memberships.
• Match tier to your risk: If you drive long distances, Plus or Premier’s towing can be cheaper than paying per-mile beyond Classic’s short tow.
• Consider monthly billing: Some clubs offer monthly payment options to spread out the cost.
• Bundle wisely: In some regions, bundling with auto/home insurance (through affiliated insurers) may unlock additional savings.

Optimizing your tier and using available discounts are the most reliable ways to lower the annual cost while keeping meaningful roadside protection.

What Most Drivers Will Pay in 2025

Across major U.S. markets in 2025, a typical driver can expect to pay roughly $60–$90/year for Classic, $95–$140/year for Plus, and $135–$200/year for Premier. If you need immediate help at the time you join, budget for a potential same-day fee. If your local club offers non-member on-demand service, expect around $100–$200+ per incident, plus towing miles if needed—though joining often provides better value over a full year.

Summary

AAA roadside assistance is usually sold as part of an annual membership, not as a standalone subscription. In 2025, most drivers will pay about $60–$200 per year depending on tier and location: Classic is cheapest with short tows, Plus adds up to 100-mile tows and extra benefits, and Premier offers the longest tows and highest coverage limits. Same-day activation and non-member on-demand options exist in some regions but often cost $100–$200+ per incident. To get the best deal, price your local club, consider how far you typically drive, and apply any available discounts or household savings.

How much does roadside assistance typically cost?

Standalone roadside assistance plans can cost anywhere from $60 to $420 per year for coverage. Add-on roadside assistance from car insurance companies tends to be cheaper and typically ranges from $10 to $60 per year, depending on service selections.

Is AAA roadside assistance worth the cost?

AAA offers some of the most comprehensive roadside assistance plans on the market if you get the higher tiers like Plus or Premier. Its prices are also reasonable compared to similar options. That said, you’ll find cheaper roadside plans from auto insurance companies on average.

Who has the best roadside assistance?

There’s no single “best” roadside assistance, as it depends on your needs, but top providers include Better World Club for its comprehensive coverage and low price, Good Sam for RV and vehicle variety, and various auto insurers like Progressive and Erie for affordable, integrated options. For a general-purpose plan, consider auto clubs like AAA, while for flexible pay-per-use, Allstate and other insurers can be a good fit. 
Top Picks by Category

• Best Overall: Better World Club is consistently ranked high for its strong coverage, budget-friendly prices, and member satisfaction ratings. 
• Best for RVs: Good Sam is the top choice for RV and travel trailer owners, offering specialized plans to meet their unique needs. 
• Best Affordable Options: Insurers like Erie and GEICO provide very low-cost roadside assistance add-ons to existing policies. 
• Best for Military Members: USAA is a strong option for military personnel. 
• Best for Flexibility: Insurers like Allstate offer flexible pay-per-use plans and allow for easy bundling with your auto insurance policy. 

Considerations When Choosing

• Coverage Type: Do you need plans for a car, motorcycle, or RV? Choose a provider specializing in your needs. 
• Price: Compare the cost of standalone memberships versus the cost of adding a plan to your existing auto insurance. 
• Towing Limits: Look for generous towing limits to cover you in case of a more serious breakdown. 
• Family vs. Individual Coverage: Some plans cover any driver in the household, while others are limited to specific vehicles or drivers. 
• Mobile App: A robust mobile app with GPS and service tracking can significantly improve the customer experience. 
• Member vs. Standalone: Consider whether you want a standalone membership with a motor club like AAA or to add coverage to your existing auto insurance policy. 

How much is roadside assistance through AAA?

$64.99 per year
AAA Classic
Comes with more than just a tow truck. Offering incomparable roadside assistance, thousands of discounts, identity theft monitoring, and car lockout services, AAA Classic costs $64.99 per year.