Is Nationwide’s Roadside Assistance Coverage Worth It?
Last Updated on February 15, 2026
If you already have Nationwide auto insurance, Nationwide Roadside Assistance can be a convenient add-on for common breakdown problems like towing, jump-starts, lockouts, and flat tires. The key is whether you’ll actually use it—and whether you already get similar help through a vehicle warranty, an auto club membership, or a credit card benefit.
Below is what Nationwide Roadside Assistance typically includes, how Basic and Plus compare, what’s usually excluded, and how to request help when you’re stuck on the side of the road.
Our Rating of Nationwide Roadside Assistance Roadside Assistance Program
3.6
out of 5
★★★★☆
Summary
Bottom line: Nationwide Roadside Assistance is a convenient add-on for everyday roadside emergencies, but benefits and limits vary by state and policy form.
Coverage is designed for short, on-the-spot services like towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery, flat tire changes, lockout service, and winching or ditch extraction, with plan-specific and state-specific limits. Basic typically supports shorter towing, while Plus generally increases towing benefits and adds trip interruption coverage, but exclusions and usage limits still apply and the coverage may be redundant if you already have roadside benefits through a warranty, auto club, or credit card.
Best for
- Nationwide policyholders who want roadside help bundled with their insurance account or app
- Drivers who want coverage for common issues like dead batteries, lockouts, and flat tires
- Road trippers who want a larger towing cushion and optional trip interruption benefits
Not ideal for
- Drivers who already have strong roadside assistance through an auto club, warranty, or credit card
- People who need coverage that follows them across vehicles, rentals, or a friend’s car
- Breakdowns that require mechanical diagnosis, repairs, or specialized recovery beyond plan limits
- Our Rating of Nationwide Roadside Assistance Roadside Assistance Program
- About Nationwide Roadside Assistance
- What Does Nationwide Roadside Assistance Cover?
- Nationwide Roadside Assistance Basic vs. Plus
- Is Nationwide Roadside Assistance Worth It?
- What to Expect When You Request Service
- How Much Does Nationwide Roadside Assistance Cost?
- What’s Not Included with Nationwide Roadside Assistance?
- Contact Nationwide Roadside Assistance
- Final Word on Nationwide Roadside Assistance
- FAQs on Nationwide Roadside Assistance
About Nationwide Roadside Assistance
Nationwide Roadside Assistance is an optional endorsement you can add to an eligible Nationwide auto policy. Like other roadside assistance programs, it’s designed for everyday emergencies—when your vehicle is disabled and you need a quick service to get moving again or get to a repair facility.
Nationwide’s roadside services are provided through a network of towing and roadside vendors (Nationwide partners with Agero for service dispatch in many areas). Availability, limits, and definitions can vary by state and policy form, so the most reliable source is always your declarations page and policy language.
What Does Nationwide Roadside Assistance Cover?
Coverage is intended for short, on-the-spot services that address the immediate problem. Here are the most common service types included with Nationwide Roadside Assistance:
| Service | What It Typically Helps With | Common Limit Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Towing | Transporting a disabled vehicle to a nearby repair shop or safe location | Towing distance/benefit limits vary by plan and state |
| Jump-Start | Starting your vehicle when the battery is dead | Doesn’t replace a failing battery or electrical repair |
| Fuel Delivery | Getting fuel delivered if you run out | Delivery may be covered, but you may still pay for the fuel itself |
| Flat Tire Change | Installing your spare tire so you can drive to a shop | Doesn’t usually include buying a new tire or repairing a damaged rim |
| Winching | Pulling a vehicle out of snow, mud, or a ditch when it’s safely accessible | Restrictions often apply (distance off the road, safety conditions, terrain) |
| Lockout Service | Getting you back into the vehicle if keys are locked inside | Policies commonly cap lockout service reimbursement (often around $100) |
| Ditch Extraction | Assistance when a vehicle is stuck (non-collision, accessibility-dependent) | Usually subject to strict safety and access restrictions |
Important: Roadside Assistance helps with the immediate emergency service. It generally does not pay to diagnose or repair the underlying mechanical problem that caused the breakdown.
