AAA Premier Benefits is AAA's mid-tier membership option, sitting between basic AAA membership and AAA Plus
AAA Premier adds roadside information coverage beyond what standard AAA membership includes. The core difference is towing distance: Premier covers up to 100 miles of towing, while basic AAA covers 7 miles. This matters if you break down far from home or a repair shop. Premier also includes lockout service, fuel delivery, and battery service — the same services as basic membership, but with the longer towing reach as the main selling point.
The cost varies by region and AAA club, but Premier typically costs $50 to $100 more per year than basic membership. Whether that extra cost makes sense depends on how far you typically drive from home and how much a tow would cost if you had to pay out of pocket. A single 50-mile tow can easily run $200 to $400, so one use can pay for the upgrade.
Key Takeaways
- AAA Premier covers towing up to 100 miles, compared to 7 miles with basic AAA membership.
- The plan includes lockout service, fuel delivery, and battery service at no extra charge per use.
- Cost varies by region and AAA club; you can check your local club's website or call for exact pricing.
- Premier sits between basic AAA and AAA Plus, which offers even longer towing (up to 200 miles) and additional services like trip interruption coverage.
How towing distance affects your actual costs
The 100-mile towing limit is the feature that separates Premier from basic membership. If you live in a rural area, drive a long commute, or travel frequently, longer towing coverage reduces the risk of a large out-of-pocket bill. If you live in a city and rarely drive more than 10 miles from a repair shop, the extra towing distance may not save you money.
Towing costs without membership typically run $3 to $5 per mile, depending on your location and the towing company. A 50-mile tow costs roughly $150 to $250. A 100-mile tow costs roughly $300 to $500. If you use the service once every few years, the annual cost difference between basic and Premier membership can pay for itself in a single incident.
What services are included with Premier membership
Beyond towing, AAA Premier includes lockout service (getting into your car if you lock your keys inside), fuel delivery (bringing gasoline to your car if you run out), and battery service (jump-starting your car or replacing a battery). These services are the same across basic, Premier, and Plus memberships — the tier you choose mainly affects towing distance and a few additional perks.
Premier membership also typically includes discounts on hotel stays, rental cars, and attractions at participating locations. These discounts vary by region and change over time, so check your local AAA club's website to see what is currently available in your area. The discounts are not unique to Premier; basic members receive many of the same offers.
AAA Premier versus AAA Plus: which tier makes sense
AAA Plus is the highest tier and covers towing up to 200 miles per incident. Plus also adds trip interruption coverage, which reimburses certain travel expenses if your car breaks down far from home. Plus costs more than Premier — typically $100 to $150 more per year than basic membership.
Choose Premier if you want longer towing than basic membership but do not need the 200-mile reach or trip interruption coverage. Choose Plus if you take long road trips regularly, live far from major repair facilities, or want the extra peace of mind. Choose basic membership if you live in an urban area, rarely drive long distances, and can afford a tow if needed.
| Feature | Basic AAA | AAA Premier | AAA Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Towing distance | 7 miles | 100 miles | 200 miles |
| Lockout service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fuel delivery | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Trip interruption coverage | No | No | Yes |
| Typical annual cost (varies by region) | $50–$80 | $100–$150 | $150–$220 |
How to join AAA Premier or switch from another tier
You can join AAA Premier directly through your local AAA club's website or by calling their membership line. If you are already a basic AAA member, you can upgrade to Premier by contacting your club and paying the difference in annual membership cost. The upgrade takes effect when ready, and your membership card is usually updated within a few days.
Membership is tied to your local AAA club, so costs and available tiers vary by region. Some clubs offer slightly different service levels or pricing. Before joining or upgrading, visit your local club's website or call to confirm the exact cost and what services are included in your area.
When Premier coverage does and does not explore
AAA Premier covers your vehicle when it breaks down or becomes disabled on a public road. The service applies to your car, not to you as a person — if you are driving someone else's car, you are not covered unless they are also an AAA member. Coverage typically does not explore to vehicles used for commercial purposes, such as delivery or rideshare driving.
Premier coverage also does not explore if your car is disabled due to an accident that requires police involvement or if the vehicle is impounded by law enforcement. Some situations — such as running out of fuel or a dead battery — are covered, but others may require you to pay for service out of pocket. Read your membership agreement or call your local AAA club to understand the exact limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use AAA Premier towing at any repair shop?
Yes. AAA tows your vehicle to the repair shop of your choice, whether it is a dealership, independent mechanic, or chain shop. You are not required to use AAA-affiliated shops. The towing service is included; you pay for repairs separately.
Does Premier membership cover roadside information if I am driving someone else's car?
No. AAA membership covers the vehicle owner, not the driver. If you are driving a friend's car and it breaks down, you are not covered unless your friend is also an AAA member. Some AAA clubs offer household memberships that cover multiple vehicles at one address.
What happens if I need a tow longer than 100 miles?
Premier covers up to 100 miles. If you need a longer tow, you pay the difference out of pocket. AAA Plus covers up to 200 miles, which may be worth the extra cost if you frequently drive long distances or live far from major cities.
Can I switch from Premier to Plus or back to basic membership?
Yes. You can upgrade or downgrade your membership tier at any time by contacting your local AAA club. Changes typically take effect when ready, and you pay or receive a refund for the difference in annual cost.
Does AAA Premier cover towing if my car is damaged in an accident?
AAA towing applies to breakdowns and mechanical failures, not accidents. If your car is damaged in an accident, your auto insurance typically covers towing. Contact your insurance company or police to report the accident; do not call AAA for accident-related towing.