Updated: January 25, 2026
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
AAA ranks 13th for full coverage affordability and 10th for minimum liability coverage, with monthly rates of $155 and $68, respectively.
AAA ranks seventh nationwide for customer satisfaction thanks to its agent service and positive member reviews on forums.
Curious what real drivers think? We looked through reviews and forum discussions to see what policyholders are actually saying. Read more.
AAA ranks 11th among the best car insurance companies nationally, putting it in the middle of the pack for drivers. The company performs well in customer experience and coverage options, with dependable service and a wide range of protection choices.
This ranking is based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and a clean driving record. Where AAA ranks for you depends on what coverage you need.
| Overall Score | 3.73 | 13 |
| Customer Experience | 4.36 | 7 |
| Coverage | 3.26 | 7 |
| Affordability | 3.5 | 14 |
MoneyGeek evaluated AAA using our methodology that weighs affordability, coverage breadth and customer experience.Policyholders offer insights that numbers alone can't capture. We reviewed feedback from AAA customers to understand what works well and what frustrates them about their insurance experience.
Drivers often praise AAA's roadside assistance integration, quick emergency response during breakdowns and fair total loss valuations. Common complaints include premiums that cost more than direct competitors, claim valuations based on out-of-region vehicle comparables and poor communication during lengthy claim processes.
Here's what MoneyGeek users say about their experiences with AAA car insurance.
★★★★★ (5 stars) | Posted by CollisionClaimCA "Had a collision claim with AAA and they handled everything smoothly. My sister hit a deer and we had zero complaints — quick contact, fast inspection and they paid for everything without any hassle. The claim service was pretty solid and the whole process was way easier than I expected." |
★★★★ (4 stars) | Posted by TotalLossWinner "Their car insurance is awesome and they always treat me right. When my car got totaled, AAA gave me $4,000 over the Kelley Blue Book price! They handled my claim really quickly and made sure I had everything I needed. This company goes above and beyond if they're your insurance carrier." |
★★★★★ (5 stars) | Posted by RedditRoadside2024 "AAA costs more than GEICO but when you factor in the roadside assistance, travel discounts and other member benefits, the total value makes sense. Got help in under 30 minutes even on a busy holiday. It's more than just insurance — knowing someone will actually show up when you need it most is worth the extra cost." |
★★★★★ (5 stars) | Posted by RoadsideLifesaver "The roadside assistance alone is worth the AAA membership. I've used it four times this year for flat tires and dead batteries. Response time is always under 45 minutes and the drivers are professional." |
★★★★★ (5 stars) | Posted by MemberPerksReal "Between the insurance discount, hotel savings and roadside service, my AAA membership pays for itself three times over. Plus I get discounts at restaurants and retail stores I already shop at." |
★★★★★ (5 stars) | Posted by TravelEmergency "Had a breakdown 200 miles from home and AAA sent a tow truck within 30 minutes. They towed me to a dealership and helped me find a hotel nearby. Membership has saved me multiple times." |
★★★★☆ (4 stars) | Posted by MultiCarSavings "Insuring two vehicles with AAA and the member discount plus multi-car discount makes it very competitive. Haven't had to file claims yet but the roadside service has been excellent." |
★★★★☆ (4 stars) | Posted by LocalOfficeHelp "Went into the local AAA office to update my coverage and they helped me right away. The agent reviewed my policy and found me a few extra discounts I was missing." |
★★★★☆ (4 stars) | Posted by ClaimProcessFair "Filed a comprehensive claim for storm damage and AAA handled it professionally. The adjuster was thorough and fair. Got my payout within two weeks with no hassle." |
★★★★☆ (4 stars) | Posted by TripPlanning "Used AAA travel services to plan our vacation and got the insurance through them too. Everything was convenient in one place and they saved us money on hotels and rental cars." |
★★ (2 stars) | Posted by AccidentWaitGame "Had a car accident in August where my car was hit. I reported it with photos and the other driver's info to AAA and never heard back. Called and left voicemails for months until today when they finally told me my vehicle wasn't covered because I only had liability. They refuse to provide the other party's insurance information so I can file through his insurance. The lack of communication and professionalism is the worst I've ever experienced." |
