How Far Will AAA Tow My Car?
AAA typically tows vehicles up to 3-5 miles for free under its Classic plan, while Plus/Premier members get up to 100 miles. Coverage depends on membership tier and location, prioritizing short-distance assistance to repair shops or safe locations. Always verify limits via the AAA app or membership docs—exceeding them incurs $4-$10 per extra mile. What You Need to Know About Your 2012 Chevy Equinox Battery
What’s AAA’s standard free towing distance?
AAA Classic offers 3-5 mile tows, while Plus extends to 100 miles. Premier includes one 200-mile tow annually. Distances apply to mechanical failures or accidents—not relocations. Pro Tip: Use the AAA TripTik Planner to pre-map service areas during road trips.
AAA’s coverage tiers split towing limits clearly: Classic (lowest tier) suits urban drivers needing short hauls, while Plus/Premier cater to rural travelers. For instance, a 72V EV stranded 50 miles from a repair center would need Plus coverage to avoid out-of-pocket fees. But what if your breakdown occurs outside AAA’s partnered network? You’ll pay $95-$150 for non-affiliated tow trucks. Always confirm service radius via the app before requesting assistance. Pro Tip: Premier members get one “extended tow” per year—strategically save it for emergencies in low-coverage zones.
Membership | Free Towing | Extra Mile Cost |
---|---|---|
Classic | 3-5 miles | $7/mile |
Plus | 100 miles | $5/mile |
Premier | 200 miles (1x/year) | $4/mile |
Do AAA plans cover cross-state towing?
Only AAA Premier includes cross-state towing up to 200 miles, provided the destination is within the same geographic zone. Plus members get 100 miles, but routes crossing state lines often require pre-approval. Check AAA’s regional map for zone boundaries.
Cross-state towing hinges on AAA’s divisional structure—for example, towing from Nevada to California (both in the Northern CA/NV zone) is allowed, but Nevada to Arizona might trigger a $125 surcharge. How does this affect EV drivers needing specialized repairs? Premier members can request a flatbed tow to an out-of-state service center, but must confirm the route’s zone compliance first. Pro Tip: For multi-state trips, upgrade to Premier and note zone boundaries using AAA’s interactive map.
Can AAA tow my vehicle multiple times a year?
AAA allows 4-6 tows annually, depending on membership tier. Classic gets four 5-mile tows; Plus offers six 100-mile tows. Premier includes unlimited 100-mile tows plus one 200-mile tow. Track usage via the AAA dashboard to avoid overages.
Membership fatigue rules prevent abuse: Classic users can’t request two tows in 24 hours unless 72 hours apart. For example, if your hybrid’s battery dies twice in a week, AAA might restrict service until the next billing cycle. Pro Tip: For EVs prone to charging mishaps, Premier’s unlimited 100-mile tows provide peace of mind. But beware—using multiple long-distance tows in one month could trigger a account review.
Tier | Tows/Year | Max Distance |
---|---|---|
Classic | 4 | 5 miles |
Plus | 6 | 100 miles |
Premier | Unlimited | 200 miles (1x) |
Does AAA mileage reset after partial tows?
Yes, AAA aggregates partial tows toward annual limits. A 50-mile tow under Plus uses 50% of one allowance. Unused mileage doesn’t roll over—plan strategically. Pro Tip: Schedule diagnostic checks post-tow to minimize repeat breakdowns.
If your EV stalls 75 miles from home, a Plus member would use 75 of their 100-mile tow allowance, leaving 25 miles unused. However, these remaining miles expire at renewal. What’s the workaround? Premier members avoid this issue with unlimited 100-mile tows. Always ask the driver to note unused mileage in your account—some branches allow splitting one tow’s allowance across multiple incidents if documented.
Are RVs or trailers covered under AAA towing?
AAA Plus/RV covers RVs up to 11,500 lbs for 100 miles; trailers require Premier RV. Standard plans exclude towables—verify vehicle specs in your contract. Pro Tip: For EVs with trailers, upgrade to Premier RV to avoid $250+ per-incident fees.
AAA’s RV-specific plans add coverage for fifth-wheels, campers, and boat trailers. For instance, towing a stranded Tesla Cybertruck with a trailer requires Premier RV or a $375 payment. Battery-electric RVs like the Thor Vision face stricter rules—only 100-mile tows to approved service centers.
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FAQs
Does AAA tow to any repair shop?
Yes, but preferred shops don’t count toward your mileage limit. Independent shops deduct from your allowance—choose AAA’s approved network for zero deductions.
Is there a fee for after-hours towing?
No—AAA operates 24/7, but Premier members get priority dispatch. Long-distance tows after midnight may incur $50 “dark hours” fees in rural zones.
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