As a member of AAA, you now have the resources, protection and peace of mind provided by the largest and most experienced emergency roadside program in the nation. Read through this guide and keep it handy for future reference. It will tell you what you need to do when you need emergency assistance on the road, and it fully details all the services covered under your membership.

How to Obtain AAA Emergency Road Service

When you need assistance from AAA on the road, call the 24-hour AAA Emergency Road Service phone number – 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357). This number is also printed on the front of your membership card. Please keep your card with you at all times. In order to efficiently expedite your service request, be prepared to provide the customer service representative with your name, membership number, club code, expiration date, type of vehicle, nature of the problem, exact location of the vehicle and tow destination (if towing becomes necessary).

You may also contact us by going online to AAA.com, clicking on “Emergency Road Service” in the box below the AAA card, and then clicking on “Emergency Road Service Online.”

Remember, AAA membership benefits are granted to the member, not the vehicle. Emergency road service (ERS) is designed to assist you in an emergency when you are stranded with an eligible disabled vehicle, whether you are the driver or the passenger.

Eligible Vehicles

Vehicles eligible for AAA Basic and AAA Plus emergency road service are four-wheeled, motor-driven vehicles of the passenger or pleasure types. Rented passenger vehicles and pick-up trucks also are eligible. Under AAA Basic and AAA Plus, motorcycles are eligible for locksmith and fuel delivery services only.

In addition to vehicles eligible under AAA Basic and AAA Plus, a AAA Plus RV membership provides you with coverage for the following eligible vehicles: factory RVs, motor homes and pickups with campers; motorcycles; eligible vehicles towing the following eligible trailers: boat, travel, horse, motorcycle, snowmobile, personal watercraft, golf, car or utility; and select small rental trailers that meet specific outlined trailer guidelines. (NOTE: With AAA Basic and AAA Plus memberships, pickup trucks with campers, and motor homes are eligible for all services except towing, extrication/winching and tire service.)

Box vans, cube vans, sprinter vans, taxicabs, limousines, shuttle vehicles, hearses, emergency responder vehicles, landscaping vehicles and any vehicle with a snow plow attachment are not covered by AAA emergency road service.

Service Guidelines

ERS is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in the United States and Canada. (From time to time, service interruption may be possible. Refer to the “Alternate Service” section in this brochure for further explanation.) Service is intended to provide emergency assistance to enable a vehicle to operate under its own power or to transport it to a place of repair or safekeeping. It is not intended as a solution for a pre-existing condition or a substitute for proper maintenance.

To ensure an accurate record of each membership, our computerized record-keeping system tracks the number of ERS calls used. Each member may request ERS as often as needed, but after four (4) service calls, members may obtain AAA Basic services only. They can do so by paying the service provider at the time of service at a special reduced member rate, including a reduced per-mile rate for any tow beyond five miles. AAA will inform the member of these charges at the time service is requested.

Members will be notified by mail after the fourth (4th) ERS use during a membership year. Members traveling outside of AAA Washington’s territory using a fifth or subsequent emergency road service call will be charged by the out of territory servicing club either at the scene or by bill, depending on that club’s policy. When the membership year is renewed, a member’s original membership plan is reinstated and services will be provided at that plan level (AAA Plus or AAA Plus RV) upon payment of the annual dues.

A person requesting to join AAA during his/her first ERS call will be charged a $20 same-day service fee and provided with AAA Basic services, regardless of membership plan paid for when joining. Service on future ERS requests will be provided according to the new member’s membership plan level.

Upgrading to AAA Plus and AAA Plus RV is available to members at any time, and we recommend reviewing the plan options periodically. Upgrades at the time of disablement will be allowed, but ERS service will be provided at the original plan level. Exceptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Service Providers

AAA selects ERS service providers for their ability to handle service calls. AAA’s contracted responders are independent service providers who have agreed to render service to AAA members. AAA does not control, supervise or assume any responsibility for the performance or methods of operation of the service outlets. If there are damages resulting from the road services provided, AAA Washington is not liable. Responsibility for loss, damage or unsatisfactory workmanship remains with the service provider providing the service. However, AAA will make every effort to assist the member in seeking resolution when appropriate by acting as a liaison between the member and the service provider.