★ (1 star) | Posted by CanceledAndCharged "Joined AAA two years ago and it was the worst mistake I ever made. They overcharge for coverage and nickel and dime you to death. When you cancel they add enormous fees with no justification. The customer service is horrible and they have automatic debit so they can get whatever they want out of your account. Do your research before entering an agreement with this company." |
★★ (2 stars) | Posted by CaliforniaComps "Absolutely disappointed with AAA's claims department. They severely undervalued my car by using comparable vehicles from Florida when I live in California. The cars they used didn't even match the year or condition of my vehicle. I sent them five local comparables and they refused to consider them. Feels like they're trying to cheat me out of what I'm fairly owed." |
★★☆☆☆ (2 stars) | Posted by PremiumNotCompetitive "AAA insurance rates are higher than I can find elsewhere. Even with the member discount, I'm paying $200 more per year than quotes I got from Geico and Progressive for the same coverage." |
★★☆☆☆ (2 stars) | Posted by ClaimDraggedOut "My claim took three months to resolve when it should've been straightforward. The adjuster was slow to respond and I had to keep calling for updates. Very frustrating experience." |
★★☆☆☆ (2 stars) | Posted by RoadsideInconsistent "Roadside service has been hit or miss. Sometimes they show up quickly, other times I've waited over two hours. Last time I was stranded at 10pm and had to call a private tow company." |
★☆☆☆☆ (1 star) | Posted by CoverageGaps "Had what I thought was comprehensive coverage but turns out there are tons of exclusions AAA never explained. When I needed to file a claim for something I assumed was covered, I got denied." |
★☆☆☆☆ (1 star) | Posted by CustomerServiceRudeAAA "Called with a question about my policy and the rep was incredibly rude. When I asked to speak to a supervisor I was put on hold for 25 minutes and then disconnected. Unacceptable." |
★☆☆☆☆ (1 star) | Posted by AutoRenewalScam "They auto-renewed my policy without telling me and charged my card. I had already switched to another company but AAA still took the payment. Took weeks to get my refund." |
★☆☆☆☆ (1 star) | Posted by TotalLossUnfair "My car was totaled and AAA offered me $6,000 when similar vehicles were selling for $9,000. I provided proof of value and they still wouldn't budge. Had to accept their lowball offer." |
AAA customers on Reddit and online forums praise the company's roadside assistance integration, membership benefits that go beyond insurance and dependable claim handling. They appreciate having complete roadside coverage and member perks.
Common complaints include higher premiums than direct insurers, limited availability in some states and the need to maintain AAA membership for the best rates and benefits.
Here's what real customers say about their experiences on forums:
Higher premiums than many competitors, but members often feel the total package justifies the cost:
"AAA insurance costs more than GEICO, but when you factor in the roadside assistance, travel discounts and other member benefits, the total value makes sense. It's more than just insurance."
Generally positive claim experiences with fair settlements and good coordination with other AAA services:
“Had a collision claim with AAA and they handled everything smoothly. Fair settlement, professional adjuster and they even coordinated towing through their roadside service seamlessly.”
Good customer service that benefits from the broader AAA membership relationship:
"AAA customer service is solid. They know I'm a long-term member and treat me accordingly. Reps are knowledgeable about both insurance and membership benefits."
The AAA mobile app receives solid ratings with 4.8 out of 5 on the Apple App Store and 4.6 out of 5 on Google Play. The app integrates insurance with broader AAA services:
"AAA's app is great because it handles everything: insurance, roadside assistance, member discounts, travel planning. Having it all in one place is really convenient."
Strong brand trust, particularly among long-term members who value the comprehensive service approach:
"AAA has been taking care of drivers for over 100 years. That history and reputation for member service gives me confidence they'll be there when I need them."
Solid coverage options with the advantage of seamless integration with AAA membership benefits:
"AAA offers standard coverage options plus some nice member-specific benefits. The integration with roadside assistance and travel services makes everything more convenient."
"Coverage choices are good, though not as extensive as some larger insurers. What sets them apart is how everything works together: insurance, roadside, discounts and travel services."
