Over the years, I've had more than my fair share of vehicle breakdowns. There was when I lost power steering on a major Boston highway on my way to prom and rode in the tow truck in my dress.
My husband had to hike until he found cell reception to call for help when I got a flat battery in the Idaho wilderness. Whether I broke down in the city or the middle of nowhere, I've always been glad to have some extra peace of mind.
If you're wondering, "What is roadside protection?" I've got to admit, I'm a little jealous. When you have the auto luck I do, you practically have the phone number memorized. This service will bail you out when minor auto emergencies strike, including flat tires, dead batteries, or empty gas tanks. I think of it as dial-a-dad, but the help is delivered without a lecture.
What is Roadside Assistance?
Emergency services for drivers
The most common services cover flat tires, running out of gas, locking yourself out of your car, or having a dead battery. However, it can also be used for more extensive issues, like my power steering debacle.
When you call a service provider about your vehicle, you'll tell a dispatcher what's happened and where you are. Then, they'll send help, which can sometimes take a while. The service person can address simple issues like changing a tire, unlocking your car, or giving you enough fuel to reach the gas station. If the case requires mechanical help, they'll call a tow truck to bring you to a nearby garage.
Most simple roadside fixes are covered in your plan or the call-out cost. So is a certain distance of towing. But memberships and tow services don't cover the cost of vehicle repairs.
Peace of mind on the road:
Roadside assistance is a cheap service that provides the peace of mind that there's someone you can call when something goes wrong with your car.
"It's crucial to have it," says travel blogger Claire Fleming. Fleming spends half the year traveling in her converted van and has more than her fair share of experience with unexpected roadside problems. "It would be shorter if I listed the places I haven't broken down," she says.
Types of roadside assistance
Roadside assistance isn't auto insurance, but you can add it to your auto policy for a few dollars each renewal period.
It can also act as a standalone service. You (usually) pay a monthly fee to know someone will be able to help when you need it. Other providers don't have a membership but charge you to come out when you need assistance.
However, many choose a membership for the convenience of using one phone number nationwide and working with a company that will reach out to its network of agents for you.
What Does Roadside Assistance Cover?
Common Services
Roadside assistance providers offer the following standard coverages:
- Towing: If your vehicle breaks down and you're stuck on the side of the road, your provider will arrange for a tow truck to bring your car to a nearby repair shop.
- Battery services: If your battery dies, you can have your car jumpstarted or a new battery brought to you.
- Flat tire changes: If you have a flat tire, a technician will come to your location to inflate it or install a new one.
- Fuel delivery: If you run out of gas before getting to the next location, a professional will fill your tank so you can get back on the road.
- Lockout service: If you're locked out of your car, your provider will dispatch a locksmith to help you gain access to your car.
Additional Benefits
Benefits and perks included in your membership will vary by plan and provider. These are just a few you may find:
- Trip interruption: If your trip is interrupted due to an unexpected reason, you can be reimbursed for prepaid and nonrefundable expenses.
- Travel planning assistance: Some roadside assistance plans come with personalized assistance to help plan your trip.
- Travel discounts: Your plan may include deals and bundled hotels, rental cars, and attractions at popular destinations.
How to Choose the Best Roadside Assistance Plan
So many options can make choosing a plan overwhelming. To find the best, cheap roadside assistance coverage for you, consider the following factors.
Coverage
Compare what's included in the policy, including how far the roadside protection plan will tow your car before charging you. The cost of towing adds up quickly. You might not have a choice if you're in a rural area. But you might want to rethink the extra few miles to get to your favorite mechanic if there's a good alternative within your towing allowance.
You'll also want to consider the type of vehicle you have. If you're driving an RV, motorcycle, or another specialty vehicle, you'll need the plan to match.
Some companies also offer additional perks, such as hotel or travel discounts. If you use those travel services frequently, the discounts can offset the cost of the plan or cover it entirely.
Cost
Some plans have lower membership costs but cover fewer services (and higher fees at the time of service). Others have a higher price but cover more. Most plans cost $65 a year or less. That's about the cost of one call-out from the providers not taking memberships. Most auto insurance plans guarantee a fixed rate for a certain number of call-outs per year.
