We may earn a commission for purchases through links on our site, Learn more.
As a driver, having roadside assistance can be a lifesaver. It’s especially important if you have an older car or a vehicle more prone to breaking down, but even new cars can run into issues like flat tires. Roadside assistance can make situations like getting a flat tire much less stressful and save you money if you choose an affordable plan. There are many options available, including some that are free, so it’s worth exploring your options.
Companies such as Nationwide, Progressive, and Allstate offer the best roadside assistance plans, but many other providers are out there. The services offered will vary depending on your chosen plan, but most plans cover fuel delivery, towing, changing flat tires or airing them up for free, locksmith services, and battery jump-starts. For example, some plans include winching services to pull your car out if you get stuck in snow, ice, or mud.
You typically pay a monthly or annual fee for coverage, but if you don’t want to pay for coverage each month, you can opt to pay per incident. This means that you only pay when you need help, rather than having to pay each month whether you use the service or not.
A few options are available if you’re looking for cheap or free roadside assistance. Some car manufacturers offer free roadside assistance as part of their warranty, and some insurance providers include it as a free or low-cost add-on. Additionally, some credit cards offer roadside assistance as a benefit, so it’s worth checking with your credit card provider to see if this is an option. Some automobile associations also offer roadside assistance, and a few free apps can connect you with nearby tow trucks or other services in an emergency.
Affordable roadside assistance plans from auto insurance providers
Many auto insurance providers offer their customers the option of adding roadside assistance to their policies. This benefit is valuable and is typically available on comprehensive and collision auto insurance plans. If you’re unsure whether your policy includes this feature, look at your benefits package or contact your insurance provider directly to inquire.
It’s worth noting that if your policy does not currently include roadside assistance, you may be able to add it for a small additional fee. However, the cost of this service can vary depending on factors such as your location and the type of vehicle you drive.
If you’re interested in adding roadside assistance to your policy, here are some examples of auto insurance companies that are known to offer this service:
1. Allstate
I’d be happy to help you with that! Allstate is an excellent car insurance company that offers a range of benefits to its customers. In addition to providing affordable insurance rates, Allstate also has a variety of programs to help you save money and stay safe on the road.
One of the most popular programs offered by Allstate is its Good Driver discount, which rewards safe drivers with lower rates. If you have a clean driving record, you may be able to save a significant amount of money on your auto insurance policy.
Another great benefit of Allstate is its cheap roadside assistance plan. You can add basic roadside assistance to your insurance policy for as little as $25 per car per year. This coverage includes jump-starts, flat tire changes, and fuel delivery, which can be incredibly helpful in an emergency.
If you don’t always need roadside assistance, Allstate also offers a pay-per-use coverage option. This means that you only pay for roadside assistance when you need it rather than all year round.
2. Progressive Insurance
If you’re a Progressive Insurance customer, you can take advantage of their roadside assistance plans, which offer various services, including fuel delivery and towing.
The best part is that many of these services are free. For instance, if you need fuel delivered to your vehicle, you only pay for the fuel itself. The delivery and service are provided to you completely free of charge. This roadside assistance program can be a lifesaver in situations where you find yourself stranded and needing help, so it’s definitely worth considering if you’re a Progressive customer.
3. Geico
Geico offers its customers around-the-clock assistance, so you can get the help you need whenever you need it.
In addition to phone support, Geico has a user-friendly mobile app that allows you to request roadside assistance with just a few taps on your smartphone. Geico’s mobile app lets you quickly and easily access your policy’s features, including viewing your insurance documents, tracking your claims, and making payments.
Credit Cards
Many credit card companies offer additional benefits to their customers beyond rewards points and cash back. One such benefit is roadside assistance. This service can be useful in case of a vehicle breakdown or an accident. If you plan to get a new credit card, it’s worth considering offering roadside coverage.
Alternatively, if you already have a credit card, you can check if it includes this feature. In either case, it’s important to understand the terms and conditions of the roadside assistance program provided by the credit card company.
