Unveiling the Mystery: Will AAA Tow Your Motorcycle After an Accident?
When you’re out on the open road, whether commuting or enjoying a weekend ride, the last thing you want is to be involved in an accident. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and knowing how to handle the aftermath is crucial. One of the first questions that come to mind after a motorcycle accident is: will AAA tow your motorcycle? AAA, or the American Automobile Association, is a well-known roadside assistance provider, but understanding the specifics of their services can be a bit confusing. In this article, we’ll break down how AAA handles motorcycle towing after an accident, what’s included in their coverage, and provide you with some essential troubleshooting tips.
What Is AAA’s Roadside Assistance Service?
AAA offers a wide range of roadside assistance services to its members, including battery jumps, flat tire changes, fuel delivery, lockout assistance, and towing. While many people are familiar with AAA’s service for cars, it’s less clear whether their roadside assistance extends to motorcycles. So, will AAA tow your motorcycle after an accident? The answer depends on several factors, including your membership level, the location of the accident, and the severity of the situation.
Will AAA Tow Your Motorcycle After an Accident?
AAA’s policy on towing motorcycles can vary based on a few important details. While they do provide motorcycle towing services, it’s important to understand the nuances involved. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what you can expect:
1. Motorcycle Towing Coverage: What’s Included?
AAA typically offers motorcycle towing as part of their membership packages. However, not all membership levels include motorcycle towing, so it’s essential to verify your specific benefits. The basic membership may not cover towing a motorcycle, but if you’re an upgraded member, especially at the Plus or Premier levels, you’re more likely to have coverage for towing your motorcycle.
- Basic Membership: This level usually provides only limited motorcycle coverage, such as towing for a car but not for a motorcycle. Check your policy to be sure.
- Plus Membership: Often includes coverage for motorcycles, but it may have limitations on distance or conditions.
- Premier Membership: This is the highest tier of AAA membership, offering comprehensive motorcycle towing benefits with extended mileage and additional features.
2. The Location of the Accident Matters
Where the accident occurs plays a role in whether AAA will tow your motorcycle. In urban areas or major highways, AAA’s network of contractors is often able to reach you quickly and provide the towing services you need. However, if your accident happens in a more remote area or off-road, AAA’s contractors may not be equipped to handle the motorcycle towing, which could delay or prevent the service.
For example, if you’re in a rural area, AAA might subcontract a local towing company to assist, but the availability of motorcycle-specific equipment is essential. Always check with AAA for local towing partners who are capable of handling motorcycle transport.
3. The Severity of the Accident
AAA’s towing services are generally available for non-drivable motorcycles, but the severity of the accident matters. If your motorcycle is damaged beyond repair or the accident involves a serious injury, you may need to consider additional services like medical transport or vehicle recovery. AAA’s towing service will typically tow your motorcycle to the nearest repair shop, but more complex cases might involve extra steps, including the coordination of specialized vehicles for recovery.
4. Distance and Coverage Limits
AAA often limits the distance they will tow your motorcycle, and these limits depend on your membership level. If you have the Plus or Premier membership, the distance is typically longer, but with a Basic membership, you may be limited to a few miles. For a long-distance tow or if you’re stranded far from home, you might be responsible for additional costs.
5. Towing Motorcycle-Specific Requirements
Motorcycle towing is more specialized than regular car towing, as it requires the proper equipment to prevent damage. AAA works with partners who are trained and equipped to handle motorcycles safely. If you are a member, you should confirm that the towing company has the appropriate equipment such as motorcycle dollies, flatbed trucks, or other tools needed to move your bike securely without causing damage.
6. Motorcycle Towing: How to Request Help
Requesting a tow after an accident is similar to the process for any other vehicle breakdown. You’ll need to call AAA’s emergency roadside assistance hotline or use the AAA mobile app to request help. Be sure to specify that you need motorcycle towing, so the dispatcher can send the right type of vehicle.
- Call the AAA Roadside Assistance Hotline: Dial your local AAA number and follow the prompts for roadside assistance.
- Provide Detailed Information: Describe your location, the condition of your motorcycle, and the nature of the accident.
- Confirm Your Membership and Coverage: Ensure that your membership includes motorcycle towing and confirm any additional charges that may apply.
- Wait for the Tow: Once confirmed, AAA will send the appropriate towing vehicle and equipment to your location.
7. Troubleshooting Tips: What to Do If AAA Can’t Tow Your Motorcycle
While AAA is a reliable service, there may be occasions when they are unable to provide immediate motorcycle towing due to unforeseen circumstances, such as location challenges, or availability of appropriate towing equipment. Here are a few tips if this happens:
- Look for Local Towing Services: If AAA cannot provide a tow, contact a local towing company that specializes in motorcycles. Many regions have companies dedicated to motorcycle recovery.
- Use Motorcycle Recovery Insurance: Some motorcycle insurance policies offer coverage for towing and recovery, including after an accident. Check your insurance to see if this is a benefit you can utilize.
- Consider Upgrading Your AAA Membership: If you don’t have motorcycle coverage, upgrading your membership to the Plus or Premier level could ensure you’re covered in the future.
Is AAA Motorcycle Towing Worth It?
AAA is known for its reliability and customer service, and if you’re a motorcyclist, having access to their towing services can offer peace of mind. However, whether it’s worth it depends on your specific needs, the severity of the accident, and the level of coverage you have with AAA. If you frequently ride long distances or in areas where towing might be more difficult, upgrading your AAA membership or adding additional motorcycle-specific coverage to your insurance may be wise.
Conclusion
In summary, AAA does offer motorcycle towing services, but there are factors that affect whether they will tow your motorcycle after an accident. These include your membership level, the location of the accident, the severity of the situation, and whether the correct towing equipment is available. By understanding the specifics of your AAA membership and the details of their roadside assistance program, you can be better prepared in case of an accident.
For more information on AAA’s motorcycle coverage, visit their official website or contact their customer service for specific details related to your membership.
If you find yourself stranded and AAA is unable to assist, check local resources or your motorcycle insurance for additional towing options.
This article is in the category Safe Driving and created by MotorBikePassion Team