What Is AAA Approved Auto Repair?

Article overview

• 50 years of excellence: Since 1975, the AAA Approved Auto Repair (AAR) program has set the standard for trustworthy, high-quality service with over 7,000 certified facilities in the U.S. and Canada.
• Exclusive member benefits: AAA Members enjoy discounts, warranties, free inspections and priority service at AAR facilities.
• Certified peace of mind: AAR shops meet rigorous standards, including ASE-certified technicians, OEM-quality parts and regular inspections.

You have many choices when it comes to auto maintenance and repair, but if you feel nervous about choosing the right shop, you’re not alone. For many, auto service can be an intimidating experience.

Some seek the advice of friends or family before deciding on a shop, while others may search online for facilities with good reviews. Still, the decision can feel taxing when the costs are high and vehicle downtime is inconvenient.

The good news is, AAA has been recommending reliable, trustworthy and certified automotive repair shops for half a century, with 2025 marking the big 50^th anniversary celebration!

The launch of AAA Approved Auto Repair program

Developed in 1975 to address one of the most frequent consumer complaints in America—unsatisfactory automobile repairs—the AAA Approved Auto Repair (AAR) program directs members and other consumers to AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities that meet and maintain high professional standards of quality, cleanliness and expertise.

Most AARs are small businesses—some, female-owned—that are supported through various AAA community initiatives and programs. And because AAA stands ready to help members and AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities reach equitable resolution in the event of a dispute, you can rest assured that you’re being connected to the highest standards of care in auto repair when you choose an AAR facility.

AAA Approved Auto Repair

AAA Approved Auto Repair (AAR) is a network of over 7,000 facilities throughout the U.S. and Canada that have met AAA’s rigorous, industry-leading standards for consistent, high-quality service.

Once accepted into the AAR certification program, shops are licensed to display the AAA Approved Auto Repair logo. This logo is a signal to members that a particular facility has met stringent requirements set by the American Automobile Association, Inc. (AAA, Inc.), including:

• Exceptional customer satisfaction scores: AAR shops must meet and maintain a customer satisfaction rating of at least 90% (i.e., 4.5 stars out of 5). Ratings are obtained from customer surveys administered by a trusted third party.
• Use of OEM or equivalent parts: Use of OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts or parts deemed equally good from another manufacturer are required of AAR shops.
• Proper tools: To properly inspect and diagnose vehicles, AAR shops must prove they have all the right tools and equipment for engines, electrical systems, brakes and other key mechanical areas.
• Technician certifications: Technician certifications are a critical part of AAR requirements. Techs must obtain and renew certification from a brand of automaker or from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) to prove they’re knowledgeable in their industry and of the systems they work on.
• Well-maintained facilities: Exceptional customer service is a pillar of AAR shop requirements. Facilities must have ample customer parking, clean restrooms, comfortable waiting areas and service desks for guests checking in and checking out. 

The AAA AAR certification process

Typically, the AAA AAR certification process begins with a visit from an Approved Auto Repair Field Specialist. The specialist may return to the shop several times over the course of days, weeks or months where he or she will obtain necessary documents, examine equipment, meet the technicians and verify certifications.

Conversations take place about how business is conducted, and shop owners must prove quality control processes, provide proper staff training and demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of parts.

AAA also checks the facility's reputation with government and consumer agencies and performs insurance and financial background checks. A committee of AAA club officials reviews the investigation's results and makes the final approval decision. Once approved, each AAA AAR shop is inspected at least every 90 days and recertified annually.

To ensure customer satisfaction, AAA AAR facilities must participate in an independent and ongoing monitoring program. If a shop doesn’t meet the requirements, it can either modify its process and reapply for certification or decide not to pursue certification and leave the AAA AAR program. 

Exclusive AAA Member benefits at Approved Auto Repair facilities

While nonmembers do not receive all the benefits that AAA Members are entitled to at AAR facilities, the general driving public still benefits from knowing that a repair shop displaying the AAR logo has met AAA's rigorous standards and can be counted on to do a good job. 

AAA Members receive exclusive benefits at AAR shops that include, but aren’t limited to:

• Discounts: Members receive 10% off repair labor costs, with most facilities capping the discount at $75.
• Warranty: All repairs at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities are covered by a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty on both parts and labor.
• Inspections: Members can request a free multi-point vehicle maintenance inspection with any paid service.
• Priority service: Members receive priority attention, with a prompt evaluation of their vehicle if it arrived via roadside assistance tow.
• Written estimates: Facilities will provide AAA Members a written estimate for all work to be performed. The final cost may not exceed the written estimate by more than 10% unless the member authorizes it in advance.
• Quality assurance: Approved Auto Repair facilities are regularly inspected by AAA to ensure they meet high standards for cleanliness, proper equipment and ASE-certified technicians. 
• Dispute resolution: AAA offers a process to help members resolve disputes with AAR facilities. AAA’s resolution decision is binding on the facility; however, the member is not bound by the decision and may seek alternative recourse.

More about dispute resolution

While AAA Approved Automotive Repair facilities strive to wholly satisfy members, there may be times when a member is unhappy with the service they receive. In these instances, AAR shops must agree to let AAA intervene and advocate on the member’s behalf by turning over records and allowing an investigation to take place.

After a completed investigation, AAA will determine the proper resolution, and a shop has 10 days to comply or risk losing its AAA certification. In certain situations, AAA may even assist members in obtaining a full refund for the cost of repairs and service. 

Auto repair savings and peace of mind with AAA

On this 50^th anniversary of the AAR program, our certified shops continue to be a testament to AAA’s support of drivers and driving safety. We’re proud to provide AAA Members and the public peace of mind and a hassle-free repair experience. To find your nearest AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility near you, contact your local branch, call toll-free at 800.AAA.HELP (222.4357) or visit AAA.com/AutoRepair.