If you're prone to breakdowns, like me, you might benefit from a membership service where you pay a monthly fee and are not charged for call-outs. If you're a lucky duck who rarely breaks down, using a pay-per-call service model might be cheaper.
Service area
If you live in a rural area areas or camp remotely, like me, look for a plan catering to those areas. Fleming has found many programs only serve vehicles within 100 feet of a maintained road, so paying a little more for flexibility matters in her situation.
You'll also want to consider response time. Waiting on the side of the road can be dangerous and tedious. Look for companies prioritizing quick service.
Customer service
Look for providers with a reputation for reliable and responsive service. Look through online reviews or ask your friends or neighbors which roadside assistance services they prefer.
You might also ask community members if you're part of a specific niche group like Fleming. Feedback from friends, family, and colleagues offers an interactive option to answer all your questions.
Popular Roadside Assistance Providers
These days, drivers have plenty of options. "Roadside assistance can be obtained from credit card companies, auto manufacturers, insurance companies, and standalone roadside assistance plans," says Andrew Lokenauth, founder of Fluent in Finance, a financial education site.
Your insurance provider
Your auto insurance provider is another great place to start. Many insurers offer modest roadside protection services for just a few dollars each time you renew your policy. In addition, you can contact tow companies or other service providers if you're already in trouble.
AAA
The most well-known name in roadside services is AAA Auto Insurance. AAA offers three membership types: Classic, Plus, and Premier — its most comprehensive plan. Cost and coverage will vary by location, but here's an example of their offerings in Washington by membership level.
| Features \ Membership Level | Classic | Plus | Premier |
| Towing (up to specified mileage) | Up to 4 events per year with towing up to 5 miles | Up to 4 events per year with towing up to 100 miles | Up to 4 events per year with towing up to 100 miles |
| Battery service | X | X | X |
| Flat tire changes | X | X | X |
| Fuel delivery | X | X | X |
| Free Fuel | X | X | X |
| Locksmith service | Up to $50 | Up to $100 | Up to $250 |
| Winching/Extraction | One truck | Second truck up to one hour | Second truck up to one hour |
| Identity protection | X | X | X |
| Bicycle service | X | X | |
| Supplemental RV Coverage | X | X | |
| Home lockout service reimbursement | X | ||
| Trip interruption services | X | ||
| Breakdown rental car program | X |
Specialized providers
Aside from auto insurance, you can get a standalone policy from companies specializing in emergency roadside assistance. Some examples of these providers include Better World Club and Good Sam Roadside Assistance. AARP also offers roadside assistance and auto insurance with additional perks and benefits designed for members ages 50 and older.
Car manufacturer programs
Some car manufacturers or dealers offer their own roadside assistance in your vehicle warranty package. Read your car warranty packet for information about the extent of your roadside assistance coverage.
Credit cards
Check whether your credit card provider provides roadside service benefits if you have credit cards. Many companies also offer extensive travel benefits.
These days, I have a more reliable ride and like to think my days of calling roadside assistance are behind me. And yet, the other morning, as I rushed into the gym, I slammed my car door shut and realized instantly my keys were still inside.
Roadside assistance can be a lifesaver in unexpected situations. So, rather than panicking, I dialed the same old number, thanking my lucky stars that I, once again, made space for this service in my budget. By understanding your options and choosing the right plan, you can enjoy peace of mind and know that help is just a phone call away.
Roadside assistance FAQs
Is roadside assistance worth it?
Roadside assistance is usually worth it, as accidents can happen when you least expect it. Before purchasing this coverage, assess your driving habits and risk tolerance. It may be a worthwhile investment if you frequently drive long distances or have an older vehicle.
Can I get roadside assistance through my car insurance?
Most car insurance policies include roadside assistance. This service normally comes at a small extra premium, but some companies offer it as a complimentary benefit.
How do I get roadside assistance if I don't have a membership?
If you don't have a roadside assistance membership, look up service providers in your area. You can still get help by paying for the individual service out-of-pocket, but it can be more expensive. Check if you have coverage through your insurance provider, car manufacturer, or credit card before using a pay-per-use service.
