Quick Answer: AAA does tow non-members, but you pay full out-of-pocket market rates, typically $75–$150 for a local tow, plus per-mile charges. There’s no AAA discount if you’re not a member. In some situations you can join AAA on the spot, but there’s usually a waiting period before roadside benefits activate. Don’t count on same-day membership saving you.
What To Do
- Call AAA’s non-member line (1-800-222-4357). AAA dispatches tows to non-members through their network, but you pay whatever the contracted tow company charges. Rates vary by location.
- Ask for the total cost upfront. Since you’re paying out of pocket, get a firm quote, hook-up fee plus per-mile rate to your destination, before they dispatch.
- Compare with calling a local tow company directly. AAA’s non-member dispatch may or may not be cheaper. In some areas their contracted rates are competitive; in others you’ll find better pricing by calling around.
- Consider joining AAA on the spot, with realistic expectations. AAA Basic runs $60–$80/year. You can sign up by phone. However, most AAA plans have a 3–7 day waiting period before roadside benefits kick in. You typically cannot use membership benefits for the breakdown that prompted you to join.
- Check your other coverage first. Before paying anything, verify: your auto insurance roadside rider, your credit card benefits, your car manufacturer’s program. Many people have coverage they’ve forgotten about.
- If you’re a AAA member but your card is at home, call AAA and verify your membership by name and address. They can usually confirm it without the physical card.
What It Might Cost
| Scenario | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Non-member local tow (via AAA dispatch) | $75–$150 |
| Non-member long tow (30+ miles) | $200–$500 |
| AAA Basic membership (annual) | $60–$80 |
| AAA Plus membership (annual) | $100–$130 |
| AAA Premier membership (annual) | $150–$175 |
AAA Plus is the best value for most people who drive regularly. It covers 100 miles of towing free per call, that covers nearly any situation outside of a major road trip breakdown far from home.
What AAA membership covers beyond towing:
- Battery jump starts and battery replacement service (you pay for the battery)
- Flat tire service
- Lockout service
- Fuel delivery
- Trip interruption reimbursement on Plus/Premier plans
The fine print on “free towing” with membership:
- AAA Basic: up to 5 miles free per call (you pay overage per mile)
- AAA Plus: up to 100 miles free per call
- AAA Premier: up to 200 miles free per call
- All plans: 4 service calls per membership year
Stay Safe
- When waiting for a tow in an unfamiliar area, stay in a well-lit, visible location. If it’s dark or the area feels unsafe, stay in your locked car with hazards on until the truck arrives.
- Confirm the tow truck driver’s company name and ETA matches what dispatch told you before you let them hook up your vehicle.
Common Questions
Q: Can I use AAA to tow a car that isn’t mine if I’m a member? A: AAA membership is tied to the person, not the vehicle, so as a member you can generally request service for any car you are in, even if it belongs to someone else. Some plan tiers have limits on how often you can use benefits for non-owned vehicles, so confirm the details with AAA when you call.
Q: How long does it usually take for AAA to dispatch a tow truck for a non-member? A: Wait times vary by location and time of day, but non-members typically see the same dispatch times as members since AAA uses the same contracted tow network. During peak times like severe weather or rush hour, waits can stretch to an hour or more regardless of membership status.
Q: Is there any way to get AAA towing benefits immediately after joining? A: Most AAA plans enforce a waiting period of 3 to 7 days before roadside benefits activate, specifically to prevent people from joining mid-breakdown and immediately filing a claim. A small number of AAA clubs may waive this under certain conditions, but you should not assume same-day coverage and should arrange alternative help for your current situation.
Need roadside help? Visit Tow With The Flow for real answers when your car breaks down.