Negative reviews dominate forums and don't show the full picture of service quality. For a complete view, combine user reviews with industry resources like J.D. Power, independent agents, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and the Insurance Information Institute.
AAA works well for adult drivers, seniors, young drivers and those with DUIs who want broad coverage options and strong customer service. It's also a good choice for budget-conscious drivers seeking affordable rates. Drivers with bad credit or those who prefer digital-first experiences might find better options elsewhere.
Compare how AAA stacks up for your profile below.
| Overall Score | 3.57 | 14 |
AAA places in the top five insurers in five of the 51 states and territories reviewed. Although it does not rank first in any single state, it remains a strong option in several markets nationwide.
*Ratings are based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and a clean driving record who insures a 2012 Toyota Camry.
See how AAA compares with other large national insurers.
AAA vs. GEICO | 3.74 vs. 4.34 | Both companies match up on coverage, but GEICO wins with cheaper rates and better service. |
AAA vs. State Farm | 3.74 vs. 4.15 | Most drivers get more value from State Farm, which costs less and delivers better customer experiences. |
AAA vs. Progressive | 3.74 vs. 4.2 | Progressive pulls ahead in every area we measured: price, service quality and what's covered. |
AAA vs. Allstate | 3.74 vs. 3.78 | AAA costs less and treats customers better, but Allstate's broader coverage options tip the scales in its favor. |
AAA vs. USAA | 3.74 vs. 4.86 | Military members get far more from USAA, which dominated every category we tested. |
AAA vs. Travelers | 3.74 vs. 4.5 | Travelers comes out ahead whether you're comparing cost, what's included or how well they treat policyholders. |
AAA vs. Farmers | 3.74 vs. 3.86 | Farmers edges out AAA in most areas and it's worth considering if you have a spotty driving record. |
AAA car insurance costs range from $386 to $2,476 per month, varying based on your profile and what coverage you need. To find what you'll likely pay, check the national costs below broken down by age group, gender, coverage type, credit score and driving history.
| $592 | $7,107 | 71% | 16 |
AAA is much more expensive on average for most drivers, including those with accidents, violations, bad credit and adult and senior drivers. Review how much AAA costs for your driving category in the table below.
| Adult Drivers | $69 | $160 | 25% | 12 |
| Young Drivers | $153 | $358 | 13% | 9 |
| Senior Drivers | $96 | $201 | 28% | 13 |
| Drivers With An Accident | $112 | $253 | 36% | 15 |
| Drivers With A DUI | $174 | $367 | 66% | 16 |
| Drivers With A Speeding Ticket | $100 | $228 | 43% | 15 |
| Drivers With Bad Credit | $381 | $912 | 186% | 16 |
| Drivers With Low Income | $103 | $238 | 27% | 14 |
| Adult Drivers | $73 | $167 | 30% | 13 |
| Drivers With Newer Cars | $85 | $191 | 28% | 12 |
| Drivers With Old Cars | $58 | $130 | 13% | 12 |
*We modified all profiles based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violations, driving a 2012 Toyota Camry. Young drivers are 25 and under, adults 26 to 64 and seniors 65+. We changed the vehicle age to 2007 for older cars and 2025 for newer ones.
AAA's monthly rates vary from $38 to $275 across states. The company ranks among the five most affordable options in 4 out of 51 states and territories. Below you can review AAA's affordability and pricing for your area.
*Rates are based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit, no driving violations and a 2012 Toyota Camry.
