AARP does not offer free towing directly, but members get discounts on towing through roadside information programs
AARP itself does not run a towing service or provide free towing to members. What AARP offers is a discount on roadside information memberships that include towing as one benefit. The most common option is a discounted rate on AAA membership, which covers towing up to a certain distance (usually 100 miles) when your car breaks down or you lock yourself out.
The discount varies depending on your AARP membership level and your state, but AARP members typically pay less for AAA membership than the general public. You still pay for the AAA membership itself — it is not free — but the towing service is included once you join AAA through the AARP offer.
Some AARP members also have access to towing through their auto insurance policy or through a separate roadside information plan. Before you buy anything through AARP, check what coverage you already have, because many insurance companies include roadside information at no extra cost.
Key Takeaways
- AARP offers discounted AAA membership, which includes towing, but you must pay for the AAA membership itself.
- AAA towing typically covers up to 100 miles, though the exact distance depends on your membership level and plan.
- Many auto insurance policies already include roadside information with towing, so check your current coverage before purchasing a separate plan.
- AARP also partners with other roadside information providers in some states, so the available options depend on where you live.
- You must call AAA or your roadside information provider when you need towing — AARP does not dispatch the tow truck itself.
How AARP's AAA discount works
When you join AAA through an AARP offer, you receive a membership card and a phone number to call when you need roadside help. The discount AARP negotiates with AAA reduces what you pay for the annual membership, but AAA is the organization that actually sends the tow truck and handles the service.
The membership covers not just towing but also lockout service, fuel delivery, battery service, and flat tire changes. Towing distance limits vary — some plans cover 100 miles, others cover more — so read the plan details before you commit. The discount is usually between 5 and 10 percent off the standard AAA rate, though this changes by state and membership tier.
To use the service, you call the number on your AAA card when you have a breakdown. AAA dispatches a local tow operator to your location. You do not pay anything at the time of service if the call is covered under your membership — the tow operator bills AAA directly. If you need towing beyond the covered distance, you pay the difference.
What to check before buying AARP roadside information
Many people already have roadside information through their auto insurance without realizing it. Before you purchase an AAA membership through AARP, call your insurance company and ask whether roadside information is included in your current policy. If it is, you may not need to buy anything extra.
Also check whether your credit card offers roadside information as a cardholder benefit. Some premium credit cards include towing and lockout service at no cost. If you have roadside information through multiple sources, you only need to use one when you have a breakdown.
If you do not have roadside information anywhere else, the AARP-AAA discount is one way to get it. Compare the discounted AARP rate against the cost of AAA membership purchased directly and against other roadside information plans available in your state. Some states have regional providers that may cost less than AAA.
How to find the AARP roadside information offer
Log into your AARP account online and look for the "Discounts & Benefits" or "Member Discounts" section. Search for "roadside information" or "AAA" to find current offers in your state. The available programs vary by location, so what is offered in one state may not be available in another.
You can also call AARP member services at 1-888-687-2277 and ask what roadside information options are available to you. They can tell you the current discount rate, what is covered, and how to enroll. Have your AARP membership number ready when you call.
When you enroll through AARP, you receive your AAA membership materials by mail, usually within one to two weeks. Do not wait until you have a breakdown to sign up — set it up while your car is running fine so you have the card and phone number ready if you need it.
What happens when you call for towing
When your car breaks down, call the roadside information number on your membership card. Have your membership number, your location, and a description of the problem ready. The dispatcher will ask where you want the tow truck to take your car — usually your mechanic or a nearby repair shop.
The tow truck arrives within the timeframe the dispatcher gives you, which is usually 30 to 60 minutes in urban areas and longer in rural areas. The operator tows your car to the location you requested. If the towing distance exceeds your membership limit, you pay the extra cost at that time or arrange to pay later.
Keep your receipt for your records. If there is a problem with the service — the truck did not arrive, the distance was charged incorrectly, or the car was damaged — contact AAA directly with your receipt and membership number to file a complaint or dispute.
Other AARP discounts on car services
Beyond roadside information, AARP negotiates discounts with some auto repair chains and service providers. These are not free services, but members pay less than the standard rate. Check the AARP website or call member services to see what auto repair discounts are available near you.
AARP also offers discounts on car rentals, travel insurance, and roadside information plans through other providers depending on your state. The full list of available discounts changes, so check your account periodically to see what new offers have been added.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is towing really free if I have AARP membership?
No. You pay for the AAA membership (at a discounted AARP rate), and then towing is included in that membership. The towing itself does not cost extra once you are a member, but the membership has an annual fee. If you need towing beyond the covered distance, you pay the additional cost.
Can I use AARP roadside information if my car is not paid off?
Yes. Roadside information is based on your membership, not on car ownership or loan status. As long as you have an active AAA membership through AARP, you can call for towing regardless of who owns the car or whether there is a loan on it.
What if I need towing more than 100 miles away?
AAA will tow you up to your membership limit (usually 100 miles) at no cost. If you need to go farther, you pay the tow operator for the additional distance. Some AAA plans offer longer distances for a higher membership fee, so ask about those options when you enroll.
Does AARP roadside information cover towing if I run out of gas?
Yes. AAA roadside information includes fuel delivery, so if you run out of gas, they will bring fuel to you. You pay for the fuel itself, but the delivery service is covered. This is faster and safer than walking to a gas station.
How do I cancel AARP roadside information if I do not need it?
Contact AAA directly using the number on your membership card or their website. You can cancel at any time, though some plans have a cancellation fee if you cancel within a certain period. Check your membership agreement for the cancellation terms before you enroll.