Does The General Have Good Roadside Assistance?
Last Updated on January 14, 2026
The General offers an optional roadside assistance add-on for drivers who want help with common breakdown problems like towing, jumpstarts, tire changes, and lockouts.
This type of add-on is often called emergency roadside assistance coverage. It’s designed for quick, on-the-road help—separate from accident claim handling—and it can be especially useful if you drive an older vehicle or commute frequently.
Below is what The General’s roadside assistance includes today, how the limits work, what it costs, and when it’s a good value.
Our Rating of The General Roadside Assistance
3.6
out of 5
★★★★☆
Summary
Bottom line: The General Roadside Assistance is a convenient add-on for occasional local breakdown help, but the 15-mile tow limit, call caps, and state-by-state rules can be restrictive.
The General offers this optional roadside assistance as a separate membership administered by Nation Safe Drivers (NSD), so dispatch and providers typically come through NSD rather than The General. Coverage commonly includes towing up to 15 miles, mechanical first aid, flat-tire help with a usable spare, jump starts, fuel/oil/water delivery (you usually pay for the supplies), and lockout assistance for passenger-compartment access, with service-call limits and a possible 72-hour rule between covered services; some plans also include limited rental car reimbursement after an accident with another vehicle and reimbursement (often up to $50) for certain covered services obtained outside the plan. The General lists typical pricing of about $69-$75 for 6 months or $138-$150 for 12 months where available, and notes it is not offered in California.
Best for
- Drivers who want basic breakdown help (towing up to 15 miles, jump starts, tire changes, and lockouts) without per-use fees within plan limits.
- People comfortable with a third-party administrator (Nation Safe Drivers) handling dispatch and the service network.
- Occasional roadside needs where local towing and call-cap rules are unlikely to be a problem.
Not ideal for
- Drivers who regularly need long-distance towing beyond 15 miles or expect frequent service calls.
- Residents of California or anyone in states where benefits and limits are narrower than expected.
- People who want insurer-managed dispatch or more predictable response times across locations.
- Our Rating of The General Roadside Assistance
- How The General’s Roadside Assistance Works
- What The General’s Roadside Assistance Covers
- How Much Does The General’s Roadside Assistance Cost?
- How To Request Roadside Assistance From The General
- Is The General Roadside Assistance “Good”?
- Final Word
- FAQs on The General Roadside Assistance
How The General’s Roadside Assistance Works
The General’s roadside assistance is an optional program that’s administered by a third-party membership provider, Nation Safe Drivers (NSD). In other words, the dispatch and service network generally come from NSD, not The General directly. The General notes the program isn’t part of your auto insurance policy, and coverage/benefits can vary by state and membership agreement.
Once you pay for the roadside assistance membership, covered service calls are typically handled without a separate “per-use” fee (up to the plan’s limits). That can feel like free roadside assistance when you need help—though you may still pay for certain items (like fuel) or extra mileage beyond the tow limit.
Quick tip: Roadside assistance and “towing coverage” aren’t always the same thing. Roadside assistance is for breakdown-type events; towing after an accident can be handled differently. See: does car insurance cover towing?
What The General’s Roadside Assistance Covers
According to The General, the NSD roadside assistance program may include the following services (exact benefits and rules can vary by state and membership period):
| Service | What’s Typically Included | Important Limits To Know |
|---|---|---|
| Towing | Up to 15 miles at no out-of-pocket cost for the tow itself. | Extra miles cost more and are paid to the provider at the time of service. |
| Mechanical First Aid | Minor adjustments to help the vehicle proceed safely under its own power. | Not a substitute for full repairs; it’s meant to get you moving safely. |
| Tire Service | Help changing a flat with a usable spare. | If you don’t have a good spare, costs can shift. Related: will insurance pay for a flat tire? |
| Battery Service | Jumpstart or boost for a dead battery. | Battery replacement typically isn’t included as a covered service item. |
| Delivery Service | Delivery of essentials like fuel, oil, or water. | You usually pay for the actual fluids/supplies delivered. |
| Lockout Service | A locksmith may be dispatched to help you access the passenger compartment. | Coverage is typically limited to passenger access only. If this happens often, see: locked keys in the car and locksmith coverage. |
| Rental Car Reimbursement | Reimbursement for rental expenses if repairs are needed due to an accident with another vehicle while membership is in effect. | Often capped (for example, up to $15/day for up to 5 days) and may start on day 2. Learn more: rental reimbursement coverage. |
| Service Call Limits | Multiple calls per membership period. | The General states call limits (for example, up to 5 calls in a 12-month period or up to 3 calls in a 6-month period) and a 72-hour rule between covered services may apply. |
For the most current list of features and restrictions, check The General’s official roadside assistance page: https://www.thegeneral.com/car-insurance/roadside-assistance/
How Much Does The General’s Roadside Assistance Cost?
The General says roadside assistance pricing varies by state and plan. On its official page, The General lists a typical range of $69–$75 for 6 months and $138–$150 for 12 months (where the program is offered).
As a non-standard insurance company, The General often appeals to drivers who need flexible underwriting or are rebuilding their insurance history. If you’re trying to estimate your overall budget, this guide can help: The General car insurance cost.
Important: The General also notes that roadside assistance is not available in California.
How To Request Roadside Assistance From The General
If you already have the roadside assistance add-on, The General instructs customers to call NSD’s dispatch center at 844-608-4726 to request service.
Have this information ready to reduce delays:
- Your policy or membership details
- Your exact location (cross streets help)
- Vehicle information
- The reason you need service (tow, lockout, jumpstart, etc.)
Quick tip: If you pay out-of-pocket for a covered service, keep itemized receipts. The General says NSD may reimburse up to $50 for covered services not obtained through the plan, but reimbursement rules and limits apply.
To add roadside assistance to a policy (or ask questions about eligibility and timing), you can also use our contact guide: The General customer service contact number.
Is The General Roadside Assistance “Good”?
It can be a solid option if you want basic help for common breakdown problems and prefer the convenience of having it tied to your auto insurance relationship. But whether it’s “good” for you depends on the limits and how you drive.
| Where It Tends To Be A Good Fit | Potential Downsides To Watch |
|---|---|
| You want a simple add-on for towing, jumpstarts, tire changes, and lockouts. | Towing is typically limited (for example, 15 miles), and extra mileage can cost more. |
| You’re comfortable with a third-party administrator (NSD) dispatching the service provider. | Service speed and experience can vary based on location and provider availability. |
| You mainly need occasional help and can stay within call limits. | Membership call caps and timing rules (like the 72-hour rule) may apply. |
| You want a predictable add-on price range and don’t want a separate motor club membership. | If you frequently need long-distance towing, an auto club membership may provide higher tow limits. |
Final Word
The General’s roadside assistance can be a practical add-on if you want 24/7 help with everyday roadside problems and you’re comfortable with the program’s limits (like tow distance and call caps). Always confirm the exact benefits and restrictions in your state before relying on it—roadside assistance terms can vary, and the membership program is separate from your auto insurance policy.
