Roadside Assistance Explained: Coverage, Costs, and Best Options

Last Updated on January 25, 2026

Roadside assistance is optional coverage that helps when your car won’t start, you’re stuck, or you need a tow for a breakdown. You can usually get it as an add-on to your car insurance policy, as an auto club membership (like AAA), or through on-demand apps.

Most plans cover common “non-crash” emergencies like towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery, lockouts, and flat tire changes. The big differences come down to towing limits, service-call caps, and whether coverage follows the vehicle or follows the driver.

This hub links to our full breakdowns of roadside benefits, common exclusions, typical costs, and the best options by company and membership type—so you can pick the plan that matches how (and how far) you drive.

Key Takeaways

• Roadside assistance helps with breakdown problems like towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery, lockouts, winching/pull-outs, and flat tire changes.
• Most plans cover “get you moving again” services, but they usually don’t pay for parts or repairs (like new tires, replacement batteries, or key fobs).
• You can buy roadside assistance as a low-cost add-on to your auto insurance, as an auto club membership, or through an on-demand app.
• The best plan depends on towing miles, per-event dollar caps, service-call limits, and whether coverage follows the vehicle or the driver.

Browse Roadside Assistance Topics

What Is Roadside Assistance?

Roadside assistance (sometimes called towing and labor or emergency road service) is designed to get you moving again after a breakdown or minor roadside problem. It typically focuses on non-accident situations. If your car needs a tow because of a collision, that may be handled through your auto policy’s other coverages.

One important detail: roadside assistance is meant to provide help and dispatch (like a tow or jump-start), not pay for major repairs or replacement parts.

What Roadside Assistance Usually Covers

Coverage varies by company, but most plans include a similar set of services. Here are the most common benefits (and where to learn the fine print):

• Towing (limits may be miles, dollars per event, or both)
• Winching / pull-out if you’re stuck (often restricted by location and safety)
• Battery jump-starts (service is covered; battery replacement usually isn’t)
• Fuel delivery (service may be covered; fuel cost may not be)
• Lockout assistance (often capped; key fob replacement usually excluded)
• Flat tire change (typically installs a usable spare)
• Minor roadside labor (varies widely by provider)

Towing

If your vehicle won’t safely drive, roadside assistance will usually tow you to a nearby repair facility (or another approved destination). The real value comes from the limits: towing miles, per-event dollar caps, and service-call maximums. If you want a deeper breakdown, start here: does car insurance cover towing?

Winching / Pull-Out Service

If your car is stuck in mud, sand, slush, or snow, you may need winching. Many plans cover it, but often only if your vehicle is near a public roadway and the service can be completed safely.

Battery Jump-Starts

Most roadside programs will send someone to attempt a jump-start. A jump-start gets you running again, but it doesn’t necessarily solve the underlying issue (like an old battery or failing alternator). Learn what to expect here: jump-start coverage.

Fuel Delivery

If you run out of gas, many plans dispatch help for fuel delivery. In many cases, the service call is covered, but you may still pay for the fuel itself (rules vary by provider).

Lockout Assistance

If you lock your keys in your car, roadside assistance may unlock the vehicle or arrange a locksmith. Many plans cap what they’ll pay for lockout service and usually won’t cover replacing a lost key fob.

Flat Tire Changes

Many roadside plans will send a technician to install your spare if you’re stuck roadside. Roadside assistance typically won’t pay to replace the damaged tire—it’s mainly a “get you back on the road” service. More details: will car insurance pay for a flat tire?

What Roadside Assistance Usually Does Not Cover

Roadside assistance is helpful, but it’s not unlimited. Common exclusions and limitations include:

• Accident-related recovery (depending on your policy and provider)
• Repairs and parts (batteries, tires, alternators, belts, etc.)
• Routine maintenance (oil changes, scheduled service, inspections)
• Long-distance towing beyond your plan’s mileage/dollar cap
• Service for excluded vehicles (RVs, trailers, motorcycles, modified vehicles—unless you buy upgraded coverage)

If you want the exact rules, check the endorsement or membership agreement and the towing distance chart. That’s where the real limitations live.

Roadside Assistance Through Insurance vs. Auto Clubs vs. Apps

There are a few common ways to get roadside help. The best choice depends on whether you want the lowest price, the best towing limits, or coverage that follows you into different vehicles.

