Last Updated on July 13, 2025
If you want broad roadside assistance, AAA covers multiple vehicle types with up to 100 miles towing, but costs more and varies regionally. Good Sam focuses on RV owners, offering unlimited towing to the nearest repair, family coverage, and Mexico service at a lower price.
Both provide prompt service calls, but Good Sam’s RV-specific perks and discounts stand out. You’ll find a detailed breakdown of how their features and costs stack up next.
Key Takeaways
- Good Sam offers unlimited towing to the nearest repair shop, while AAA limits RV towing to 100 miles per incident.
- AAA provides broader travel discounts and supports multiple vehicle types, whereas Good Sam focuses on RV-specific benefits and camping discounts.
- Good Sam includes family coverage and roadside assistance in Mexico at no extra cost; AAA charges for additional drivers and lacks Mexico coverage.
- AAA’s membership tends to cost more but offers extensive nationwide service and trip interruption benefits; Good Sam’s plans are generally cheaper with RV-focused perks.
- Good Sam’s tiered plans provide more flexible service calls and unlimited towing miles compared to AAA’s fixed towing limits and service scope.
AAA vs Good Sam: Key Features Comparison
| Feature | AAA | Good Sam |
|---|---|---|
| Towing Distance | 100 miles maximum per incident | Unlimited towing to nearest repair shop |
| Vehicle Coverage | Multiple vehicle types (cars, motorcycles, RVs) | RV-focused services only |
| Family Coverage | Additional fees for extra drivers | Family coverage included at no extra cost |
| Mexico Coverage | Not available | Included in roadside assistance |
| Cost | Generally more expensive | Lower cost with frequent discounts |
| Primary Strength | Nationwide network with broad vehicle support | RV-specific benefits and unlimited towing |
Coverage and Roadside Assistance Features
While both AAA and Good Sam offer roadside assistance tailored to RV owners, their coverage scope and features differ markedly. AAA Plus RV membership extends beyond emergencies, covering towing for RVs and trailers with extended distances up to 100 miles.
However, AAA’s coverage can vary regionally due to its franchise model, which may affect service availability and quality in certain areas. Additionally, AAA’s service reliability is enhanced by its nationwide network that supports a variety of vehicle types.
AAA Plus RV membership offers extensive towing coverage up to 100 miles, surpassing typical roadside assistance limits.
Good Sam primarily addresses roadside emergencies, limiting towing range and scope. AAA supports multiple vehicle types—including cars, motorcycles, trailers, and RVs—under one plan, offering comprehensive trailer coverage.
Good Sam focuses on RVs and travel trailers, providing tiered plans with varied benefits like campground discounts and travel planning. Both services include tire changes, winching, fuel delivery, and lockout assistance, but AAA adds trip interruption benefits and broader travel discounts.
Geographically, AAA’s extensive nationwide network ensures quicker, more reliable service, especially in urban and rural areas, whereas Good Sam targets RV hotspots with potentially slower response times elsewhere.
Cost considerations between the two memberships also influence decision-making, with AAA RV Plus generally costing more than Good Sam but offering broader coverage.
Towing Limits and Service Call Allowances
Evaluating membership costs provides a foundation for comparing AAA and Good Sam, but understanding their towing limits and service call allowances reveals deeper differences in coverage flexibility and practical value.
Good Sam offers unlimited towing to the nearest service center under standard plans, while AAA caps towing at 100 miles per incident, even with RV add-ons. Good Sam’s Platinum+ plan lets you tow up to 100 miles to a destination of your choice, enhancing flexibility.
Both providers also emphasize reliable roadside assistance with service call coverage that includes common issues like tire changes and battery jumps.
Good Sam provides unlimited towing to the nearest service center, while AAA limits towing to 100 miles per incident.
Both providers cover routine service calls like tire changes and battery jumps, but Good Sam includes lockout assistance and trip interruption perks in some plans. AAA delivers consistent, prompt service calls but with less customization.
Importantly, these memberships provide roadside coverage without affecting insurance premiums, unlike insurer-based roadside assistance that can impact your insurance rates.
If towing distance and tailored service calls matter, Good Sam’s tiered plans offer more adaptability compared to AAA’s fixed 100-mile limit and standard service scope.