Service Definitions

Emergency Towing

Towing service is provided to eligible vehicles that cannot be started or driven safely under the vehicle’s own power. If roadside first aid measures fail to get the vehicle going, AAA will tow the vehicle. Members may have their vehicle towed at AAA’s expense from the point of breakdown back to the AAA facility answering the call, or to any location within the driving radius allotted by your type of membership.

AAA Basic provides members with up to five miles of towing. With AAA Plus and AAA Plus RV, you substantially increase your towing privileges – up to 100 miles of towing. In addition, with AAA Plus RV, in the event that a breakdown occurs to the vehicle towing a one (1) or two (2) axle travel, boat, horse, motorcycle, snowmobile, golf, utility or car trailer, the trailer is eligible for limited service and will be towed to the nearest place of safekeeping (typically a locked and secured area) en route to the tow destination.

AAA and its service providers utilize towing equipment as prescribed by vehicle manufacturers. If a member requests equipment not mandated by the vehicle’s manufacturer for the safe transport of the vehicle (e.g. a flatbed), the member will be required to pay any additional fees to the service provider at the time of service.

After regular business hours, when most repair facilities are closed, vehicles will be dropped at the repair facility site and the keys placed in the key drop box, if one is provided by the repair facility. Arrangements with the repair facility are the responsibility of the member. Any storage fees that a repair facility might charge will be the member’s responsibility. When a place of safekeeping is not available, the member and the service provider must establish a mutually agreed upon site (e.g. a lighted parking lot or highway rest area), where the vehicle may be dropped until such time that additional arrangements can be made to tow to the desired location. In the event of any damage while in an unsecured location, AAA and the service provider will make every reasonable effort to resolve the matter.

Battery Service

If your battery is run down and your eligible vehicle won’t start, AAA will come to your aid. We’ll give the battery a jump-start or make minor mechanical adjustments to place the disabled vehicle in operating condition, if permitted by the vehicle’s manufacturer. Service does not include replacement parts. If the vehicle cannot be started, towing will apply for eligible vehicles as described in the “Emergency Towing” section. This benefit does not include battery service to motorcycles, boats, jet skis, golf carts or snowmobiles.

In greater metropolitan areas, AAA provides mobile battery service. This efficient service comes to your home, business or other convenient location to test, jump-start or, if you choose, replace your battery on the spot with a AAA-branded battery at a member-discounted price. When calling for service, AAA’s customer service representatives will be able to advise whether this service is available at the desired location. Mobile battery service calls involving the purchase of a AAA battery or the warranty replacement of a AAA battery, do not count toward the four (4) ERS calls provided per membership year.

Lockout

If locked out, service will be sent and an attempt will be made to gain entry. If the service provider cannot gain entry, or the key that operates or provides access to the passenger compartment of the vehicle is lost or broken, locksmith service may be required as defined in the section below.

Locksmith

If locksmith service is needed, service will be sent if it is available in the area. In order to ensure the protection of AAA members’ vehicles, the registered owner must be present and must present their membership card, their photo identification and their vehicle’s registration papers prior to the replacement of an ignition key.

• AAA Basic provides up to $50 for locksmith service for replacement of the ignition key only.
• AAA Plus and AAA Plus RV provide up to $100 for locksmith service for replacement of the ignition key only.

Due to continuing advances in technology and manufacturer programmed key codes, we may not be able to make new keys for some vehicle makes and/or models. Towing will be provided if locksmith service is unavailable. (This benefit does not include coverage for locking gas caps, trunks and anti-theft devices.)

Flat Tire

If the eligible vehicle’s spare tire is inflated and legal, it will be installed to replace a flat tire. Towing will apply for eligible vehicles without an inflatable spare tire as described in the “Emergency Towing” section.

