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Getting stuck on the side of the road with car trouble is nobody’s idea of a good time. Thankfully, roadside assistance plans exist to help stranded drivers. Not all roadside assistance policies offer the same perks and services, though. Picking the right one can make sure you get the support you need at the best price.
What is roadside assistance?
Roadside assistance covers a broad range of services designed to help drivers with car trouble. Here are some of the common services roadside assistance plans may cover:
- Towing services
- Lockout and key services
- Tire changes
- Battery jumpstart and replacement
- Fuel delivery
- Winching services (when your car is stuck in ice, snow, a ditch or mud)
You’ll typically use a mobile app or call the company that administers your plan to submit a request for assistance.
The best roadside service for you will vary based on your location, budget, vehicle type, driving habits and ability to handle basic repairs. There are companies that offer independent roadside assistance plans, but you might also be able to purchase a plan through your car’s manufacturer, your cell phone company, your auto insurance provider or your credit card company.
I was at an amusement park with all of my kids. We were the level of exhausted that only comes from spending a day at an amusement park. After making our way back to my car with all the kids, I tried to start my car and it was completely dead. A jump wouldn’t work. The battery was gone. I had to call to have someone meet us in the parking lot. They came out, checked the battery, said it needed to be replaced, and replaced it on the spot.
— Bankrate Staffer
Best roadside assistance plans
Roadside assistance is available from a variety of sources, but some companies stand out in the industry for especially accessible or robust services. Some popular companies for the best roadside assistance plans include:
| Company | Standout features | Average annual cost | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAA | Do not need to be an insurance policyholder to purchase a plan. Reputation for quick response times. Membership deals provide additional perks. | $65 – $125 | All 50 states and Canada |
| Better World Club | Roadside assistance is included in all auto plans and is available as a standalone. Bicycle and motorcycle coverage available for an additional fee. | $63 – $115 | All 50 states and Canada |
| Good Sam | Offers multiple tiers of roadside assistance plans. Higher tier coverage extends to rented and borrowed vehicles. | $100 – $180 | All 50 states, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico and the Virgin Islands |
| Progressive | Service provided by Agero. Includes 15 mile towing limit, winching services, battery jump-starts, fuel delivery, battery charge for electric cars and other perks. | N/A | All 50 states and Canada. Only available to Progressive policyholders |
| Geico | Towing available up to 20 miles, up to five service calls and up to $100 for lockout services. | N/A | All 50 states. Only available to Geico policyholders |
| State Farm | Called “Coverage H,” it includes towing available up to 10 miles, locksmith expenses, fuel delivery, battery jump starts, tire changes and other services. | N/A | All states except MA and RI. Only available to State Farm policyholders |
| Allstate | Allstate car insurance is not required to purchase its roadside assistance. Towing, battery jump starts, flat tires and lockout services available. | $25 per vehicle for Allstate policyholders, $73 per year for membership plan, $154 per tow for non-members | All 50 states |
Where can I buy roadside assistance?
You can purchase roadside assistance as an endorsement, or add-on coverage, to your auto insurance policy. However, that’s not the only place you buy it. It’s possible that your vehicle manufacturer, cell phone company or credit card also include a roadside assistance plan.
Car manufacturers that offer roadside assistance
Some car manufacturers include a free roadside assistance plan when you purchase a vehicle. However, coverage may be limited to a number of years or miles, whichever comes first. Typically, this service transfers with the car so you might even be able to purchase a used car with an active roadside assistance plan. Additionally, you may be able to purchase an extended warranty plan to continue this service even after your complimentary period ends.
Cell phone companies that offer roadside assistance
Some cellular phone companies, like T-Mobile and Verizon, offer roadside assistance plans but are often limited in how many service events they will cover per year.
Credit card companies that offer roadside assistance
Some credit card issuers, like Visa and Chase, also offer roadside assistance plans. Plans are sometimes automatically folded into cardholder accounts but may still require a service fee.
Car insurance companies that offer roadside assistance
Many car insurance companies sell roadside assistance endorsements that can be added to your auto insurance policy for an added cost to your premium. Importantly, if you need to use your roadside assistance, it could count as a small claim. This is could raise your rate when your policy renews.
Do I need roadside assistance?
Having an emergency roadside assistance plan may provide you peace of mind on the road. You might also compare the cost of a plan with the out-of-pocket cost of a tow or other vehicle service. You might consider a roadside assistance plan if you:
- Drive an older car or one that requires frequent maintenance
- Have a long commute
- Often take road trips
- Live in a region with extreme weather like heat waves or winter storms
- Are inexperienced or uncomfortable with vehicle maintenance like tire changes
- Want additional roadside support for a child or other family member
Frequently asked questions
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Many auto insurance companies offer roadside assistance endorsements, but some don’t or have limitations on when this coverage can be added. Major providers that offer optional roadside assistance coverage include Allstate, Geico, Liberty Mutual, Progressive, State Farm and USAA. Roadside assistance pricing and services may vary by carrier, so you may want to contact an insurance agent to discuss plan specifics before purchasing coverage.
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Many auto insurance companies offer policyholders the option to purchase roadside assistance coverage, but your carrier may not have this coverage available or you might prefer to buy a plan elsewhere. Speaking with your insurance agent may help you figure out if you need to purchase an additional roadside assistance plan.
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This likely depends on the provider of your roadside assistance plan. For example, roadside assistance plans from car manufacturers are typically limited to the vehicle, no matter who is driving. Other plans, such as AAA, may require you to purchase family coverage but may offer lower rates for additional drivers listed on your plan.
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Different plans and carriers offer varying services for roadside assistance. Still, the best roadside assistance plans will often include services for towing, key services, tire changes, jumpstarts, battery replacements, fuel delivery, winching, towing and more. Just about anything you can imagine that will help you get your car up and moving again can be found within a roadside assistance plan. Full mechanic and repair services are less common but may be available with some providers. When shopping for roadside assistance, it’s generally a good idea to compare the services offered with the price of coverage to find the right plan for your budget.
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The price can vary significantly depending on your roadside assistance provider and service tier. Looking at some of the top providers, plans from AAA, Better World Club or Good Sam range from $63 and $180 per year. Taking another route, you could get free roadside assistance coverage with your credit card but may have to pay individual service fees whenever you use it. Likewise, phone carriers often include relatively inexpensive roadside assistance plans but tend to have more limitations on how frequently you can use these services.
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It’s a personal decision, much of which can come down to cost and availability. Before you shop around for it, make sure you don’t have it already included with a credit card or phone plan. Or, if you just purchased your vehicle, you may have some roadside assistance from your car’s manufacturer, your credit card or your phone company.
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