A reliable roadside assistance service can make all the difference when your car breaks down unexpectedly. AAA car towing is one of the most widely recognized roadside assistance programs in the United States, providing emergency services to millions of drivers each year. From towing and battery jumps to lockout services and flat tire changes, AAA helps drivers get back on the road quickly and safely.
While AAA towing is extremely useful during emergencies, it is not always the best solution for planned vehicle transport or long-distance moves. For situations like relocating a car to another state or coordinating vehicle delivery across the country, professional auto transport companies such as Sherpa Auto Transport provide a more practical and cost-effective option.
Key Takeaways
- Triple A car towing is included with AAA roadside assistance memberships and provides emergency towing services for breakdowns.
- How far Triple A tows depends on the membership tier, ranging from about 5 miles to 200 miles.
- Triple A towing cost varies based on membership level and location, typically ranging from $50 to $200 annually.
- AAA towing is best for short-distance emergencies, while auto transport companies are better for long-distance vehicle shipping.
In This Guide:
- What is AAA?
- How to Use AAA Towing
- How Far Will AAA Tow?
- Are There a Limited Number of Tows Allowed?
- Cost of Membership
- How Do I Get AAA Towing Services?
- Bottom Line
- AAA FAQs
What is AAA?

The American Automobile Association (AAA), is a federation of motor clubs that provides its members with efficient roadside assistance, travel discounts, along with insurance services. AAA was founded in 1902 and is widely recognized for their emergency roadside support, offering towing, battery services, fuel delivery, and locksmith services.
AAA’s towing services are among its most popular benefits. They help members get their vehicles to a repair facility or safe location in case of a breakdown. Membership options range from Basic to Premier, with each tier providing different levels of towing distance and additional services. Among all the benefits, Triple A car towing remains one of the most popular. Members can request a tow to a nearby repair facility or another approved location when their vehicle becomes disabled.
How to Use AAA Towing
Using AAA towing is designed to be simple and convenient during emergencies. Members can request help through several different methods depending on their situation.
Drivers can call the AAA emergency hotline, submit a request through the AAA website, or use the AAA mobile app to dispatch roadside assistance. Once a request is placed, the member must provide their location and describe the issue with the vehicle. A typical AAA towing process looks like this:
- Contact AAA – Call AAA’s emergency hotline or use the mobile app to request towing services.
- Provide Location Details – Share your location and vehicle issue with the AAA representative.
- Wait for Assistance – A tow truck will be dispatched to your location within the estimated timeframe.
- Choose a Destination – Depending on your membership level, you can tow your car to a repair shop or another location within the covered towing distance.
If you must transport your car over a long distance or to another state, consider using Sherpa Auto Transport for a more efficient solution.
How Far Will AAA Tow?

How far Triple A tows depends on the membership level you choose. Each tier includes a different towing distance limit. AAA typically offers three main membership levels:
Basic (Classic) Membership
This entry-level plan usually covers towing for approximately 5 to 7 miles. It provides essential roadside assistance but is limited when longer towing distances are needed.
Plus Membership
Plus members receive expanded benefits, including towing coverage of up to 100 miles. This tier is popular among drivers who frequently travel longer distances.
Premier Membership
The highest membership level offers one tow of up to 200 miles per year, along with three additional standard tows. This plan provides the most comprehensive towing coverage available through AAA.
If a tow exceeds the mileage allowed by your membership, you must pay the additional cost per mile. Given these limits, AAA towing may not be the best option when a vehicle must be transported over very long distances. For situations like interstate relocations, vehicle purchases, or seasonal moves, professional car shipping services like Sherpa Auto Transport can safely move vehicles across the country without mileage limitations.
Are There a Limited Number of Tows Allowed?

