Is USAA’s Roadside Assistance Worth It?
Last Updated on January 11, 2026
You’re cruising along when the temperature gauge spikes and steam starts rolling out from under the hood. You weren’t in an accident — your car just quit on you — and now you need help fast.
Maybe you remember seeing “roadside assistance” when you signed up for auto insurance. If you have USAA insurance, is adding roadside assistance actually worth it — or is it smarter to just pay for a tow when you need one?
USAA offers optional roadside assistance that can dispatch help when your vehicle breaks down (think: dead battery, flat tire, lockout, or a tow) — situations that usually don’t involve filing a traditional accident claim. For many policyholders, it’s a low-cost add-on. The real question is whether it’s the right kind of protection for how (and where) you drive.
Below is what USAA roadside assistance typically covers, the common limitations to watch for, and a simple way to decide if it’s a good value for you.
Our Rating of USAA Roadside Assistance
3.8
out of 5
★★★★☆
Summary
Bottom line: USAA roadside assistance is usually worth it as a basic safety net for eligible drivers, but you should confirm the towing cap and consider whether you want roadside events tied to your policy history.
USAA offers optional roadside assistance that can dispatch help for non-accident breakdowns such as towing to a nearby repair facility, battery jump-starts, flat tire help (typically installing a usable spare), lockout service, and emergency fuel delivery (with the fuel cost generally excluded). Benefits and limits vary by state and policy, and towing is often capped by miles (commonly cited around 50 miles) or by a per-event dollar limit, so longer tows and extras can still create out-of-pocket costs. Like many insurers, USAA typically uses third-party roadside networks for dispatch, and if you arrange service yourself, you may be able to submit itemized receipts for reimbursement up to your policy limits.
Best for
- USAA-eligible members who want a low-cost add-on for occasional breakdowns
- Drivers of older or high-mileage vehicles who are more likely to need a tow or jump-start
- People who want insurer-dispatched help but like having a reimbursement fallback
Not ideal for
- Drivers who want high-mileage towing tiers or broader travel-style benefits
- Households that expect frequent service calls and want membership-style coverage that follows the driver
- Anyone who prefers to keep roadside events completely separate from their auto policy history
- Our Rating of USAA Roadside Assistance
- What USAA Roadside Assistance Usually Covers
- Common Limitations (The Stuff That Decides “Worth It”)
- How USAA’s Roadside Assistance Compares to Other Insurers
- Who Actually Shows Up When You Call USAA Roadside?
- So… Is USAA Roadside Assistance Worth It?
- What to Check Before You Add It
- FAQs on USAA Roadside Assistance
What USAA Roadside Assistance Usually Covers
Exact benefits vary by state and policy, but USAA roadside assistance is generally designed for “get me moving again” emergencies — not major repairs. Here’s what you can typically expect:
- Towing: If your vehicle won’t start or can’t be driven safely, USAA can arrange towing services to a nearby repair facility. Many policies cap towing by distance (often cited up to about 50 miles) or by a dollar limit. If you choose a shop farther away, you may pay the difference out of pocket.
- Battery jump-start: If your car won’t crank, a provider can attempt to jump-start your battery. If a jump doesn’t work, they may recommend a tow. (Battery replacement — if offered — is typically at your expense.) Related reading: jump-start coverage.
- Flat tire help: A provider can help put on your spare if you have one and it’s usable. If you don’t have a spare (or it’s not safe to install), you may need a tow. If you’re wondering what insurance does and doesn’t pay for, see flat tire coverage details.
- Lockout service: If your keys are locked inside, a provider can attempt entry. If specialized help is needed, a locksmith may be involved. Keep in mind: cutting replacement keys or fobs is usually not included.
- Emergency fuel delivery: If you run out of gas, help can bring enough fuel to get you to a station — you generally pay for the fuel itself. More here: fuel delivery coverage.
- Minor on-site labor: Some plans include limited time for simple fixes (for example, quick adjustments or basic troubleshooting). If the vehicle still won’t run, the next step is usually towing.
Common Limitations (The Stuff That Decides “Worth It”)
Roadside assistance can be a bargain — if you know the limits. These are the most common “gotchas” that affect the true value:
- Coverage caps: Towing and service calls are often limited by miles or dollars per event. Longer tows (especially rural areas) can get pricey fast.
- Not accident coverage: If your vehicle is disabled due to a crash, that’s usually handled under your auto policy (or the other driver’s), not roadside assistance.
- You may still pay something: Fuel, replacement keys, extra mileage, storage fees, and anything above the benefit limit can be out-of-pocket.
- Service record considerations: Requests can be recorded on your policy as roadside events/claims. It’s not the same as a collision claim, but it’s something to keep in mind if you rely on roadside a lot.
