Is Allstate’s Roadside Assistance Good?
Last Updated on December 19, 2025
Allstate’s roadside assistance is generally a solid value if you want 24/7 help for the most common breakdown problems—towing, jump-starts, flat tires, lockouts, and fuel delivery—without committing to a full auto club like AAA.
That said, whether it’s “good” for you depends on which version you buy (policy add-on vs. standalone membership vs. pay-per-use), how often you need help, and whether you already have roadside benefits through your car warranty, credit card, or another membership. Below is a current, practical breakdown of what Allstate roadside covers, what it costs, and the main pros/cons to know before you sign up.
Key Takeaways
- Allstate roadside assistance is usually a good value for 24/7 help with towing, jump-starts, lockouts, fuel delivery, and flat tire service.
- You can buy Allstate roadside coverage as an insurance add-on, a standalone membership, or a pay-per-use service—each has different costs and limits.
- Plan details matter: towing limits and the number of annual service calls vary by tier, so confirm the fine print before you enroll.
- If you need long-distance towing or travel perks, compare Allstate with AAA and other insurers’ roadside programs to see which fits your driving habits best.
- Quick verdict: Is Allstate roadside assistance worth it?
- The basics: Allstate offers roadside assistance in 3 ways
- What does Allstate roadside assistance cover?
- How much does Allstate roadside assistance cost?
- Towing limits and service-call limits: what to watch
- Pros of Allstate roadside assistance
- Cons and common complaints
- How Allstate compares to other roadside programs
- How to use Allstate roadside assistance
- FAQs on Allstate Roadside Assistance
- Final word: Is Allstate’s roadside assistance good?
Quick verdict: Is Allstate roadside assistance worth it?
- Best for: Drivers who want inexpensive “just-in-case” help and don’t need extra travel perks (trip planning, hotel discounts, etc.).
- Not ideal for: People who regularly drive long distances in remote areas, tow trailers frequently, or want robust travel and member perks (where AAA can be stronger).
- Biggest watch-out: Plan limits (towing distance or reimbursement cap) and annual service-call limits vary by plan.
The basics: Allstate offers roadside assistance in 3 ways
“Roadside assistance” can mean different things depending on how you buy it. Here are the three most common options:
- Add-on to an Allstate auto policy: If you already have Allstate auto insurance, you can often add roadside coverage to your policy for a relatively low cost. (If you’re comparing Allstate as a carrier overall, see this Allstate auto insurance review.)
- Standalone roadside membership: You don’t need an Allstate auto policy to buy a membership. Membership plans are typically tiered (basic to premium) with different towing/service limits.
- Pay-per-use: If you don’t want to pay annually, you can request service when you need it and pay for that single event.
If you want the broader context of how these programs work (and how they differ from insurance coverages), this guide to emergency roadside assistance coverage is a helpful refresher.
What does Allstate roadside assistance cover?
Allstate roadside assistance generally covers the “big five” that leave people stranded, plus a few extras depending on your plan:
- Towing (limits vary by plan). If you’re unsure what towing coverage normally looks like, here’s a quick primer on car insurance towing coverage.
- Battery jump-starts
- Flat tire service (typically mounting your spare—coverage for the tire itself is a separate topic). Related: will car insurance pay for a flat tire?
- Lockout assistance (often with a dollar limit). Related: Allstate locked keys in car
- Fuel delivery (you usually pay for the fuel; service may cover delivery/labor)
- Winching/extraction (limited—depends on your plan and accessibility)
- Trip interruption benefits on higher tiers (reimbursement for certain travel expenses when a covered breakdown leaves you stuck away from home). Related: emergency travel expense coverage
How much does Allstate roadside assistance cost?
Pricing changes over time and varies by tier, discounts, and whether you buy it as an insurance add-on or a standalone membership. Here’s the realistic range most drivers see:
- Policy add-on: Often starts around the $25/year range for many drivers (exact pricing depends on your policy and state).
- Standalone membership: Typically runs from “budget-friendly” to “premium,” often landing somewhere around $90–$180+ per year depending on tier and renewal pricing.
- Pay-per-use: Convenient, but can be expensive if you need a tow—especially if you’d end up paying out of pocket anyway.
If you want to see current membership options directly, Allstate lists them here: Allstate roadside membership plans.
Towing limits and service-call limits: what to watch
Roadside plans almost always have limits, and those limits are the difference between a great deal and a disappointing experience. Before you buy, confirm:
- How many service events you get per year (some tiers cap how many times you can call for help).
