Generally, yes, your AAA (American Automobile Association) membership benefits can be used for another car you are in, as the coverage is typically tied to the member, not a specific vehicle. This is one of the key advantages of having a AAA membership. However, the specific services available and any potential limitations depend on your membership level (Classic, Plus, or Premier) and the situation.
The primary rule is that you must be present to receive service. Whether you're a passenger in a friend's car, driving a rental, or even borrowing a family member's vehicle, your AAA card can be used to request roadside assistance for that car. The tow truck driver will verify your identity and active membership status.
There are important limitations to understand. The most significant is the towing mileage limit. If the car you're in breaks down, the tow will be based on your plan's allowance. For example, a Classic plan might only cover 5 miles, while a Premier plan could cover 200 miles. Using your membership for a car not registered to your household is also typically considered an "assist to others," and most membership levels have a limit on how many times you can do this per year without the service counting toward the primary member's total service calls.
It's less straightforward if you want to call for a service for someone else's car when you are not present. AAA usually requires the member to be on the scene. The best practice is to always have your membership card handy and be prepared to show a photo ID.
The table below outlines the key service differences between AAA's common membership levels:
| Service | Classic | Plus | Premier |
|---|
| Towing Range | Up to 5 miles | Up to 100 miles | Up to 200 miles |
| Free Tow Calls Per Year | 4 | 4 | 1 (Up to 200 mi.) + 3 (Up to 100 mi.) |
| "Assist to Others" Limit | Typically 1-2 calls per year | Typically 1-2 calls per year | Typically 1-2 calls per year |
| Free Fuel Delivery | Yes (you pay for fuel) | Yes (free fuel included) | Yes (free fuel included) |
| Trip Interruption Reimbursement | No | Yes (up to $600) | Yes (up to $1,500) |
