Roadside Assistance FAQs

What is Roadside Assistance?

Roadside Assistance with AAA means you have 24/7 service across the U.S. and Canada for up to four Roadside Assistance events per year. Our Roadside Assistance options are dependent on your membership level, but our Classic, Plus, and Premier tiers include flat tire service, fuel delivery, battery service, towing, and lockouts (options vary). You can compare options and choose a membership level that best suits you on our Membership page or you can visit our Roadside page to learn more.

How many roadside service events do I receive each year?

Every member receives four roadside assistance calls per membership year. However, there is one exception: if you use our Mobile Battery Service and replace your dead battery with a AAA Premium Battery, that service will not count toward your annual roadside assistance call limit.

For more information on roadside service, please consult the Terms and Conditions page.

How many cars does my membership cover?

AAA Membership covers members, not vehicles. When you choose a Classic, Plus, or Premier Membership, that means we’ve got YOU covered — whether you’re a multi-car household or you frequently carpool with others.

Is there a waiting period for Roadside Assistance after joining or upgrading AAA?

All new members and their household members get Classic level roadside service for the first 5 days. After that, your selected membership level roadside service benefits apply.

When and where can I get roadside assistance as a AAA Washington Member?

You can get roadside assistance 24/7 in the USA and Canada based on your location and tier level.

Everyday Members do not have emergency roadside benefits.

Can I get roadside assistance in the middle of the night? 

Yes, we provide 24/7 service across U.S. and Canada.

How long does it take for a tow truck to arrive?

Emergency Roadside Services typically arrive within an hour. However, actual response times may vary depending on factors such as weather, traffic conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances. To help keep members informed while they wait, we use a variety of technologies to provide updates on the status of their service.

How far can I get towed with my AAA Washington Membership?

Towing with us depends on your membership level. An Everyday Membership does not have emergency roadside benefits, a Classic Membership is up to 5 miles, Plus is up to 100 miles, and Premier is up to 200 miles. Compare all our tier options on our Membership page.

If I paid to have my car towed, will AAA reimburse me?

If service is not available through us, and the member has followed the guidelines on the Terms and Conditions page, the member may obtain service from a licensed emergency roadside service or tow provider, pay for it, and submit a legible copy of their receipt showing proof of payment and a breakdown of charges. Submissions must be sent within 90 days from the date of service for reimbursement consideration. Receipts must be in the AAA member’s name.

We will reimburse the member up to $500.00 for the cost of eligible emergency roadside services. If AAA ERS is available but is not requested or utilized through AAA and the procedures outlined in the Terms and Conditions, reimbursement will be subject to the prevailing contracted rate that AAA pays to its service providers.

Reimbursements can be submitted by email to reimbursement@aaawa.com. Please mark out any sensitive payment information such as credit card information, and submit your legible, itemized receipt and a completed Service Reimbursement Form using the above guidelines for consideration.

What should I do if I need roadside assistance, but have no cell service?

If your phone has no service but has SOS, you should be able to call 911 to reach local police authorities.

Members with an Apple iPhone 14 or later can use Apple’s Roadside Assistance via satellite, which allows them to text for help when they are outside of cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. At this time, we do not have partnerships with other cellphone carriers for similar services.

Can I get service if I’m stuck in bad weather?

We will attempt to provide service during extreme weather when it is safe for service providers to operate. Providers must follow road closures and safety laws and be able to reach the vehicle safely. Service may be limited if conditions are dangerous.

Towing due only to bad weather, snow clearing, chain installation, or services requiring unsafe access are not covered. In addition to those conditions, our roadside services may not be equipped to tow personal vehicles with snowplows attached, deliver fluids to overheated vehicles, and we are not responsible for vehicles impounded due to extreme weather.

While waiting for roadside assistance, what are some precautions I should take? 

Here are some precautions you can take while waiting for assistance:

• Get your car as far away as possible from oncoming traffic
• Put your hazards on
• Have all passengers stay in the vehicle with doors locked
• Keep your phone handy

Can I get roadside assistance if I’m not an AAA Washington Member?

No, AAA Washington is a member organization, and we'd love to have you as a member. If you do not want to join, we can connect you to a service provider in your local area who can assist you with towing and winching services at current retail rates.

What is Mobile Battery Service?

Mobile Battery Service allows our technicians to come to you to test, jump, and replace your battery, if needed. We offer this service to both our members and non-members alike throughout the USA and Canada.

Our Mobile Battery Service program utilizes state-of-the art technology to diagnose battery-related problems at the member’s breakdown location. This service includes a free starting and charging system evaluation, as well as the option to purchase and install a new AAA battery on scene.

For more details, visit our Battery Service page.

Replacement coverage not available in all areas.

How long does a Mobile Battery Service take? 

Mobile Battery Service time varies. If your battery just needs to be tested and jumped, your service time will be shorter. If you require further diagnostic testing or a replacement battery, service time will be longer.

For more details, visit our Battery Service page.

Does AAA Washington offer rental cars?

Our Premier Membership offers a free 1-Day Hertz rental car in the event of a breakdown. Please visit our Hertz Emergency Breakdown page to learn more. If you have a Classic, Plus, or Premier membership, you also have access to AAA Discounts with Hertz, which can be access through AAA’s National Discounts & Rewards website.

How does Trip Interruption Reimbursement (TIR) work? 

Trip interruption is powered by Allianz and is an exclusive benefit for Premier/Premier RV members. This benefit provides members greater peace of mind when on trips of 100 driving miles or more from home. Premier/RV members can be reimbursed up to $1,500 for covered out-of-pocket expenses, including meals and accommodations; and/or substitute transportation to continue their trip if their trip is delayed due to:

• An accident
• Car theft
• Mechanical breakdown
• Unexpected illness or injury
• Natural disasters
• Severe weather

For more information about Trip Interruption Reimbursement, please visit our Allianz Driving Trip Interruption Reimbursement page.