Roadside assistance provides essential services like towing, battery jump-starts, tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockout help when your vehicle breaks down. These plans offer peace of mind for drivers facing unexpected issues, available 24/7 across the U.S. and often beyond. Whether bundled with insurance or standalone, they prevent costly surprises and keep you moving safely.
Common breakdowns include dead batteries (affecting 40% of calls), flat tires, and lockouts, making reliable coverage crucial for frequent drivers, families, or RV owners. Costs range from $25 add-ons to $160 annual plans, with towing limits varying from 3 to 200 miles.
What Does Roadside Assistance Cover?
Standard coverage includes core services tailored to emergencies:
- Towing: To the nearest repair shop or chosen destination, with limits like 5-100 miles per call.
- Battery Jump-Start: Revives dead batteries; some plans add testing/replacement.
- Flat Tire Change: Uses your spare tire for quick fixes.
- Fuel Delivery: Brings gas if you run out (you pay for fuel).
- Lockout Service: Unlocks doors, often up to $100 reimbursement.
Premium plans extend to winching (extrication from mud/snow), EV charging, trip interruption ($500-$1,000 reimbursements), and multi-vehicle coverage. Coverage applies to insured vehicles, rentals, or any car you’re in, depending on the provider.
Roadside Assistance From Your Car Insurance
Many insurers offer roadside add-ons for $20-$100/year per vehicle, streamlining claims but potentially counting service calls as claims that raise premiums. Ideal for policyholders with multiple cars.
| Provider | Cost | Key Coverage | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geico | N/A (add-on) | 5 calls/year, towing to nearest facility, $100 lockout | All 50 states |
| Progressive | N/A (add-on) | 15-mile tow, winching, EV battery charge | All 50 states & Canada |
| State Farm (Coverage H) | N/A (add-on) | Tow +10 miles, locksmith, fuel, tire change | All states except MA/RI |
| Allstate | $25+/vehicle/billing period | Towing, jump-starts, fuel, flats, lockouts; extra tow fees apply | All 50 states |
These integrate with policies but check fine print—Allstate charges $119 for 5-mile tows beyond base. USAA and Liberty Mutual offer similar for members.
AAA Roadside Assistance Plans
AAA leads with tiered memberships from $63-$160/year, covering any vehicle you’re in, rentals, and bikes in higher plans. No insurance tie-in required.
- Classic: 4 calls/year, 3-5 mile tow.
- Plus: 4 calls, 100-mile tow, lockout reimbursement.
- Premier: Unlimited calls, 200-mile tow, EV support, trip interruption.
Extras: Extrication (2 hours free), battery replacement, multi-car coverage. AAA outperforms insurers on flexibility and perks like discounts.
Good Sam Roadside Assistance
Good Sam excels for RVs and autos with plans from $49-$119/year, covering family members, rentals, and extended areas (Mexico, Puerto Rico).
- Select: Basic towing, jump-starts.
- Platinum: Unlimited towing, $1,000 trip interruption, pet transport, medical referral.
Strong for travelers; higher tiers include technician support and discounts.
Other Standalone Roadside Assistance Providers
Beyond majors, niche options suit specific needs:
| Provider | Cost/Year | Key Features | Coverage Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Better World Club | $63-$115 | Bike/motorcycle add-ons, EV discounts, 4 calls/year, eco-friendly | 50 states & Canada |
| Allstate Motor Club | $73-$89 | Standalone plans, family coverage | 50 states |
| AARP/Allstate | $5.50+/month | 2-4 calls/year, trip interruption in Elite | U.S. |
Better World Club price-matches; Good Sam covers RVs best.
Roadside Assistance From Your Car Manufacturer or OnStar
New cars often include free assistance (e.g., Honda, GM), but limited to warranty/mileage, specific vehicles, and approved shops—no rentals or choice of tow spot. OnStar: $25/month or $250/year for button-activated help, but pricier than AAA.
Compare Roadside Assistance Plans
Key factors:
- Towing Distance: AAA Premier (200 mi) vs. basic insurance (5-15 mi).
- Service Calls: Unlimited in top tiers vs. 4/year basics.
- Extras: Extrication (AAA), RV coverage (Good Sam), family inclusion.
- Cost vs. Value: Insurance add-ons cheapest for policyholders; standalone for flexibility.
For families: Insurance or AAA. RVers: Good Sam. Eco-drivers: Better World.
Is Roadside Assistance Worth It?
Yes, for most—average tow costs $150+, service calls save time/money. Frequent drivers or those without tools benefit most; skip if rarely driving. Weigh usage: AAA/Geico even for basics, but AAA wins on perks/no insurance need.
How Much Does Roadside Assistance Cost?
Averages $50-$125/year:
- Insurance add-ons: $25-$100/vehicle.
- AAA: $65-$125.
- Good Sam: $49-$120.
- RV plans higher due to size.
Multi-vehicle discounts common; shop tiers for needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest roadside assistance?
Insurance add-ons like Allstate ($25/year) or Geico for policyholders; standalone from $49 (Good Sam).
Does roadside assistance cover rentals?
Yes in higher tiers (AAA Plus/Premier, Good Sam Platinum); check manufacturer plans.
Is AAA roadside assistance worth it?
Yes for comprehensive coverage, any-vehicle flexibility, and extras like extrication—better value than insurers or OnStar.
Who has the best roadside assistance?
AAA for general use; Good Sam for RVs; depends on towing needs and perks.
Does Geico roadside assistance cover towing?
Yes, to nearest facility; up to 5 calls/year.
References
- Best Roadside Assistance | Bankrate — Bankrate. 2025. https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/best-roadside-assistance/
- How to Choose a Roadside Assistance Plan — Consumer Reports. 2024-10-15. https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/how-to-choose-a-roadside-assistance-plan-a6798450601/
- Compare AAA vs. Other Roadside Assistance Plans — AAA. 2025. https://mwg.aaa.com/membership/articles/aaa-compare-roadside-assistance
- Comparing Roadside Assistance Programs — CDA Honda. 2024. https://www.cdahonda.com/blogs/5558/comparing-roadside-assistance-programs-which-one-is-right-for-you
- Compare Roadside Assistance Plans for Auto from Good Sam — Good Sam. 2025. https://roadside.goodsam.com/compare-auto-plans
This article is general information, not personal financial advice. Consider your own situation, or speak with a licensed adviser, before acting on it.
