Is Progressive’s Roadside Assistance Coverage Good?

Last Updated on December 21, 2025

Progressive offers roadside assistance as an optional add-on, similar to many other insurers. If you already have Progressive (or you’re shopping for a policy), it’s natural to ask: is Progressive’s roadside assistance actually good—and is it worth paying for?

In most cases, Progressive’s roadside assistance is a solid, low-cost convenience add-on for everyday breakdowns (dead battery, flat tire, lockout, short tow). The key is understanding the towing limits, what you’ll still pay for out of pocket, and when you might be better off with a stand-alone roadside membership instead.

Key Takeaways

• Progressive’s roadside assistance is generally a strong add-on for everyday breakdowns like short towing, jump-starts, flat tire help, fuel delivery, and lockouts.
• The biggest limitations are usually towing distance limits, possible limits on the number of service calls, and out-of-pocket costs for things like fuel, parts, and replacement keys.
• Roadside assistance is typically meant for non-accident disablement—accident towing may need to go through your claim/coverages instead of roadside.
• If you want long-distance towing or coverage that follows you in any vehicle, a stand-alone roadside membership may be a better fit than an insurer add-on.

What Progressive roadside assistance typically covers

Progressive’s roadside assistance is designed for non-accident breakdowns and “can’t move” situations. It generally lines up with the common services you’ll see in emergency roadside assistance coverage, including:

• Towing (usually to the nearest qualified repair shop or within a limited radius)
• Winching if your vehicle is stuck nearby a roadway (mud/snow/sand scenarios) — learn more about winching services
• Battery jump-start
• Flat tire help (typically installing your spare, if you have one) — related: does car insurance cover tire damage?
• Fuel delivery (you usually pay for the fuel itself)
• Lockout/locksmith dispatch — see locked keys in car with Progressive and when auto insurance pays for a locksmith

Progressive typically provides these services through a third-party roadside network (so the experience can vary by location, time of day, and vendor availability).

What Progressive roadside assistance doesn’t cover (or won’t fully pay for)

This is where most people get surprised. Roadside assistance helps with the dispatch and certain basic services, but it’s not a blank check. Common limitations include:

• Accident towing usually isn’t “roadside”: Many insurer roadside programs are meant for non-accident disablement. If you need a tow from a crash scene, it may fall under claim-related towing instead of roadside. (If you’re trying to understand towing options in general, start with does car insurance cover towing?.)
• Parts and materials aren’t covered: You’ll typically pay for replacement parts (battery, tire, etc.), even if the service call is covered.
• Fuel costs aren’t covered: Delivery may be included, but you generally pay for the gas.
• Replacement keys aren’t covered: A locksmith may help you get in, but replacing a lost/damaged key can be extra. For key replacement considerations, see will auto insurance pay for lost keys?
• Towing distance is limited: The included tow is usually “local,” and longer tows can trigger extra mileage charges.
• Service-call limits may apply: Some policies limit how many roadside events are covered in a rolling time period. Always check your declarations page or policy wording.

Also note: coverage details can vary by state and policy form, so treat roadside assistance as “policy-specific.” If you rely on it often, read the fine print before you need it.

How to use Progressive roadside assistance

The easiest way is usually through Progressive’s app or your online account, where you can request help and share your location. You can also call the roadside number listed on your policy documents/ID card. Before you confirm a dispatch, ask:

• Is this situation covered under roadside (or is it considered accident-related towing)?
• What towing distance is included, and what will the per-mile cost be beyond that?
• Will I owe anything on-site (fuel cost, parts, extra labor time, replacement key costs)?

Do you need comprehensive or collision to add Progressive roadside assistance?

In many states and situations, insurers require certain coverages (often comprehensive and/or collision) for some roadside-related services—especially anything that looks like claim-related towing. Even when roadside is available, your exact eligibility and limits can depend on what you carry, so double-check your policy.

If you only carry liability, roadside may still be available in some cases, but it’s more common for insurers to tie certain benefits to broader physical-damage coverage.

How much does Progressive roadside assistance cost?

Pricing varies by state, vehicle, and policy, but insurer roadside assistance is often a relatively inexpensive add-on compared to stand-alone memberships. Many drivers see it as a “small monthly” cost that’s easiest to justify if you’d rather not pay out of pocket for a tow, jump, or lockout.

If cost is your top priority, it helps to look at your overall policy savings too. For example, if you’re already a Progressive customer (or considering becoming one), review Progressive discounts and how tools like the Name Your Price tool can affect your total premium.

Is Progressive roadside assistance worth it?

Progressive’s roadside assistance is usually worth it if you want convenient, basic help for common roadside problems—and you’re OK with short towing limits and the fact that you’ll still pay for certain items (fuel, parts, replacement keys, extra mileage).

It’s a good fit if…

• You mainly want help with local breakdowns (dead battery, flat tire, lockout, short tow).
• You prefer the simplicity of adding roadside through your insurer rather than maintaining a separate membership.
• You already carry broader coverage (and your policy’s roadside terms are favorable).

You may want a stand-alone roadside membership instead if…

• You want long-distance towing (beyond what an insurer typically includes).
• You want coverage that follows you (as a driver/passenger) rather than only the insured vehicle.
• You break down frequently, drive long distances, or regularly travel in rural areas where you want maximum towing flexibility.

Progressive vs. Other Roadside Assistance Programs

View the table below to see how Progressive’s roadside services compare to those of other providers:

FAQs on Progressive Roadside Assistance

One last tip: keep a backup plan

Even the best roadside programs can have delays during severe weather, holidays, or heavy traffic. Keep a few basics in your car (charger, blanket, reflective triangles, water), and know what your policy covers before you’re stuck on the shoulder. If you’re deciding between coverages, it also helps to understand the difference between minimum coverage and broader auto insurance types that can affect what help you can access when something goes wrong.