Why the increase?

Why is the AA increasing the price of Membership?

This increase is necessary to cover our rising operating costs and ensure we don’t compromise our service to Members. A modest increase in AA Membership fees also means we can continue to invest in our products and services and improve the customer experience for all AA Members in the future.

When was the last time the AA reviewed the Membership fee?

The last time we had a Membership price increase for all AA Members was in 1991. However, in 2004 when we introduced the MyAA tenure programme, most Members were charged a modest increase of approximately $2.

Over the years, the only other price increases have been directly linked to the introduction and subsequent increases in GST.

Why has the AA not increased Membership prices since 2004?

As an incorporated society the AA has always strived to keep Membership pricing as low as possible. However, this current increase is necessary to cover our rising operating costs and ensure we don’t compromise our service to Members.

The increase in AA Membership fees will also mean we can continue to invest in our products and services and improve the customer experience for all Members in the future.

What do I get for the cost of my AA Membership?

As an AA Member you are part of New Zealand’s largest club which has been supporting Kiwis on their journeys for the last 120 years.

All AA Members get at least six free roadside callouts per year, and Members who have been with the AA for ten years or more get unlimited callouts.

You can also access a wide range of other Member Benefits, from discounted movie tickets at EVENT Cinemas and ballet tickets with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, to travel discounts on rental cars, accommodation and tours, leisure discounts with Torpedo7, wellbeing Benefits including free eye checks at Specsavers and discounts at Skin Institute, plus many more. See the full list of AA Member Benefits here.

On average, an AA Member gets around $50 value from Member Benefits each year, as well as discounts on other AA branded products including Insurance.

Will my Membership Benefits change with the price increase?

There will be no changes to AA Member Benefits as a direct result of the Membership price increase. However, we are constantly reviewing our range of Benefits to continue adding more value for our Members.

Is AA Membership in decline?

No. In the last financial year AA Membership grew by 2% to almost 1.85 million Members.

While this is modest growth, in a year with low immigration numbers and skyrocketing costs of living, we believe Kiwis continue to see value in being an AA Member.

We are also reviewing our entitlements in order to provide additional benefits to Members.

How much?

How much is the AA Membership pricing increasing by?

While the price for most Membership products will be increasing, tenure and other discounts remain unchanged. Most Members will end up paying a proportional increase based on specific discount amounts and special pricing. 

*The following types of AA Membership will not be included in the price increase:

Veteran, Senior and Youth Membership rates will remain unchanged.

Reciprocal Membership (FIA, six months) will remain unchanged.

The reinstatement fee will remain unchanged.

How do I know what my new AA Membership cost will be?

The amount your Membership will increase and the amount payable for your next renewal will be specified in the pre-notification letter or email. It will also be outlined in your standard renewal notice.

Will my tenure discount still apply?

Yes! Tenure discounts as a percentage of your Membership fee will remain unchanged

When will it happen?

When will the Membership price increase take effect?

The Membership price increase will take effect from 1 August 2023 for most existing Members and for new Members.

Members with a Membership renewal due in August and that will be impacted by this price increase will be given pre-notification from 1 July onwards. Your new Membership price will only be billed when your AA Membership comes up for annual renewal.

Payment options

How will the AA Membership price increase be billed?

Our normal notification process will apply. We will send a reminder before the cost of your Membership is due. In this reminder we will clearly state your new Membership amount.

If you pay by direct debit you will be automatically be billed/debited the new amount, which will be referenced in your renewal invoice.

I have a direct debit set up. Do I need to inform my bank?

All Members will be informed of the new amount they will be paying at least 45 days in advance of their Membership renewal date. This amount will be automatically billed/debited and the new amount will be referenced in the renewal invoice.

Can I change my AA Membership or downgrade to a lower-priced option?

Yes. If you have an AA Plus or AA Motorhome Plus Membership you can change to a standard AA Membership when your Membership comes up for renewal. However, you will no longer be able to access the additional benefits of the AA Plus or AA Motorhome Plus, such as extended towing.

Can I cancel my AA Membership to avoid the price increase?

Yes. You may cancel your Membership at any time and you will be covered up until your renewal date.

To cancel your AA Membership simply call our team on 0800 500 444 and they can assist you, or you can email us at memberexperience@aa.co.nz.

What if I can’t afford to pay for my AA Membership anymore?

If you are suffering from financial hardship please speak to our friendly team on 0800 500 444.

Are there any alternative payment options available?

Unfortunately we do not currently offer any alternative payment arrangements.

Can I negotiate the price increase if I am a long-time AA Member?

No, however our existing tenure discounts are quite significant.

Can I pay for my AA Membership in monthly installments?

At this stage we are unable to offer Membership payments in monthly installments.

Can I pay my Membership in advance before 1 August and still pay the old pricing?

No, as of 1 July all Membership pricing will change in our systems to reflect the new pricing.

Membership types

Is the AA increasing the price of all types of Membership?

Most Membership products will increase in price, but there are some exclusions such as Youth, Senior and Veteran Memberships.

What happens if I was gifted a Membership?

All gift Memberships purchased before 1 August 2023 remain valid at the purchase price. Any subsequent renewals will reflect the new Membership pricing.

Gift Memberships purchased after 1 August will be at the new Membership pricing.

Why is there a difference between AA Membership prices for Auckland and non-Auckland Members?

Auckland AA Membership costs are $10 higher than the rest of New Zealand because it costs more to provide service in Auckland. Being an area with a large volume of people and high traffic congestion we need increasing numbers of Roadservice Officers and vehicles available to provide assistance and maintain our service levels. We factor in costs associated with staff, vehicle operation and maintenance, so the cost to provide this service in Auckland is higher than the rest of New Zealand.

Will the AA Membership price increase apply to new Members?

The Membership price increase applies to new as well as existing Members at time of renewal, but for most existing Members it will be a proportional increase based on your specific tenure discounts.

I have an Associate AA Membership, will the cost of my Membership be increasing?

Yes, by a proportional amount based on the cost of your specific Associate Membership and including any tenure discounts.

Is the cost of AA Youth Membership increasing? 

No. The cost of an AA Youth Membership will remain at $50 per year.

How much will the cost of AA Plus Membership increase?

AA Plus will be increasing by $5 to $54.

How much will the cost of AA Motorhome Plus Membership increase?

AA Motorhome Plus will be increasing by $5 to $80. 

Will the price increase affect the roadside join fee for new Members who join the AA after a breakdown?

Yes. The cost of Non-Member roadside joins will increase from $195 to $209 and for Associate Members this will increase from $145 to $159. 

Will the AA Insurance Membership offer be changing?

 The AA Insurance $69 offer will be increasing by $10 on 1 August.

 However, for those Members with a first year renewal in the next 12 months we will continue to honour the $69 first year renewal price.

Communications

Why did I receive an email about an AA Membership price increase? 

It is important that we advise our Members about any changes to their AA Membership. We also need to inform Members who have automatic renewals via direct debit or credit card well in advance of any price increases, providing at least 45 days’ notice of any changes to direct debit amounts.

I am an AA Member but I have not received an email or letter. Why not?

The price increase takes effect for Members at the time of renewal. This means that right now we are only informing those Members whose Membership is coming up for renewal in the next calendar month.

You will receive a letter or email explaining your new AA Membership cost at least one month before your Membership is due for renewal.

How will the AA communicate future price increases?

We don’t currently have any future plans to raise Membership fees – this is our first significant price increase in 19 years.

If there needs to be further price increases in the coming years we will communicate this to all Members by email or letter well ahead of any potential changes.