Why You’re Better Off With AAA Plus Instead of Using Your Auto Insurance for Towing
When your car breaks down, your first instinct might be to call your auto insurance company for a tow. After all, that’s what insurance is for… right? Not always.
While most auto policies do offer roadside assistance or towing, relying on your insurance for these small claims can end up costing you far more in the long run. That’s why we often recommend our clients consider AAA Plus (or similar standalone roadside programs) as their primary solution for towing and lockouts.
Here’s why AAA Plus is often the smarter, more cost-effective choice:
1. Towing Claims Can Be Treated Like Insurance Claims
Even though towing feels harmless, many carriers treat roadside claims just like any other claim on your record.
That means:
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It shows up as a loss on your insurance history
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Multiple roadside claims can trigger surcharges or higher premiums
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Too many in a short period could even affect eligibility with preferred carriers
In other words, a $150 tow could accidentally turn into a much larger bill over time.
2. AAA Plus Covers You — Not Just the Car
Most auto insurance roadside plans only cover the vehicle listed on the policy. With AAA Plus, you’re covered no matter what you’re driving or riding in.
Whether you’re:
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In your own car
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Driving a friend’s car
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Riding shotgun on a road trip
…your benefits follow you, not the vehicle. That flexibility alone makes AAA Plus a solid value.
3. Longer Towing Distances = Huge Savings
Basic roadside plans from insurers usually tow you to the nearest repair facility, which might not be where you want the car to go.
AAA Plus, however, typically includes:
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Up to 100 miles of towing
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No questions asked
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No impact on your insurance premiums
If your preferred mechanic is 40 miles away, that can save hundreds of dollars in a single incident.
4. Insurance Companies Are Tightening Up
Across the industry, insurers are becoming more sensitive to frequency of claims—even towing.
A spike in roadside claims can lead to:
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Premium increases at renewal
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Loss of claim-free discounts
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Being moved to a less-preferred underwriting tier
AAA absorbs those small events so your insurance record stays clean.
5. AAA Plus Offers Extras Insurance Doesn’t
Insurers usually limit roadside assistance to tows, jump-starts, and lockouts.
AAA Plus adds value with:
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Free fuel delivery (sometimes you only pay for the gas)
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Emergency battery service
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Discounts on travel, lodging, and attractions
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Bicycle roadside assistance
It’s simply a fuller package.
6. It Preserves Your Insurance for the Big Stuff
You want your auto insurance to be there for:
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Accidents
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Major repairs
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Liability protection
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Comprehensive losses
Using it for a tow is a bit like using your homeowner’s insurance to change a lock—technically possible, but not wise.
AAA Plus keeps those small, predictable headaches off your claim history.
Bottom Line: AAA Plus Protects Your Wallet and Your Insurance
For most drivers, AAA Plus pays for itself the first time you need a longer tow. But more importantly, it helps you avoid unnecessary insurance claims—keeping your premiums stable and your record clean.
If you’re not sure whether your current auto policy includes roadside assistance, or whether it’s worth keeping once you have AAA, we’re happy to walk you through the pros and cons.
As your insurance resource, we want you protected in the smartest and most cost-effective way possible.