AAA memberships also limit the number of towing services that members can use each year. Understanding these limits is important for drivers who rely heavily on roadside assistance. Most membership tiers include four roadside assistance calls per membership year. However, the towing benefits differ slightly between plans.
- Basic Membership: Four service calls with short-distance towing coverage.
- Plus Membership: Four service calls with towing coverage up to 100 miles.
- Premier Membership: One extended tow up to 200 miles and three additional standard tows.
Exceeding the allotted number of tows within a membership year may result in additional fees or require an upgrade to a higher-tier membership. Understanding these limitations is essential for members who rely on AAA for frequent roadside assistance. Professional auto transport services like Sherpa Auto Transport provide a viable solution without annual limitations for those requiring frequent vehicle transport beyond emergency towing.
Cost of Membership

The Triple A towing cost depends on both the membership tier and the region where the member lives. Prices vary slightly across different AAA clubs, but typical annual membership costs fall within the following ranges.
- Basic Membership usually costs between $50 and $75 per year and includes basic roadside assistance services with shorter towing distances.
- Plus Membership generally ranges from $100 to $130 per year, offering expanded towing coverage up to 100 miles along with additional roadside benefits.
- Premier Membership typically costs $150 to $200 per year and provides the most extensive coverage, including the 200-mile tow benefit.
While these memberships offer good value for roadside emergencies, they are not designed for scheduled vehicle transport. For example, if someone is relocating and needs to transport multiple vehicles or move a car long distance, a professional transport company will offer more predictable pricing and more comprehensive service.
Pricing varies by region, so checking your local AAA car towing club for exact rates is best. For planned vehicle moves, Sherpa Auto Transport provides a cost-effective and convenient alternative, ensuring safe delivery without relying on annual membership fees.
How Do I Get AAA Towing Services?

To use AAA towing services, drivers must first become members. AAA memberships can be purchased online, over the phone, or by visiting a local AAA office. Once membership is active, drivers can request roadside assistance whenever they encounter a breakdown or vehicle issue. Requests can be made through the AAA mobile app, website, or customer service phone line.
- Sign up for a membership – Choose the plan that best suits your needs.
- Keep your membership active – Renew your plan annually to maintain coverage.
- Request assistance when needed – Contact AAA via phone, website, or mobile app to schedule a tow.
Consider car shipping options for a hassle-free transport experience if you need a long-distance solution. AAA towing may not be the best option for those who need to transport a vehicle across the country or over long distances. Instead, professional vehicle shipping services like Sherpa Auto Transport offer seamless and stress-free solutions for long-distance moves.
Bottom Line
AAA towing is a valuable service for drivers who need emergency roadside assistance. With various membership tiers and towing coverage options, it provides essential support in times of need. However, AAA towing may not be the most practical option for long-distance vehicle transport or non-emergency moves.
However, AAA towing is designed primarily for short-distance emergency transport. When a vehicle needs to be moved across states or over long distances, professional car shipping services offer a more reliable solution.
Companies like Sherpa Auto Transport offer specialized vehicle shipping services, ensuring safe and efficient transportation beyond AAA’s towing coverage limitations. For those considering a long-distance car shipment, be sure to consider all of your options.
AAA FAQs
Can I use AAA to ship a car to another state?
AAA towing is primarily designed for emergency roadside assistance and is not a vehicle transport service. If you need to ship a car to another state, consider using an auto transport company like Sherpa Auto Transport, which specializes in long-distance vehicle shipping.
Is AAA only for emergencies?
While AAA is best known for emergency roadside assistance, it also offers services such as trip planning, travel discounts, and insurance. However, its towing services are primarily for emergencies and are limited to set mileage ranges based on membership level.
How do I ship a car in a non-emergency situation?
A professional auto shipping service is the best choice for non-emergency vehicle transport. Companies like Sherpa Auto Transport offer reliable door-to-door shipping solutions for cars that must be transported nationwide.
Is AAA towing reliable?
AAA towing is a reputable and widely trusted service for emergency roadside assistance. The organization has a long-standing history of providing efficient towing solutions. However, for planned vehicle relocations or cross-country moves, dedicated auto transport services like Sherpa Auto Transport offer specialized solutions tailored to long-distance vehicle shipping needs.
