Is AAA the Best for Long-Distance Towing? A Comprehensive Review

1. What is AAA Towing?

When it comes to roadside assistance, AAA is a well-known name. But is it the best choice for long-distance towing? In this comprehensive review, we compare AAA’s towing services with competitors like Good Sam Roadside Assistance, Allstate Motor Club, and Better World Club. By analyzing pricing, towing limits, mobile app features, and user experience, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

When it comes to towing, AAA provides three membership levels, each with varying benefits:

• AAA Basic/Classic: Covers tows up to 5 miles.

• AAA Plus: Covers tows up to 100 miles.

• AAA Premier: Covers one tow up to 200 miles per year and subsequent tows up to 100 miles.

AAA’s towing services are available across the U.S. and Canada, making it a convenient choice for drivers who often find themselves on the road for long distances. The organization has a large network of approved service providers and claims to offer reliable support 24/7.

2. AAA Towing Coverage and Membership Benefits

Each AAA membership tier offers varying levels of coverage, including towing, fuel delivery, flat tire assistance, and more.

AAA Basic/Classic Membership:

• Towing Coverage: Up to 5 miles.

• Other Benefits: Battery jump-starts, tire changes, lockout services, fuel delivery (you pay for the fuel), and discounts on travel and shopping.

AAA Plus Membership:

• Towing Coverage: Up to 100 miles per tow.

• Other Benefits: Free fuel delivery, expanded lockout services (up to $100), trip interruption coverage, and increased discounts.

AAA Premier Membership:

• Towing Coverage: One tow up to 200 miles per year, with subsequent tows up to 100 miles.

• Other Benefits: Complimentary one-way rental car with breakdown, higher trip interruption coverage, and concierge services for travel planning.

AAA Premier is ideal for people who drive long distances or want to ensure that they’re covered in case of a breakdown far from home. The 200-mile tow can be especially useful for remote or interstate travel.

3. Cost Comparison with Other Services

When evaluating AAA for long-distance towing, it’s crucial to compare the cost against other popular roadside assistance providers. Here’s a breakdown of AAA’s pricing compared to major competitors like Good Sam, Allstate Motor Club, and Better World Club.

AAA Membership Pricing (Annual):

• AAA Basic/Classic: $50 - $80 per year (varies by region).

• AAA Plus: $80 - $150 per year.

• AAA Premier: $120 - $200 per year.

Competitor Pricing and Towing Coverage:

Additional Costs to Consider:

• Towing Beyond Coverage: With AAA, if your tow exceeds the included mileage limit (e.g., 200 miles for AAA Premier), you’ll pay extra per mile, usually ranging from $3 to $5 per mile.

• Expedited Service: AAA and competitors often offer priority service or expedited towing for an additional fee.

For many long-distance travelers, Good Sam Roadside Assistance offers the most value with its unlimited towing to the nearest repair center. However, AAA’s Premier Membership is a strong contender if you want extra benefits like concierge services and rental car assistance.

4. AAA Towing Limits and Restrictions

While AAA provides long-distance towing, it’s important to understand the restrictions on how far they’ll tow your vehicle. Here's what you need to know:

• Basic/Classic Membership: Tows are limited to 5 miles, which is best suited for local assistance.

• Plus Membership: Covers up to 100 miles per tow, which is adequate for regional or interstate travel.

• Premier Membership: Includes one tow up to 200 miles per year. After that, it reverts to the 100-mile limit.

Key Consideration:
If you need a tow that exceeds the distance limits, you’ll be responsible for paying the difference. For instance, if you have AAA Plus and need to tow your car 150 miles, AAA will tow 100 miles free, but you’ll need to pay for the extra 50 miles out of pocket.

For comparison, Good Sam offers unlimited towing distance to the nearest qualified repair center, making it a better option for those who frequently travel long distances or drive RVs.

5. Reliability, Response Time, and Customer Experience

AAA Response Time:

AAA’s response time can vary depending on your location and the time of day. On average, AAA aims to provide service within 30 to 60 minutes, though delays can happen during peak times or in rural areas.

• Rural Areas: In less populated areas, response times might exceed an hour, especially if tow trucks are far from your breakdown location.

• Urban Areas: Service is typically faster in urban or suburban areas where more AAA-approved service providers are available.

Customer Service and Satisfaction:

AAA consistently ranks high in customer satisfaction, thanks to its large network of service providers and strong customer service. Members appreciate the reliability and consistency of the service, but some complain about long wait times during busy periods, especially in rural regions or during holidays.

Comparison to Competitors:

• Good Sam Roadside Assistance is particularly known for quick response times, especially for RV and long-distance towing, with an average arrival time of 45 minutes.

• Allstate Motor Club offers comparable response times to AAA but may be more variable based on your location.

• Better World Club, while eco-friendly, has a smaller service network, which can result in longer wait times compared to AAA.

6. Pros and Cons of AAA for Long-Distance Towing

Pros of AAA:

• Wide Network: AAA has a large network of service providers across the U.S. and Canada, ensuring coverage even in rural areas.

