AAA Extended Warranty Reviews

AAA has been in business for more than 120 years. Its services include travel discounts, auto insurance, driving safety programs and extended auto warranties. The company’s membership programs offer roadside assistance, DMV services, bicycle coverage options and discounts on travel needs.

Though it operates nationally, AAA is split into regional divisions that deliver varying degrees of customer service and support.

AAA Vehicle Protection plans are available in a limited number of states:

• Parts of Connecticut
• Delaware
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maryland
• Parts of New Jersey
• Parts of Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Parts of Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Washington, D.C.
• Parts of Virginia
• Parts of West Virginia

The company only offers vehicle protection in certain parts of Connecticut, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, so inquire with the company to see if coverage is available in your area.

Vehicle owners can obtain warranty coverage through the AAA Club Alliance. Additionally, AAA Northeast, which serves drivers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island, allows drivers to be eligible for coverage through their local AAA branch.

AAA offers four plans: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Compared to other companies, its warranty coverage options offer a generous list of components. The plans include vehicle diagnostics, labor and all parts, as long as the repair is included in the list of covered items. If you use the company’s corporate repair facility, you won’t have to pay the referral fee; otherwise, it charges a $50 referral fee at other locations.

The Silver plan is best for older vehicles and people looking for more basic powertrain protection, while the Gold and Platinum options bring coverage for more components, making them ideal for owners of European and sportier cars that have higher maintenance costs across the board. The Platinum plan also offers coverage for more components than we have listed here, so it’s best to check with AAA to find out what your vehicle is eligible for.

Note that some coverage options may not be available everywhere. For example, some customers may be eligible for Bronze coverage, but others might only have Silver, Gold and Platinum coverage. 

AAA Vehicle Protection Plan benefits

All AAA warranties are transferable if you decide to sell your vehicle, but you may be required to pay a transfer fee. Additional benefits may include roadside assistance, a free one-time battery replacement, rental car reimbursement and emergency funds of up to $500 for some members. Benefits and some policies may vary depending on the location. Check with your local AAA branch to determine which you are eligible to receive with your warranty.

AAA Vehicle Protection Plan coverage limits

AAA does not disclose its plan limits, but most extended warranties limit coverage for modified parts, damage occurring from a wreck or vandalism, preexisting conditions and breakdowns that happen due to abuse or neglect. Otherwise, AAA will cover 100% of the costs associated with diagnostics and the repair itself, including labor and parts.

We attempted to obtain pricing estimates from AAA by phone and online and were unsuccessful on both accounts. That said, some internet reviews note reasonable prices that undercut many big-name companies in the industry. It’s also worth mentioning that AAA’s pricing structure varies based on whether you choose a monthly or annual contract.

AAA offers three membership options.

Classic = $40

Plus = $71

Premier = $100

Finally, remember the company may ask you to sign up for a membership along with any AAA extended auto warranty, but it’s not required. That’s an additional cost that can increase the warranty price by $40 to more than $100, depending on your membership type. However, membership offers a robust suite of supplemental services, ranging from roadside assistance to rental car assistance. The company’s zero-deductible policy can also be a significant benefit, though it’s only available for repairs done at one of its corporate facilities.

AAA's warranty policies align with much of the industry, besides the company’s discount program, which requires you to take your car to one of its corporate repair shops. There is no waiting period, and its plans are transferable to other vehicle owners. However, you’ll need to check with a customer service representative to learn about costs and limitations.

The company will also deny repairs that are not authorized by a company representative. Also, remember that extended warranties are not insurance policies and do not cover damage from accidents, vandalism or abuse. Your claim may also be denied if you haven’t maintained your vehicle. Acts of nature, preexisting conditions and modifications are also not covered.

How to file a claim with AAA Vehicle Protection Plan

Follow these steps to file a claim with AAA:

1. Contact your local AAA club.
2. It will start the claim and approve the repair. All repairs must be approved before work begins.
3. Have an in-depth diagnostic performed to ensure the breakdown is covered. This may be required to see if the work falls under your warranty coverage. If the diagnostic reveals a problem that isn’t covered, you’ll be on the hook to pay for the check-up cost.
4. Have repairs completed and pay the remaining balance that isn’t covered by your warranty (if any).

AAA's extended warranty — officially called the AAA Vehicle Protection Plan — is a solid option for current members in eligible states, particularly those with vehicles under 10 years old and fewer than 100,000 miles. The company's warranties can be a good option if you’re a current member whose club offers extended warranty coverage. However, plans and coverage vary and aren’t offered in every state, so you'll want to verify if it’s offered where you live. Additionally, you may be able to get more plan and coverage options from other companies.