AAA offers comprehensive auto insurance coverage with multiple discount opportunities for its members. Since you must be an AAA member to purchase their auto insurance, you automatically qualify for membership-related savings. AAA operates through regional clubs, so specific discounts and amounts vary by location. Check out its offerings:
Multi-Policy/Bundle | Variable | Bundle auto with AAA home, condo or renters insurance | Available where AAA writes insurance |
Multi-Car | Variable | 2+ vehicles on same policy | Available where AAA writes insurance |
Good Student | Variable | High school or college student with 3.0+ GPA | Available where AAA writes insurance |
AAA Membership | Up to 5% | Active AAA membership in any U.S. AAA club | Available where AAA writes insurance |
Good Driver | Variable | Based on years licensed and clean driving record | Available where AAA writes insurance |
Advanced Shopping | Variable | Quote initiated in advance with 6+ months prior coverage | Available where AAA writes insurance |
Auto Insurance Loyalty | Variable | Based on years with prior carrier and AAA | Available where AAA writes insurance |
AAA Membership Loyalty | Variable | Based on years of continuous AAA membership | Available where AAA writes insurance |
Mature Driver | Variable | Age 50+, complete state-approved mature driver course | Course must be completed within 3 years |
Distant Student | Variable | Student living 100+ miles from home without vehicle | Available where AAA writes insurance |
TeenSMART | Qualified teen drivers complete AAA safety program by age 19 | Available where AAA writes insurance | Available where AAA writes insurance |
Payment Plan | Variable | Specific payment method arrangement | Available where AAA writes insurance |
Life Insurance Companion | 5% | Own AAA life insurance policy with auto policy | Available where AAA writes insurance |
Safe Driver Program | Variable | Enroll in AAA's telematics/safe driving monitoring | Available through AAA mobile app |
AAA ranks seventh in overall customer satisfaction in MoneyGeek's comprehensive customer experience study. Customer reviews consistently highlight the company's knowledgeable agents and helpful phone support, though some policyholders report longer wait times during peak periods.
The company's mobile app and online portal receive positive feedback for ease of use, but claims processing generates mixed reviews, with some customers experiencing delays in settlement.
The following sections break down buying, policy management and claims process experiences based on MoneyGeek's research.
AAA offers quotes and purchasing through local offices, online or by phone, with the process varying by regional club. Members appreciate the personal service at local offices, where representatives understand AAA's full range of benefits and can bundle insurance with membership perks. The buying experience emphasizes the value of combined membership benefits, though insurance rates may be higher than discount competitors.
AAA's digital tools vary by region, with some clubs offering modern mobile apps and websites while others provide more basic online services. Members can handle payments, view policies and access digital ID cards, though the user experience differs between clubs. Policy changes often require contacting your local club, which some members prefer for the personal touch.
AAA's claims handling varies by regional club, but most offer 24/7 reporting and emphasize member service throughout the process. The integration with AAA's famous roadside assistance can be valuable when accidents happen, providing coordinated help for both immediate needs and insurance claims. Claims representatives generally understand the member relationship and may go the extra mile compared to purely transactional insurers.
AAA ranks well for financial strength from all industry rating agencies, and has strong scores overall among different J.D. Power studies. Here are AAA's scores from industry agencies.
AM Best Financial Strength | A+ (Superior) | A++ to D- | Superior ability to meet financial obligations and pay claims |
AM Best Long-Term Credit Standing | A | AAA to D | Excellent ability to meet ongoing financial obligations |
S&P Global Financial Strength | A | AAA to D | Strong capacity to meet financial obligations |
Moody's Financial Strength | Not rated | AAA to C | Not rated |
J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction | 706/1,000 | 1,000-point scale | Above average (industry average: 697) |
J.D. Power Digital Service Experience | 690/1,000 | 1,000-point scale | Below average (tied for 8th place) |
J.D. Power Auto Insurance Shopping Study | 707/1,000 (2nd of 18) | Out of 1,000 | 2nd out of 18 companies with a better than average experience |
J.D. Power Overal Customer Satisfaction | 676/1,000 | Out of 1,000 | Above average in all regions where ranked |
NAIC Auto Complaints | Varies by club | 1.00 is average | Will vary based on club location |
AAA provides standard coverage options like other major insurers, including liability, comprehensive and collision protection. The company also offers these additional add-ons:
24/7 Roadside Assistance | Towing, battery jump-start, lockout service, flat tire change, fuel delivery | Included with AAA Membership, up to 4 service calls per year, 20 minutes faster than competitors |
