Does AARP give you free roadside assistance?
No, an AARP membership does not include roadside assistance by default.
However, members can buy discounted roadside coverage as an add-on benefit.
Available Roadside Options
- Allstate Roadside Plans: Members save up to 20% on annual Allstate Roadside Assistance Plans. Plans start around $5.50 per month and cover services like 24/7 towing, jump-starts, flat tires, lockouts, and fuel delivery in any car you drive.
- The Hartford Auto Insurance: If you bundle or buy car insurance through AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford, you can add optional roadside assistance directly to your policy.
How much does AARP Roadside Assistance cost for seniors?
AARP roadside assistance is not included automatically with a standard membership; instead, members can purchase it as an add-on plan through Allstate Roadside Assistance at up to a 20% discount.
Prices start at $5.50 per month ($66 for the first year). All plans cover two people in any vehicle (including rentals or borrowed cars) and include 24/7 towing, tire changes, fuel delivery, jump-starts, and lockout assistance.
The cost depends on the level of coverage selected:
| Plan Tier | First-Year Price | Renewal Price | Key Benefits & Towing Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roadside Assist | $66/year ($5.50/mo) | $83/year | 3 rescues per year; up to 10-mile towing. |
| Roadside Advantage | $84/year ($7.00/mo) | $94/year | 3 rescues per year; up to 25-mile towing; $1,500 trip interruption coverage; up to $100 tire/wheel coverage twice a year. |
| Roadside Elite | $131/year ($10.92/mo) | $143/year | 5 rescues per year; up to 100-mile towing; $1,500 trip interruption coverage; up to $250 tire/wheel coverage twice a year. |
Note: You must already have a base AARP Membership, which costs $16 per year (or $12–$15 if opting for auto-renewal/promotions) to qualify for these Allstate rates.
Which is better, AAA or AARP roadside assistance?
AAA is generally better for robust, dedicated roadside protection, while AARP is more affordable if you only need basic, low-cost local coverage.
When comparing AAA Membership vs. AARP, consider how their roadside offerings differ.
AAA Roadside Assistance
- Cost: Ranges from about $60 to $165+ per year depending on your region and membership tier (Classic, Plus, or Premier).
- Coverage: Operates its own proprietary, extensive direct-service network. Towing ranges from 3–5 miles on basic plans up to 100 or 200+ miles on higher tiers.
- Best For: Drivers who want long-distance towing options, high customer satisfaction, multi-vehicle or family household coverage, and extensive travel perks.
AARP Roadside Assistance
- Cost: Requires an AARP membership (~$16/year) plus a roadside plan through their partner, Allstate Motor Club (~$50–$80/year), totaling roughly $66–$96 annually.
- Coverage: Provided via Allstate's network. Basic towing limits are typically shorter (often 5 to 10 miles), though sufficient for local breakdowns.
- Best For: Budget-conscious, light-use drivers who stay close to home and value broader senior advocacy and healthcare discounts.
Who has the cheapest roadside assistance?
Car insurance add-ons and hidden perks from existing services generally provide the cheapest roadside assistance, with standalone auto club memberships starting around $5 to $6 a month.
Cheapest Options by Category
- Car Insurance Add-ons: Providers like Erie Insurance and Geico offer roadside assistance add-ons to existing policies starting at roughly $5 to $14 per year. State Farm also offers low-cost add-ons around $21 annually. Note: Using insurance roadside plans too often can sometimes impact your auto rates.
- Hidden Cell Phone & Credit Perks: Cell carriers like Consumer Cellular ($4/month) and Verizon ($4.99/month through Signature Motor Club) offer low-cost add-on coverage. Certain credit cards also feature pay-per-use or low-cost dispatch.
- Standalone Auto Clubs: Better World Club offers eco-friendly standalone plans starting around $63 to $66 per year, while standard AAA classic memberships range from about $34 to $65 annually depending on the region.
- Alternative Memberships: Opinions are mixed on forums like Reddit where some users note that if you rarely drive or need a tow, paying out-of-pocket per tow ($120–$150) can occasionally beat paying yearly membership fees, though it lacks peace of mind.
Does AARP offer a discount on Amazon Prime for seniors?
No, AARP does not offer a dedicated membership discount for Amazon Prime, and Amazon does not provide an age-based senior discount.
Alternative Discount Options
- Prime Access: Amazon offers a discounted rate of $6.99 per month (instead of the standard $14.99/month) for individuals receiving qualifying government assistance.
- Qualifying Programs: You may be eligible if you participate in programs like Medicaid, SNAP (EBT), SSI, and several others.
- How to Sign Up: You can verify your eligibility directly through the Amazon Prime Access Page.
Which Organization Offers Better Benefits, AARP or AAA?
Do AARP members get free roadside assistance?
No, AARP membership does not include free emergency roadside assistance by default.
