AAA Auto Insurance

AAA Overview

Founded in 1902, the American Automobile Association—also known as AAA or “Triple-A”—is a privately held, not-for-profit national member association and service organization.

AAA was originally formed by nine motor clubs in Chicago, Illinois, in response to a lack of roads and highways suitable for automobiles. It has now expanded to include 42 individual clubs and over 60 million members in both the United States and Canada.

The company offers members-only services, such as its famous roadside assistance program, for an annual fee. Clubs also hand out road maps and travel publications, and even rate restaurants and hotels through the AAA Diamond Program.

Though AAA’s auto insurance policies are not as well-known as its emergency road services, they do offer automobile insurance to members, with perks such as extensive discounts, competitive rates, and legendary service. Now considered a household name, AAA has also committed itself to supporting motorists’ rights and advocating for the environment.

Despite its global reach and impressive history, you may be asking yourself, “Should I insure my vehicle with AAA?” Read on to find out if AAA is the right auto insurance company for you.

AAA Auto Insurance Reviews

Review Platform	Rating
Clearsurance	4.1/5 – 2,883 reviews
BBB	A+
JD Power	3.3/5
Glassdoor	3.1/5 – 1,500 reviews

Overall, AAA received average to above-average scores on many of the major consumer satisfaction surveys and studies. The Better Business Bureau rates it as an accredited, A+ business, and plenty of other reviews echoed this excellence.

Clearsurance took the average score from 2,883 reviews and gave AAA an above-average score of 4.1 out of 5. This puts it ahead of many other auto insurance carriers in the industry.

JD Power’s 2020 survey ranked AAA as slightly above-average, with a score of 3.3/5, which was an aggregate score from the three largest AAA affiliates in the country.

Glassdoor, which is a leading online review resource, rated AAA as average, giving it an average score of 3.1 out of 5.

Most customer complaints had to do with AAA’s roadside assistance service and its lack of timeliness in emergency situations, which doesn’t directly relate to AAA’s auto insurance services, but could impact how beneficial membership with them might be. Additionally, some customers did mention AAA’s rise in premium costs over the years, which have gone unexplained by the company.

In general, AAA has solid ratings from the majority of customer satisfaction surveys and studies. When you look at the numbers, AAA consistently meets, or exceeds, the scores of other top auto insurance carriers in the United States.

How Does AAA Auto Insurance Work?

AAA Auto Insurance Payments

AAA insurance is typically a monthly payment, though some clubs may offer a discount if you pay your auto policy for the year in full. The premium can be paid online using the site of the local or regional club you purchased your policy through.

If you need assistance, you can contact AAA by phone. Numbers vary by regional club.

The average monthly cost for AAA is about $150, though this varies widely by state. In Indiana, for example, it may be as low as $80 per month.

AAA Auto Insurance Rate Increases

Because AAA is a membership club rather than an insurance agency, they do not underwrite their own policies. This also means they’re not necessarily in control of the base rates on that policy. With that being said, they obviously have an interest in getting their members the best possible deal. 

All auto insurance companies raise their rates for a number of reasons, which may include rising inflation, increased number of drivers on the road, statistical increases in collision numbers, and other factors. AAA is no exception to this rule. 

Outside of those (often annual) increases, insurance premiums will also increase with hits to your driving record like a ticket or an at-fault accident. They may also go up if your insurer has to pay out a large claim for vehicle repairs, regardless of who was at fault. A ticket or an accident can raise your insurance premiums by as much as 25%. 

Perhaps surprisingly, the other factor that will strongly affect your insurance cost with AAA is your credit score. Statistically, those with poor credit are more likely to file a claim with their insurance, and AAA—like other insurance companies—will determine premiums accordingly.

AAA Auto Insurance Claims

There are multiple steps to filing an insurance claim, and the process works much the same at AAA as with any other company.

Contact the Police

The true first step to almost any claim is to contact the police. If you’ve been in a collision that caused a large amount of damage to you or your vehicle, a police report will be needed to resolve the claim. In some states, reporting is mandatory over a certain amount of monetary damage, or if anyone is injured; make sure you know your local laws.

Record the Details

You want to record what led up to the accident including everything you can remember about the collision, as well as a description of the other driver’s vehicle (if there is another driver involved) and their license plate number. The police report will contain these details, but it’s prudent to have your own notes as well.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Once you’re out of the immediate situation, contact your insurance company. Fill out any necessary paperwork with them and discuss what you might need to provide to get the ball rolling. They’ll also tell you any deadlines you may need to work within. 

