Will AAA Tow an Unregistered Car? A Comprehensive Guide for Drivers
Hey there! If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering, “Will AAA tow an unregistered car?” It’s a question I’ve asked myself before, especially when I was eyeing a project car that wasn’t exactly road-legal. Maybe you’re in a similar spot—maybe you just bought a classic car that’s not registered, or perhaps you’re dealing with a vehicle that’s been sitting in your garage for years. Whatever the case, I’ve been down this road, and I’m here to share everything I’ve learned. As someone who’s navigated the ins and outs of AAA’s towing policies, I’ll break it down for you in a way that’s clear, practical, and easy to follow. Let’s dive into the details and figure out what AAA can do for you, whether your car is registered or not.
This guide is packed with insights from my own experiences, conversations with AAA representatives, and a deep dive into their policies. I’ll cover everything from AAA’s official stance on towing unregistered vehicles to practical tips for getting your car moved. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a casual driver, or someone handling an estate sale, this article will help you understand your options. So, grab a coffee, sit back, and let’s get started!
Understanding AAA’s Towing Services
First things first, let’s talk about what AAA’s towing services are all about. If you’re a member of AAA (and if you’re not, you might want to consider it), you know they’re a lifesaver when your car breaks down. Their roadside assistance is legendary, offering help with flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, and, of course, towing. But towing isn’t just about hooking up any car and dragging it to the shop. There are rules, and those rules can make or break whether AAA will tow your unregistered car.
AAA’s towing services are designed to get you out of a jam, whether you’re stranded on the highway or stuck in your driveway. Depending on your membership level—Classic, Plus, or Premier—you get a certain number of tows per year, with varying distance limits. For example, Classic members might get up to 5 miles per tow, while Premier members can get up to 200 miles for one tow. But here’s the catch: AAA’s policies are strict about what kinds of vehicles they’ll tow. They focus on vehicles that are legally drivable and registered for highway or street use. So, where does that leave unregistered cars? Let’s dig deeper.
AAA’s Official Policy on Towing Unregistered Vehicles
Here’s the part where things get a bit tricky. According to AAA’s official Membership Terms and Conditions, they only provide towing services for vehicles that are registered for highway or street use. If your car doesn’t have current registration, AAA’s policy is clear: they won’t tow it. This rule exists because AAA wants to ensure that their services are used for legitimate roadside emergencies, not for moving cars that aren’t legally roadworthy.
I learned this the hard way when I tried to get AAA to tow a 1970s Mustang I bought at an auction. The car wasn’t registered, and when I called AAA, the dispatcher politely but firmly told me they couldn’t help unless I had a valid registration or a temporary permit. It was frustrating, but I understood their reasoning. AAA isn’t in the business of transporting cars for sales, auctions, or personal projects—they’re focused on helping members with breakdowns.
That said, there are some nuances to this policy. For example, if your car was involved in an accident and can’t be driven, AAA might make an exception, even if the registration has lapsed. But for non-emergency situations, like moving a project car you just bought, AAA’s stance is firm: no registration, no tow.
Workarounds for Towing an Unregistered Car
Now, don’t lose hope just yet. Even though AAA’s policy is strict, there are ways to work around it. I’ve talked to other car enthusiasts and even a few tow truck drivers, and there are a few tricks that might help you get that unregistered car towed. Here’s what I’ve found:
Get a Temporary Permit
One of the easiest ways to stay within AAA’s rules is to get a temporary permit from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Most states offer one-day or short-term trip permits that allow you to legally move an unregistered vehicle. When I needed to tow that Mustang, I went to the DMV, paid a small fee, and got a temporary permit. With that in hand, AAA was happy to tow the car to my mechanic’s shop. It’s a bit of extra legwork, but it’s completely above board and ensures you’re following the rules.
