If you enjoy off-roading, you have probably gotten stuck once or twice before. Everyone who’s been in this situation knows how terrible this feels. But, if you have AAA, can your AAA membership cover you if you are off-roading?
Unfortunately, AAA does not cover off-roading. AAA’s Roadside Assistance Limitations and Exclusions do not cover vehicles driven into dangerous areas, such as unpaved roads, beaches, or construction sites. Furthermore, AAA will only offer roadside assistance and towing if the car is accessible from a public road.
It is safe to say that AAA will not recover your vehicle if it breaks down in the desert or on a private off-road trail. However, there may be situations where your AAA membership can help. We will discuss if your AAA club membership helps if you are stuck in the snow. We will also discuss if AAA will tow or recover an ATV.
What Does AAA Roadside Assistance Cover?
AAA, also known as the American Automobile Association, roadside service includes the following services:
Towing: If your vehicle becomes disabled, AAA will dispatch a tow truck to transport your vehicle to a repair facility or a location of your choice within a certain distance.
Battery Service: AAA will dispatch a service vehicle to jump-start your car if your car has a dead battery.
Flat tire service: If you have a flat tire, AAA will dispatch a service vehicle to change it for you. AAA may transport your vehicle to a repair facility if you do not have a spare tire.
Lock-out service: If you accidentally lock your keys in your car, AAA will dispatch a service vehicle to unlock your car for you.
Fuel delivery: If you run out of gas, AAA will dispatch a service vehicle to bring you a certain amount of fuel.
Winching: If your car becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, AAA may dispatch a service vehicle with a winch to pull your car out.
What Does Your AAA Membership Cover When Off-Roading?
Of course, your AAA membership will likely cover some cases when off-roading. Although they do not recover your vehicle if it is in a remote place, they will tow it if it is within reach of a public road. If you get stuck in the desert or on a private off-road trail, you can get your vehicle close to a public road. In this case, AAA can recover and tow your car from there.
AAA Car Insurance will cover any damages that occur when off-roading that can also occur when commuting. For example, suppose you crash your car into another driver on an object. In that case, AAA will most likely cover the damages if you have coverage for that particular type of damage.
AAA Insurance bases its coverage on “regular passenger car travel.” There is a long list of off-roading activities that AAA does not cover, and you should be aware of these before committing to any off-roading.
What Does Your AAA Membership Not Cover When Off-Roading?
What your AAA membership does not cover is quite a long list. It is best to call your insurance representative and ask if AAA will cover the specific activity you want to do. Remember that AAA aims to make money and try to find ways to not pay out for any damages. Be sure to get the confirmation of coverage for a particular activity in writing, so you can be assured that they will pay out if something happens.
Some off-roading activities that AAA will not cover are not part of “regular passenger car travel” activities are;
Damages Sustained from Off-Raoding: IF you drive over a log or rock, smash a hole in your fuel tank, or damage your wheelbase, your AAA membership will not cover these damages.
Off-Road Racing: If you compete in pre-arranged offroad racing, the damages sustained to your vehicle will also not be covered by AAA.
Damage from Modifications: AAA will also not cover damages if your vehicle sustains damage after any unapproved modifications. Therefore, it is essential to check if they cover modifications such as body lifts or suspension lifts.
Wear and Tear: AAA will also not cover any wear-and-tear damages that your vehicle sustains. Wear and tear are generally not covered by any insurance and are a part of your responsibilities.
It is best to always drive with an emergency repair kit in your truck when you do off-roading. Also, you should always have a spare wheel in case you get a puncture or burst a tire on a sharp rock. If you can get your truck to a public road, AAA will help you.
But many people don’t only have problems when off-roading. Vehicles in significant parts of America can be trapped or damaged by snow or snowstorms. Will AAA recover your car if it is trapped by snow?
What Else Does AAA Not Cover?
Beyond off-roading, most AAA roadside assistance plans do not cover the following:
Rental cars: AAA roadside assistance does not typically cover rental cars. If you need roadside assistance while driving a rental car, you may need to contact the rental car company for assistance.
Damage caused by intentional acts: AAA car insurance does not cover damages to your vehicle caused by intentional acts, such as vandalism or theft.
Damage caused by racing: AAA car insurance does not cover damages to your vehicle that are caused by racing.
Damage caused by war or nuclear incident: AAA car insurance does not cover damages to your vehicle caused by war or nuclear incidents.