Gap Insurance | Covers difference between loan balance and actual cash value if vehicle is totaled | About 5% of annual premium cost, helps with upside-down loans |
Original Equipment Parts | Manufacturer parts instead of aftermarket parts for repairs | Excludes window glass and mechanical parts, premium add-on option |
Accident Assistance | Immediate help after crashes including tow, repair scheduling, claim start | Dispatches services and arranges rental car automatically |
Fills coverage gaps when driving for Uber/Lyft | Covers periods not protected by rideshare company insurance | |
Rental car costs when your vehicle is stolen, damaged or being repaired | $25–50 daily limits, 14–30 day coverage period, only covers collision/comprehensive claims | |
Deductible Disappearing Act | Reduces comprehensive and collision deductibles for claim-free periods | $50 reduction per claim-free term, up to $500 maximum |
Claim Forgiveness | Protects premium from increasing after first accident | Available after 5 years claim-free with AAA, Ultimate Plan offers immediate forgiveness |
Claim-Free Renewal Credit | Cash back or renewal credit for staying claim-free | 3% savings up to $50 per policy term |
Non-Owned Vehicle Coverage | Liability coverage for regularly used non-owned vehicles | Extends bodily injury and property damage coverage |
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Medical expenses, lost wages for you and passengers | Available in no-fault states, covers regardless of fault |
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist | Protection when hit by drivers with insufficient insurance | Covers medical bills, lost wages, property damage from uninsured drivers |
You can bundle these insurance types with your auto policy or buy them separately:
Who Offers It? | Insurance Products |
|---|---|
AAA (Directly Offered) | Auto insurance, home insurance, renters insurance, motorcycle insurance, RV/trailer insurance, boat insurance, commercial auto insurance, life insurance, umbrella insurance |
Third-Party Partner | Travel insurance (Allianz), pet insurance (Companion Protect/CSAA, Spot, Embrace), identity theft protection (Experian ProtectMyID), flood insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, jewelry insurance, wedding/event insurance |
AAA excels in affordability, customer experience and coverage, earning 11th place for full coverage and ninth for minimum coverage. Compare quotes from multiple insurers, research your coverage needs and choose the right coverage level before purchasing.
Here are MoneyGeek’s expert answers to frequently asked questions about AAA car insurance:
AAA is a legitimate car insurance company, ranking 13th in our comprehensive car insurance provider analysis. The company excels in coverage options and customer experience, demonstrating strong performance compared to competitors.
AAA isn't the best company in any states in our study, although it ranks in the top five within five states.
AAA charges adults an average of $793 annually for minimum coverage and $1,824 for full coverage. AAA's rates range from $538 to $29,709 for minimum and $1,234 to $62,648 for full coverage.
Customer feedback suggests AAA occasionally faces criticism for claim denials, though these reports appear less frequent compared to some major insurers. Some policyholders have reported frustrations with claim processing delays and coverage disputes, particularly regarding roadside assistance limitations and auto repair authorization procedures. However, comprehensive data on AAA's claim denial patterns remains limited, with most feedback coming from individual customer experiences rather than systematic industry analysis.
Note: This represents limited information based primarily on forum reviews.
AAA isn't ideal for drivers with DUIs, accidents, speeding tickets or bad credit, ranking 15th to 16th overall for affordability among high-risk driver categories.
Yes, AAA raises car insurance rates over time due to inflation impacting repair and medical expenses, higher claim frequencies from distracted driving and severe weather, plus expensive vehicle technology costs. Rate increases also reflect updated regional risk evaluations, regulatory changes, and personal factors like credit fluctuations or age-related risk categories, regardless of your clean driving record.
AAA isn't the best choice for young drivers, ranking ninth for affordability due to higher premiums.
MoneyGeek pulled auto insurance rate data from Quadrant Information Services and compared prices from 79 insurers in every U.S. ZIP code.
Standard Driver Profile Used for Analysis
We used a baseline driver profile to ensure consistent rate comparisons. Our standard driver has these characteristics:
We then modified specific variables, including age, driving record, credit score and military status, to determine which insurers offer the best rates for different driver categories. Our minimum coverage rates represent policies meeting state-required minimums. Full coverage includes 100/300/100 liability limits plus comprehensive and collision coverage with $1,000 deductibles.
Company Rating System
Our evaluation process weighed three key factors:
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
