AAA Membership vs. AARP

Article overview

Deciding between AAA and AARP? While both organizations provide roadside assistance and discounts, AAA stands out as the go-to choice for those prioritizing travel and automotive services. AARP, while a solid option for retirees, focuses more on advocacy and senior-specific benefits. This article will guide you through the key differences, helping you see why AAA might be the better fit for your needs.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• The primary focus of each organization

• A head-to-head comparison of costs and coverage for roadside assistance

• An overview of other benefits like travel, entertainment and retail discounts

• A look at life insurance offerings

• Benefits for the whole family

When comparing AAA and AARP, it’s clear that AAA is tailored for those who value reliable roadside assistance and travel perks, making it an ideal choice for drivers and adventurers. AARP, on the other hand, caters to retirees with a broader focus on advocacy and senior-specific benefits. In this article, we’ll break down the costs, coverage and unique offerings of each to help you make an informed decision.

Organizations defined: Are AAA and AARP the same? 

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is a federation of motor clubs that provides a variety of services to its members including insurance, financial products, discounts on travel, entertainment and various purchases—and most notably, 24/7 roadside assistance. It also is a strong advocate for driver knowledge and vehicle/driving safety. Anyone 18 or older can purchase a AAA Membership, and there is no age limit on membership, meaning teens and even children, including those participating in the safety patroller program, can be added as members.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering and advocating for Americans 50 and older. In recent years, the organization has allowed anyone 18+ to join to access benefits and discounts. While some offerings, like certain insurance products, are age-restricted, AARP offers other resources for its members, including discounts on travel, dining and services like health and auto. 

Known for its political lobbying, AARP has played a prominent role in advancing legislation on key issues like Social Security, Medicare and healthcare for older Americans, shaping policies that impact millions.

Why AAA is the best choice: AAA stands out for its flexibility, broad age eligibility and focus on automotive and travel solutions, making it the smarter, all-ages membership for everyday value and peace of mind.

AARP vs. AAA benefits: Hotel, rental car, entertainment discounts and more 

Exclusive discounts are available to members of both AARP and AAA but there are some unique differences worth pointing out. While AAA and AARP offer similar hotel discounts, usually around 5-15% off, savings in other categories aren’t always apples to apples.

Why AAA is the best choice: AAA gives you access to a wider variety of everyday savings, family-friendly perks and exclusive member benefits so you can enjoy more on the road, at home and everywhere in between.

Rental cars

AAA and AARP both offer car rental discounts, with AARP potentially offering savings off base rates at Avis and Budget. AAA Membership is the key to unlocking savings on Hertz, Thrifty Dollar rentals.

Score stackable savings on your next Hertz rental. AAA Members enjoy the following benefits*:

• Up to 20% off the base rate

• 10% off prepaid fuel

• Up to four free additional drivers

• Young renter fee waived

• Free use of a child safety seat and more. 

Like status? AAA Members can join the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® loyalty program and get one free day after their first Gold rental**. Plus, AAA Premier Members join at the Hertz Five Star® Status and earn even more points toward free rentals and upgrades. 

*Applies to Pay Later base rate only. Taxes, fees & options excluded. Terms & exclusions apply. 

**Gold terms apply. Visit AAA.com/CarRental for complete terms and conditions.

Attraction tickets

AAA Tickets provides special member pricing on tickets to theme parks and attractions for family fun all year long. With AAA, you can access a wide variety of entertainment options, including popular destinations like Disney and Universal. Whether you're planning a family outing or a weekend adventure, AAA Tickets offers trusted access to a comprehensive selection from concerts to sports and even Broadway to suit all your entertainment needs.

Retail goods and services

AARP also has a discount program that includes many different categories of goods and services beyond attractions with a special focus on seniors. 

AAA provides members with access to an extensive discount program, helping you save on everyday purchases both online and in your local neighborhood or earn cash back on purchases. With thousands of partner locations, you can find deals across a wide variety of categories, including:

• Dining

• Shopping

• Entertainment

• Travel

• Automotive

• Pet Services

• Groceries

• Wireless services

AAA vs. AARP life insurance 

Both AAA and AARP offer financial protection to their members in the way of life insurance, and take pride in helping people plan for change. 

AAA Life Insurance products are available to people of all ages and you do not need to be a AAA Member to apply.

AARP Life Insurance Program is designed for members 50 years and older and is underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company. 

