{"id":28086,"date":"2024-11-11T02:43:34","date_gmt":"2024-11-11T10:43:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getjerry.com\/wp-site\/?p=28086"},"modified":"2025-07-07T13:58:28","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T20:58:28","slug":"tesla-roadside-assistance-vs-aaa-which-is-better","status":"publish","type":"car-repair","link":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/car-repair\/tesla-roadside-assistance-vs-aaa-which-is-better\/","title":{"rendered":"Tesla Roadside Assistance vs. AAA: Which Is Better?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Question:<\/strong> I have Tesla’s roadside assistance because I just bought the vehicle\u2014however, I’m having second thoughts. Should I just keep the Tesla roadside assistance or should I get AAA?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Answer:<\/strong> When comparing Tesla roadside assistance and AAA, each has pros and cons,depending on the service your vehicle needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  • Tesla: <\/strong>Tesla Roadside Assistance is free of charge if your Tesla is covered with a Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty or the Extended Service Agreement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • AAA:<\/strong> AAA Roadside Assistance is a paid membership plan. Your benefits vary depending on where you live and which tier you choose.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Although the Tesla membership is free, you have to pay for some services that would be covered under AAA, so the cost difference may even out. One example is extraction \u2014 AAA will retrieve your vehicle from a ditch, whereas that\u2019s on Tesla\u2019s not covered list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Towing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    • Tesla:<\/strong> If you experience a breakdown covered by your Tesla warranty, you can be towed to the nearest Tesla Service Center, up to 500 miles. If the breakdown is not covered by the warranty or you have to be towed more than 500 miles, you are responsible for towing costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • AAA:<\/strong> You can be towed up to four times a year through AAA. With a Classic plan\u2014the lowest tier\u2014tows are covered up to three miles. With Plus, you can be towed up to 100 miles, and with Premier, you can get one tow a year up to 200 miles, and three tows up to 100 miles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      AAA’s towing service is flexible and available up to four times a year. However, the three-mile limit on a Classic plan may be restrictive. In comparison, Tesla\u2019s Roadside Assistance only covers towing for warranty-covered breakdowns, making AAA\u2019s Plus or Premiere plans a more flexible choice<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Lockout<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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      • Tesla:<\/strong> As long as you can prove you\u2019re the owner of the vehicle, a Tesla technician will unlock your vehicle or tow it up to 50 miles to a Service Center if you can\u2019t open your car with the fob, with the app, or remotely.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • AAA:<\/strong> A AAA technician will help you get into your car if you\u2019re locked out, and a portion of the parts and labor ($60\u2013$150, depending on your membership tier) will be covered for each service call.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        If you drive a Tesla, you can usually open it with the app or by contacting the Tesla Service Team to open the car remotely. If that doesn\u2019t work, AAA will be a good option for helping you get into the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Battery service<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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        • Tesla:<\/strong> If your battery dies and you\u2019re not near a charging station, a technician can get you back on the road\u2014but you\u2019ll have to pay for this service.
          <\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • AAA:<\/strong> If you\u2019re an AAA member and drive an EV, you can get mobile charging at no cost if your battery dies while you\u2019re on the road.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Since Tesla charges for mobile battery charging, AAA is the clear winner here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Flat tire<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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          • Tesla: <\/strong>If you have a flat tire, a technician will come out and change your flat or tow your car to the nearest Tesla Service Center. If you\u2019re being towed 50 miles or less and you\u2019re having your tire work done by Tesla, you won\u2019t pay for the tow\u2014but you will have to pay for transportation costs over 50 miles, and you\u2019ll also have to pay to have your tire repaired or replaced.
            <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • AAA: <\/strong>If you have a spare tire, a AAA technician will change your flat and put the spare on. If you don\u2019t have a spare, you can use your towing benefit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Tesla requires you to have your tire repaired or replaced at one of their service centers\u2014otherwise, you\u2019ll have to pay for the tow. With AAA, there\u2019s no requirement on where you have your tire repaired, and you won\u2019t have to pay for the tow as long as your benefits cover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Other perks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            An AAA membership comes with additional benefits like discounted rental cars, hotels, auto parts, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Ultimately, the restrictions on Tesla\u2019s coverage may make AAA a more flexible option. If you\u2019re already covered by Tesla\u2019s Roadside Assistance plan, you\u2019ll need to weigh out the additional benefits AAA provides including free battery charging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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            Expert-driven. Built for you.<\/div>\n\n
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