Roadside Assistance: What You Should Know

These programs can help ensure you never get stranded by an automotive mishap.

Benjamin Hunting | 

Jul 21, 2023 | 5 min read

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Modern automobiles can be very reliable, but there are road hazards even the best-built car or truck can't avoid. Potholes, debris in the road, bad weather, and dead batteries are all situations that could render your vehicle unable to drive, potentially stranding you until you can arrange for rescue in the form of a tow truck, tire replacement, or vehicle repair.

Roadside assistance programs help keep drivers safe and sound by tagging professionals to deal with unexpected stops during a trip. Many different 24/7 roadside assistance options exist. While most provide similar protections, there are differences in cost, membership details, and operation.

Here's a look at what roadside assistance offers, how much you can expect to pay, and what types of coverage many major operators have.

What is roadside assistance?

Roadside assistance is the catchall term for services provided to motorists in a tricky spot while traveling in their vehicle. The concept dates back more than 100 years: The American Automobile Association (AAA) began providing formal aid to its members in 1915. At that time, motor vehicles were still relatively new, and it was possible breakdowns would occur in areas that didn't offer the resources required to repair these early contraptions. The first roadside assistance program began operating in St. Louis, Missouri. Its personnel usually made repairs on the spot, as tow trucks had yet to become common in the U.S.

What do popular roadside assistance programs cover?

Today, the roadside assistance umbrella covers a lot of ground. Most programs aimed at helping drivers include many of the same services.

AAA continues to offer a model for roadside services that is mirrored by other providers. The century-old institution gives its members access to such things as emergency auto towing, battery jump-starting, fuel delivery, changing of flat tires, mobile locksmith services, and winching. Reimbursement for certain costs associated with trip interruption (such as the need to hire a rental car) can also be part of a roadside assistance service package, though the reimbursement amounts vary depending on plan tiers.

Through partnerships with local garages, towing agencies, and providers, organizations can provide nationwide coverage, serving as the primary point of contact for members unfamiliar with how to attain the repairs and help they need while traveling. By guaranteeing a certain number of service calls for a single yearly charge, roadside assistance programs can also help reduce the costs associated with jobs such as 24-hour towing and tire changes.

What extra services can be part of roadside assistance plans?

Roadside assistance programs often provide additional services that owners can add to the standard array of what is immediately helpful when dealing with a breakdown or a flat tire.

Some programs allow expansion to include additional drivers or family members living at the same address on the policy, while others can add motorcycle and recreational vehicle coverage. Each of these protections typically comes with an additional fee. There are roadside assistance organizations offering pay-as-you-go services that don't tie you to a yearly membership but instead offer a cost structure for towing, tire changes, and related assistance.

Other companies will provide discounted pricing through partnerships with rental-car companies, hotels, notaries, credit card companies, travel agencies, and vehicle-history providers. Sometimes roadside assistance organizations also operate service centers that can assist with vehicle inspection and registration.

Do car companies offer roadside assistance?

Not all 24/7 roadside assistance is provided by independent organizations. Many car companies offer similar support services with the purchase of a brand-new or certified pre-owned vehicle. These services generally come at no additional cost to automobile buyers but only last for limited years or miles, usually in parallel to the warranty protection associated with that particular model.

Do insurance companies offer roadside assistance?

A range of insurance companies offer roadside assistance, as well. Still, unlike programs provided by automobile manufacturers that require a vehicle purchase, you don't usually need to hold a policy with that particular insurer to take advantage of their services. For example, Allstate offers membership in its Allstate Motor Club to anyone willing to pay the yearly fee, while other insurance providers, such as State Farm roadside assistance, may bundle it in as part of a specific policy.

Do credit card companies offer roadside assistance?

There are issuing banks and credit providers that provide discounted access to emergency roadside services for their cardholders.

For instance, Chase Bank offers roadside assistance for holders of certain credit cards — services include towing, jump-starting, and fuel delivery, among others. U.S. Bank, too, has a credit card that includes roadside assistance benefits such as towing and fuel delivery. Capital One's roadside assistance network offers similar benefits on select Visa and Mastercard credit cards.

Is paying for a roadside assistance membership worth it?

If you are already covered for roadside assistance by your vehicle's warranty, you may not need to add extra coverage in the form of a third-party roadside assistance program. If you aren't currently covered, however, membership will likely feel justified the first time you need help on the side of the road.

The average cost of adding roadside assistance to an insurance policy hovers between $10 and $23, while annual membership in AAA can range from about $40 to about $70, depending on location. The average cost of a single tow is more than $100, which illustrates the value of belonging to a roadside assistance program.

Benjamin Hunting

Benjamin Hunting is a writer and podcast host who contributes to a number of newspapers, automotive magazines, and online publications. More than a decade into his career, he enjoys keeping the shiny side up during track days and always has one too many classic vehicle projects partially disassembled in his garage at any given time. Remember, if it's not leaking, it's probably empty.