How USAA’s Roadside Assistance Compares to Other Insurers
USAA’s roadside assistance add-on is generally priced competitively compared to similar add-ons from other large insurers, but the “best” option depends on towing distance limits, how many calls you’ll realistically use, and whether you’d rather have a standalone plan (like an auto club) that won’t show up on your insurance history.
| Company | USAA | AAA | GEICO | Progressive | State Farm | Liberty Mutual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $12-$20/yr | $65-$130+/yr (varies by tier/club) | $14+/yr | $10-$30/yr | $10-$20/yr (avg) | $12-$120/yr (varies) |
| Winching and Extraction | Included if stuck on/next to public road (limits vary) | Extrication/winching included (limits vary by tier) | Included if stuck on/next to public road | Within 100 feet of road/highway | Covered if stuck on/next to public road (reasonable) | Not listed |
| Towing | Up to 50 miles or to nearest repair facility | 5-7 miles (Classic); up to 100 miles (Plus) | Up to 20 miles or to nearest repair facility | 15 miles radius or to nearest qualified repair facility | To nearest repair facility (reasonable cost basis) | To nearest qualified facility |
| Mechanical Adjustment | Up to 1 hour (varies by policy) | Minor roadside help (limited) | Not included | On-scene labor up to 1 hour | Up to 1 hour labor | Not specified |
| Locksmith | Included (limits vary) | $50 (Classic); $100 (Plus) | Up to $100 | Included (key replacement extra) | Up to 1 hour labor | Included (unlock doors) |
| Flat Tire | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Fuel Delivery | Included – you pay for gas | Included (Plus/Premier fuel may be free; Classic you pay) | Included – you pay for gas | Included – you pay for fuel | Included – you pay for gas/oil/battery | Included – you pay for fuel |
| Vehicle Jump Start | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Battery Replacement | Not included | Available (purchase battery; service provided) | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included |
| Electric Vehicle Charging | Tow to charger if out of charge | Tow to charging station | Not available | Tow to charging station if out of charge | Tow to nearest place to charge (portable charger possible) | Not specified (towing applies) |
| Emergency Travel Reimbursement | Not available | Plus $750-$1,000; Premier up to $1,500 (varies) | Not available | Up to $500 (trip interruption add-on; where available) | Not available | Not available |
Who Actually Shows Up When You Call USAA Roadside?
Like most insurers, USAA typically dispatches help through third-party roadside networks that contract with local tow companies, locksmiths, and mobile service providers. In other words: the person who shows up is usually a nearby local company, arranged through USAA’s dispatch system.
To request help, you can use USAA’s app/website or call the roadside number (often listed as 800-531-8555). Response times depend heavily on location, traffic, weather, and how busy local providers are.
Do You Have to Use USAA’s Dispatch?
Not always. If you already paid for assistance (for example, you arranged your own tow), USAA may allow you to submit receipts for reimbursement — up to your policy’s roadside benefit limits. That said, using USAA’s dispatch is usually simpler because you’re less likely to pay upfront and then wait for reimbursement.
If you do pay out-of-pocket, keep an itemized receipt with the date, the vehicle information, the location, and a clear description of the service provided.
So… Is USAA Roadside Assistance Worth It?
For many drivers, the add-on cost is low enough that a single tow can “pay for” years of premiums. But it’s not automatically the best choice for everyone. Use this quick checklist:
It’s usually worth it if…
- You drive an older car or a high-mileage vehicle more likely to have breakdowns.
- Your commute is long, you road-trip often, or you frequently drive in rural areas where towing costs can spike.
- You don’t already have roadside coverage through a manufacturer, a phone plan, or a credit card.
You may want an alternative if…
- Your car is newer and still covered by manufacturer roadside assistance (many new vehicles include it for a few years).
- You want higher towing limits (some auto club plans offer 100–200 miles on higher tiers).
- You’re concerned about roadside requests appearing on your insurance history and prefer to keep towing separate from your auto policy.
One more thing: some credit card companies offer roadside help as a perk (terms vary a lot). And certain premium cards — like American Express — may offer assistance options that can be worth comparing if you already pay an annual fee.
What to Check Before You Add It
Before you pay for any “maybe I’ll need it” coverage, pull up your quote or declarations page and confirm:
- Towing limit: miles and/or dollar cap per event.
- Service call limits: whether there’s a cap on the number of roadside events per year.
- What’s excluded: winching, off-road recovery, trailers, key replacement, and storage fees are common pain points.
- Reimbursement rules: what documentation you need and how quickly you must submit it.
If the limits fit how you drive, USAA roadside assistance can be an easy, inexpensive safety net. If you need long-distance towing or want to keep roadside separate from your auto policy entirely, you may be better served by a standalone roadside plan.
