Does AAA Unlock Cars?

Getting locked out of your vehicle is a stressful event. 

However, with a AAA membership, you could be back in your vehicle within minutes.

Does AAA Unlock Cars?

AAA members get access to locksmith reimbursement. Members can claim the limited funds after locking their keys in their cars. Classic AAA members get $50, Plus members get $100, and Premier members get $150. Members must fill out a reimbursement form to claim the benefit.

If you frequently lock your keys out of your car, joining AAA could be a smart choice. 

Learn more about what benefits AA offers and how to use their locksmith service below!

AAA Locksmith Services

AAA offers a variety of roadside assistance services.

However, locksmith assistance is one of the most important ones available.

To use AAA’s locksmith services, you’ll need to be a member. 

Additionally, the type of membership you have will impact your coverage. 

Let’s start by discussing the three membership plans and what they cost.

Classic AAA Membership

The Classic AAA Membership offers the most basic coverage and services. 

While the coverage is minimal, this plan is the most affordable option.

Classic AAA Membership costs $59 annually. That’s it. 

Less than $5 a month to receive helpful roadside assistance.

Services offered with this membership plan include 5 miles towing (four times a year), fuel delivery, and locksmith reimbursement.

AAA will reimburse Classic members up to $50 for a locksmith service.

Since a locksmith could cost anywhere from $50 to $250, you may end up paying out of pocket; however, the amount would be minimal. 

Say you only use your locksmith service once a year and no other benefits. 

Would it be a waste to join AAA? Consider this, when you use AAA locksmith service, they find the locksmith and direct them to your location. 

Without AAA, you’d have to call all the shops yourself to find one at the right price willing to travel to your location. 

Is it worth saving $9 just to do all that work yourself? Probably not.

Even if you don’t use the $50 locksmith service, your AAA membership gives you access to several other benefits!

Plus AAA Membership

The Plus AAA Membership costs $91 annually. 

For just $8 a month, you get access to 100 miles towing (four times a year), free fuel delivery, and $100 locksmith reimbursement.

With this membership, you shouldn’t have to pay anything to unlock your car once or twice a year. 

The cost of the membership is less than the coverage amount even!

Premier AAA Membership

he Premier AAA Membership plan costs $119 annually, that’s less than $10 a month. 

With this plan, you get 100 miles towing (three times a year), 200 miles towing (once a year), free fuel and delivery, and $150 locksmith reimbursement. 

As an added benefit to the Premier AAA Membership plan, the locksmith coverage applies to your vehicle and home. 

This is a benefit not offered with other plans.

Regardless of the plan you have, if the locksmith service doesn’t work, you can use your AAA towing benefits to get your car to a safe location.

How to Use AAA Locksmith Services

Now that you know what kind of coverage you’ll get with AAA, let’s discuss how to take advantage of their locksmith services.

First and foremost, make sure you’re actually locked out of the vehicle. 

This means checking more than just the drivers door.

You might get lucky and find that the back passenger door is unlocked.

After all, you don’t want to waste your benefits on a non-emergency.

If you’re locked out of your vehicle (or home for Premier AAA members), there are three ways you can get assistance.

If you have the AAA app on your phone, open it and find the lockout service button.

All you have to do is press it and the app will send your location to a AAA technician. 

They’ll coordinate with a locksmith and have them on their way to you in a matter of minutes. 

Many AAA members are amazed by their responsiveness.

For those without the app, call a AAA at (800) AAA-HELP.

This translates to (800) 222-4357. The service agent will get a technician to you as fast as possible. 

This hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Last but not least, you can request lockout assistance online.

This service is also available 24 hours a day. Click here to request AAA locksmith servicing online.

You’ll initially have to pay for the service. 

To claim your AAA reimbursement benefits, you’ll need to fill out a special form.

AAA Reimbursement Forms

The AAA Reimbursement Form works for emergency road service, locksmith assistance, and windshield services. 

You must fill out and submit the form within 60 days of the service.

First, check which box corresponds with your membership plan. 

Next, you’ll need to fill out your personal information such as your name and membership number.

Simply sign and date the form and its ready to go back to AAA! A technician should be in contact with you in a few days to discuss your request.

You will not receive reimbursement for the service if another insurance agency paid for the service. 

Additionally, AAA will not offer locksmith services if your vehicle was impounded.

Other Locksmith Options

If you aren’t a member of AAA yet, it would be a good idea to become one.

However, if you’re already locked out of your vehicle, you’ll need another option.

After becoming a AAA member, you have to wait at least 48 hours before you can access your coverage. 

In the meantime, consider contacting a locksmith yourself. 

You may need to call around to find the best priced technician. 

Expect the technician to take at least 30 minutes to arrive.

Sometimes 30 minutes is too long to wait to get your car unlocked. 

For example, if your child or pet is still in the vehicle you’ll need help immediately, especially on a warm day. 

In these situations, call the police. 

They have the tools to unlock your vehicle and the ability to get there fast.

However, in some circumstances, you may need to break the window or jimmy the lock open.