Available Roadside Options
- Allstate Roadside Partnership: AARP members receive a discount (saving up to 20%) on annual Allstate Roadside plans. Paid plans start at around $5.50 per month and include 24/7 services like towing, jump-starts, flat tire changes, lockouts, and fuel delivery.
- The Hartford Auto Insurance: Emergency roadside assistance may be included if you bundle optional roadside coverage through an endorsed AARP Auto Insurance policy from The Hartford.
How to get a free tow from AAA?
You can get a free tow from AAA if you have an active AAA Roadside Assistance membership or if you use their limited, holiday-specific Tow to Go program.
How to Request a Standard Tow (Members)
If you already have a membership, towing is included in your annual plan (up to 4 service calls per year), though free mileage limits vary by your tier (Classic covers 3–7 miles, Plus covers 100 miles, and Premier covers up to 200 miles for one tow and 100 miles for others).
- By Phone: Call 1-800-222-8794 (1-800-AAA-HELP).
- Online or App: Use the AAA Roadside Assistance Chat or open the Auto Club App to request a dispatch in under 4 minutes.
- Verification: Have your physical or virtual 16-digit AAA Membership Card and a valid photo ID ready for the driver to inspect upon arrival.
- Note: If you join AAA on the spot when you break down, you will typically have to pay an immediate activation fee plus the cost of the membership, and same-day service fees may apply.
How to Use "Tow to Go" (Impaired Drivers / Non-Members)
If you do not have a membership and need a safe ride because you have been drinking, AAA runs the Tow to Go program during major holidays (like Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's).
- Call the Hotline: Dial (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246.
- The Rules: It provides a confidential, free ride and a tow for you and your car within a 10-mile radius to a safe location.
- Eligibility: Available to both members and non-members as a last resort, but it is strictly limited to specific holiday windows.
How many miles will AAA tow you for free?
AAA covers between 5 and 200 miles of towing for free depending on your membership tier.
Towing Distances by Tier
- Classic: Covers up to 5 to 7 miles (or back to the servicing facility) per tow, up to 4 times a year.
- Plus: Covers up to 100 miles per tow, up to 4 times a year.
- Premier: Covers up to 100 miles for most tows, with one tow per household up to 200 miles per year, up to 5 calls per member.
Extra Miles
If your tow is longer than your plan allows, AAA will still complete the tow. You just pay a discounted per-mile fee for the extra distance.
Is AARP worth it if I have AAA?
Yes, AARP can still be worth it if you have AAA, because their core benefits serve completely different purposes.
AARP costs about $12 to $16 per year, focusing primarily on lifestyle discounts, financial products, and senior advocacy, whereas AAA is a tiered club ($60 to $130+) centered on robust roadside assistance and travel agency services. Since AAA's roadside coverage does not duplicate AARP's financial, dining, and health-related perks, many households maintain both.
Key Differences in Benefits
- Roadside Assistance: AAA owns and operates its dedicated towing and vehicle fleet, ranking highest in customer satisfaction. AARP outsources its roadside help through Allstate, which is less comprehensive. If you already have AAA, you do not need AARP for car trouble.
- Discounts and Dining: AARP features a much wider volume of everyday and restaurant discounts (often 15% to 20% off at participating chains) along with exclusive hotel rates. For car rentals (like Avis or Budget) or specific hotel chains, AARP rates occasionally beat AAA rates.
- Insurance and Health: AARP provides access to specialized insurance partners like The Hartford and valuable guidance on Medicare and Social Security, which AAA does not offer.
Is It Worth the Cost?
Because AARP membership is inexpensive (dropping as low as $12–$15 per year with auto-renewal), using the discount just once or twice a year on a hotel stay, restaurant meal, or car rental easily covers the annual fee. Opinions on social platforms like Facebook are mixed—some users report getting zero value if they never track the deals, while others find the small fee pays for itself immediately.
How to get an AAA membership for free?
You can get a free one-year AAA Classic membership through the T-Mobile AAA Promotion if you are an eligible T-Mobile customer.
Methods to Get Free AAA Membership
- T-Mobile Promotion: Eligible T-Mobile customers in good standing can claim a free one-year Classic membership or renewal. Go to the T-Mobile promotional portal to sign in with your T-Mobile ID and redeem the offer.
- Teen Driver Add-On: If you already have a primary AAA membership, you can get a free membership for a teen driver in your household who has a learner's permit (using specific codes like PERMITS).
- Associate Member Add-On: When a primary member signs up for a Classic or Basic plan, they can often add a spouse, another adult, or a child living in the household for a free first-year associate membership.
What is Included
- Roadside Assistance: 24/7 help for towing, flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts. Coverage follows the person, meaning you are covered whether you drive or ride as a passenger.
- Discounts and Perks: Access to everyday retail, travel savings, and free identity theft protection via ProtectMyID Essential.