Be Strategic with Your Story
Okay, this one’s a bit of a gray area, but I’ve heard from folks who’ve had success by being a little creative with how they present the situation. For example, instead of saying, “I just bought this unregistered car,” you might tell the dispatcher that your car “broke down” and needs to be towed to a repair shop. Some tow truck drivers don’t dig too deep—they’ll check your AAA membership card and ID, hook up the car, and be on their way. I’m not saying to lie, but framing the situation as a breakdown rather than a transport request might increase your chances. Just don’t be surprised if the driver asks to see registration or a permit.
Use a Flatbed Tow Truck
If your unregistered car isn’t drivable, always request a flatbed tow truck when you call AAA. Flatbeds are safer for towing non-running vehicles, and some drivers are more likely to overlook registration issues if the car is loaded onto a flatbed. I once had a tow truck driver tell me that flatbed tows are less likely to raise red flags, since they’re often used for classic or non-running cars. Just be upfront about the car’s condition so the right equipment shows up.
Offer a Tip (But Be Careful)
I’ve heard stories of drivers being a bit more flexible if you offer a small cash tip—say, $20 or $30. This isn’t a guarantee, and it depends on the driver and the towing company AAA contracts with. In my experience, most drivers are just trying to do their job, and they’re not out to make your life harder. A little goodwill can go a long way, but don’t rely on this method, and never try to bribe someone outright. It’s more about building rapport than anything else.
Check Local AAA Club Rules
AAA operates through regional clubs, and each club might have slightly different policies. For example, AAA Oregon/Idaho explicitly states that they won’t tow vehicles with expired registrations or trip permits. But other clubs might be more lenient, especially if the car is being towed to a repair shop. When in doubt, call your local AAA club and ask about their specific rules. I’ve found that being honest with the dispatcher about your situation can sometimes lead to helpful advice or workarounds.
Membership Levels and Towing Benefits
Your AAA membership level plays a big role in what kind of towing services you can access. Let’s break it down with a table to make it easier to understand:
| Membership Level | Towing Distance | Number of Tows | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | Up to 5 miles | 4 per year | Basic roadside services (flat tire, battery jump, fuel delivery) |
| Plus | Up to 100 miles | 4 per year | Extended towing, motorcycle coverage (with Plus Motorcycle add-on) |
| Premier | One tow up to 200 miles, others up to 100 miles | 4 per year | Free one-day car rental with tow, extended vehicle coverage |
As you can see, higher-tier memberships give you more flexibility, especially if you need to tow a car a long distance. For unregistered cars, the same registration rules apply across all levels, but having a Plus or Premier membership might give you access to more experienced drivers or better equipment, like flatbed trucks. When I upgraded to a Plus membership, I noticed a big difference in the speed and quality of service, especially for longer tows.
Alternatives to AAA for Towing Unregistered Cars
If AAA won’t tow your unregistered car, don’t worry—there are other options. I’ve had to explore these alternatives myself, and they can be just as effective, depending on your situation. Here are a few:
Private Towing Companies
Local towing companies are often more flexible than AAA when it comes to unregistered vehicles. They’re usually happy to take your money, whether the car is registered or not. The downside is cost—private tows can run you $100 to $300 or more, depending on the distance and the type of tow. I once hired a local tow company to move a non-running Jeep, and it cost me $150 for a 20-mile tow. It wasn’t cheap, but it got the job done.
Auto Transport Services
If you need to move an unregistered car a long distance, consider hiring a professional auto transport service. These companies specialize in moving vehicles, registered or not, and they have the equipment to handle everything from classic cars to non-running wrecks. The cost can be steep—anywhere from $500 to $1,500, depending on the distance—but it’s a reliable option if AAA isn’t an option.
Tow Dolly or Trailer Rental
If you have a vehicle capable of towing, you can rent a tow dolly or trailer from a company like U-Haul. This is a great option if you’re comfortable towing the car yourself. I rented a tow dolly for $50 a day to move an unregistered car to my house, and it was straightforward. Just make sure the car is secure and you’re following local towing laws.
