Choosing the Right AAA Membership for Retirees

Article overview

Retirement brings new driving habits, making it the perfect time to review your AAA Membership. This guide covers:

• AAA Everyday: For those who no longer drive but want lifestyle perks.

• AAA Classic: Ideal for local driving and essential roadside assistance.

• AAA Plus: Best for frequent road trips with extended towing.

• AAA Premier: For cross-country travel with premium benefits.

• AAA Plus RV: An add-on for motorhome and camper owners.

Retirement often changes your driving habits, which means it’s a great time to reassess your AAA Membership. Whether you're driving less or planning more road trips to visit family and explore, your roadside assistance needs will shift. Paying for benefits you don't use doesn't make sense, but having basic coverage for extensive travel could leave you with unexpected costs. 

Read more to evaluate the different AAA Membership tiers to find the perfect fit for your retirement lifestyle, ensuring you get the best value without overpaying.

What are the different AAA Membership levels for retirees?

AAA provides five main membership options. Compare these choices to see which tier aligns best with your current lifestyle.

AAA Everyday: Best if you no longer drive

Choose the *AAA Everyday membership if you spend most of your time at home or rely on others for transportation. Costing less than $2 per month, this plan does not include roadside assistance. Instead, it focuses entirely on lifestyle perks and savings.

AAA Everyday members receive discounts at nearly 70,000 partner locations nationwide. You will save money on dining, shopping, entertainment and travel bookings. This tier also includes free identity theft protection, making it an excellent choice for retirees who spend more time online and want extra security.

*AAA Everyday is not available in all markets. Check with your local AAA branch to find out if you’re eligible. 

AAA Classic: Best for local driving

Choose the AAA Classic membership if you primarily drive around your hometown for groceries, appointments and local events. For less than $7 per month, this entry-level roadside assistance plan covers the essentials.

AAA Classic provides legendary 24/7 roadside assistance, battery service, flat tire changes and basic towing. If you run out of gas, AAA will deliver fuel, though you must pay for the fuel itself. The plan also covers up to $50 for vehicle locksmith services. You still receive the robust travel planning assistance and retail discounts included in the AAA Everyday plan.

AAA Plus: Best for frequent road trips

Choose the AAA Plus membership if you regularly drive long distances to visit grandchildren or explore neighboring states. Priced at approximately $11 per month, this tier significantly expands your towing safety net.

AAA Plus members receive up to 100 miles of free towing per breakdown. This extended range guarantees your vehicle reaches your preferred mechanic rather than the nearest service station. AAA Plus also includes free fuel delivery (where the cost of the gas is covered), up to $100 in locksmith coverage and two free sets of passport photos for international travel.

AAA Premier: Best for cross-country travel

Choose the AAA Premier membership if you take extended cross-country vacations or want maximum peace of mind. Costing less than $15 per month, this premium tier delivers the highest level of service.

AAA Premier includes one tow of up to 200 miles per year, with remaining tows covering up to 100 miles each. Retirees benefit greatly from the robust travel accident insurance (up to $500,000), car travel interruption coverage (up to $1,500) and vehicle return service (up to $500). Members also receive unlimited free passport photos, 24-hour concierge services for booking event tickets or reservations and Hertz Five Star Status.

AAA Plus RV: Best for motorhome and camper owners

Choose the AAA Plus RV or AAA Premier RV add-on if you spend your retirement traveling in a recreational vehicle. For an additional cost of up to $70 per year (which varies by state), AAA extends your roadside assistance to cover motorhomes, travel trailers and RVs. This includes specialized towing, extrication and tire changes specifically tailored to larger camping vehicles.

How do I change my AAA Membership level?

If your current plan no longer fits your driving habits, changing your AAA Membership level is a simple process. You can update your account at any time to add better benefits or reduce costs.

Follow these steps to change your AAA Membership online:

1. Visit the AAA website and log into your member account.
2. Navigate to your membership dashboard.
3. Select the option labeled "Upgrade Membership" or "Change Plan".
4. Review the available tiers and select the membership level that matches your needs.
5. Complete the payment process to cover any cost difference, and your new benefits will activate.

You can also update your membership by calling the member services number on the back of your AAA card or by visiting a local AAA branch office for in-person assistance.

How do I transfer my AAA Membership to a new state?

Many retirees choose to relocate to a different state for better weather or to be closer to family. AAA operates as a network of regional motor clubs. So, if you move to a new region, you must transfer your AAA Membership to the local club.

To transfer your account to The Auto Club Group (which serves states like Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Colorado and the Carolinas), follow these instructions:

1. Locate your current AAA club using your membership card.

2. Call the AAA Member Service Center at 1-800-222-6424 or log into your current club's website.
3. Update your address in the system. Providing your new out-of-state address automatically initiates the transfer process.
4. Wait for your new regional club to send a confirmation and your updated membership materials.

Your existing AAA Membership benefits remain fully active during this transition period, ensuring you never lose roadside assistance while moving.

Next steps for optimizing your coverage

Retirement is the perfect time to evaluate your expenses and ensure every dollar provides genuine value. 

Log into your AAA account today to review your current tier and make any necessary adjustments.