Will Triple A Tow an Unregistered Car? Your Simple Guide to AAA Towing
I’ll never forget the day I bought my first fixer-upper car—a rusty old pickup that barely rolled. I was so excited to get it home, but then I hit a snag: it wasn’t registered. Would AAA tow it for me? If you’re wondering, “Will Triple A tow an unregistered car?” you’re in the right place. This article breaks it down with easy tips, real-life examples, and answers to common questions. Whether you’re a beginner or a car enthusiast, I’ll share what I’ve learned to make your towing experience a breeze.
What Does It Mean to Tow an Unregistered Car?
An unregistered car doesn’t have valid license plates or DMV paperwork. Maybe it’s a project car, a new purchase, or just expired. AAA, or Triple A, is a roadside service that helps with towing, flat tires, and more. But their rules can be tricky. They’re built to help stranded drivers, not move cars that aren’t street-legal. Knowing this helps you plan ahead and avoid surprises.
Why AAA Might Say No
AAA’s towing service is for emergencies, like when your car breaks down. Their rules often say they won’t tow unregistered cars because those shouldn’t be on the road. It’s a safety thing. If the car has no plates or expired tags, they might think it’s not legal to tow. But don’t worry—there are ways to work around this!
How to Get AAA to Tow Your Unregistered Car
I’ve towed a few unregistered cars with AAA, and it’s not always a straight “no.” Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to make it happen:
- Check Your Membership Level: AAA has Basic, Plus, and Premier plans. Plus and Premier offer longer tows (up to 100 or 200 miles). Know your plan before calling.
- Get a One-Day Permit: Visit your local DMV for a temporary permit. It’s cheap and makes your car “legal” for towing. I got one for $20 in California!
- Call AAA and Be Vague: Don’t mention the car’s unregistered. Say it broke down and needs a tow. They usually just ask if you’re with the car.
- Use a Flatbed Tow: Flatbeds are safer for unregistered cars. Ask for one when you call. It might take longer, but it’s worth it.
- Have Your AAA Card Ready: You need to be at the car with your membership card. They don’t care who owns the car, just that you’re a member.
My First Towing Win
Once, I bought a beat-up Mustang with no plates. I called AAA, said it “wouldn’t start,” and requested a flatbed. The driver didn’t even ask about registration! It was towed 30 miles to my garage, no sweat. Just stay calm and follow the steps above.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Using AAA for Unregistered Cars
Using AAA to tow an unregistered car has ups and downs. Let’s break it down:
- Benefits:
- Saves money compared to private towing (often $100+).
- AAA drivers are pros, so your car is safe.
- You can tow any car as long as you’re there with your card.
- Drawbacks:
- AAA might refuse if they know it’s unregistered.
- Limited tow distance (e.g., 5 miles for Basic, 100 for Plus).
- You might need a DMV permit first, which takes time.
Alternatives to AAA Towing
If AAA says no, don’t panic. You can:
- Rent a U-Haul Trailer: U-Haul trailers are cheap (around $50/day) and let you tow the car yourself. Just make sure your tow vehicle is strong enough.
- Hire a Private Tow Company: They often don’t check registration. Expect to pay $75-$150 for a short tow.
- Use a Friend’s Truck: If you know someone with a truck and trailer, ask for a favor. Offer gas money to keep it friendly!
Tips from My Experience
Over the years, I’ve towed plenty of cars, registered or not. Here are my top tips:
- Get a Temporary Permit: It’s a quick fix to make AAA happy. Most DMVs offer same-day permits.
- Don’t Overexplain: When calling AAA, keep it simple. Say the car won’t move and leave it at that.
- Check Local Laws: Some states, like California, say unregistered cars can’t be towed if their wheels touch the ground. Use a flatbed to be safe.
- Join AAA Plus or Premier: The longer tow distances are a game-changer for project cars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to mess this up if you’re new. Here are mistakes I made so you don’t have to:
- Telling AAA It’s Unregistered: Don’t volunteer this info. They might say no right away.
- Using a Tow Dolly: Dollies let wheels touch the ground, which can be illegal for unregistered cars in some states.
- Not Checking Your Plan: Basic plans only tow 5 miles. Know your limits before you call.
Comparing AAA Membership Plans
Here’s a quick table to show what each AAA plan offers for towing:
| Membership Plan | Tow Distance | Cost (Yearly) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 5 miles | ~$60 | Short tows |
| Plus | 100 miles | ~$100 | Longer tows |
| Premier | 200 miles | ~$150 | Project cars |
Caption: This table compares AAA plans based on towing distance and cost. Check your plan to avoid surprises! Source: AAA Official Site
Costs of Towing an Unregistered Car
Towing costs vary. Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Method | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AAA Towing | Free (with plan) | Limited by membership distance |
| Private Towing | $75-$150 | No registration check, but pricey |
| U-Haul Trailer | $50/day | You need a vehicle to tow it |
Caption: Compare towing costs to pick the cheapest option for your unregistered car.
Visual Ideas for Better Understanding
To make this easier, here are visual ideas (sorry, no images included):
- Diagram of a Flatbed Tow: Show a car on a flatbed truck with labels for safety features.
- Step-by-Step Flowchart: Map out the steps to get a DMV permit and call AAA.
- Membership Comparison Chart: Visualize Basic, Plus, and Premier plans with tow distances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Triple A Tow an Unregistered Car Without a Permit?
No, AAA usually won’t tow without a permit. Their rules say cars must be street-legal. Get a one-day DMV permit to avoid issues.
Can I Tow an Unregistered Car Myself?
Yes, you can use a U-Haul trailer or a friend’s truck. Just use a flatbed or trailer so the car’s wheels don’t touch the ground.
Does AAA Check Registration?
Not always. If you don’t mention it’s unregistered and have a permit, they usually just tow. Be ready with your AAA card.
What’s a One-Day DMV Permit?
It’s a cheap, temporary permit from the DMV that makes your car legal for a day. Costs around $20 and takes minutes to get.
Can AAA Tow Any Car I’m With?
Yes, as long as you’re there with your AAA card, they’ll tow any car, even if it’s not yours.
Are There Risks to Towing an Unregistered Car?
Yes, if the wheels touch the ground, it might break local laws. Use a flatbed to stay safe and legal.
How Far Will AAA Tow My Car?
It depends on your plan: Basic (5 miles), Plus (100 miles), or Premier (200 miles). Check your membership first.
Wrapping It Up
Towing an unregistered car with AAA can be a piece of cake if you know the tricks. Get a temporary permit, call for a flatbed, and don’t overshare. Whether it’s a project car or a new buy, you can save money and hassle. Try these tips next time you’re stuck, and let me know how it goes! Share your towing stories in the comments or ask me for more advice. Happy towing!