RV Owner Specific Benefits and Services
When you own an RV, choosing between Good Sam and AAA means weighing specific benefits tailored to your travel lifestyle. Good Sam excels with unlimited towing miles to the nearest repair, exclusive campground discounts, and rapid mechanic dispatch.
Their service often includes options for maintenance-free batteries in electric winch systems, enhancing reliability during travel. AAA offers towing up to 100 miles with flexibility to choose your repair destination and extensive travel planning tools.
Both provide roadside assistance essentials and trip interruption coverage, though terms vary. It is important to note that AAA recently updated RV coverage with limited towing limits, which may affect roadside assistance expectations.
| Feature | Good Sam | AAA |
|---|---|---|
| Towing Limit | Unlimited to nearest shop | 100 miles to chosen destination |
| Campground Benefits | Proprietary ratings & 10% discounts | Directory access, fewer discounts |
| Trip Interruption | Up to $300/day, 5 days max | Varies by membership level |
Additional Membership Perks and Discounts
Although both Good Sam and AAA offer valuable membership perks, their additional benefits and discount programs differ markedly in cost structure and coverage scope. Proper maintenance, such as applying waterproofing sprays, can further protect your RV investments.
Good Sam frequently promotes significant discounts, like 50% off membership deals, appealing to budget-conscious RV owners. You also get specialized RV-related discounts on camping, parks, and supplies, which AAA generally lacks.
Additionally, Good Sam’s roadside assistance coverage extends into Mexico, a benefit not provided by AAA, enhancing protection for cross-border travelers coverage in Mexico.
AAA, meanwhile, provides a broad range of travel and lifestyle discounts, including savings on hotels, car rentals, and attractions, ideal for frequent travelers beyond RV use. While Good Sam includes family coverage at no extra cost, AAA charges additional fees for extra drivers, affecting overall value.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do AAA and Good Sam Handle Emergency Medical Assistance?
When you face an emergency medical situation on the road, some providers dispatch medical responders quickly, coordinating with local emergency services to guarantee prompt aid. Others focus mainly on mechanical or vehicular assistance without direct medical support.
You’ll find that thorough plans often include emergency medical dispatch as part of roadside services, while budget-friendly options may limit assistance to vehicle-related issues, excluding explicit medical emergency coverage.
Can I Transfer My Membership to Another Person or Vehicle?
Wondering if you can transfer your membership to someone else or another vehicle? Unfortunately, memberships are tied strictly to you as an individual. You can’t transfer your membership to another person, nor can you assign it to a vehicle you don’t personally use.
While you can update your vehicle info, the benefits stay with you and apply only when you’re present. Memberships and points remain non-transferable by policy.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for Each Membership?
You can cancel your AAA membership by calling Member Services during business hours or submitting an online form, but you can’t cancel via email. AAA offers a full refund within three months and prorated refunds afterward, with benefits lasting until expiration.
Auto-renewal must be canceled at least 18 days before renewal. Good Sam’s cancellation policy isn’t clearly detailed, so you should review your agreement or contact their service for exact steps and refund eligibility.
Are There Mobile Apps Available for Roadside Assistance Requests?
Imagine having a digital lifeline in your pocket during a roadside emergency. You’ll find that some services provide mobile apps letting you request help, pinpoint your location, and track assistance in real time.
These apps often offer features like vehicle info input and direct messaging with drivers. However, not all roadside assistance providers have embraced mobile technology equally, so your experience may vary depending on app availability and functionality.
How Quickly Do AAA and Good Sam Typically Respond to Service Calls?
You can generally expect roadside assistance to arrive within 30 to 45 minutes under normal conditions, though this varies by location, time, and issue severity. Urban areas typically see faster responses, while rural spots may face longer waits.
Emergency calls get prioritized, speeding service. Automated dispatch systems and mobile apps help reduce wait times by optimizing technician assignments and streamlining request submissions, but staffing and demand fluctuations still impact overall response speed.
Choosing the Right Roadside Assistance for Your Travel Style
Choosing between AAA and Good Sam is like picking your trusted co-pilot for the road ahead. Both offer solid coverage, towing limits, and perks, but your choice hinges on what fits your travel style and budget.
If you’re an RV owner, Good Sam’s tailored benefits might steer you right. Meanwhile, AAA’s widespread network and additional discounts offer broad appeal. Weigh the details carefully to guarantee your roadside assistance truly has your back.
