If you’re considering AAA for your car, home, or life insurance, you might be wondering: Do you have to be a AAA member for insurance? The short answer is: not always—but becoming a member can offer exclusive benefits and discounts. Understanding the relationship between AAA membership and its insurance products can help you make the most informed decision for your needs and budget.
Understanding the AAA Organization
AAA, or the American Automobile Association, is a federation of motor clubs across North America, best known for:
- Emergency roadside assistance
- Travel services
- Discount programs
- Driver education
- Insurance offerings
What makes AAA unique is that it’s both a membership-based organization and an insurance provider, often leading to confusion about whether membership is mandatory for purchasing insurance.
Do You Need a AAA Membership to Buy Insurance?
The requirement for AAA membership varies by region and type of insurance. In most cases:
Auto Insurance
- ✅ AAA Membership is Often Required to purchase auto insurance in many areas.
- 🌟 However, some AAA clubs allow non-members to get a quote and even bind a policy, with membership added to the premium.
- 💡 Many auto insurance packages automatically include a basic AAA membership, especially if you’re a new customer.
Homeowners, Renters, and Life Insurance
- ❌ AAA Membership is Not Always Required for these types of insurance.
- 🚨 That said, non-members usually pay higher premiums or miss out on member-exclusive discounts.
Specialty Insurance (RV, Boat, Pet, etc.)
- ❓ Some of these may be available without membership, but again, discounts and perks often depend on your member status.
In short: you can often get insurance without being a member, but membership typically provides better rates, services, and benefits.
Benefits of Being a AAA Member When Buying Insurance
If you’re weighing the pros and cons of joining, here are compelling reasons to become a member when purchasing AAA insurance:
🔒 Exclusive Discounts
AAA members enjoy lower premiums on auto, home, and bundled insurance policies. These discounts can offset the cost of membership.
🛠 Roadside Assistance
All AAA auto insurance policies for members include access to 24/7 emergency roadside assistance, including:
- Towing
- Flat tire service
- Battery jump-starts
- Lockout service
- Fuel delivery
This perk alone is a lifesaver for drivers and adds tangible value to your policy.
🧾 Simplified Claims Support
As a member, you get priority service when filing claims. AAA’s customer service is highly rated for being responsive, personal, and efficient.
💳 Bundling Perks
AAA members can bundle policies to save even more, combining auto, home, and even life insurance into one cost-effective package.
🌎 Additional Travel & Retail Discounts
Membership also unlocks exclusive discounts on:
- Hotel stays
- Car rentals
- Movie tickets
- Theme parks
- Restaurants
These non-insurance benefits make AAA membership valuable even beyond the world of coverage.
How Much Does AAA Membership Cost?
AAA offers multiple tiers of membership, typically structured as:
| Plan | Annual Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $38–$60 | Emergency roadside service up to 5 miles |
| Plus | $60–$100 | Extended towing up to 100 miles, more perks |
| Premier | $100–$130+ | Up to 200 miles towing, identity theft protection, concierge travel benefits |
These fees vary slightly based on your local AAA club, but even the most basic plan unlocks substantial value when paired with insurance.
How to Get AAA Insurance Without Membership
Some AAA insurance offices may allow non-members to receive a quote or even purchase a policy, but in most cases, one of the following will occur:
- You’ll be prompted to enroll in membership during the insurance application.
- The cost of membership may be added automatically to your insurance premium.
- Or you may proceed without membership but lose access to member-only discounts and services.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to call your local AAA club directly to get region-specific information, as requirements vary from state to state.
Can You Cancel Your AAA Membership but Keep the Insurance?
Yes, in many cases, you can cancel your AAA membership and still retain your insurance policy. However:
- You’ll lose member discounts, which may result in a premium increase.
- You may become ineligible for certain policy features, especially roadside assistance.
- Your policy may be reviewed at renewal, and adjusted based on your membership status.
Before canceling, speak with your agent to fully understand the implications.
How to Get Started with AAA Insurance
Here’s how you can start your journey with AAA insurance—membership or not:
- Visit the AAA Website: Get a quote for auto, home, or life insurance.
- Contact Your Local AAA Office: Speak directly with a licensed agent to understand your eligibility and benefits.
- Compare Rates: Evaluate pricing with and without membership to determine the best deal.
- Decide on Membership Level: Choose a plan based on how much roadside and additional support you want.
- Bundle & Save: Combine policies for added savings and convenience.
Final Thoughts: Should You Become a AAA Member for Insurance?
While you don’t always need to be a AAA member to buy insurance, joining can unlock a wide range of exclusive benefits, lower premiums, and value-added services. For many customers, the small annual fee pays for itself many times over in savings, peace of mind, and convenience.
Whether you’re shopping for auto, home, or life coverage, AAA’s reputation, service, and perks make it a top contender for reliable insurance—and membership often takes that experience to the next level.