Is AARP’s Roadside Assistance Program Good?

Name: AARP Roadside Assistance Program Review
Item: AARP Roadside Assistance Program
Rating: 4.1
Author: Insurance Panda

Last Updated on February 16, 2026

Roadside assistance can be a lifesaver when you’re dealing with a dead battery, a flat tire, a lockout, or a breakdown far from home. If you’re considering AARP’s option, it’s important to understand what you’re actually buying: a roadside membership-style program (not an auto insurance policy add-on) with benefits that follow you in many vehicles—including rentals and borrowed cars.

AARP members can access roadside protection through Allstate, and it can be a strong fit for people who travel often and want 24/7 help without tying the benefit to a single vehicle. If you’re already paying for an AARP membership, it’s worth comparing this option against the roadside coverage you may already have through your auto insurer, credit card, or vehicle warranty.

Our Rating of AARP Roadside Assistance Program

A membership-style roadside assistance program offered through Allstate that follows the member across many vehicles.

4.1

out of 5

★★★★☆

Based on coverage limits, response times, service area, exclusions, and dispatch experience.

Membership-style coverage Offered through Allstate Works in many vehicles

Summary

Bottom line: AARP Roadside Assistance is a solid choice for drivers who want coverage that follows them rather than a single car.

The AARP Roadside Assistance Program is a roadside membership benefit offered through Allstate, providing help for common breakdown situations like towing, jump-starts, flat tires, lockouts, fuel delivery, and winching. Coverage is available 24/7, works in many vehicles including rentals or borrowed cars, and comes in multiple plan tiers with different towing and service-call limits. While it is not tied to an auto insurance policy, members should review plan limits carefully, especially for towing distance, trip interruption benefits, and the number of service events allowed per year.

Best for

Drivers who want roadside coverage that follows the member, not the vehicle
Frequent travelers using rental or borrowed cars
AARP members comparing alternatives to insurance add-ons

Not ideal for

Drivers who only want a low-cost roadside add-on tied to one car
People who need very high towing limits without upgrading plans
Those who rarely drive or already have overlapping roadside benefits

Table Of Contents

Our Rating of AARP Roadside Assistance Program
What Is AARP?
Who Provides AARP Roadside Assistance?
What Does AARP Roadside Assistance Cover?
Plan Options and Key Differences
How Much Does AARP Roadside Assistance Cost?
How to Use AARP Roadside Assistance
How AARP Roadside Assistance Compares to AAA and Auto Insurance Add-Ons
Is AARP Roadside Assistance Worth It?
Before You Enroll: Quick Checklist
FAQs About AARP Roadside Assistance

What Is AARP?

AARP (originally the American Association of Retired Persons) is a nonprofit advocacy and membership organization founded in 1958. It focuses on issues and resources that impact people as they age, and it has a nationwide footprint with millions of members.

Despite the “50+” reputation, AARP membership is open to adults 18 and older. Some benefits (especially certain insurance products) can be restricted by law or contract, but many discounts and programs are available regardless of age.

Who Provides AARP Roadside Assistance?

AARP roadside protection is offered through Allstate’s roadside program. This is separate from Allstate auto insurance, and you don’t necessarily need an Allstate car insurance policy to buy a roadside membership.

If you’re comparing providers, keep in mind that Allstate is also one of the bigger players in the insurance space (see a list of major car insurance companies).

Need help during a roadside emergency? If you’re enrolled in AARP Roadside Assistance from Allstate, the AARP help center lists this 24/7 number: 1-800-555-1121.

What Does AARP Roadside Assistance Cover?

Coverage varies by plan and state, but roadside memberships commonly include help for the most common “can’t-drive” situations, such as:

Towing: If you’re disabled and need a tow, the plan can help cover the cost (limits vary). Learn more about how towing coverage typically works: does car insurance cover towing?
Fuel delivery: Help if you run out of gas (you may still pay for the fuel). Related: will auto insurance deliver gas if you run out?
Battery jump-starts: Assistance if your battery dies. Related: will auto insurance pay to jumpstart your car?
Lockout service: Help if you’re locked out of your vehicle (reimbursement limits can apply). Related: will auto insurance pay for a locksmith?
Winching: If your car is stuck in mud, snow, or a ditch (limits and conditions apply). Related: will auto insurance cover winching?
Flat tire help: Changing your tire with your spare (or towing if you don’t have one).

Some plans may also include extra “travel protection” features like trip interruption reimbursement. If you’re comparing options, here’s a helpful primer on what trip interruption coverage generally means: will auto insurance cover emergency travel expenses?

Plan Options and Key Differences

AARP members can save on Allstate roadside membership plans, typically offered in tiers (for example, a basic plan and a higher-tier plan with more generous towing and added travel benefits). The higher tier is usually designed for frequent travelers and people who drive longer distances.