Fuel

An emergency supply of fuel, if available, will be delivered to the disabled eligible vehicle to enable driving to reach the nearest source of fuel, unless delivery is prohibited by law or by the service provider’s insurance company. AAA Basic members are charged current pump prices for fuel delivery. AAA Plus and AAA Plus RV members are provided an emergency supply of fuel at no cost.

Specific brands, quantities or octane ratings are not guaranteed. If fuel is not available, towing provisions will apply for eligible vehicles as described in the “Emergency Towing” section. This benefit does not include delivery of fuel for use in portable or on-board generators, boat engines, jet skis or snowmobiles.

Winching/Extrication

AAA will provide winching service if the eligible vehicle can be safely reached from a public highway, road, thoroughfare, driveway or parking lot.

AAA Basic provides one service truck and driver for winching service. With AAA Plus and AAA Plus RV, a second truck and driver, if required, will be provided for up to one hour at the scene at no charge. If additional personnel and/or equipment are required, any associated costs are at the member’s expense and payment will be required at the time of service to the service provider.

Limitations Concerning AAA Plus RV Service for Trailers

AAA Plus RV provides tire service and towing up to 100 miles from the point of disablement at no cost for trailers described under the “Eligible Vehicles” section. Trailers must be one (1) or two (2) axles, and for non-commercial use. Loaded trailers may need to be unloaded, at the member’s expense, in order to render safe service. Care and protection of the trailer and the member’s property, as well as the safety of AAA’s service providers, will be the deciding factors. Each situation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis as determined by AAA and its service providers.

If the vehicle towing the trailer becomes disabled and the trailer is not in need of service, the trailer may be towed to a nearby place of safekeeping (typically a locked and secured area). In some cases, it will not always be possible to tow a trailer to the same destination as the disabled vehicle.

Winching coverage does not include retrieving boat trailers immersed in water. Coverage for boat trailers on designated boat launching ramps will be provided to the edge of the water.

Service may not be available for trailers when traveling out of AAA Washington’s service territory. If charged for a service that would have been normally provided within AAA Washington’s territory, members may apply for reimbursement consideration.

Accident, Warranty, Fire, Vandalism and Recovery of Stolen Vehicle Towing

AAA will provide towing to assist members involved in a disablement as a result of an accident, fire, theft of parts or vandalism, and the recovery of a stolen vehicle that is disabled. Towing service is provided for recovered stolen vehicles that are disabled and only covers for towing from the impound lot to a repair facility or the member’s home. Towing costs incurred at the time of the recovery by police are not covered and not reimbursable by AAA emergency road service. Any extra costs incurred for towing these types of disablements (additional personnel, mileage or special equipment) are the responsibility of the member and must be paid to the service provider at the time of service.

Altered Vehicles

Towing or servicing vehicles that have been altered will be evaluated by AAA and its service providers on a case-by-case basis. Care and protection of the member’s vehicle and the safety of our service providers will be the deciding factors. In some cases, in order to tow, a member may be required to sign a damage waiver release. In these cases, AAA and its service providers are not liable for damage. If service is provided, additional charges for personnel and equipment may be required and are the responsibility of the member and payable to the service provider at the time of service. Examples of alterations include, but are not limited to, vehicles that are lowered, raised, have after-market kits installed, have extra-wide or oversized tires, and pick-ups with modified beds.

Alternate Service

There may be times when AAA ERS is not available and a member may need to obtain service from a provider not associated with AAA. If service is not available and the member has followed the procedures outlined in these guidelines, the member may obtain service elsewhere, pay for it and submit the original itemized receipt to AAA within 180 days for reimbursement consideration. AAA will fully reimburse the member up to the limits of the membership level at prevailing commercial rates for the region.

If AAA ERS is available but is not requested or utilized through AAA and the procedures outlined in these guidelines, AAA will reimburse members at the prevailing contracted rate paid to AAA’s service providers.

Reimbursements

When requesting reimbursement for ERS, please mail the original itemized receipt indicating the date and the type of service provided along with a short note of explanation to the address below. If requesting a prorated refund under the battery service warranty program, please include the battery sales receipt, failed battery test report and warranty paperwork.

