Does GEICO Have Good Roadside Assistance Coverage?
Last Updated on January 11, 2026
Roadside assistance is one of the most practical auto insurance add-ons you can buy—especially if you commute, travel, or drive an older vehicle. Instead of paying out of pocket, you can get help for common breakdowns like towing, a dead-battery jumpstart, and lockout assistance.
GEICO offers an add-on called Emergency Roadside Service (ERS). In many states, it’s priced as low as about $14 per vehicle per year (your exact cost and services can vary by state and policy).
Below is what GEICO’s roadside assistance typically covers, what it doesn’t, and how to request help (including reimbursement if you pay out of pocket).
Our Rating of GEICO Emergency Roadside Service
4.0
out of 5
★★★★☆
Summary
Bottom line: GEICO’s Emergency Roadside Service is a strong value for basic emergencies, as long as you understand towing destination limits and what you still pay for out of pocket.
GEICO offers Emergency Roadside Service (ERS) as an optional endorsement that is typically priced per vehicle and is designed for common “stranded” situations. ERS commonly covers towing to the nearest repair facility where repairs can be made, battery jump-starts, flat tire changes with a usable spare, winching when the vehicle is stuck on or immediately next to a publicly maintained roadway, and fuel delivery (with the fuel cost usually excluded). Lockout assistance is commonly included up to a $100 cap, and if you pay out of pocket for a tow or roadside service, GEICO may reimburse you (subject to your policy limits) when you submit an itemized receipt.
Best for
- Drivers who want an inexpensive add-on for occasional breakdowns
- People who are comfortable with towing to the nearest repair facility (or paying extra for a farther destination)
- Policyholders who want the option to request dispatch or submit receipts for reimbursement
Not ideal for
- Drivers who regularly need long-distance towing to a shop of their choice
- Anyone expecting fuel, replacement parts, or replacement keys to be included
- Households that want member-based coverage that follows the driver across multiple vehicles
- Our Rating of GEICO Emergency Roadside Service
- How GEICO Roadside Assistance Works
- What GEICO Emergency Roadside Service Covers
- Can You Get Reimbursed If You Pay Out of Pocket?
- Is GEICO Roadside Assistance Worth It?
- How to Contact GEICO Roadside Assistance
- How GEICO Compares to Other Roadside Programs
- FAQs on GEICO Roadside Assistance
- Final Word on GEICO Emergency Roadside Service
How GEICO Roadside Assistance Works
GEICO ERS is an optional endorsement you add to your auto policy. It’s usually priced per vehicle, not per policy—so insuring multiple cars means paying the fee on each vehicle you want covered.
GEICO typically dispatches a service provider from its network and pays them directly. In some areas, local towing rules may require you to use an authorized tow company instead—GEICO may still reimburse you, but reimbursement is subject to your policy limits.
What GEICO Emergency Roadside Service Covers
GEICO’s ERS is built for “stranded on the road” problems. Coverage commonly includes:
- Towing to the nearest repair facility where repairs can be made (see more about GEICO towing and what to expect)
- Battery jump starts (jumpstart service only—not a free replacement battery)
- Tire changes as long as you have a usable spare (for tire damage details, see car insurance and tire damage)
- Lockout assistance up to $100 (often helps if you need a locksmith)
- Winching if your vehicle is stuck on or immediately next to a publicly maintained roadway
- Fuel delivery to help get you to a gas station or your destination (you’ll typically pay for the fuel itself)
Important Limitations to Know
Roadside assistance is meant to get you moving again—not to fully repair the vehicle. Keep these common limitations in mind:
- “Goods” aren’t usually included: If you need a new tire, battery, or significant fuel, you typically pay for those items.
- Towing destination rules: ERS is generally designed to tow to the nearest facility that can make repairs. If you want to go somewhere else (like a preferred shop across town), you may owe the difference. For more on towing distance expectations, see how far GEICO will tow.
