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Stuck on the side of the road with car trouble is a fun time idea for anyone. Thankfully, roadside support plans exist to help stuck drivers. However, not all roadside assistance policies offer the same perks and services. By choosing the right one, you will be sure to get the support you need at the best price.
What is roadside assistance?
Roadside Assistance covers a wide range of services designed to assist drivers in car troubles. Here are some of the common services that street aid plans may cover.
- Towing service
- Lockout and key services
- Change tires
- Battery jump start and exchange
- Fuel delivery
- Winch Service (when the car is clogged with ice, snow, ditches, or mud)
Typically, you use a mobile app or call the company that manages your plans to submit a request for assistance.
The best roadside service for you will depend on your location, budget, type of vehicle, driving habits and ability to handle basic repairs. Some companies offer independent roadside assistance plans, but you can also purchase plans through the car manufacturer, mobile phone company, car insurance company, or credit card company.
I was at the amusement park with all the kids. We were on an exhausting level and only came from spending the day in the entertainment park. After returning to the car with all the kids, I tried to start my own car, but it was completely dead. The jump does not work. The battery is gone. I had to call in the car park to have someone meet. They came out and checked the battery and said they needed to replace it and replaced it on the spot.
– Bankrate Staff
The best roadside support plan
Roadside assistance is available from a variety of sources, but some companies stand out in the industry, especially for their accessible or robust services. Some of the most popular businesses for the best roadside support plans include:
| company | Outstanding features | Average annual cost | availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| aaa | You don’t need to be a policyholder to purchase a plan. Fast response times. Membership transactions offer additional perks. | $65 – $125 | All 50 states and Canada |
| Better World Club | Roadside assistance is included in all car plans and is available as a standalone. Bicycle and motorcycle coverage available at an additional fee. | $63 – $115 | All 50 states and Canada |
| Good sam | We provide multiple road support plans. Higher tier coverage extends to rental and rented vehicles. | $100 – $180 | All 50 states, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the Virgin Islands |
| progressive | Services provided by Agero. Includes 15-mile towing limit, winch service, battery jump start, fuel delivery, electric vehicle battery charging, and other perks. | n/a | All 50 states and Canada. Available only to progressive policyholders |
| Geico | The lockout service offers towings of up to 20 miles, up to 5 miles, up to 5 miles, and up to $100. | n/a | All 50 states. Available only to GEICO policyholders |
| State Farm | It includes up to 10 miles of towing, locksmith fees, fuel delivery, starting battery jumps, tire changes and other services known as “coverage H.” | n/a | All conditions except MA and RI. Available only to state farm policyholders |
| All State | Allstate Car Insurance does not need to purchase roadside assistance. Towing, starting battery jumps, flat tires and lockout services are available. | Allstate policyholder’s $25 per vehicle, membership plan $73 per year, non-member tow $154 per tow | All 50 states |
Where can I buy roadside support?
You can purchase roadside assistance as approval or add-on coverage to your car insurance. However, it is not the only place to buy. Your vehicle manufacturer, mobile phone company, or credit card may also include roadside assistance plans.
Automobile manufacturers providing roadside support
Some automakers include free roadside assistance plans when purchasing vehicles. However, coverage may be limited to several years or miles. Typically, this service is forwarded by car, so you can even purchase a used car with an active roadside assistance plan. Additionally, you may be able to purchase an extended warranty plan to continue this service even after the free period has expired.
Mobile phone companies that provide roadside support
Some mobile phone companies, such as T-Mobile and Verizon, offer roadside assistance plans, but in many cases there is a limited number of service events they cover annually.
Credit card companies that provide roadside support
Some credit card issuers, such as Visa and Chase, also offer roadside assistance plans. The plan may automatically collapse into your card holder account, but you may need a service charge.
Auto insurance companies that provide roadside assistance
Many car insurance companies sell roadside assistance approvals that can be added to your car insurance for additional costs to your premiums. Importantly, if roadside assistance is required, it can count as a small claim. This could increase the rate when the policy is updated.
Do you need roadside assistance?
Establishing an emergency roadside support plan can provide you with a sense of security on the road. You can also compare the cost of your plan with the out-of-pocket costs of towing or other vehicle services. If you are, you may consider a roadside support plan:
- Drive an old car or car that requires frequent maintenance
- Have a long commute
- Most often, they travel on roads
- I live in an area with extreme weather like heat and winter storms
- Inexperienced or unpleasant with vehicle maintenance, such as tire changes
- I want additional roadside support for kids and other families