AAA Washington
Attn: Automotive Services
P.O. Box 91246
Bellevue, WA 98009-9845

Emergency Check Acceptance

If you don’t have cash or an acceptable credit card for reimbursement services or services not covered by AAA, your personal check for the exact amount will be accepted by the responding AAA service provider upon presentation of a current membership card and proper identification.

Service Outside of AAA Washington’s Area

Your AAA ERS coverage is valid throughout the United States and Canada. However, slight variations in the method of delivery of service may be experienced when outside AAA Washington’s geographical territory. Due to the size of some RVs, not all AAA service providers are capable of providing tire changing, towing and winching services. Service outside AAA Washington’s territory is provided according to the rules and regulations of the AAA/CAA organization in whose territory the disablement occurs. Members may apply for reimbursement consideration if charged for a service in another AAA/CAA organization’s territory that would have been provided without charge if the disablement had occurred in AAA Washington’s territory.

Your Patience Is Appreciated

AAA’s goal is to provide efficient quality service to our members. Service delays and interruptions are sometimes unavoidable due to metropolitan traffic congestion and heavy demands for service during unusual conditions. Extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, extreme heat, and snow and ice can create service demands that exceed available resources. In addition, natural disasters, civil disorder, hazardous material spills, fire and telephone or communication system failures may cause service interruptions.

The Fine Print

1. The member must be present at the time of disablement and when service arrives, unless being present would jeopardize their personal safety. When service is rendered, the member will need to present their valid AAA membership card and photo identification to the service provider. As a reminder, ERS covers the member, not the vehicle. AAA’s request that the member be present and provide photo identification is to ensure protection of the member’s vehicle and property and to reduce AAA and its service providers’ liability. In some circumstances, the owner of the vehicle must also be present. AAA will consider extenuating circumstances for service requests where the member is not present but reserves the right to require the member’s and/or vehicle owner’s presence in order to render service.
2. ERS is designed to assist members in an emergency when they are stranded with an eligible disabled vehicle. AAA and its service providers are dedicated to assisting by providing towing service for safety and repair needs. Service for an unattended vehicle or for a vehicle that can be safely driven is not covered under AAA ERS. For eligible vehicles, towing to repair facilities, residences or a place of safekeeping is covered under AAA’s ERS guidelines. Typically, AAA provides one towing service per disablement. Towing from one repair facility to another repair facility will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Towing vehicles to or from disposal facilities, vehicle transport facilities, impound lots (except when a vehicle has been impounded while awaiting arrival of a AAA service provider) and auction lots are not covered by AAA ERS.
3. At the time of service, the member will need to accompany the vehicle to the towing destination. This is to ensure the vehicle is processed by the service provider and received by the designated tow-to-destination as requested by the member. In the majority of situations, the service provider will be able to accommodate the vehicle driver and one passenger in their towing vehicle for the drive to the towing destination. Additional passengers most likely will not be able to be accommodated due to seating and safety belt capacities, and safety laws. Arrangements for their safe transport will need to be made by the member. AAA’s customer service representatives will assist when possible.
4. ERS is contingent on the ability to deliver service using equipment available to AAA and/or its service providers. Additional equipment or personnel may be required at times to safely provide service. When this additional equipment or personnel exceeds the established benefit level of the respective membership level, these costs will be the responsibility of the member and payment will be made to the service provider at the time of service.
5. Vehicles with cargo may need to be secured or possibly unloaded at the member’s expense before AAA can render safe service. Care and protection of the member’s vehicle and cargo, as well as the safety of our service providers, will be the deciding factors. Each situation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis as determined by AAA and its service providers.
6. Towing or servicing altered vehicles will be evaluated by AAA and its service providers on a case-by-case basis. Care and protection of the member’s vehicle and the safety of our service providers will be the deciding factors.
7. Ferry, toll bridge or toll road charges for the member’s vehicle are the responsibility of the member. Fees of this nature for the service vehicle and service vehicle driver are covered by AAA.
8. ERS is not provided for disablements that occur on logging roads, restricted forest service roads, barricaded roads, construction areas, beaches, creek and river beds, railroad beds, railroad right of ways and sand dunes. Additionally, vehicles that become disabled as a result of being driven on roads or in areas that are dangerous or inadvisable are not covered. Suitability of safe passage on roadways or areas will be determined by AAA and its service providers.
9. In the case of snow and ice, service providers will prioritize calls based on requests from local and state road officials that focus on accidents, interstates, highways and key intersection blockings. Other requests will be handled based on service provider availability and the determination of safe road conditions. Winching and extrication from snow and ice will be to the shoulder of the road when available. Once extricated, the vehicle will have to proceed under its own power. Towing solely due to weather conditions is not covered.
10. Services that are not covered or provided by AAA include, but are not limited to, battery charging, delivery and replacement of vehicle fluids, repair costs and preventative maintenance, tire repair and tire rotation, and installation and removal of chains.
11. AAA does not provide trip interruption coverage or reimbursement costs for rental vehicles, taxis, motels, etc. that may be incurred during an ERS disablement.
12. ERS coverage and guidelines governing such service, as well as the fees associated with these services, are subject to change without notice.
13. AAA reserves the right to cancel membership and refuse service for nonpayment of dues or fees.
14. AAA and its service providers reserve the right to refuse service and/or cancel the membership of those members who verbally or physically threaten AAA’s employees, associates and/or its service providers.