Some popular credit cards with roadside assistance include the American Express Platinum Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve, and the Citi Prestige Card. These cards may offer various services, such as towing, tire changes, fuel delivery, lockout assistance, etc. Be sure to compare the benefits and costs of different credit cards before making a decision.
4. Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card entitles its customers to various roadside assistance services throughout their journeys in the United States and Canada.
This card provides coverage for various services, including flat tire service, fuel delivery, and towing, in the event of on-the-road breakdowns.
This service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and can be accessed by calling 1-866-860-7978. The coverage amount for each service event is up to $50; a maximum of four service events can be requested annually.
With the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, you can travel with peace of mind knowing that you can access reliable roadside assistance whenever needed.
5. Capital One Credit Cards
Capital One offers a range of credit cards with a valuable benefit – roadside assistance. This benefit is available on many of their cards, including popular options like the Venture, Savor, and Quicksilver card. The best part is that you don’t need to enroll or pay any additional fees to utilize this service.
The Capital One roadside assistance network benefits are provided through Visa and MasterCard, so you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re covered wherever you go. However, it’s important to note that the exact services covered and fees charged may vary depending on your Capital One credit card.
Generally speaking, you can expect your Capital One credit card’s roadside assistance network benefit to cover the following services: towing and winching, jump-starts, fuel delivery, tire changes, and lockout service. If you need any of these services, you must call the number provided in your card’s benefit guide to access them.
While most services are covered by the flat fee charged per incident, there may be additional charges for certain scenarios, such as if your car needs to be towed more than 5 miles or winched out of a ditch. Therefore, reading the fine print and understanding the terms and conditions of your Capital One credit card’s roadside assistance benefit is important.
6. All Visa Cards
Visa cards come with an excellent benefit—roadside assistance. No matter where you are, if you face any trouble, just call 1-800-847-2869 any time of the day or night, any day of the week, and Roadside Dispatch will help you out. The best part is that you don’t need to be a member or enroll in any program to avail of this service.
You will be charged a fixed rate for each service call, and there is no limit on how many times you can use this service. Roadside Dispatch helps you with standard towing, tire changing, jump-starting, lockout service, fuel delivery, and standard winching. However, keep in mind that additional charges may apply if you need additional services.
For more information, visit the website mentioned above. You can also read the complete terms and conditions or check with your card issuer for a copy of your Guide to Benefits to learn more about this amazing service.
Cheap roadside assistance programs by cell phone providers
Did you know that some cell phone contracts come with the added benefit of roadside assistance?
If you weren’t aware of this, it’s worth checking the fine print of your cell phone contract to see what benefits are available. This service usually comes at a nominal extra cost, but it provides great peace of mind. With roadside assistance, you can easily and quickly get help if you experience a breakdown or other issues while on the road.
If you’re interested in signing up for this service, here are some of the cell phone companies that offer roadside assistance to their customers:
7. Verizon
Verizon provides a comprehensive Roadside Assistance service that can help you in any vehicle-related emergencies. Whether you’re stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire or a dead battery, or you’ve locked yourself out of your car, Verizon’s Roadside Assistance has got you covered.
This service is available throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada, so no matter where you are, you can count on Verizon to come to your aid. Whether driving your own vehicle, a rental car, or a friend’s car, you can still take advantage of this service. Additionally, suppose you lend your mobile device to a friend or family member. In that case, they will also be covered, as long as your device is at the location where assistance is provided.
Enrolling in Verizon’s Roadside Assistance program is only $4.99 per month for each line on your account. This is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have access to help whenever you need it. If you are not enrolled in the program, you can still use Verizon Roadside Assistance, but there is a charge of $89.95 for each incident.
With Verizon’s Roadside Assistance, you get access to a wide range of services, including towing (up to 10 miles free of charge), fuel delivery (up to three free gallons of gas or diesel), battery jump, tire service, winching, and lockout service. So, no matter what kind of emergency you are in, Verizon’s Roadside Assistance can help you get back on the road quickly and safely.