Some key differences include:

Policy types

• AAA Life offers Term, Whole and Universal Life policies

• AARP offers only Term and Guaranteed Acceptance Whole Life policies. 

 Coverage

• AAA Life Term offers up to $3.5million in coverage; whole life up to $75,000. 

• AARP, coverage amounts can be low, with a maximum of $100,000 for Term life and lower limits for Guaranteed Acceptance policies.

Cost 

• AAA Life offers competitive rates, with a 10% discount on Term life premiums for members.
• AARP does not advertise specific discounts for its life insurance products but provides benefits through its partnerships.

Why AAA is the best choice: AAA offers greater flexibility and coverage options for individuals and families of all ages, with straightforward access and competitive rates that help you protect what matters most.

AARP roadside assistance vs. AAA: cost and coverage

When comparing AAA Roadside Assistance and AARP’s roadside services, one key difference is ownership. AAA’s roadside assistance is proprietary, meaning they own and operate their service, while AARP partners with Allstate to provide roadside help.

AAA consistently stands out in the industry, beating all major roadside assistance providers in overall customer satisfaction. Their services include towing, lockout assistance, battery jumps and even wiper replacement, available for any car members own or are passengers in. AARP offers comprehensive services as well, but specific benefits may vary by state. With AAA, members can rely on proven quality and a trusted reputation that sets them apart.

Both organizations offer plans that are available in tiers with varying levels of coverage and cost: 

AAA plans

• Classic/Basic (less than $7 per month with 5 miles of towing per service call)

• Plus (around $11 per month with 100 miles of free towing per service call)

• Premier (less than $15 per month with one free tow up to 200 miles, and all remaining tows covered at 100 miles per call)

AARP plans

• Roadside Assist (starting at $5.50 per month with 10 miles of free towing per call)

• Roadside Elite ($13 per month with 100 miles of free towing per service call)

Why AAA is the best choice: AAA delivers unmatched peace of mind with their own trusted service network, industry-leading response times and comprehensive roadside benefits tailored for all drivers.

AAA: Support for every member of the family throughout life

AAA is designed to provide value and support for every stage of life, making it a trusted partner for families everywhere. Whether you're hitting the road, planning a vacation or managing automotive care, AAA offers benefits that grow with you and your family. It’s more than just a membership — it’s peace of mind, exclusive savings and reliable support you can depend on for life’s adventures.

Core Strengths of AAA

Roadside assistance 

Available 24/7, AAA's roadside assistance service ensures that you’re never left stranded. With benefits such as towing, battery replacement and lockout services, AAA provides an unmatched level of support — something AARP doesn’t offer directly. No matter where you are or when you need help, AAA is there to get you back on the road.

Full-service travel agency

AAA offers full-service travel planning with dedicated AAA travel agents, exclusive cruise and vacation options with member benefits and savings, travel insurance and in-person support at local branches, as well as virtual appointments, call-center assistance and online self-serve booking. AAA also provides valuable ancillary services such as International Driving Permits, passport photos and savings at AAA Diamond Designations. While AARP provides travel discounts and online booking through its Expedia partnership, it does not function as a traditional travel agency. 

In short, AAA is ideal for travelers seeking personalized guidance, added protection and member-only perks on cruises, tours and other vacation experiences, while AARP is best suited for those looking for self-service travel deals.

Discounts 

AAA goes beyond the road with discounts on tickets, dining, retail shopping and more. Members can save money on everyday purchases and special outings, making your membership more valuable every day.

Automotive care 

AAA makes maintaining your vehicle easy and affordable with discounts on car repairs, inspections and access to AAA-approved auto repair shops. These trusted facilities ensure your car receives top-notch service at a fair price, so you can drive with confidence.

Family-friendly benefits 

One of AAA’s most unique qualities is its family-friendly focus. Membership isn’t limited to individuals — it’s designed to benefit your entire family at every stage of life. From teaching new drivers safe road habits to saving money on family activities, AAA adapts to your family’s needs and grows with you over time.

Why AAA is the best choice: AAA offers practical solutions and value for every family member—providing dependable support, exclusive savings and peace of mind at every stage of life.

With AAA, you gain more than a membership. You gain peace of mind, exclusive savings and trusted support to help you and your family navigate life’s adventures. From the everyday to the extraordinary, AAA is always by your side.