Best Roadside Assistance Plans Roadside help plans offer assistance for towing, dead batteries, running out of gas, or getting locked out of your car. Although the basic benefits are similar, the price and delivery of services can vary widely. It’s crucial to select a plan that will be reliable in emergency situations. We have assessed roadside assistance plans based on various factors such as price, towing distance, service call limits, and more. Check out our top recommendations below to find the most suitable roadside assistance plan for you.
Best Roadside Assistance Plans of 2024
Choosing the best roadside assistance plan is crucial for ensuring peace of mind while on the road. In 2024, there are several top contenders that stand out for their comprehensive coverage and reliable service. AAA, known for its long-standing reputation in the industry, offers a wide range of benefits such as towing, fuel delivery, and locksmith services. Another top option is Allstate Motor Club, which provides excellent coverage nationwide and offers perks like trip interruption coverage and discounts on travel services. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, Good Sam Roadside Assistance is worth considering with its affordable plans and extensive network of service providers. When selecting a roadside assistance plan, it’s important to consider factors such as coverage options, response time, and customer reviews to ensure you have the best plan to fit your needs.
The 5 Best Roadside Assistance Plans
- Erie
- Geico
- Good Sam
- Nationwide
- Better World Club
Erie
Why We Picked It
Erie’s roadside assistance plan stands out from its competitors due to its affordable price and comprehensive coverage. Compared to other providers, Erie offers a significantly lower rate for its services while also including minor mechanical repairs in their plan. Additionally, the company does not impose any service call limits, making it easier for customers to access help whenever they need it. With such an attractive combination of affordability and benefits, Erie’s roadside assistance plan is an excellent choice for drivers looking for reliable and budget-friendly coverage.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Superior pricing at just $5 per vehicle
- Competitive towing mileage
- Unlimited service calls
- Includes minor mechanical repairs
- Includes winching
Cons
- Erie is only available in 12 states and Washington, D.C.
- Does not cover family members
More Details
Erie’s roadside assistance program offers towing services to the nearest service garage, along with an additional 20 miles. Winching services are also provided as long as your car is within 10 feet of the highway. However, if your vehicle is more than 10 feet away from the highway, you may have to pay extra fees for the winching service. It is essential to review your policy details and understand the terms and conditions of Erie’s roadside assistance before making a call. With their reliable and efficient services, you can be assured that you will receive timely assistance whenever you need it.
Geico
Why We Picked It
Geico’s roadside assistance plan is a cost-effective option when compared to other similar services. Not only is it affordable, but it also offers unlimited service calls and winching. With this plan, you can rest assured that you have reliable assistance whenever you need it without breaking the bank. It’s an excellent choice for anyone on a tight budget who wants peace of mind while on the road.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent pricing beginning at $14
- Towing mileage limit of 20 miles
- Unlimited service calls
- Includes winching
Cons
- Does not cover family members
- Does not include minor mechanical repairs
More details
Geico Mobile app has integrated roadside assistance as one of its features for customers. In case you get stuck on or near a publicly maintained road, winching is a service that Geico provides. The winching service can help extract your vehicle from mud, snow, or off-road terrain to help you continue your journey in no time. However, it’s important to note that this service is only available for specific situations and locations.
Good Sam
Why We Picked It
Good Sam’s Platinum roadside assistance plan may cost more than some of its competitors, but it offers several valuable benefits. Firstly, it provides unlimited towing and service calls, ensuring that you won’t be stranded on the side of the road for long periods. Moreover, the Platinum plan also includes coverage for family members, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones. While the cost may be higher than other options, the added benefits make it a worthwhile investment for those who want comprehensive roadside assistance coverage.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Covers spouse or domestic partner and dependent children under age 25 living at home or attending college
- Unlimited service calls
- Unlimited towing
- Winching
Cons
- Does not include minor mechanical repairs
- Price is high compared to top scoring competitors
More details
The Platinum plan offers a range of services to assist you in case of car trouble. If your car is stuck and needs to be extracted or winched, the plan provides an hour of service for this purpose. However, if the car is stuck due to snow accumulation, the plan does not cover winching. Additionally, customers get a 10% discount on qualifying services and repairs done by AAMCO, up to $100. This can be particularly useful if your vehicle requires extensive repairs or maintenance work. The Platinum plan offers peace of mind and ensures that you’re covered in case of unexpected incidents while driving.