8. T-Mobile
If you’re a T-Mobile customer, you’ll be happy to know you can access roadside assistance through the SyncUP Drive App. This app allows you to access a 24/7, toll-free hotline that can assist in emergencies or vehicle breakdowns.
If needed, roadside assistance can help with tire changes, jump-starts, lockouts, and towing services. With SyncUP Drive, you can have peace of mind knowing that help is only a phone call away when you need it most.
9. Sprint
Sprint offers a useful service called Sprint Drive, which allows customers to enjoy a wide range of benefits by simply plugging a device into their vehicle’s OBD-II port and using the corresponding mobile application. This innovative system provides real-time vehicle tracking and diagnostics, so you can always monitor your vehicle’s status and performance.
In addition, Sprint Drive provides 24/7 emergency roadside assistance, so you can rest easy knowing that help is always available if you need it. This service can be incredibly helpful in various situations, such as getting locked out of your car, experiencing a dead battery, needing a spare tire change, running out of fuel, or requiring emergency towing.
10. AT&T
AT&T provides an affordable roadside assistance plan that costs just $2.99 per month. With this plan, you can get access to 24/7 nationwide service that is associated with your wireless number. This means that as long as you have your phone, you can get roadside assistance whether you’re driving or just a passenger.
The plan includes a range of services to help you when you need them. For instance, you can benefit from towing services if your vehicle cannot be driven due to a mechanical issue or an accident. The plan also includes battery service, which can help you jump-start your car if your battery dies.
If you get a flat tire, the plan offers flat tire assistance, which can help you get back on the road quickly. Additionally, if you run out of fuel, the plan covers fuel delivery, so you don’t have to worry about finding a gas station.
Lockout assistance is another service provided by the plan. If you accidentally lock your keys inside your car, you can call for help, and a technician will be dispatched to help you unlock your vehicle. If your key is lost or broken, the plan offers key replacement services too.
AT&T’s roadside assistance plan is an affordable solution that offers peace of mind for drivers.
Free Roadside Assistance by manufacturer
If you have recently purchased a new car or are planning to buy one, it’s worth noting that you may be eligible for free roadside assistance. This is because all new vehicles sold in the United States come with at least two auto warranties, many of which also include a roadside assistance service. This service is designed to provide you with help if your car breaks down unexpectedly, if you accidentally lock yourself out of the vehicle if you experience a flat tire, or if you run out of gas.
Most car manufacturers offer a roadside assistance program as part of their warranty package. The best way to find out if your car comes with this service is to check the owner’s manual or to ask your dealer directly. The roadside assistance service typically includes towing, jump-starting the battery, changing flat tires, providing fuel if you run out of gas, and unlocking the doors if you accidentally lock yourself out of the car.
Some popular car manufacturers that offer roadside assistance include Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. By taking advantage of this service, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’ll have help available if you ever experience car trouble while on the road.
11. Acura
Acura gives you roadside assistance for 4 years or 50,000 miles.
12. Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo provides roadside assistance for 4 years with unlimited miles.
13. Audi
Audi offers roadside assistance for 4 years with unlimited miles.
14. BMW
BMW gives you roadside assistance for 4 years with unlimited miles.
15. Buick
Buick offers assistance for 6 years or 70,000 miles.
16. Cadillac
Cadillac provides roadside coverage for 6 years or 70,000 miles.
17. Chevrolet
Chevrolet gives coverage for 5 years or 60,000 miles.
18. Chrysler
Chrysler offers coverage for 5 years with 100,000 miles.
19. Dodge
Dodge provides coverage for 5 years with 100,000 miles.
20. Fiat
Fiat offers roadside coverage for 4 years with unlimited miles.
21. Ford
Ford provides roadside assistance for 5 years or 60,000 miles.
22. Genesis
Genesis gives you roadside coverage for 5 years with unlimited miles.