- Lockouts have a hard cap: GEICO commonly pays up to $100 for lockout service. If you need a replacement key or fob programming, costs can exceed that amount (especially if you lock your keys in your car and don’t have a spare).
Can You Get Reimbursed If You Pay Out of Pocket?
Yes. If you had to pay for a tow or roadside service yourself, GEICO may reimburse you if you have ERS—subject to your policy limits.
In many cases, GEICO asks for the original road service bill and your policy details. GEICO’s reimbursement process typically allows email or fax submission (and mail if needed). If you’re stuck choosing a provider, try to keep the invoice detailed and itemized so reimbursement is smoother.
Is GEICO Roadside Assistance Worth It?
For most drivers, ERS is worth considering because a single tow or lockout can easily cost more than a year of coverage. If you’re deciding between ERS and paying as you go, it usually comes down to reliability and risk: if your car is prone to breakdowns, the add-on can protect you from surprise costs compared to paying out of pocket.
That said, if you need frequent long-distance tows, a membership-based program (like AAA) may be a better fit than an insurance add-on. Also remember: roadside programs are for emergencies—if you find yourself using it constantly, it’s a sign your vehicle needs attention.
How to Contact GEICO Roadside Assistance
The fastest way to request help is usually through GEICO’s mobile app (it can share your location and let you track the provider). You can also request ERS online.
If you’d rather call, GEICO’s 24/7 emergency roadside number is 1 (800) 424-3426.
If you need GEICO’s general customer support number for policy changes or questions, use our guide to the GEICO customer service contact number.
How GEICO Compares to Other Roadside Programs
Insurance-company roadside assistance is often inexpensive and convenient, but benefits can be more limited than membership programs. If you’re shopping broadly, you can also compare options across other auto insurance companies and decide whether an insurer add-on or a separate roadside membership makes more sense for your driving habits.
| Provider | Type | Towing (typical) | Lockout (typical) | Notes / best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEICO (Emergency Road Service) | Insurance add-on | Often cited as ~20 miles or nearest repair facility (policy/state varies) | Up to $100 | Low-cost add-on for occasional emergencies; limits vary by state/policy |
| Progressive (Roadside Assistance) | Insurance add-on | Often up to ~15 miles or nearest qualified repair facility | Included (limits vary) | Good if you want an insurer add-on; optional trip interruption may be available |
| State Farm (Emergency Road Service) | Insurance add-on | Generally to nearest repair facility (details vary) | Included (reasonable locksmith expenses; limits vary) | Solid “insurer-dispatched” roadside; exact benefits depend on your state/policy |
| Nationwide (Roadside Assistance) | Insurance add-on | Basic: ~15 miles Plus: up to 100 miles | Up to $100 | Nice step-up option if you want higher towing without a membership plan |
| Travelers (Roadside / Premier) | Insurance add-on | Standard: ~15 miles Premier: up to 100 miles | Included | Good if you want a higher towing tier through your insurer |
| AAA (Membership) | Membership | Classic: ~5 miles Plus: up to 100 miles Premier: 1 tow up to 200 miles (then 100 miles, typical—varies by region) | Often tiered reimbursements (varies by region) | Best for frequent drivers, longer tows, or “member-based” coverage across any car |
| Allstate Roadside (Membership plans) | Membership | Assist: 10 miles Advantage: 25 miles Elite: 100 miles | Included (plan limits vary) | Membership alternative if you don’t want it tied to your auto policy |
FAQs on GEICO Roadside Assistance
Final Word on GEICO Emergency Roadside Service
GEICO’s roadside assistance is a strong value if you want an inexpensive add-on that covers the most common “stuck on the side of the road” situations—towing to a nearby repair facility, jumpstarts, tire changes (with a spare), lockouts (up to $100), winching, and fuel delivery. If you travel constantly or want long-distance towing to a shop of your choice, consider comparing it to a membership plan before you renew (and yes, most auto policies renew automatically unless you make changes).
