Here’s Why I Continue to Pay for a AAA Membership

This post may contain affiliate links which may compensate us based on your interaction. Please read the disclosures for more information.

Is an AAA membership worth the cost? You must pay a yearly fee for this roadside assistance coverage. One writer shares why she feels the cost is worthwhile. 

Many years ago, my husband received an AAA membership renewal as a yearly birthday gift from his parents. We used the membership a handful of times, and not having to pay the annual fee was a blessing at the time, as we had limited income to spend on extras.

When we moved abroad, we no longer had use for this service, so we canceled his membership. After returning home and restarting our lives in the United States, we started picking up the annual membership tab and became members again. Find out why.

1. It provides peace of mind

Accidents and emergencies can happen even if you’re a good driver and are prepared to handle unexpected situations while on the road. I continue to pay for an AAA membership because it provides peace of mind and gives us comfort, knowing that help is available when needed. Thanks to this coverage, my husband and I feel less anxiety when we’re behind the wheel.

2. One tow could cost me more than a yearly membership

Getting your car towed is not cheap. There is no set universal price, but factors like area, weather, and distance can impact how much you spend. With my membership, I can get towed for up to 100 miles four times yearly at no additional cost.

According to J.D. Power, the national average cost of a tow is $109. But you’ll likely pay much more if you’re being towed a great distance. A 40-mile tow could cost $125 to $275, and a 100-mile tow could cost as much as $600. At those rates, an unexpected tow could negatively impact your personal finances and leave you feeling broke.

AAA membership fees vary by location, plan and the number of drivers covered. I pay around $140 a year total for us both. Since my husband and I take road trips several times a year, there may come a time when we need to call a tow truck. Without this coverage, one incident could cost us more than our yearly AAA membership fee. So, it’s worth it to pay for AAA.

3. I save money on other expenses

As an AAA member, I get access to roadside assistance. But I also get exclusive discounts. This is one of the little-known perks of AAA. I’ve used my membership to get a better deal on hotel stays, for example. As a frequent traveler, I always seek the best deal possible.

In 2024, I hope to be more strategic in using my membership perks to save money on everyday costs beyond travel. AAA provides many savings opportunities. Members can even get a deal on auto insurance and homeowners insurance offered through AAA. Every bit of money saved adds up.

Is an AAA membership worth the cost?

You may wonder if an AAA membership is worth the cost. To me, it’s well worth it and I will continue to budget for this expense. Before joining, you should consider your driving habits, budget, and the benefits offered to determine if it’s a good fit for you. If you decide to join, check for new member rates, as AAA frequently offers discounts to attract new subscribers.

An alternative solution is to purchase roadside assistance another way. Many auto insurers offer this coverage for an affordable fee. But review the details before signing on to pay for it. When I compared the roadside assistance provided through my insurer, it wasn’t as comprehensive as AAA. Your insurer may have better roadside assistance options available at a reasonable rate.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR until 2025

If you’re using the wrong credit or debit card, it could be costing you serious money. Our experts love this top pick, which features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, an insane cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee.

In fact, this card is so good that our experts even use it personally. Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

Read our free review

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 Read More