23. GMC
GMC offers coverage for 5 years or 60,000 miles.
24. Honda
Honda provides coverage for 3 years or 36,000 miles.
25. Hyundai
Hyundai provides coverage for 5 years with unlimited miles.
26. Infiniti
Infiniti provides roadside assistance for 4 years with unlimited miles.
27. Jaguar
Jaguar offers coverage for 5 years or 60,000 miles.
28. Jeep
Jeep provides coverage for 5 years or 60,000 miles.
29. Kia
Kia offers roadside assistance for 5 years or 60,000 miles.
30. Land Rover
Land Rover gives coverage for 4 years or 50,000 miles.
31. Lexus
Lexus offers roadside assistance for 4 years with unlimited miles.
32. Lincoln
Lincoln offers unlimited roadside assistance.
33. Mazda
Mazda provides roadside coverage for 5 years with unlimited miles.
34. Mercedes
Mercedes provides roadside coverage for 4 years or 50,000 miles.
35. Mini
Mini offers coverage for 4 years with unlimited miles.
36. Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi provides coverage for 5 years with unlimited miles.
37. Nissan
Nissan offers roadside assistance for 3 years or 36,000 miles.
38. Porsche
Porsche offers coverage for 4 years or 50,000 miles.
39. Ram
Ram provides coverage for 5 years with 100,000 miles.
40. Smart
Smart offers coverage for 4 years or 50,000 miles.
41. Subaru
Subaru provides coverage for 3 years or 36,000 miles.
42. Tesla
Tesla offers coverage for 4 years or 50,000 miles.
43. Toyota
Toyota provides roadside assistance for 2 years or 25,000 miles.
44. Volkswagen
Volkswagen offers roadside assistance for 3 years or 36,000 miles.
45. Volvo
Volvo offers roadside coverage for 4 years with unlimited miles.
Best roadside assistance memberships, clubs & organizations
Did you know that certain memberships, clubs, and organizations provide their members with affordable or even free roadside assistance services?
This can greatly benefit those who frequently travel by car and want to ensure they have access to assistance in case of any unexpected issues.
Here are a few examples of such organizations that offer roadside assistance as a membership benefit:
46. Urgently
Urgently is a membership program that provides comprehensive roadside assistance services to its members. For an annual payment of $70, members have access to a range of useful services during emergency situations.
Some of the services that you can benefit from include a towing service that covers up to 10 miles, jump-starting your vehicle’s battery, changing a flat tire, unlocking your car in case of a lockout, fuel delivery in case you run out of gas, and winching in case your vehicle gets stuck in mud, sand, or snow.
In addition to these core services, Urgently offers additional benefits such as key replacement services, which can be extremely helpful if you lose your car keys or accidentally lock them inside your vehicle.
47. AAA
AAA is a well-known provider of roadside assistance services and is widely regarded as one of the best in the business. As a member of AAA, you are entitled to receive prompt and reliable assistance in case of any roadside emergencies that you may encounter. Whether you are a driver or a passenger, AAA has got you covered, and you can contact them at any time, day or night, throughout the United States and Canada.
AAA offers its members a comprehensive range of services, including winching, jump-starts, tire changes, fuel delivery, locksmith services, and minor auto repairs. These services are provided by trained professionals equipped with the tools and expertise to handle any emergency situation with ease.
AAA membership costs vary based on your location and specific needs but generally start at around $30-$40 per year. This is a small price to pay for the peace of mind and security that comes with knowing that you can access reliable roadside assistance whenever you need it. Overall, AAA is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to ensure their safety and convenience while on the road.
48. National General Motor Club
The National General Motor Club is one of the most reliable organizations offering a wide range of roadside assistance services. It provides three different types of membership programs designed to cater to the varied needs of its customers.
The Elite membership program is available at a price of $89 for a single person, $99 for a couple, and $119 for a family. This program offers a comprehensive range of services that include jump start, flat tire change, fuel delivery, winching, and lockout service.