Nationwide
Why We Picked It
Nationwide’s Basic roadside assistance plan stands out among its competitors due to its affordable pricing and comprehensive coverage. The plan includes unlimited service calls, ensuring that you are never stranded in an emergency situation. Additionally, the coverage extends to family members, providing peace of mind for those who frequently travel with loved ones. By choosing Nationwide’s Basic roadside assistance plan, you can rest assured that you have reliable and affordable support whenever you need it.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Unlimited service calls
- Includes winching
- Covers family members who live in your household
Cons
- Mechanical repairs not included
- Towing mileage limit not as great as other top-rated competitors
More details
Nationwide offers a comprehensive roadside assistance program that covers all members of your household. In addition to this, the program also extends coverage to you and other household members when they are traveling as passengers in someone else’s vehicle. This ensures that you and your loved ones have access to reliable assistance anytime, anywhere. With Nationwide’s roadside assistance program, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that help is just a phone call away when you need it most.
Nationwide Car Insurance Review
Summary: Roadside Assistance Plans Ratings
How to Choose the Best Roadside Assistance Plan for You
Certain car insurance companies provide roadside assistance as an additional coverage, which typically requires comprehensive and collision coverage. Additionally, motor clubs, emergency roadside assistance companies, and certain credit card benefits offer roadside service plans. However, these plans are not standardized and vary in terms of towing limits, price, covered calls per year, and other variables. Therefore, it’s important to consider these features when choosing the best roadside assistance plan for your specific needs.
Towing limits and roadside assistance plans
When selecting a roadside assistance plan, it is crucial to review the tow mileage limit specified by the service provider. Many plans set a distance limit for towing from the point where your car breaks down, such as 5, 10, or 20 miles. If you require a wider area of coverage for towing, it is essential to ensure that the service you choose offers an acceptable tow mileage limit that meets your requirements. In addition to tow distance, it’s also important to consider other factors such as response time, availability of services in your area, and additional benefits like lockout assistance and battery jump-starts. By taking these factors into account when choosing a roadside assistance plan, you can ensure that you have reliable support when you need it most.
Roadside assistance service calls per plan year
When shopping for roadside assistance plans, it is important to check the limit on the number of calls or tows allowed per plan year. Many roadside help plans have a cap on the number of rescues, typically ranging from three to four per year. Understanding these limitations can help you determine which plan best suits your needs and avoid unexpected fees or charges for exceeding the allotted limit. It’s also worth checking if there are any additional costs associated with certain services such as lockout assistance or fuel delivery as these may not be included in some plans.
Onsite repairs for minor mechanical issues
Roadside assistance plans can be a lifesaver when you find yourself stranded on the side of the road. Some plans even offer on-site mechanical assistance for minor repairs that can be completed in an hour or so. This can include services like battery replacement, tire changes, and jump-starts. Having access to these types of services can provide peace of mind and save you from having to call a tow truck or wait for hours for a repair shop to open. It is important to review the terms and conditions of your roadside assistance plan to understand what services are covered and how they are provided.
Extension of coverage for roadside assistance
To ensure that your family and yourself as a passenger are covered, it is important to carefully examine the specifics of the roadside plans you are contemplating. It’s worth noting that not all roadside assistance plans provide coverage for passengers or household members. It’s worth noting that certain companies do provide options to upgrade to include family plans and increased coverage limits.
Winching
When your car gets stuck in mud, snow, ice or a ditch, having a winch to pull it out is essential. If you’re concerned about getting stuck in such situations, consider looking for a roadside assistance plan that includes winching as part of their services. This will give you peace of mind knowing that help is just a phone call away if you find yourself in a precarious situation. Additionally, it’s important to know how to use a winch safely and properly so that you can avoid any mishaps while attempting to free your vehicle.
