AARP offers roadside service through a partnership with Better World Club, not as a direct AARP program

AARP members can purchase roadside information through Better World Club, a roadside service company that AARP endorses and negotiates discounted rates for. This is not a benefit that comes automatically with AARP membership — you pay a separate annual fee to add it. The service covers towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, and other common roadside emergencies.

The partnership works because Better World Club focuses on environmentally responsible towing and repair shops, which aligns with AARP's member values. However, AARP also partners with other roadside service providers in some states, so the exact options available to you depend on where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP members can purchase Better World Club roadside service at a discounted rate, but it is not included in your AARP membership automatically.
  • The service covers towing up to 100 miles, lockouts, fuel delivery, battery service, and other common roadside emergencies.
  • You pay an annual membership fee to Better World Club directly, separate from your AARP dues.
  • AARP also partners with other roadside service providers in some states, so compare what is available in your area before signing up.

What Better World Club covers

Better World Club's roadside service includes towing up to 100 miles to a repair shop of your choice, lockout service if you are locked out of your vehicle, fuel delivery if you run out of gas, battery service, and winch-out service if you are stuck in a ditch or off the road. The service also covers flat tire changes and jump starts. You call a single phone number and dispatch sends help to your location.

The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You do not have to be a member of any particular repair shop or dealership — you can choose where the tow truck takes your car. This matters if you have a mechanic you trust or if you want to go to a dealership rather than an independent shop.

How much it costs and what you pay

Better World Club charges an annual membership fee that varies depending on the level of coverage you choose. As of 2024, basic coverage starts around $60 to $80 per year for AARP members, though the exact price changes and may differ by state. You pay this fee directly to Better World Club, not to AARP, and you renew it each year.

Some plans include additional services like fuel delivery or lockout service at no extra charge, while others charge per incident. Read the plan details carefully before you sign up, because the cheapest plan may not cover everything you need. Better World Club's website shows the current rates and what each plan includes in your state.

How to sign up through AARP

You can sign up for Better World Club roadside service through AARP's website or by calling AARP's member services line. AARP will direct you to Better World Club's enrollment page, where you enter your vehicle information and choose your coverage level. The process takes about 10 minutes online.

When you enroll, you receive a membership card and a phone number to call if you need roadside help. Keep the card in your vehicle or save the phone number in your phone. You do not need to do anything else — the service is active as soon as your payment clears.

Other roadside service options for AARP members

AARP also partners with AAA in some states, and some AARP members already have roadside service through their auto insurance or credit card. Before you pay for Better World Club, check whether your current insurance policy or credit card already includes roadside information. Many policies cover towing and lockouts at no extra cost.

If you are a AAA member, AAA's roadside service may cost less or offer more coverage than Better World Club, depending on your AAA membership level. Compare the towing distance, the number of service calls included per year, and what emergencies are covered before you decide which service to buy.

What happens when you call for help

When you need roadside service, call the phone number on your Better World Club card. Tell the dispatcher your location, the problem with your vehicle, and where you want the tow truck to take your car. The dispatcher will give you an estimated arrival time, usually 30 minutes to an hour depending on how far away the nearest tow truck is.

The tow truck driver will arrive, assess the problem, and either fix it on the spot (for lockouts, dead batteries, or fuel delivery) or tow your vehicle to the repair shop you chose. You do not pay the tow truck driver — Better World Club covers the cost as part of your membership. If the repair shop charges you for the actual repair work, that is separate from the roadside service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is roadside service included in my AARP membership?

No. Roadside service is a separate purchase. You must sign up for Better World Club or another roadside service provider and pay an annual fee. AARP negotiates a discount for members, but the service itself is optional.

Can I use Better World Club if I do not have an AARP membership?

Yes, but you will pay the full price instead of the AARP member discount. Non-members typically pay more per year. If you are considering joining AARP partly for the roadside service discount, calculate whether the AARP membership fee plus the discounted roadside service costs less than roadside service alone.

What if I already have roadside service through my car insurance?

Check your insurance policy to see what is covered — towing distance, types of emergencies, and the number of calls per year. If your insurance covers what you need, you do not need to buy Better World Club. If your insurance coverage is limited, Better World Club may be worth the extra cost.

How far will Better World Club tow my car?

Standard coverage includes towing up to 100 miles to a repair shop of your choice. Some higher-tier plans may offer longer distances. Check your plan details or call Better World Club to confirm the towing distance included in your specific membership level.

What if the tow truck cannot fix my problem on the road?

The tow truck will take your vehicle to the repair shop you choose. You are responsible for paying the repair shop for any work they do on your car — the roadside service only covers the tow and the emergency roadside help, not the actual repairs.