What to look at when comparing plans:

Towing limit: How far (or how much) the plan will cover per tow.
Service call limit: How many “rescues” you can use per membership year.
Lockout and winching limits: Whether there’s a dollar cap or distance/conditions requirement.
Trip interruption: Whether reimbursement is included and what triggers eligibility (often distance-from-home rules apply).

How Much Does AARP Roadside Assistance Cost?

Pricing changes over time and often depends on promotions, plan level, and whether you add additional household members. AARP advertises roadside protection starting around a monthly price point, with members eligible for a discount on annual membership fees.

Even if the upfront cost looks higher than an auto insurance add-on, the value can be strong if you use the benefit more than once—or if you like that it can follow you in many vehicles. For a broader overview of what roadside assistance is (and how it compares across providers), see: all about emergency roadside assistance coverage.

How to Use AARP Roadside Assistance

If you need help, have the following ready so dispatch goes faster:

Your membership information (if applicable)
Your exact location (mile marker, cross street, or GPS pin)
Your vehicle details (make/model/color/plate)
A brief description of the issue (won’t start, flat tire, locked out, etc.)

Many roadside programs also offer app-based requests so you can share your location and track the truck. If you prefer phone support, calling is usually the fastest option in urgent situations.

How AARP Roadside Assistance Compares to AAA and Auto Insurance Add-Ons

Here’s a practical way to compare AARP/Allstate roadside against other common options. The “best” choice depends on whether you want coverage that follows the driver (membership-style) or the car (insurance add-on).

Option	Usually Covers	Best For	Watch Outs
AARP Roadside (via Allstate)	Often follows the member in many vehicles (including rentals/borrowed cars)	Travelers, households with shared vehicles, people who want membership-style coverage	Plan limits vary; confirm towing distance/amount and number of service calls before enrolling
AAA	Membership-style coverage (varies by tier/region)	Drivers who want established club benefits, travel discounts, and higher towing limits at upper tiers	Benefits vary significantly by region and membership level
GEICO / Progressive / State Farm roadside add-on	Typically tied to the insured vehicle (policy endorsement)	Drivers who want a simple add-on bundled with their auto policy	May be more limited than a motor club; using it can sometimes be treated like a claim (ask how it’s handled)
USAA roadside add-on	Usually tied to the insured vehicle (availability and terms vary)	Eligible members who want roadside bundled with their policy	Eligibility requirements apply; towing limits and service rules vary by state/policy

Is AARP Roadside Assistance Worth It?

AARP’s roadside option can be worth it if you drive frequently, take road trips, or simply want an easy 24/7 backup plan. It can also be appealing for older drivers who want predictable help and a straightforward process—especially since breakdowns and minor emergencies can happen to anyone.

If you’re in your 50s or beyond, it’s also smart to check whether your age bracket is already lowering your auto insurance costs—then decide whether you want roadside coverage as an add-on or as a separate membership: is auto insurance cheaper for drivers in their 50s?

Before You Enroll: Quick Checklist

Confirm towing limits: distance or dollar cap per event, and whether you can request a preferred shop.
Confirm service-call limits: how many rescues are included per year.
Check what counts as a “service event”: multiple services in one incident may count as one event (or not), depending on terms.
Check vehicle eligibility: RVs, trailers, and commercial-use vehicles can have restrictions.

FAQs About AARP Roadside Assistance

Do you have to be 50+ to get AARP Roadside Assistance?

No. AARP membership is open to adults 18 and older. However, some AARP-affiliated insurance products can have age restrictions depending on the provider and state rules.

Is AARP roadside assistance the same as adding roadside to my auto insurance?

Not usually. AARP roadside is typically a membership-style benefit offered through Allstate’s roadside program. Auto insurance roadside endorsements are usually tied to a specific insured vehicle and may have different limits or claim-handling rules.

What services are usually covered?

Most roadside plans include towing, battery jump-starts, flat tire help, lockout service, fuel delivery, and winching. Exact limits (distance, dollar caps, and number of service calls) vary by plan and state.

Does the coverage work in a rental or borrowed car?

Many membership-style roadside plans can be used in vehicles you drive, including rentals and borrowed cars. Confirm the exact vehicle eligibility rules and any RV/trailer restrictions before enrolling.

How do I request roadside assistance?

You can typically request service by phone or through a mobile app (when available). Keep your location, vehicle details, and membership information handy to speed up dispatch.

How many service calls do I get per year?

It depends on the plan level. Basic plans usually include fewer service calls and lower towing limits, while higher-tier plans typically include more calls and added benefits like trip interruption reimbursement. Always verify the current limits during enrollment.

Can I cancel AARP roadside assistance if I change my mind?

Cancellation and refunds depend on the provider’s terms and your state. If you’re considering canceling, contact customer service to confirm whether you’ll receive a prorated refund and whether any cancellation fees apply.