• Comprehensive Membership Benefits: Beyond towing, AAA offers travel discounts, insurance, and concierge services for Premier members.

• Reliable Customer Service: AAA has been a trusted brand for over a century, known for its reliable roadside assistance.

Cons of AAA:

• Mileage Limits: Even with the Premier Membership, you're limited to one 200-mile tow per year. Beyond that, it's 100 miles, which can be restrictive for long-distance travelers.

• Cost: AAA is more expensive than some competitors, especially for those who need frequent or long-distance towing.

7. Alternatives to AAA for Long-Distance Towing

While AAA is a solid choice, other services may offer better value depending on your needs. Here’s how AAA stacks up against major competitors:

Good Sam Roadside Assistance:

• Best for Long-Distance and RV Towing: Offers unlimited towing to the nearest repair center, making it an excellent choice for long-distance travelers and RV owners.

• Cost: $129 - $150 annually.

• Advantages: Includes towing for RVs, trailers, and cars, with no mileage restrictions. Also offers service in the U.S. and Canada.

Allstate Motor Club:

• Best for Comprehensive Coverage at a Lower Cost: Offers towing up to 200 miles with the premium plan and includes benefits like trip interruption coverage.

• Cost: $75 - $185 annually.

• Advantages: Lower base cost compared to AAA, with competitive towing limits and additional travel benefits.

Better World Club:

• Best for Eco-Conscious Drivers: This environmentally friendly alternative offers similar benefits to AAA, with an emphasis on sustainable driving practices.

• Cost: $58 - $97 annually.

• Advantages: Provides towing up to 100 miles for premium members, and proceeds support environmental causes. They also offer bicycle roadside assistance, a unique feature.

8. Mobile App Features

Most roadside assistance services, including AAA, Good Sam, and Allstate, now offer mobile apps that allow users to track their tow truck in real-time. AAA’s app allows users to:

• Track the location and estimated time of arrival of the tow truck.

• Access membership benefits and claim services easily.

Good Sam’s app offers similar features, making it easy for users to request towing services, while Allstate’s app also offers real-time tracking and service requests.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How far will AAA tow my vehicle?
With the Basic Membership, AAA tows up to 5 miles. The Plus Membership covers tows up to 100 miles, and the Premier Membership includes one tow up to 200 miles per year, with all subsequent tows limited to 100 miles.

What happens if my car needs to be towed farther than AAA’s limits?
If your vehicle needs to be towed farther than your membership’s mileage limit, you’ll need to pay for the extra miles, usually $3 to $5 per mile.

Does AAA cover long-distance towing for RVs?
No, standard AAA memberships do not cover RVs. However, some AAA regions offer AAA RV Membership as an add-on service. If RV towing is essential, Good Sam Roadside Assistance may be a better fit with unlimited distance towing for RVs.

How do I track my AAA tow truck?
AAA offers a mobile app that allows you to track the status and location of your tow truck in real-time, providing estimated arrival times and peace of mind.

What should I do to prepare my car for long-distance towing?
To prepare your car for long-distance towing, make sure to:

• Remove personal belongings.

• Take photos of your car to document its condition.

• Ensure the vehicle’s registration and insurance are up to date. For more tips on preparing your vehicle for towing, check out AmeriFreight’s car shipping preparation guide.

Is there a better option for RV owners than AAA?

• Answer: Yes, Good Sam Roadside Assistance is generally a better fit for RV owners as it offers unlimited towing to the nearest repair facility without mileage limits.

What is the best long-distance towing service for eco-conscious drivers?

• Answer: For eco-conscious drivers, Better World Club offers environmentally friendly roadside assistance services, with benefits similar to AAA, plus proceeds going toward green initiatives.

How far will AAA tow my vehicle?

• Answer: With the Premier membership, AAA covers one tow up to 200 miles per year. Any subsequent tows are limited to 100 miles.

How does AAA’s mobile app compare to competitors?

• Answer: AAA’s mobile app is user-friendly, allowing members to track their tow truck in real-time and access services with ease. Good Sam and Allstate Motor Club offer similar features, with real-time tracking and service requests.

Is towing better than shipping my car?
For very long distances (especially cross-country), car shipping is often a better option than towing. Towing adds miles to your vehicle, and the cost can increase significantly for longer distances. Consider AmeriFreight for reliable and affordable car shipping services that offer door-to-door delivery without wear and tear on your vehicle.

Conclusion: Is AAA Best for You?

So, is AAA the best option for long-distance towing? It depends on your specific needs. If you're looking for a trusted, well-known service with added travel benefits, AAA is a solid choice, especially with its Premier Membership, which covers one tow up to 200 miles. However, if you're frequently towing long distances, Good Sam Roadside Assistance might be a better fit due to its unlimited towing distance.

For cross-country moves or extensive travel, you might want to consider whether car shipping is a more practical and cost-effective alternative. Companies like AmeriFreight offer comprehensive auto transport services that allow you to move your vehicle long distances without added miles or wear and tear.