Temporary Registration
As I mentioned earlier, getting a temporary registration or trip permit can make your car eligible for AAA towing. This option is often cheaper than hiring a private tow company, and it keeps you within AAA’s rules. Check with your state’s DMV for details on how to get a permit—it’s usually a quick process.
Real-Life Experiences with AAA and Unregistered Cars
I’ve talked to a lot of car enthusiasts over the years, and their experiences with AAA towing unregistered cars are a mixed bag. Some folks have had no issues at all. One friend told me he used his AAA Plus membership to tow a non-running, unregistered car he bought at a salvage auction. He called AAA, said the car “broke down,” and the driver didn’t ask any questions—just hooked it up and towed it 30 miles to his house.
On the flip side, I’ve heard stories of drivers refusing to tow unregistered cars. One guy I know was upfront about his car not being registered, and the driver said he couldn’t tow it because it violated AAA’s policy. The driver suggested getting a temporary permit, which ended up being the solution. The lesson here? Your success might depend on the driver, the dispatcher, and how you present the situation.
Tips for a Smooth Towing Experience
Based on my own trials and errors, here are some practical tips to make sure your towing experience goes as smoothly as possible:
- Be Prepared: Have your AAA membership card and photo ID ready when the tow truck arrives. Drivers always check these.
- Know Your Membership: Understand your towing limits and benefits before you call. This helps you avoid surprises.
- Be Honest (Mostly): If you’re trying to tow an unregistered car, don’t volunteer that information unless asked. Focus on the fact that the car needs to be towed to a repair shop.
- Choose the Right Destination: AAA is more likely to tow to a repair shop than to your home or a salvage yard. Pick a destination that aligns with their policies.
- Stay with the Car: AAA requires you to be with the vehicle at the time of towing, so plan to stick around until the driver arrives.
Conclusion
So, will AAA tow an unregistered car? The short answer is no—not officially. AAA’s policy is clear that vehicles must be registered for highway or street use to qualify for towing. But as I’ve learned through my own experiences and conversations with others, there are ways to work around this. Getting a temporary permit, being strategic with how you describe the situation, or exploring alternatives like private towing companies can get your car where it needs to go. The key is understanding AAA’s rules, knowing your membership benefits, and being prepared for the process.
Whether you’re a car enthusiast moving a project car or someone dealing with an unregistered vehicle in a pinch, I hope this guide has given you the clarity and confidence to navigate the situation. AAA is an incredible resource for roadside assistance, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. By planning ahead and exploring your options, you can get that unregistered car towed without breaking the bank—or the rules. Got more questions? Keep reading for some FAQs that might help!
FAQs
Can AAA Tow My Unregistered Car If It Broke Down?
No, AAA’s policy requires vehicles to be registered for highway or street use. If your car is unregistered, they likely won’t tow it, even if it broke down. Your best bet is to get a temporary permit from the DMV to make it eligible.
What Happens If I Tell AAA My Car Is Unregistered?
If you tell AAA your car is unregistered, they’ll likely deny the tow request. Some drivers might not check, but it’s risky. Try getting a temporary permit or framing the situation as a breakdown without mentioning registration.
Can I Use AAA to Tow a Car I Just Bought?
AAA doesn’t tow cars for purchases, sales, or auctions. If you just bought an unregistered car, you’ll need a temporary permit or a private towing service. Some members have had luck by saying the car broke down, but it’s not guaranteed.
Are There Any Exceptions to AAA’s Registration Rule?
In some cases, AAA might tow an unregistered car if it was involved in an accident and can’t be driven. Otherwise, exceptions are rare. Always check with your local AAA club for specific rules.
What’s the Cheapest Way to Tow an Unregistered Car?
The cheapest option is often getting a temporary permit and using AAA’s towing service, which is free up to your membership’s distance limit. If that’s not possible, renting a tow dolly or hiring a local towing company are affordable alternatives.