- How towing is limited (some plans cap towing by miles; others use a dollar reimbursement limit).
- Whether you’re covered in any car or only your insured vehicle (membership plans often follow the member, not the car).
Also ask how household coverage works. Some memberships cover you plus an additional household member, while others may require each driver to be enrolled. If you’re trying to avoid paying for unnecessary people on your auto policy, this topic overlaps with whether you need to add non-driving family members.
Pros of Allstate roadside assistance
- 24/7 availability for common roadside issues
- Flexible ways to buy (policy add-on, membership, or pay-per-use)
- Useful for road trips since most plans cover service across the U.S. and Canada (if you’re crossing borders, here’s what to know about coverage while traveling in Canada)
- App-based request options (depending on your plan and setup)
Cons and common complaints
- Wait times can vary because roadside providers are typically third-party contractors and availability changes by location and time of day.
- Limits can be tighter than people expect (towing miles, reimbursement caps, and annual service-call limits).
- Reimbursement models can be annoying in edge cases. If dispatch can’t locate a provider, you may need authorization, pay upfront, and submit receipts.
- Not “AAA-level” for travel perks if you want discounts, trip planning services, and broader member extras.
How Allstate compares to other roadside programs
Allstate’s roadside offering competes well for basics, but it’s smart to compare it to other insurers’ roadside add-ons and clubs like AAA—especially if towing distance is your top priority. Here are a few reviews you might want to compare:
- GEICO roadside assistance review
- Progressive roadside assistance review
- Nationwide roadside assistance review
- Travelers roadside assistance review
Allstate vs. competitors (quick comparison table):
| Provider | How it’s offered | Towing limit (typical) | Service-call limits | Notable notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate Roadside | Standalone membership (and/or policy add-on depending on state) | Varies by tier (examples cited: ~10 miles on lower tier; up to 100 miles on higher tier) | Varies by tier (examples cited: 5 calls/year on lower tier; more on higher tier) | Benefits can be used 24/7; AARP offer notes it can apply in “any car you drive” (including rented/borrowed). |
| AAA | Standalone membership (Classic/Plus/Premier vary by region) | Classic: ~5 miles; Plus: up to 100 miles; Premier: one tow up to 200 miles + additional tows up to 100 miles (per household/year) | Typically limited by “service calls” (count varies by club/region) | Strong choice if long-distance towing is your top priority (especially Plus/Premier). |
| GEICO | Policy add-on (ERS for GEICO auto policyholders) | Tow to the nearest repair facility; mileage limits vary by policy | Varies by policy/state | GEICO highlights app-based requesting and notes you generally don’t pay out-of-pocket for covered services (within limits). |
| Progressive | Policy add-on | Up to a 15-mile radius; if no shop within 15 miles, tows to the nearest qualified repair shop | May be limited (policy/state dependent) | Includes jump-starts, fuel delivery (you pay for fuel), lockout dispatch, tire change (with spare), and up to 1 hour of on-scene labor. |
| State Farm | Policy add-on (Emergency Road Service) | Typically pays “reasonable expenses” like towing, generally up to the nearest repair facility (limits vary by policy) | State Farm says you can typically request help as many times as needed (policy details still apply) | Emphasis is on “nearest repair facility” costs; towing beyond that (to a preferred shop) may not be covered. |
| Travelers | Policy add-on (Roadside vs Premier Roadside Assistance) | Standard: up to 15 miles; Premier: up to 100 miles | Varies by policy/state | Travelers explicitly differentiates standard vs Premier towing distances. |
| Nationwide | Policy add-on (Basic vs Plus) | Plus includes towing up to 100 miles | Varies by policy/state | Nationwide Plus also advertises trip interruption reimbursement up to $500 when stranded 100+ miles from home (terms apply). |
| USAA | Policy add-on (eligibility restrictions apply) | Often cited as up to ~50 miles (coverage can vary by state/policy) | Varies by policy/state | USAA details are harder to confirm publicly without account access; verify limits directly in your policy documents. |
How to use Allstate roadside assistance
If you’re stranded and need help, use the contact details that match your plan (policy add-on vs. membership). If you’re not sure where to start, this page covers the Allstate customer service contact number and the quickest way to reach help.
FAQs on Allstate Roadside Assistance
Final word: Is Allstate’s roadside assistance good?
For most drivers, Allstate’s roadside assistance is a good, practical option—especially if you can add it cheaply to your auto policy or you want a standalone membership that covers you in most cars you drive. Just make sure you understand the limits (service calls and towing) and keep a backup plan in mind for remote areas or long-distance towing needs.
