The ultimate guide to roadside assistance

Have you ever been stuck on the side of a busy road with a flat tire or discovered your car had a dead battery on your way to work? Vehicle breakdowns are an unavoidable but common part of owning and driving a car.

Not only are breakdowns inconvenient, but they are also costly. In 2017, AAA estimated that one in every three U.S. drivers could not afford to repair their car. For these reasons, many drivers choose roadside assistance plans.

What is roadside assistance?

When a driver's vehicle breaks down, roadside assistance is available to help them both physically and financially. This service or membership is usually available for a yearly fee.

It has two main advantages:

  • Emergency roadside service: First, policyholders are entitled to emergency roadside assistance if their vehicle breaks down. Services may include fuel delivery, changing a flat tire, or towing to a service center if the problem cannot be resolved immediately.
  • Potential savings: Second, roadside assistance helps to reduce the cost of a sudden breakdown. Roadside assistance policyholders, like car insurance policyholders, pay a fee, or premium, to the service provider. If the vehicle breaks down, the driver will not have to pay for the emergency services they receive as long as the costs are within the policy limit.

Roadside assistance is distinct from the other types of coverage available through a car insurance policy or a manufacturer's warranty. Basic car insurance typically only covers the cost of repairing damage caused by accidents, and emergency response is not included. Warranties will repair or replace malfunctioning parts on your new vehicle, but flat tires and empty gas tanks are not covered, with the exception of a few rare cases.

It's worth noting that you can often purchase a roadside assistance plan from your insurance company or the manufacturer of your vehicle as an add-on to the service you already have. You may benefit from the convenience and potential cost savings, but you should shop around before committing to a plan to ensure you are getting the best price and service.

What does roadside assistance cover?

If your car breaks down or something else happens to it, roadside assistance will come in handy. Although not all carriers provide the same package, roadside assistance typically includes the following services:

  • How to Change a Flat Tire
  • Jump-starting or charging an electric vehicle's battery
  • Towing the automobile
  • Locksmith service
  • One hour of on-the-job labor
  • Delivery of fuel

Check with the companies you're interested in to see what's available.

What does roadside assistance not cover?

Roadside assistance coverage is useful for non-life threatening emergencies that leave you stranded on the side of the road, but it is not a replacement for car insurance and does not cover more serious incidents. If you are in an accident, you must still call the police.

You should also be aware of where roadside assistance benefits typically end, which are as follows:

  • The cost of auto repairs
  • Towing distance is unlimited (unless specifically stated in your coverage)
  • A full tank of gas (most provide one gallon of fuel)
  • Diagnostic costs

Before purchasing roadside assistance, read the fine print. You might only be able to use the coverage on certain vehicles, you might have to be present to use it, and you might have to carry a membership card to prove you have coverage.

Who needs roadside assistance?

Everyone should think about roadside assistance, but it is especially important for the following people:

  • Senior citizens
  • New drivers and young drivers
  • Parents who have infants or young children
  • Anyone who suffers from a physical disability
  • Older vehicle drivers (12 or more years old)
  • People who live in outlying areas
  • Commuters who travel more than 20 miles per day.
  • Travelers who take long-distance road trips on a regular basis

Although it is not a requirement, many people prefer it for the added peace of mind it provides. You may be able to call a friend, but roadside assistance is often faster and better equipped to assist.

What is the best roadside assistance?

There are several options for roadside assistance. Most popular car insurance companies provide roadside assistance coverage as an add-on to their policies. You can also get roadside assistance on your own through AAA or AARP. Some credit card companies even provide their customers with roadside assistance programs.

Roadside assistance programs vary in terms of coverage and additional features, so you may want to look into a few different options to see which one is best for you.

Best roadside assistance car insurance companies

Some car insurance companies provide roadside assistance coverage, which is typically less expensive than stand-alone policies. The following are some popular programs with common insurance providers:

  • Allstate: Roadside assistance is available as an add-on service, but you can sign up even if you don't have Allstate insurance.
  • Nationwide: As an add-on coverage to your car insurance policy, you can choose between basic and plus roadside assistance from Nationwide Insurance.
  • Travelers: Travelers also provides a basic and premier package, both of which include winching, a difficult-to-find coverage with car insurance companies add-on options.

Credit cards for roadside assistance

The most affordable roadside assistance programs are usually those that come with your credit card. Check to see if any of the cards you already have qualify you for free roadside assistance in the event you require it.

  • Chase Freedom Unlimited: Dispatch service for select services for a flat fee per call.
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve: You can receive up to $50 per service event, with a maximum of four events per year.
  • United Explorer Card: Cardholders can get up to $50 per service event, up to four events per year.
  • Visa: cardholders can purchase a standard policy for a fixed annual fee.

The credit card roadside assistance plan limits on these plans are notoriously low, and you may still end up paying for the majority of your service bill out of pocket. If roadside assistance is important to you, you may want to consider purchasing additional coverage.

Vehicle manufacturers and dealerships

Most vehicle manufacturers and extended warranty providers provide roadside assistance, which may include battery jump starts, fuel delivery, flat tire assistance, lockout service, and towing. Among the manufacturers who provide this service are:

  • Acura
  • Audi
  • BMW
  • Buick
  • Chevrolet
  • Ford
  • GMC
  • Honda
  • Mercedes
  • Subaru
  • Volkswagen
  • Volvo

Auto clubs

While more expensive, standalone roadside assistance coverage from companies like AAA and AARP comes with a long list of benefits that may be worth the extra money:

  • AAA: For its members, AAA provides identity theft monitoring, travel discounts, vehicle inspections, and registration assistance.
  • AARP: In addition to roadside assistance, AARP provides travel discounts, emergency bonds in the event you are arrested or hospitalized while driving, and a trip interruption guarantee.
  • National General Motor Club: National General provides 24-hour assistance, towing to the nearest facility regardless of mileage or cost, trip planning benefits, and emergency expense reimbursement of up to $750.

Other resources

There are also alternatives to the traditional companies, car manufacturers, and car insurance companies for obtaining roadside assistance coverage:

  • HONK: Available across the country, HONK provides roadside assistance via app or online. If you choose to proceed, you will pay in the app or online, and a driver will be dispatched to your location. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with an estimated wait time of 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Hum: Verizon's pinpoint roadside assistance, Hum offers up to four events per year, up to ten miles of towing, and up to three gallons of fuel for one low price. Request assistance using the app or hardware that is already installed in your vehicle.
  • Vroom: Another option for 24-hour roadside assistance, Vroom competes with AAA benefits and also allows you to transfer coverage for a small fee.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best roadside assistance?

There are numerous roadside assistance companies to choose from on the market. The best one for you will be determined by your specific requirements and which plan and company can best meet those requirements.

Where can I get roadside assistance?

Roadside assistance can be purchased from organizations such as AAA or AARP, but it can also be purchased as an add-on to a standard auto insurance policy from some auto insurance companies.

When can I use roadside assistance?

Roadside assistance plans typically offer coverage 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This means that you can use your roadside assistance at any time of day or night. However, if you live in an area with fewer repair shops or towing services, you may have to wait longer.

Can I use my roadside assistance on vehicles other than my own?

Many roadside assistance plans only cover the person, not the vehicle. This means that if you have a roadside assistance plan, you should be able to use it whether or not you are in your vehicle. Check with your provider to see if this is available through your plan.