Lost key services
If you find yourself in a situation where you have lost or had your car keys stolen, certain roadside assistance plans will provide coverage to send a locksmith to assist you. However, it is important to note that this service may not always be included in all roadside assistance plans. Some plans may only offer help if you accidentally lock your keys inside the car. If your plan does cover lost or stolen keys, keep in mind that you may still have to pay for the cost of replacing the key itself. It’s always worth reviewing the terms and conditions of your roadside assistance policy to know what services are covered and what costs you can expect to incur in case of an emergency.
Roadside assistance and trip interruption benefits
Having a comprehensive roadside assistance plan is essential, particularly when traveling long distances. In the event of an emergency that requires you to unexpectedly stay in a hotel while your car is being fixed, trip interruption benefits can help cover the costs of meals, transportation, and accommodation. These benefits are usually included in more extensive roadside assistance plans and often require you to be a certain distance away from your home, such as 100 miles. It’s important to note that not all roadside assistance plans offer trip interruption benefits, so make sure to review your policy carefully before purchasing it. Also, keep in mind that there may be limitations to the coverage provided, such as a cap on the amount of reimbursement available or specific requirements for qualifying events. Understanding the details of your plan can help you make informed decisions and avoid unexpected expenses during emergencies.
Roadside assistance Price
The cost of roadside assistance services is influenced by the provider and the level of coverage you choose, among other considerations. If finding the most affordable option is your priority, beginning with your existing auto insurance company may be a good idea. However, it’s important to note that purchasing roadside assistance from your car insurance company could lead to higher insurance rates if you make frequent emergency claims. Your rates will remain unaffected if you only use the service for occasional emergencies.
If the roadside assistance benefits provided by your car insurance company don’t meet all your needs – such as coverage for other household drivers or a higher towing mileage limit – you might find greater satisfaction with a plan from an auto club, even if it costs a little more. Auto clubs may offer additional benefits beyond roadside service, such as affiliate discounts, assistance with trip planning, or compensation for trip interruptions. Some roadside assistance companies have multiple coverage tiers, with the budget plan being the most affordable but the premiere plan offering more of the desired benefits. For instance, AAA, AARP, Allstate, Better World, Good Sam, Nationwide, and Travelers all have more than one roadside assistance plan.
Other Car Insurance Companies That Offer Roadside Assistance Plans
Forbes Advisor has reviewed and ranked some of the best car insurance companies, many of which offer roadside assistance plans to their customers. These plans typically include five core services: towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, battery charge, and flat tire change. By providing these essential services, the best car insurance companies aim to ensure that their customers are never left stranded on the road in case of an emergency. Additionally, some companies may offer additional services such as trip interruption coverage or concierge services to make the process of getting back on the road as smooth as possible for their clients.
More on Allstate roadside assistance
Allstate’s standard roadside assistance program is accessible to both Allstate car insurance policyholders and non-policyholders, providing up to $150 worth of roadside services annually. This benefit can be expanded to include a second member of the household at no extra charge. Additionally, coverage is provided at no cost for 16- to 18-year-old drivers.
Trip interruption coverage
This kicks in if you’re more than 100 miles from home and your car can’t be driven. It pays for meals, lodging and transportation, a benefit that Allstate values at $1,500.
- Reimbursement for damage to tires and wheels.
- For a basic member, this is touted as a $100 benefit.
Auto-Owners roadside assistance
Auto-Owners roadside assistance has a 15-mile towing limit. In addition to towing, it offers:
- Lock out service
- Fuel delivery
- Flat-tire change
- Battery charge
- Minor mechanical repair
Progressive roadside assistance
Progressive car insurance policyholders have the option to include roadside assistance, which covers towing up to 15 miles or to the nearest repair shop. The service also provides an hour of onsite repair or mechanical labor, winching, and charges for electric cars.
State Farm roadside assistance
State Farm’s roadside service provides one hour of mechanical assistance for issues like fluid leaks or transmission problems, one hour of locksmith service for lost keys, and towing to the nearest repair garage when on a public road.
Travelers roadside assistance
Travelers car insurance basic roadside assistance plan has a towing mileage limit of 15 miles and includes winching.
