AAA vs USAA Roadside Assistance – Which Is Better? [2024]
While both AAA and USAA offer roadside assistance services, they have different membership eligibility criteria, coverage options, costs, and additional services. The choice between the two may depend on your specific needs, eligibility, and whether you are looking for a broader range of services beyond roadside assistance.
Membership eligibility
AAA is a membership-based organization that offers a variety of services, including roadside assistance, to its members. Anyone can generally join AAA, regardless of their military or insurance affiliations.
USAA primarily serves active and retired military personnel and their families. To become a USAA member and access their roadside assistance services, you need to meet the eligibility criteria, which typically involve a connection to the military (e.g., you or a family member must have served in the military).
Coverage
AAA offers different levels of membership with varying levels of coverage, so the specific services and coverage can vary depending on the membership tier you choose. AAA also offers coverage in a broader geographical area, as it is available across the United States and in some other countries.
| AAA Classic | AAA Plus | AAA Premier |
|---|---|---|
| Tow up to 5 miles | Tow up to 100 miles | Tow up to 200 miles |
| $50 vehicle lockout service refund | $100 vehicle lockout service refund | $150 vehicle and home lockout service refund |
| Fuel delivery at pump price | Free fuel delivery | Free fuel delivery |
USAA’s roadside assistance is typically available to members as part of their auto insurance policies. While the coverage may vary depending on the specific policy you have with USAA, it usually includes:
- Towing to the nearest repair shop
- Stuck vehicle service
- Jump-start service
- Fuel delivery at market rate
- Vehicle unlock service
- Flat tire service using your spare
Cost
The cost of AAA membership can vary depending on the level of membership and the region in which you live. Members pay an annual fee for access to AAA services. Pricing starts as low as $49 per year.
USAA’s roadside assistance may be included as part of your auto insurance policy, and the cost is typically bundled with your insurance premium. Pricing is about $20 per year.
Additional Services
AAA offers a wide range of services beyond roadside assistance, including travel planning, discounts, insurance, and more. Depending on your membership level, you may have access to various member benefits.
USAA primarily focuses on financial services, including insurance, banking, and investment products, in addition to roadside assistance for its members.
Closing Thoughts
While both AAA and USAA provide roadside assistance services, they cater to different demographics and offer distinct membership eligibility criteria, coverage options, costs, and additional services.
AAA extends its services to a broad spectrum of individuals, offering varying levels of coverage across the United States and beyond, with membership fees starting at $49 per year. On the other hand, USAA primarily serves active and retired military personnel and their families, bundling roadside assistance with auto insurance policies at an estimated annual cost of $20.
Beyond roadside assistance, AAA offers a variety of additional benefits, including travel planning and discounts, while USAA focuses primarily on financial services. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual needs, eligibility, and preferences for ancillary services beyond roadside assistance.