Note: If you’re worried that frequent roadside use could impact your auto policy, a club membership can separate roadside events from your insurance policy. (Rules vary by insurer and usage patterns.)

How Much Does Roadside Assistance Cost?

Costs vary by provider and plan level, but these ranges are a useful baseline:

• Insurance add-on: often around $10 to $60 per year per vehicle (sometimes less, depending on the insurer).
• Auto club membership: often starts around $60 to $80 per year and can exceed $100+ for higher towing limits and added perks.
• Pay-per-use: can be cost-effective if you rarely need help, but a single tow or locksmith visit can cost hundreds depending on distance, time, and location.

Methodology note: These price ranges are directional. What you actually pay (and what you save) depends on towing miles, per-event caps, local tow/locksmith pricing, vehicle type, and how often you need service. If you’re comparing plans that look similar, focus on towing limits, service call caps, and whether coverage follows the vehicle or the driver.

Roadside Assistance by Company

If you already have car insurance, the easiest first step is checking your insurer’s roadside option. Here are our company-specific roadside assistance guides:

Other Roadside Assistance Options

Auto Clubs (Great for Road Trips)

If you want coverage that can follow you into different cars (and often includes stronger towing benefits), an auto club may be a better fit:

• AAA membership (popular option with multiple plan tiers)
• Allstate Motor Club (membership-style roadside separate from your auto policy)
• AARP Roadside Assistance

RV-Specific Roadside Assistance

RVs often require specialized towing and dispatch. If you travel with a motorhome or trailer, look for RV-specific roadside coverage. One option to explore: Good Sam roadside assistance.

Eco-Friendly Alternative

If you like the idea of an auto club with an environmental angle (and even bicycle coverage options), consider Better World Club.

On-Demand App-Based Roadside Assistance

If you don’t want an annual membership, app-based providers can let you request and pay for service when you need it. Example: Urgent.ly (Urgently).

Connected-Car / Manufacturer Roadside (If Your Car Is Newer)

Some drivers may already have roadside help through a connected-car service (especially with newer vehicles and manufacturer trials). If you’re curious how it works, see OnStar roadside assistance coverage.

Phone Carrier Roadside Assistance

Some mobile carriers offer roadside help as an add-on feature or membership perk. These options can be convenient if you want roadside coverage bundled with your phone plan—but benefits, limits, and pricing vary by carrier.

• AT&T Roadside Assistance
• Verizon Roadside Assistance
• Sprint Roadside Assistance

Credit Card Roadside Assistance

Some credit cards include roadside assistance as a perk (or offer it as a pay-per-use benefit). This can be a solid backup option if you don’t want another membership—just make sure you understand whether it’s included or simply available at a discounted rate, and what the service limits are.

• Credit Card Roadside Assistance (How it works)
• Visa Roadside Assistance

How to Choose the Right Roadside Assistance Plan

Before you buy, compare plans using the details that actually impact real-world value:

• Does coverage follow the vehicle or the person? (This matters for families, rentals, and borrowing cars.)
• How many service calls are included per year? Some plans cap you at 3–5 calls annually.
• What are the towing limits? Look for mileage caps and per-tow dollar limits.
• Any waiting period? Some memberships delay certain benefits for new members.
• Do you need RV/trailer/motorcycle coverage? Standard plans may exclude them unless upgraded.
• Do you drive an EV? Confirm whether the plan will tow to a charger and how that’s handled.

How to Request Roadside Assistance (and Stay Safe While You Wait)

If you’re stranded, the first priority is safety. If you can move the vehicle, get as far out of traffic as possible, turn on hazards, and stay visible. If you’re in danger, call emergency services first—roadside assistance isn’t a substitute for 911.

Most providers let you request help by phone or in an app. Be ready to share your exact location, a safe callback number, your vehicle description, and the issue (tow needed, flat tire, lockout, etc.).

FAQs on Roadside Assistance

Conclusion: Is Roadside Assistance Worth It?

Roadside assistance is often worth it if you drive regularly, travel long distances, have an older vehicle, or simply don’t want to deal with the stress and logistics of finding a tow truck or locksmith yourself.

If you want the cheapest protection, an insurance add-on can be a smart safety net. If you want stronger towing benefits or coverage that follows you into different vehicles, an auto club membership or on-demand service may be the better fit.