Nationwide Roadside Assistance Basic vs. Plus
Nationwide offers two tiers of roadside coverage: Basic and Plus. Both are meant for roadside disablements, but Plus generally increases towing benefits and adds trip interruption coverage. Exact benefits can vary by state, so treat the chart below as a starting point—not a guarantee.
| Feature | Basic | Plus |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Roadside Service | Yes | Yes |
| Towing Benefit | Typically up to 15 miles (or a dollar-value equivalent in some states) | Typically up to 100 miles (or a higher dollar-value equivalent in some states) |
| Lockout Service | Included (commonly capped) | Included (commonly capped) |
| Jump-Start, Fuel Delivery, Flat Tire Change | Included | Included |
| Winching / Ditch Extraction | Included (restrictions apply) | Included (restrictions apply) |
| Trip Interruption Coverage | No | Yes (commonly up to $500 when stranded far from home, subject to conditions) |
If you mainly drive locally and want help with a dead battery, lockout, or a short tow to the nearest shop, Basic is often enough. If you take road trips, commute long distances, or want a bigger towing cushion (plus trip interruption protection), Plus may be a better fit.
Is Nationwide Roadside Assistance Worth It?
Nationwide Roadside Assistance can be worth it when the cost of a single tow or lockout would be a financial headache, and you want a simple way to request help through your insurer. It’s less valuable when you already have strong roadside benefits elsewhere.
Roadside Assistance Is Often Worth It If You:
- Drive an older vehicle or a high-mileage car more likely to have battery, tire, or starting issues
- Commute daily and don’t want to worry about finding (and paying) a tow company in the moment
- Want towing and lockout service bundled with your insurance account and mobile app
It Might Be Redundant If You Already Have:
- A paid auto club membership that follows you (not just your insured vehicle)
- A new-car warranty or certified pre-owned warranty with roadside included
- A credit card with strong roadside benefits that you actually use
Quick tip: Before adding roadside coverage, check your current benefits. Many drivers already have roadside help through a warranty, auto club, or credit card—so adding it again may only duplicate coverage.
What to Expect When You Request Service
Roadside service quality depends heavily on the local towing vendor that’s dispatched and factors like weather, time of day, and demand. In many areas, requesting service through the insurer’s mobile app can make the process smoother because it can share your location and provide status updates.
To avoid delays, be prepared to share: your exact location (or a nearby landmark), your vehicle information, what’s wrong (dead battery, flat tire, locked out, etc.), and whether you’re in a safe spot for a tow truck to access.
How Much Does Nationwide Roadside Assistance Cost?
The price of Nationwide Roadside Assistance varies by state, vehicle, and policy structure. It’s typically priced as a low-cost endorsement, but the only accurate number is the one shown on your quote or declarations page.
If you’re shopping for ways to lower your overall premium, consider reviewing your available Nationwide car insurance discounts at the same time you’re adjusting add-ons. In many cases, discount eligibility affects your bottom line more than any single endorsement.
What’s Not Included with Nationwide Roadside Assistance?
Roadside Assistance is not a repair contract. It’s meant to get you out of an immediate bind—not restore your car to perfect working order. The specific exclusions depend on your state and policy language, but these are common limitations across most insurance-based roadside programs:
| Common Exclusion or Limitation | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Mechanical repair costs | Roadside can tow you to a shop, but it typically won’t pay to fix the underlying issue (starter, alternator, tire replacement, etc.). |
| Parts, fluids, and supplies | Delivery may be included, but the actual fuel, battery, tire, or key/fob replacement may be out of pocket. |
| Limits on towing distance or benefit amount | If the tow exceeds the plan limit, you generally pay the difference. |
| Safety and access restrictions | Winching/ditch extraction can be denied if the vehicle is inaccessible or conditions are unsafe. |
| Coverage only applies where added | Roadside assistance is typically tied to an eligible policy/covered auto. It may not follow you into a rental or a friend’s car unless your policy specifically allows it. |
| Usage limits may apply | Many roadside programs limit the number of service events per policy period. Check your declarations page for any service or reimbursement limits. |
Contact Nationwide Roadside Assistance
You can request Nationwide Roadside Assistance in a few different ways. The fastest option is usually the mobile app (because it can share location details and show status updates).
| Request Method | How to Use It |
|---|---|
| Mobile app | Request service through the Nationwide app: Nationwide mobile app support |
| Online request | Use Nationwide’s online portal: https://nationwide.rsahelp.com/ |
| Phone | Call 1-800-421-3535 (24/7). Some policyholders may also be routed through Nationwide’s roadside line depending on the state and policy setup. |
If you want a quick reference for Nationwide’s customer service numbers, including roadside and claims support, see Nationwide customer service contact number.
Final Word on Nationwide Roadside Assistance
Nationwide Roadside Assistance is a practical add-on if you want predictable help for common roadside emergencies like towing, jump-starts, lockouts, fuel delivery, and flat tire changes. The best plan (Basic or Plus) depends on how far you drive and how much towing and trip protection you want.
Before you add it, confirm (1) whether you already have roadside benefits elsewhere and (2) the exact towing and reimbursement limits shown in your policy for your state.