The Standard membership program is priced at $79 for a single person, $94 for a couple, and $15 for each dependent in the family. This program provides access to all the services offered in the Elite program, but with some minor limitations.
The Basic membership program costs $59 for a single person and $69 for a couple. It provides access to a limited range of services, including jump start, flat tire change, fuel delivery, and lockout service.
Depending on your specific needs and budget, you can choose the membership program that suits you the best.
49. AARP
AARP is a nonprofit organization that aims to empower people aged 50 and above and partners with Allstate to provide an extensive range of roadside assistance services 24 hours a day. With prices starting at $62 per year, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are covered in emergencies while on the road.
The 24/7 services cover up to 100 miles and can be accessed anywhere in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. They include towing in case your vehicle cannot be fixed on the spot, tire changes in case of a flat tire, fuel delivery if you run out of gas, lockout services if you accidentally lock yourself out of your car, and dead battery jump-starts.
Allstate’s emergency roadside assistance services are reliable and prompt, and their team of experts is always ready to help you get back on the road as soon as possible. So, whether you’re on a cross-country road trip or just running errands locally, you can rest assured that you have the backing of one of the most trusted names in the industry.
50. Honk
Honk is an incredibly helpful app that provides reliable roadside assistance whenever you need it. Unlike a membership or a club, Honk is a pay-as-you-go service that ensures you only pay for the assistance you use. With Honk, you can quickly and easily request help with a variety of issues, including towing, flat tires, dead batteries, running out of gas, lockouts, and even getting stuck in sand, snow, mud, or ditches.
The app is available for both Android and iOS devices, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Whether you’re on a road trip or commuting to work, Honk is there to provide you with peace of mind and quick assistance whenever you need it. Simply download the app and rest assured that help is just a tap away.
Does the roadside assistance plan cover the driver or the car?
When selecting a roadside assistance plan, it’s important to consider who else may be driving your car. If you have a spouse or teenage child who may be using your vehicle, you’ll want to ensure that they are covered under the plan as well.
One way to do this is by choosing a plan that covers the car regardless of who is driving it. However, if you are the only one driving the car, this won’t be a concern. In that case, you’ll still be covered even if the plan only covers the driver and not the car. Considering these factors will help you choose the best plan for your needs and ensure that everyone driving the car is covered in case of a breakdown or other roadside emergency.
Does my plan cover other vehicles?
If you intend to drive multiple vehicles, such as a rental car, it is important to ensure that your roadside assistance coverage extends to them as well.
While some plans like the ones mentioned earlier do offer roadside assistance for cars that do not belong to you, it is always best to confirm this with your provider. This is particularly crucial if you frequently rent cars or drive borrowed vehicles, as you wouldn’t want to be stranded in a breakdown or accident. By checking your policy beforehand, you can avoid any confusion or potential issues that may arise if you require roadside assistance while driving a non-owned vehicle.
Do I get multiple tows?
When considering a towing service plan, it is important to take into account the number of tows offered by the plan. If the plan only offers one tow, for instance, you may find that it is more cost-effective to simply pay for that service on an as-needed basis, rather than paying membership fees for coverage you may not use.
Before signing up for any towing plan, carefully review what the plan offers and weigh the cost of membership against the benefits provided. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the most value for your money.
Are there any sign-up fees?
When signing up for a membership, it is important to carefully check for any sign-up fees that may be associated with it. Some memberships may have a one-time fee for new members, while others may not.
It’s also essential to compare the cost of the membership with what it has to offer. This means taking the time to read through the benefits and perks of being a member and weighing them against the cost.
The bottom line
Having assistance available when you need it can be a huge relief, especially if you drive frequently. Breaking down or getting a flat tire can be a nightmare, leaving you stranded. That’s where roadside coverage comes in handy. And the good news is, it doesn’t have to break the bank.
There are plenty of affordable or even free options available. So why not try these budget-friendly roadside assistance options?