Damage caused by natural disasters: Some AAA car insurance policies may not cover damages to your vehicle caused by natural disasters, such as earthquakes or floods.
It is important to carefully review the terms of your AAA membership to understand what services and coverage are included and what is excluded.
Does AAA Help If You Are Stuck In Snow?
According to AAA’s Roadside Recovery Policy, they will not recover a trapped vehicle because it is snowbound or if the area is flooded. Furthermore, AAA will not recover any vehicles parked in streets or alleyways blocked by unplowed snow or flooded.
Another snow-related crisis that AAA does not cover is snow removal. AAA will also not assist in the removal or replacement of snow tires. They will, however, service a vehicle that is accessible and close to the roadside. If it hasn’t become clear, AAA does not service or recover vehicles broken down in remote areas.
Therefore, if you live in an area known for snowstorms, it is best to always have a snow shovel and emergency supplies if you get caused by a snowstorm, or your vehicle becomes snowbound.
AAA recommends that you wash your car after every snowstorm to remove any salt or debris from sticking to your vehicle and causing corrosion. They also have some other tips to help prevent you from having an emergency during the snowy months:
Ensure that your tires have sufficient and even tread on them to prevent you from slipping on ice. Properly inflated tires will protect your vehicle’s suspension parts when going through potholes.
Ensure that all your vehicle’s fluids are at a sufficient level. Driving around in freezing temperatures causes your engine to work harder, meaning it will use more fluids.
Ensure that your battery and charging components are all in good working condition. For example, a car battery can lose up to a third of its power in freezing temperatures.
These tips should help you avoid getting stuck in the snow and requiring AAA’s roadside assistance or recovery services. However, people often drive around with ATVs in many parts of the country, especially if they live on farms. Does AAA recover ATVs?
Will AAA Tow Or Recover An ATV?
Although you might assume the answer to this question is no, AAA will offer towing services for an ATV. Depending on your specific insurance type, AAA will recover your ATV, provided it is within reach of a public road.
Furthermore, AAA can also provide fuel delivery and towing services for ATVs. Fuel and Towing depend on your insurance with AAA and coverage. Therefore, it is always best to phone ahead of time and ask if AAA covers the activity you want to do and if there is any excess you are responsible for in case of damages to your vehicle.
What Is The Cost Of A AAA Membership?
The cost of AAA membership varies depending on the specific membership plan you choose and the location you live in. AAA offers several different membership plans, including different benefits and services.
In general, AAA membership plans start at around $50 per year for the most basic level of service, which typically includes roadside assistance, travel planning and booking services, and discounts on various products and services. Higher-level membership plans may include additional benefits, such as travel and car insurance, and may cost more.
It’s worth noting that the cost of AAA service may also vary depending on the type of service you need. For example, if you need to have your car towed a long distance, you may be charged an additional fee.
It is important to carefully review the terms of your AAA membership to understand what services are included and what additional fees may apply.
What Is The Difference Between A Basic AAA Membership and a Plus Membership?
The main difference between these two plans is the benefits and services included.
Here is a general comparison of the main differences between AAA basic and a plus membership:
Roadside assistance: Both the basic and the plus membership plans include roadside assistance, but the plus membership includes a higher number of service calls per year and a longer towing distance.
Travel planning and booking: Both membership plans include access to travel planning and booking services. The plus membership includes additional travel perks, such as discounts on hotels and rental cars.
Discounts: Both membership plans include discounts on various products and services, such as theme park tickets and car rentals. The plus membership typically includes a wider range of discounts and may offer deeper discounts than the basic membership.
Car insurance: The plus membership includes car insurance coverage, while the basic membership does not.
Travel insurance: The plus membership includes travel insurance coverage, while the basic membership does not.
It is important to carefully review the terms of your AAA membership to understand the specific benefits and services included with each plan.
Conclusion
AAA does not cover off-roading. Howevver, AAA Insurance would likely cover the damages if the damage occurred while off-roading and could also occur while commuting on a regular road. If you partake in any illegal activities or activities not deemed by AAA as “regular passenger car travel,” AAA will not cover any damages or losses sustained.
AAA only covers snowbound vehicles accessible from the roadside and does not offer snow removal or tire replacement services in snowy conditions. AAA will recover, tow, and provide fuel services to an ATV if your insurance package covers it.
