When your vehicle breaks down, having reliable roadside assistance can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major headache. AAA and Good Sam represent two of the most popular roadside assistance providers in the market, but they serve different needs and demographics. This guide breaks down their differences to help you choose the service that fits your specific situation.
The History and Background of Each Provider
AAA: America’s Oldest Automotive Club
AAA (American Automobile Association) has been around since 1902, making it one of the oldest and most established motor clubs in North America. With over 60 million members across the United States and Canada, AAA operates through a network of nearly 62,000 service vehicles and maintains partnerships with thousands of approved auto repair facilities.
The organization was initially founded to address the lack of suitable roads for automobiles, but has since evolved into a comprehensive automotive service provider with physical branch locations offering DMV services, travel planning, and in-person assistance.
Good Sam: The RV Community Specialist
While not as old as AAA, Good Sam has carved out its own niche since its founding in 1966 as a club for RV enthusiasts, with its roadside assistance program launching in 1984. Today, Good Sam serves over 2 million members and has positioned itself as the premier choice for recreational vehicle owners.
The company is owned by Good Sam Enterprises, which also operates Camping World stores and manages a network of over 2,000 affiliated campgrounds. Unlike AAA’s broad automotive focus, Good Sam has built its entire operation around the RV community and outdoor travel lifestyle.
Pricing Structure: Membership Plans and Costs
AAA’s Tiered Membership Options
AAA offers three primary membership tiers with costs varying by geographic region:
| Membership Level | Annual Cost | Towing Distance | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | $64.99 | Up to 5 miles | Basic roadside services, battery jump-starts |
| Plus | $99.99 | Up to 100 miles | Adds bicycle coverage |
| Premier | $124.99 | Up to 200 miles (1st call), 100 miles (subsequent) | Most comprehensive coverage |
Additional family members cost between $44.99 and $84.99 per year depending on the tier. New members also pay a one-time enrollment fee of approximately $20.
Good Sam’s Straightforward Pricing
Good Sam offers a more streamlined approach to pricing:
| Membership Level | Annual Cost | Towing Distance | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $64.95 | Unlimited | Basic services |
| Platinum | $79.95 | Unlimited | Enhanced benefits |
| Platinum Complete | $119.95 | Unlimited | Comprehensive travel benefits |
A major advantage of Good Sam is that spouse and dependent children under 25 are automatically included at no additional cost, potentially saving families hundreds of dollars compared to AAA.
Service Coverage Comparison
Towing Policies and Limitations
The most significant difference between these providers is their towing distance policies:
- AAA implements strict mileage restrictions based on membership tier (5, 100, or 200 miles)
- Good Sam provides unlimited towing distance to the nearest qualified repair facility on all plans
Service Call Frequency
Another important distinction:
- AAA limits members to four service calls per year across all membership tiers
- Good Sam offers unlimited service calls throughout the membership year
Geographic Coverage
Both services provide coverage throughout the United States and Canada. AAA extends coverage to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, while Good Sam includes all these areas plus Mexico, providing additional value for international travelers.
Service Quality and Customer Experience
Response Time Reality
Customer reviews for both providers show mixed experiences regarding response times. AAA generally receives better ratings for response speed, with many customers reporting arrival times within the promised windows. However, both companies face criticism for:
- Extended wait times during peak periods
- Canceled service calls
- Communication difficulties
- Subcontracting to third-party towing companies that may prioritize higher-paying private calls
Based on aggregated review data, AAA receives a customer service rating of 2.6 out of 10, while Good Sam scores slightly higher at 3.2 out of 10.
Vehicle Coverage Specialization
AAA’s Traditional Vehicle Expertise
AAA excels at providing services for standard passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and light trucks. The organization maintains an extensive network of approved auto repair facilities and established relationships with automotive service providers.
Members benefit from:
- Discounted auto repair services
- Battery replacement programs
- Comprehensive coverage for conventional vehicles
Good Sam’s RV Specialization
Good Sam’s primary competitive advantage is its focus on RV services. The company employs certified RV technicians who understand the unique challenges of servicing large recreational vehicles and maintains a network of RV-specific repair facilities.
While AAA offers RV coverage as an add-on service to Plus and Premier memberships, this coverage is generally considered less comprehensive than Good Sam’s specialized offerings and may be limited by the availability of qualified technicians and appropriate towing equipment in remote areas.
Additional Benefits Beyond Roadside Assistance
AAA’s Extensive Travel and Lifestyle Benefits
AAA membership extends far beyond roadside assistance to include:
- Discounts at over 95,000 locations (restaurants, hotels, theme parks, retail)
- Comprehensive travel planning services (TripTik route planning, hotel reservations)
- Free identity theft protection through ProtectMyID
- DMV services at branch locations
- Discounts on AAA insurance products (auto, home, life)
Good Sam’s RV-Focused Perks
Good Sam’s benefits center primarily on the RV and camping lifestyle:
- 10% discounts at over 2,000 Good Sam affiliated campgrounds
- Fuel savings of 5¢ per gallon at participating Pilot Flying J locations (10¢ on diesel)
- Discounts on RV parts and accessories at Camping World stores
- Access to RV rallies and tours
- Specialized RV insurance options
- Savings on propane, tire services, and other RV-related products
Who Should Choose Each Service?
AAA Is Ideal For:
- Traditional vehicle owners who value brand reputation and comprehensive service offerings
- Individuals who need DMV services and access to approved repair facilities
- Business travelers and frequent vacationers who can maximize AAA’s travel discounts
- Those who prefer physical branch locations and in-person service
- Drivers who rarely exceed the four service call annual limit
Good Sam Works Best For:
- RV owners, camping enthusiasts, and outdoor adventure travelers
- Families with multiple drivers (due to free family coverage)
- Those who venture into remote areas and need unlimited towing distance
- Budget-conscious consumers who require frequent assistance
- International travelers who visit Mexico regularly
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
For single individuals with standard vehicles, both services offer comparable basic plans around $65 annually. However, Good Sam provides superior value for families, as additional family members are included at no extra cost compared to AAA’s $45-85 annual fees per additional member.
Good Sam’s mid-tier Platinum plan at $79.95 offers better value than AAA’s Plus plan at $99.99, particularly considering the unlimited towing distance and service calls. For RV owners, Good Sam’s specialized services and unlimited towing provide substantially better value than AAA’s limited RV coverage options.
Making Your Decision
When deciding between AAA and Good Sam, consider these key factors:
- Vehicle type: Do you drive standard vehicles or RVs/travel trailers?
- Family size: How many drivers need coverage in your household?
- Travel patterns: Do you travel to remote locations or internationally?
- Service frequency: How often might you need roadside assistance?
- Additional benefits: Which extra perks align with your lifestyle?
Both services provide essential roadside assistance, but their target markets and value propositions differ significantly. By assessing your specific needs against these criteria, you can make an informed choice between AAA and Good Sam that provides the best protection and value for your situation.
Remember that the best roadside assistance service is the one that meets your unique needs and provides peace of mind when you’re on the road.
