Hidden Benefits of a AAA Membership You Might Not Know About

Photo by Gustavo Fring

Did you know that a AAA membership goes beyond roadside assistance? The membership program offers drivers across the nation a helping hand when life happens on the road. Knowing you can call for help with a flat tire, dead battery or tow is peace of mind in your pocket. Yet, AAA offers so much more than just a tow truck.

AAA membership pays for itself with just one roadside call, but the real value comes from the extras. Whether you’re saving on hotels, protecting your identity or enjoying discounted theme park tickets, AAA is more than just a safety net—it’s a lifestyle membership that helps you save and travel smarter.

If you’re on the fence about joining—or just want to make the most of your existing membership—check out these lesser-known advantages.

Choosing a AAA Membership

First, let’s cover your membership options. You can choose from basic, plus or premier plans available for one simple price for the full year. Along with roadside service, membership levels have access to these benefits:

Identity theft monitoring.
Exclusive discounts on dining, shopping, entertainment and other services.
Custom made road trip maps via TripTiks along with digital tourbooks and maps.
Discounts on hotels, car rental and other travel services.

Now, let’s dive into the hidden benefits so you can make the most of your AAA membership. From travel perks to everyday savings, here are the top ten AAA membership benefits:

1. 24/7 Roadside Assistance and Bicycle Coverage

Flat tire on the freeway? Locked out of your car? Dead battery in the driveway? AAA’s roadside assistance is available anytime, anywhere. Depending on your membership level, you’ll get free towing (with miles included), battery replacement services, lockout help and fuel delivery.

For bicyclists, the same roadside services apply. Help is just one call away if you find your bike inoperable during your commute or trip.

2. Travel Planning and Discounts

AAA has helped travelers long before smartphones and GPS. Members get free travel planning services, including maps, TripTiks and access to AAA’s online trip-planning tools. On top of that, you’ll save on hotels, rental cars and vacation packages through AAA’s travel partners.

Want someone else to take the wheel on your travel plans? Pay AAA’s travel agents to plan a road trip or an international adventure.

3. Exclusive Hotel Discounts

AAA membership gets you special rates at major hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and Doubletree. These discounts often match or beat other booking sites, and they’re available even during peak travel seasons.

4. Theme Park and Event Ticket Savings

From Disneyland to Universal Studios, AAA members can score discounted tickets to top attractions. You’ll also find deals on movie tickets, concerts, museums and other entertainment. Before you book your tickets, check out AAA’s website to compare prices and save.

5. Insurance Services

AAA is more than just roadside help—it’s also an insurance provider. Members can access auto, home, life and even pet insurance at competitive rates. Plus, many states offer extra perks like accident forgiveness or loyalty discounts for longtime members.

6. Free Identity Theft Protection

AAA helps you stay ahead of potential fraud with free basic identity theft monitoring for members, with the option to upgrade for more robust coverage. This includes monitoring of your credit and personal information as well as dark web surveillance of your social security number and email address.

7. Discounts on Auto Repairs and Maintenance

Through the AAA Approved Auto Repair program, you can take your vehicle to trusted shops that meet AAA’s standards. Members often receive discounts on parts and labor, along with warranties. Plus, you can also get discounts on gas at Shell stations.

8. Shopping and Dining Discounts

AAA partners with thousands of retailers and restaurants nationwide. Use your membership card for savings at places like Chart House, LensCrafters, Plants.com, Rover and hundreds more.

9. Travel Insurance and Emergency Assistance

If you’re traveling abroad or across the country, AAA offers deals on travel insurance to protect against trip cancellations, lost luggage and medical emergencies. Members also get access to global emergency travel assistance, so help is just a phone call away.