AAA members typically receive a significant amount of free towing mileage, and only incur a per-mile charge once that initial free limit is exceeded. After the complimentary mileage, the cost for a AAA tow truck ranges from $3 to $5 USD per towed mile.
Understanding AAA Towing Costs
The cost of a AAA tow per mile is not a flat rate applied from the first mile. Instead, it comes into play after a specific free towing distance, which varies depending on your AAA membership level.
Free Towing Mileage Limits
AAA offers different tiers of membership, each with its own benefits and limits for included towing distance:
- Classic Membership: This tier generally includes a shorter free towing distance, often around 5 miles.
- Plus and Premier Memberships: These higher-tier memberships offer significantly more free towing mileage. For example, AAA Plus members often receive up to 100 miles of free towing. This extended coverage makes Plus and Premier packages particularly beneficial for longer-distance towing needs.
Per-Mile Charges After Limits
Once your vehicle is towed beyond the free mileage limit provided by your membership plan, the per-mile charges apply.
| AAA Membership Tier | Free Towing Limit | Per-Mile Charge (After Limit) |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | Typically 5 miles | $3–$5 USD per mile |
| Plus / Premier | Up to 100 miles | $3–$5 USD per mile |
Example: If you are a AAA Plus member with a 100-mile free towing limit and your vehicle needs to be towed 110 miles, you would pay for the extra 10 miles. At a rate of $4 per mile, this would cost an additional $40.
Membership Tiers and Their Benefits
Choosing the right AAA membership tier is crucial for understanding your potential towing costs. Higher-tier memberships like AAA Plus and Premier offer substantially more value in terms of free towing, reducing the likelihood of incurring per-mile charges for most common towing scenarios. The Classic membership is suitable for very short-distance needs, but longer tows will quickly exceed its limits and result in per-mile fees.
It's always recommended to verify your specific membership benefits and limits directly with AAA, as coverages can vary slightly by region and policy.
