No, AAA (American Automobile Association) membership is generally tied to the person, not a specific car. This means your coverage typically follows you as the primary member, allowing you to use benefits like towing or roadside assistance for any vehicle you are driving or riding in as a passenger. However, there are important limitations based on the type of vehicle and the situation.
The core principle is that the service is for personal use vehicles. Your standard AAA Classic, Plus, or Premier membership is designed to cover passenger cars, SUVs, vans, and light-duty pickup trucks. The service is intended for the member's personal transportation, not for commercial enterprises.
Vehicle Type Limitations:
While it covers "any car" you're in, the vehicle itself must be street-legal and fit within AAA's guidelines. Coverage typically excludes:
- Commercial vehicles: Vehicles used primarily for business, such as large box trucks, semi-trucks, or vehicles with commercial plates exceeding a certain weight rating (e.g., over 1 ton).
- Motorhomes and large RVs: Larger recreational vehicles often require a specific RV membership tier for service.
- Motorcycles: These are usually not covered under a standard auto membership and require a separate motorcycle membership.
- Off-road vehicles: ATVs, dirt bikes, and other vehicles not designed for public roads are excluded.
- Trailers: Towing for a disabled trailer is often not included or has specific limitations.
Membership Tier and Benefit Limits:
Your level of service determines the extent of coverage. The most common benefit, towing, has distance limits that vary by plan. For example, a Classic plan may offer 5 miles of free towing, while a Premier plan might offer one 200-mile tow per year. These limits apply per service call, not per vehicle.
| AAA Membership Tier | Typical Towing Mileage | Number of Service Calls/Year | RV Coverage? | Motorcycle Coverage? |
|---|
| Classic | Up to 5 miles | 4 | No | No |
| Plus | Up to 100 miles | 4 | No | No |
| Premier | Up to 200 miles (1 call); 100 miles thereafter | 4 | Limited | No |
In summary, while AAA is incredibly flexible for personal cars, it's not a universal pass for every vehicle on the road. Always check your membership agreement for specific exclusions, especially if you drive non-standard vehicles, to avoid surprise costs during a breakdown.
