How to Cancel AAA Membership in 2026 (Is Roadside Assistance Worth $200/Year?)
Updated 2026-02-18 · 6 min read
💡 You Probably Already Have Roadside Assistance
Before canceling (or keeping) AAA, check: your car insurance likely includes roadside assistance for $2-5/month. Many credit cards (AmEx, some Visa Signature) include it free. Your car manufacturer may include it for the first 3-5 years. You might be triple-paying for the same thing.
Premier: $180-230/year — 200-mile tow, one free day car rental with tow
Prices vary by region (AAA is a federation of clubs)
Associate members (family): $35-65/year each
How to Cancel AAA
Option 1: Call (Fastest)
Call 1-800-222-4357 (1-800-AAA-HELP)
Say "cancel my membership"
Have your membership number ready
They will try to retain you — be firm
Option 2: Visit a Branch
Walk into any AAA branch with your membership card. Cancellation is processed same-day.
Option 3: Write/Email
Send a cancellation request to your local AAA club. Find your club at aaa.com. Include your name, membership number, and "I request immediate cancellation."
⚠️ No Online Cancellation
AAA does not allow online cancellation. You must call, visit, or write. This is intentional friction — they know most people won't bother.
Refunds
Within 3 months of renewal: Most clubs offer a prorated refund
After 3 months: Refund policies vary by club — some offer prorated, some don't
If you haven't used any services: Better chance of full refund — mention this when calling
Auto-renewal: If charged unexpectedly, call immediately — AAA usually reverses it
Alternatives to AAA
Your car insurance ($2-5/mo add-on): GEICO, Progressive, State Farm all offer roadside assistance for a fraction of AAA's cost. Same services: tow, battery, lockout, flat tire.
Your credit card (free): AmEx Platinum, some Visa Signature/Infinite, Costco Citi include roadside. Check your card benefits.
Your car warranty (free): Most new cars include 3-5 years of manufacturer roadside assistance (Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, etc.)
Honk/Urgent.ly app ($79/year or pay-per-use): On-demand roadside, often faster than AAA, transparent pricing
T-Mobile ($2/mo): Roadside assistance add-on for T-Mobile customers
What You Lose (Besides Roadside)
AAA isn't just roadside assistance. Make sure you don't need:
Discounts: Hotels, rental cars, attractions — typically 5-20% off. But similar discounts exist through AARP, credit cards, or just asking.
Travel planning: Free TripTik maps and tour books. Replaced by Google Maps and TripAdvisor.
DMV services: Some AAA offices handle DMV transactions (license renewal, registration). Check if your local branch does this.
Notary services: Free for members. Available at UPS Store or banks for $5-15.
Identity theft protection: Included in some tiers. Better options exist (see our other guides).
What memberships are you paying for?
AAA, Costco, Sam's Club, gym memberships — upload your bank statement and JustCancel finds every recurring charge.