Track Your Expenses

As you go through the process, you’ll need to keep track of any expenses related to the repair of your vehicle and, if you’re covered for it, your own medical costs. You will also need to document and photograph the damage to your vehicle.

When everything is in, a claims adjuster will go over your case to determine what your coverage entails and how much will be paid out. This process is unfortunately fairly lengthy no matter who your insurance provider is, so don’t expect any checks to show up too quickly. Insurance is often more about reimbursement than paying costs as they come up.

How Much Does AAA cost?

Now that you know more about AAA as a company and what customers have to say, you’re probably ready to move forward in considering AAA as a potential auto insurer for you.

But before you make any decisions, you likely want to know how much AAA costs. Is it financially feasible for you to insure your car, truck or SUV with AAA? Keep in mind that insurance companies consider a variety of factors when calculating your insurance rate, such as coverage levels, driving record, age, gender, marital status, and more.

One important note: because AAA auto insurance is offered to AAA members only, you must first become a member of AAA before you are eligible to receive an auto insurance policy. AAA memberships cost anywhere between $50 to $130, depending on the level of membership you choose to purchase. The Basic Membership costs about $50-$70 a year, the Plus Membership typically costs $80-$100 a year, and the Premier Membership usually costs around $100-$150 a year. It also typically costs between $30 and $65 to add a family member to your AAA membership.

The cost varies depending on where you live, so it’s best to check with your local AAA branch if you’re curious about membership. When calculating the overall cost to you, make sure you add this annual membership fee to your yearly total.

Take a look at the breakdown below to determine if AAA auto insurance fits into your budget.

Age	Clean Driving Record	Poor Driving Record
21	$310/month	$480/month
30	$217/month	$334/month
42	$186/month	$289/month

Here’s a look at how AAA measures up against some other top auto insurance carriers.

Insurer	AAA	GEICO	State Farm	Allstate
Average Annual Premium	$3,322	$3,546	$3,925	$4,949

Remember that your own rates will vary greatly depending on your driver profile. That’s why it’s essential that you compare rates from as many insurance companies as possible.

Want to know exactly how AAA auto insurance compares to over 60 of the country’s top carriers? Simply enter your zip code below to uncover your personalized rates and comparisons.

What Discounts Are Available at AAA?

Luckily, AAA provides members with a huge range of discounts, far more than most auto insurance companies. You can earn discounts for having a new car; holding multiple policies with AAA; paying your bills online, in full, or on time; being a AAA member for any period of time; switching to AAA from another insurance provider; and even adding a young driver to your auto insurance policy!

If you want to know more about AAA’s extensive discount offerings, check out the list of discounts below and see which ones you qualify for.

Discount	Savings
Multi-policy discounts	Use AAA for your other insurance needs (such as home, condo, or renters insurance) to save more money each month
Multi-vehicle discounts	Save up to 20% on select coverage when you insure two or more automobiles
Group Affinity discount	As a member of at least one approved group or association, you can save 10%
Advance Purchase discount	Save 5% with the purchase of a AAA auto policy seven or more days before your current policy’s expiration date
Longevity discount	If you’ve had at least three years of continuous automobile insurance with your current carrier, you can save up to 34% on select coverage
AAA Membership discount	As a AAA member, save up to 10% on select coverage
Verified mileage discount	Save up to 12% (depending on vehicle’s annual mileage) for supplying current odometer readings when requested
AAA OnBoard Activation discount	Save up to 10% per qualified vehicle upon activation of AAA OnBoard
AAA OnBoard Driving Score discount	Save up to 20% at your next renewal, depending on your driving score
Original Owner discount	If you are the original owner of the insured vehicle, save up to 5%
Anti-theft device discount	Save up to 25% on comprehensive coverage
Student Away discount	If your driver-age student is away at school 100+ miles from home without a vehicle, you’re eligible to save up to 10% on select coverage
Good Student discount	As a good student, you can save up to 15% on select coverage
Driver Training discount	Upon completion of an approved driving training course, save up to 10% on select coverage
Defensive Driving discount	Save up to 10% upon completion of an approved defensive driving course

AAA Auto Insurance Coverage Options

Customers can obtain a number of coverage options through AAA insurance. Although offerings may vary by region, AAA generally offers the following coverage types:

Liability Coverage: This is the absolute basic, required in every state except Virginia and New Hampshire. It can cover some or all of the mechanic costs and medical bills for another driver if you were at fault in an accident, but it won’t pay for your medical care or car repairs.

