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

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.