Privacy Policy

AAA and its affiliates respect your privacy. We want to assure you that safeguarding information about you is important to us. We gather nonpublic personal information about you to conduct business on your behalf, provide superior service and communicate offers on products and services that we believe will be of interest or benefit to you.

Categories of Information We Collect and May Disclose

We collect and use nonpublic personal information about you to process your membership forms and provide information about products and services that may save you time and money.

Most of the nonpublic personal information that AAA collects comes directly from you on applications or other forms you provide us, our affiliates or our business partners; and information about transactions you conduct through us, our affiliates or business partners. We may disclose any of the above information that we collect to affiliates and nonaffiliated third parties as described below.

Persons to Whom We Disclose the Information

We may disclose nonpublic personal information about you to the following types of nonaffiliated and affiliated third parties: financial service providers, such as banks and insurance agents; and non-financial companies, such as direct marketers and travel agencies. We may also disclose nonpublic personal information about you to nonaffiliated third parties as permitted by law.

Information Security

We restrict access to customer information to those employees who require it in order to provide products and services to you. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.

How to Limit Disclosures

If you prefer that we not disclose nonpublic personal information about you to nonaffiliated third parties, you may “opt out” of those disclosures – that is, you may direct us not to make those disclosures (other than disclosures required or permitted by law). The request from any member or customer residing in your household will apply to all members and customers in your household.

In addition, if you prefer not to receive future AAA special value-added offers and notifications of products, services and special savings opportunities from us or our marketing partners, you may direct us not to contact you, via mail or telemarketing, with such offers or savings opportunities. (If you are a AAA member, you will continue to receive our Journey publication and annual membership renewal information and billing statements.)

If you wish to exercise either or both of your opt out rights as described above, you must do so in writing by filing a AAA Marketing Disclosure Opt Out Form with us. To request a copy of the AAA Marketing Disclosure Opt Out Form, call us at (888) 243-9815, or write to us at:

Chief Privacy Officer
AAA Washington
1745 114th Avenue Southeast
Bellevue, WA 98004

Your request will take effect within 60 days after you return the AAA Marketing Disclosure Opt Out Form to us. (A postage-paid envelope will be supplied.)

Rev0508

All Things Automotive

• Emergency Road Service
• Emergency Road Service Online
• Emergency Road Service Guidelines
• Extended Road Service
• Service Reimbursement
• AAA Approved Auto Repair
• Mobile Battery Service
• Auto Care and Maintenance
• Car Buying and Selling
• AAA Auto Insurance
• Join AAA Today