Collision Coverage: Covers incidences in which your car collides with another vehicle or an obstacle such as a telephone pole or tree. This type of insurance will pay all or part of repairs, and may help you replace a totaled vehicle.

Comprehensive Coverage: This is insurance for damage to your vehicle in circumstances other than an accident or collision. It usually includes coverage for storm, theft, fire, or deliberate vandalism. 

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This is the coverage you want if you’re involved in a collision where a driver who has no insurance or only minimum coverage is at fault. UM will cover your medical bills in the case the other driver’s insurance doesn’t.

MedPay: Medical payment insurance will cover the bills if you or someone in your vehicle is injured in an accident. This kind of coverage is optional in most states, though Maine and New Hampshire both require it.

Personal Injury Protection: Less common than some other types of coverage, PIP is required in twelve states. This insurance option will cover medical bills for the policyholder and any passengers in their vehicle, even if the policyholder was at fault. It also covers the policyholder in cases where they were in a collision with a vehicle as a pedestrian or cyclist. In addition, PIP may cover childcare costs or lost wages related to injuries sustained in a car accident.

Keep in mind that PIP may not be available through AAA outside of states where it’s required.

Some clubs may offer additional types of insurance, including rental insurance, pet injury insurance and rideshare coverage for Lyft and Uber drivers. Additionally, the roadside assistance plan that comes with membership will help with those expenses. Depending on your membership level, this may include towing and locksmith costs, as well as tire changes and fuel delivery. AAA also offers home and other types of insurance, and you may be able to save by bundling policies with them.

Where is AAA Auto Insurance Available?

AAA offers auto insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, but don’t forget that policies are only available to AAA members. They’re also not available in every county or city. Because AAA is regionally operated, coverage options and add-ons vary from location to location, so it can be a bit difficult to determine if you can get a policy in your hometown.

If you’d like to avoid the hassle of tracking down an agent, simply enter your ZIP code below and compare quotes from the top insurance companies in the U.S. in just minutes!

Is AAA Right For Me?

Now that you have an idea of how much AAA costs, as well as what discounts you might be eligible for, the only question remaining is, “Is AAA the right insurance carrier for me?”

Well, whether or not you decide to choose AAA will ultimately depend on a few factors. Think about what you need from your insurance, what kind of coverage or special services you might be interested in, and how much you want to pay for your insurance premium.

If you fall into any of the categories below, AAA is likely a great option for you and your individual needs:

• You like the idea of being a AAA member and having access to emergency roadside services, savings when purchasing a new vehicle, savings on car repairs, and many other travel and entertainment discounts, as well as in-branch amenities, such as passport photos, document notary services, and access to AAA travel agents.
• You don’t mind accessing your account and information online, and know you’ll use service calls sparingly, as AAA only allows members four service calls per year.
• You are intrigued by AAA OnBoard Program, a usage-based discount program that rewards you for good driving.
• You’re looking for competitive rates, comprehensive coverage options, and the added benefit of roadside assistance, all from the nation’s leading automobile association.

If you don’t see yourself in any of the categories listed above, and you’re still looking for a car insurance policy that is best matched to you and your lifestyle, try comparing quotes from more than 60 of the country’s top providers — with the click of a button! Simply enter your ZIP code.

Pros and Cons of AAA Auto Insurance

Cons:

• AAA is not a single national organization. It’s divided into regional clubs, each with its own insurance offerings and prices, so costs and satisfaction may vary from club to club. You also have to be a member, which means paying a regular fee in addition to your insurance premium, but the savings offered may be more than that additional cost.
• Although AAA doesn’t rank among the most expensive insurance providers, the costs certainly aren’t cheap in some areas, though of course discounts can lower your base premium.
• Some AAA branches average middle to low reviews for their customer service, and you’ll want to make sure you know which club you’re dealing with before you decide to purchase insurance through them.

Pros:

• Roadside assistance built into your yearly AAA membership means you shouldn’t have to worry as much about the costs of breakdowns or things like locking yourself out of your car, especially if you go for one of the higher tier membership options.
• With more than a hundred years in operation, AAA is an organization with a long-standing reputation for excellent service.
• AAA offers a lot of discounts, not only on the insurance policy itself, but also on things like travel and car rentals, as well as discounts at various shops and restaurants. Take these into consideration when you’re contemplating them as an option; you may be able to save more than you realize.

