You’re standing on the shoulder of a highway, wind whipping past your face, looking at a plume of steam rising from your hood. You check your phone. The nearest town is 40 miles away. If you have the basic "Classic" membership, you’re about to get hit with a massive towing bill. Why? Because that entry-level card usually only covers the first 5 miles.
That is exactly why most people end up looking at the aaa membership plus cost. It is the "Goldilocks" of roadside assistance. Not too basic, not overly expensive.
What is the actual aaa membership plus cost right now?
Honestly, the price is a moving target. AAA isn’t one single company; it’s a federation of regional clubs. If you live in Southern California, you might pay a different rate than someone in the suburbs of Chicago or the rural stretches of Florida.
Generally speaking, you are looking at an annual fee between $90 and $115 for a primary member.
Some clubs, like AAA Northeast or AAA Auto Club Group, might run "new member" specials where you can get in for around $85, but don’t count on that for the long haul. There is also usually a one-time enrollment fee for brand-new members. Expect to pay about $10 to $20 just to get your name in the system.
It's a one-and-done charge.
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Breaking down the regional math
In 2026, we are seeing some slight price hikes due to the rising costs of fuel and labor for tow truck operators. Here is a rough look at what you’ll likely see on your statement:
- Primary Member: $99.99 (This is the most common price point).
- Additional Household Members: Usually around $65 each.
- The "Classic" Comparison: Basic usually runs $65. So, for about $35 more per year, you get a massive jump in utility.
Why the Plus level is the one you probably need
The jump from Classic to Plus isn't just about a fancier card. It’s about the towing distance.
Classic gives you 5 miles. That’s basically enough to get you to the nearest gas station, which probably doesn't have a mechanic. AAA Membership Plus bumps that up to 100 miles.
Think about that.
If your transmission gives up the ghost while you're visiting your in-laws two towns over, 100 miles of towing means you can actually get the car back to your trusted local mechanic instead of leaving it at a random shop in a town you’ll never visit again.
The "Hidden" Perks of Plus
It isn't just about the hook and chain. There are a few other things that make the aaa membership plus cost worth the squeeze:
- Emergency Fuel: If you run out of gas, a guy shows up with a can. With the Classic plan, you pay for the gas. With Plus, the gas is usually free.
- Locksmith Services: Locked your keys in the car? Plus offers up to $100 in reimbursement if they have to call a locksmith to get you back in. Classic only gives you $50, which, let's be real, doesn't even cover the "trip fee" for most locksmiths these days.
- Extrication: If you slide into a ditch during a snowstorm, Plus covers two service vehicles and two drivers to pull you out. Classic usually only covers one.
Is it worth the upgrade from Basic?
I’ve spent a lot of time looking at the math on this. If you use one—just one—long-distance tow in a five-year period, the Plus membership has already paid for itself.
A private tow truck usually charges a hook-up fee (anywhere from $75 to $125) plus $5 to $10 per mile. If you need to go 30 miles, you’re looking at a $300 bill, easy.
You've basically paid for three years of AAA Plus in one afternoon of bad luck.
What most people get wrong about the cost
People often forget that AAA covers you, not the car.
If you’re riding in your friend’s beat-up 2005 sedan and it breaks down, you can use your membership. It doesn't matter that it's not your vehicle. You just have to be there with your ID and your digital or physical card.
Also, don't sleep on the "Discounts and Rewards" program. Kinda sounds like a marketing gimmick, right? It actually isn't. If you use the 10% discount at Shell for gas or the 15% off at various hotel chains, you can legitimately claw back the entire aaa membership plus cost just by living your life.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're trying to decide if this is the right move for your wallet, do these three things:
- Check your insurance policy first. Some "full coverage" insurance plans include roadside assistance. However, be careful—some insurers count a roadside call as a "claim," which can actually raise your premiums. AAA doesn't do that.
- Look up your specific ZIP code. Go to the AAA website and enter your location. This is the only way to see the exact price for your specific regional club.
- Audit your household. If you have a teenager driving an older car, adding them as an "Associate Member" on a Plus plan is significantly cheaper than buying them their own separate membership.
The peace of mind is real. Nobody ever regrets having 100 miles of towing when the dashboard lights start flashing in the middle of nowhere.