The American Automobile Association, or AAA, offers many benefits to its members, including roadside assistance, auto insurance and help planning vacations. Each member can receive services from any AAA branch, however membership is on a regional basis. Once AAA's main site has directed you to your region's website, use this site, or the contacts listed, to receive information specific to your area.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Join the American Automobile Association
Step 1. Visit the AAA website
Start by visiting https://www.aaa.com. The Association is actually made up of many organizations, covering the different areas. However, you can reach any regional organization by visiting this site.
Warning: start with this step, even if you plan to apply for registration in person, and not online.
Step 2. If prompted, enter your postcode
The AAA website can automatically detect the area you are in, and direct you to the web page referring to your area. If this does not happen, a pop-up window will likely appear, and you will be asked to enter your postcode.
If you don't know your postal code, you can search for it by entering your address on the US Postal Service website
Step 3. To register in person, find the address of a local branch
Some local AAA organizations highlight their regional address on the first page of the site you were redirected to. If there is no indication, or if the address is not within an acceptable distance, look for a link "Find another office", "Find a local branch" or something similar. Click on this link to be redirected to a map or a list of all AAA offices in your region, with the indication of telephone numbers and opening hours.
Try using the command Search for in your browser and type "Office" or "Branch". The command is typically available with the CTRL + F key combination on a Windows operating system, or Command + F on a Mac.
Step 4. Bring your details to that address, or call and ask for details
If you prefer, call the telephone number indicated and ask for information on membership programs. The local office may or may not be able to register by phone. Most AAA offices should be able to register in person, as long as you carry your driver's license and indicate a payment method.
To save time, make sure before introducing yourself which vehicle you will be using, and if other family members intend to register
Step 5. To register online, instead, click on the "Subscribe" button or the link
There are dozens of regional sites, which come with different layouts. Somewhere on the homepage, however, you should find a button or text that says it subscribe now or Join AAA.
Step 6. Compare the programs
By clicking on "Sign up", you will probably access a table showing the advantages of the various membership programs. The details of these vary between different regional organizations, but the benefits are usually clearly described.
- Typically, the organization offers Classic (or Basic), Plus, and Premier membership programs. Plus and Premier cost more, but offer the additional benefits described, such as free towing, or free travel insurance under certain conditions.
- If you are not aware of a particular advantage, its name could be a link that describes it in more detail. Other AAA sites have a question mark next to them that you can click, or a "View details" link at the bottom of the table.
Step 7. Try to understand the cost
The "Basic Membership" fee indicates how much you pay each year for membership status. There is typically an additional "Membership" fee, or "New Member" fee, which is applied only once, when you join. Finally, if you would like one of the family to receive the same benefits, this may cost a supplement per "Associate Member" each year, for each additional person.
Step 8. Choose a program that covers your vehicles
The Classic, or Basic, program typically only covers ordinary, non-RV cars (leisure vehicles, such as RVs and caravans), trailers, or motorcycles. The regional organization can view detailed information for the vehicle type at the bottom of the page, or give directions in the list of benefits.
Step 9. Enter your contact information
After selecting "Subscribe" to a specific program, you should be directed to a form. Enter your full name, personal and contact information as indicated. When you are done, press "Continue".
Step 10. Decide whether to enable automatic membership renewal
You may be asked to provide additional information, such as associated member information. Look for an option called "Convenience Billing". Select "No" if you don't want your credit card to be automatically charged at the end of each year, or "Yes" if you want to automatically renew your membership every year.
If you turn off convenience billing, you will need to manually pay your membership dues each year to maintain membership benefits
Step 11. Enter your payment information
Enter your credit card or personal bank account details. After confirming your order by email, your membership card should arrive by post within a few days.
Do not enter your credit card information on an unsecured network, especially on a public one used by many people
Part 2 of 2: Using the AAA Membership
Step 1. Register online
Once the membership card has arrived by post, you will see the registration number embossed on it. Return to www.aaa.com and click on the "Register" button, then enter this number with your personal information as required. This will give you access to online resources as long as you are a member of AAA.
Step 2. Take a look at the online services in the "Members" section of the site
Click on the "Members" button on the regional branch website. This can offer various online services, such as ordering a replacement card, changing the membership program or requesting maps and driving guides.
All of this could be listed under "Membership Services", "Manage Your Membership" or something similar
Step 3. Document yourself to call roadside assistance
One of the most common reasons to join AAA is to receive towing services, battery starting via another car, or emergency services when the car is down. Call 1-800-AAA-HELP, in these situations. Receiving these services will be easier and faster if you provide the following information:
- The details of the AAA membership card, especially the number and expiration date.
- The location of the vehicle. If you are calling from a mobile phone, AAA can attempt to locate you automatically. Turn on GPS, if available, to increase the odds of success.
- A description of the car, including, if possible, the model, color, year and license plate.
- A photo of identification when an AAA employee arrives, to confirm that you are the holder of the membership card.
Step 4. Use the AAA membership to receive discounts
Many hotels, restaurants, and other businesses around the world offer discount or special offers for AAA members. Look for this in time in the "Discounts" section of the regional AAA branch website, or ask for information from a company that has joined.
You will likely be asked to show your AAA card to receive the discount, and sometimes even an ID photo
Step 5. Use your AAA membership abroad
Although most of AAA's services are only available to US residents, AAA membership can be used for many purposes even abroad. Details vary by membership program, so contact your local AAA branch for more information. If it is part of your membership program, you may be able to receive or benefit from the following benefits:
- Travel insurance.
- Emergency transport to a hospital abroad.
- An international driving permit, which allows you to drive abroad.
Advice
You can also use the AAA website to find a nearby branch, insurance agency or travel agency to ask in person or ask questions about other AAA services
Warnings
- By using a credit card online and selecting the "Convenience Billing" option, you automatically renew your membership annually unless you contact AAA within a certain period of time to change your billing option.
- If you change your membership program, you may have to wait a number of days before you can benefit from the additional benefits.