How to Cancel a AAA Auto Insurance Policy

While you can cancel a AAA membership online through the regional website corresponding to your area, AAA auto insurance can only be canceled over the phone or by speaking in person with your insurance agent.

Cancellation can be effective immediately, or you can set a specific date for your coverage to end. Remember that you’ll want your new insurance to already be in place for the date you lose coverage with AAA.

To cancel in person, you will need to set up an appointment with a local AAA insurance agent. If you wish to cancel over the phone, you can call AAA customer service for your region’s AAA club.

In either case, you will need to have your policy number handy.

What Else Does AAA Offer?

If your insurance needs go beyond car insurance, AAA might be a great fit for you. AAA offers a variety of insurance types to match what you’re looking for, and there are discounts available for those who choose to bundle certain insurance policies through AAA. Check out the list below for a comprehensive look at the many policies offered by AAA.

Auto & Vehicle

• Car
• Motorcycle & Recreational Vehicle
• Boat & Watercraft
• Roadside Assistance
• Rideshare
• Mexico Auto
• Collector Car

Property

• Home
• Renters
• Condo
• Earthquake
• Flood

Other Insurance

• Term Life
• Whole Life
• Universal Life
• Small business
• Identity Theft
• Pet
• Travel
• Wedding & Event
• Umbrella
• Excess liability

FAQs About AAA Insurance

• How do I file a claim with AAA?

If you’re in an accident and you’re a AAA customer, you’ll need to contact AAA at their 24/7 claims call center by dialing 1-866-222-2378 to file a claim. Once you’ve started the claims process, you can then either choose to contact your claims representative by phone or track your claim online.

• How does AAA’s claims process work?

A claims representative will assist you through the entire claims process on behalf of AAA. The first step is that AAA will gather facts of the accident to determine responsibility. Then, your claims representative will explain coverage and benefits of your police, as they pertain to your claim. Next, AAA will arrange repairs and a rental car, if covered by your policy. AAA will also coordinate a tow if your vehicle is not drivable. These are the key steps outlined by AAA in their claims process, but it’s worth noting that because AAA operates in multiple states, their claims processes differ by location.

• How do I cancel my AAA policy?

You must contact your AAA agent directly or call customer service at 1-877-387-8378 to cancel your policy. The cancellation can be arranged for a date in the future or set to take effect immediately. You’ll need your name, policy number, and the date you want your policy to end at the ready before contacting AAA to cancel.

• Does AAA offer coverage in my state?

Yes, AAA offers coverage in all 50 states.

• Does AAA have a mobile app?

Yes, AAA offers a mobile app available for download on both the Google Play and Apple App store. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you can instantly access your insurance ID cards on-the-go, as well as manage your account information and policies.

• Does AAA have Spanish offerings?

Yes, AAA offers coverage and customer service to Spanish-speaking customers. When you’re searching for a AAA representative, seek out an agent who is fluent in the language of your choice.

AAA in The Community

AAA has long been a proud supporter of communities throughout the nation, and even classifies itself as a “service organization.” Many of these efforts have materialized through AAA’s environmental awareness and sustainability programs. One example is AAA’s popular ecotourism project called Freedom’s Way.

Founded in 1992, AAA produces travel tips and public service messages that motivate travelers to assist in protecting America’s scenic areas and respecting the environment. This movement has received support from agencies such as the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and many more.

Another example is AAA’s Great Battery Roundup, which began in 2001 as an attempt to reduce the negative impact that discarded batteries, tires, and automotive fluids have on the environment. Since then, more than 4 million batteries have been recycled through the Great Battery Roundup and the mobile battery program. Typically holding events around Earth Day, AAA clubs team up with other organizations such as the EPA and the Nature Conservancy to expand their recycling efforts.

You May Know AAA From…

AAA logo:

You’ve probably seen AAA’s famous logo, which depicts three red A’s inside of a red oval, backed by another, blue oval. Since AAA reviews and rates hotels and restaurants, publishes travel books and maps, and offers multiple other services, chances are that you’ve heard of or seen mention of AAA, even if it wasn’t in reference to auto insurance.

AAA on Social Media

AAA can be found on most of the popular social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and more.