USAA roadside assistance
USAA car insurance offers roadside assistance with a 50-mile towing limit. It also includes winching. (Note that you must be a military member, veteran or immediate family member to qualify for USAA coverage).
Motor Clubs That Offer Roadside Assistance
AAA roadside assistance plans
AAA members are eligible for roadside assistance that includes the five core services, minor auto repairs, and winching. Moreover, if you are a passenger in someone else’s vehicle, you are also covered. It is essential to note that AAA service details may differ by state. For instance, the mileage limit for towing in Massachusetts is 7 miles, whereas in California, it is 5 miles. Therefore, before availing of this service, it is crucial to check the specific details of your state’s AAA membership plan. Additionally, AAA provides exclusive discounts on hotels, car rentals, and travel bookings to its members.
Better World Club
The eco-friendly motor club distinguishes itself from AAA by prioritizing sustainable practices and advocating for environmentally conscious transportation policies. Their roadside services are completely carbon neutral, and they also donate to environmental causes. For a membership fee of $15, you can avail the basic service plan that costs $61.95. This not only provides peace of mind while traveling but also supports a more sustainable mode of transportation. By joining this club, you are contributing to a greener future while enjoying the benefits of roadside assistance.
In addition to the core five services, Better World Club coverage includes:
- Winching
- 10 free maps per year
- Trip routing
Other benefits include:
Bicycle bundle: You can bundle a roadside assistance plan with a bike plan for $18. (A bicycle-only plan is $41.95.)
Trip interruption: The basic plan provides up to $1,000 ($750 per incident) if you’re unable to drive your car and need meals and lodging.
Enrollment fee waived if switching from AAA: If you switch from AAA, your $15 sign-up fee to join the club is waived.
Discounts: You get a discount if you drive a hybrid or electric car.
Good Sam roadside assistance
Good Sam, a club that caters to recreational vehicle owners, offers three roadside assistance plans for autos. You don’t have to be a Good Sam member to buy one of the company’s roadside assistance plans. The basic plan, Platinum Auto, provides the following services, in addition to the five standard services:
- Lost key
- Covers spouse or domestic partner and dependent children under age 25 living at home or attending college
- Winching
An additional perk: You get a 10% discount—up to $100—on qualifying services and repairs done by AAMCO.
Specialty Companies That Offer Roadside Assistance Plans
CarChex
CarChex, a company that offers car warranties, provides separate roadside assistance (or includes roadside assistance in its warranties). The package includes a tow limit of 25 miles and offers five tows per year, with a starting annual cost of $59.95. Additional benefits beyond the five standard services are also provided.
- Minor repairs
- Lost key service
- Trip routing
- $500 reward for information leading to arrest or conviction for auto theft
OnStar
OnStar offers three safety and security packages, starting at $29.99 per month, that come with roadside assistance. In addition to roadside assistance, these packages provide automatic crash response and support for stolen vehicles. OnStar is compatible with the majority of new GM vehicles.
Credit Cards With Roadside Assistance Benefits
Some credit cards provide roadside assistance services:
- All Visa cards offer Roadside Dispatch
- Some Mastercard Platinum, World and World Elite cards offer Master Roadside Assist.
- Many Capital One cards offer roadside assistance through Visa or Mastercard, including the Capital One QuickSilver Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.
Methodology
To identify the best roadside assistance plans, we reviewed price, tow mileage limits, service call limits and the availability of mechanical services, winch service, family coverage and interruption benefits. All plans include the five core services of towing, fuel delivery, flat-tire fixes, lock out help and battery charges.
Price (20% of score): We assessed the cost of each company’s least expensive roadside assistance plan.
Service call limit (20% of score): We evaluated the number of service calls allowed in a year for each plan, and if there was no cap on the number of service calls.
Tow mileage limit (20% of score): We evaluated the service area for towing, meaning each plan’s maximum distance it will tow from the breakdown location.
Mechanical services (10% of score): We reviewed each plan to see if minor mechanical repair services were included.
Family member coverage (10% of score): We reviewed each plan to see if coverage for family members was included.
Trip interruption benefits (10% of score): We reviewed each plan to see if trip interruption benefits were included.
Winch service (10% of score): We reviewed each plan to see if winching was included.
