Best Roadside Assistance | Bankrate

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Whether you’re driving the latest model sports car or a 12-year-old clunker, getting stuck on the side of the road is an unwelcome possibility. Many drivers prepare for this by purchasing roadside assistance. These plans may cover tows, jumpstarts, lockout services and more. With so many providers available, however, how do you pick the best roadside assistance for your needs?

The best roadside service for you will vary based on your location, budget, vehicle type, driving habits and ability to handle basic repairs. There are companies that offer independent roadside assistance plans, but you might also be able to purchase a plan through your car’s manufacturer, your cell phone company, your auto insurance provider or your credit card company.

What is roadside assistance?

Roadside assistance covers a broad range of services designed to help drivers with car trouble. Here are some of the common services roadside assistance plans may cover:

• Towing services
• Lockout and key services
• Tire changes
• Battery jumpstart and replacement
• Fuel delivery
• Winching services (when your car is stuck in ice, snow, a ditch or mud)

You’ll typically use a mobile app or call the company that administers your plan to submit a request for assistance.

Best roadside assistance plans

Certain companies stand out in the industry for especially accessible or comprehensive services. Bankrate’s research revealed the following companies offer some of the best roadside assistance plans:

I was at an amusement park with all of my kids. We were the level of exhausted that only comes from spending a day at an amusement park. After making our way back to my car with all the kids, I tried to start my car and it was completely dead. A jump wouldn’t work. The battery was gone. I had to call to have someone meet us in the parking lot. They came out, checked the battery, said it needed to be replaced, and replaced it on the spot.

— Bankrate staffer

Where can I buy roadside assistance?

You can purchase roadside assistance as an endorsement, or add-on coverage, to your auto insurance policy. However, that’s not the only place to buy it. It’s possible that your vehicle manufacturer, cell phone company or credit card also offer a roadside assistance plan.

Car manufacturers that offer roadside assistance

Some car manufacturers include a free roadside assistance plan when you purchase a vehicle. However, coverage may be limited to a number of years or miles, whichever comes first. Typically, this service transfers with the car, so you might even be able to purchase a (newer) used car with an active roadside assistance plan.

Additionally, you may be able to purchase an extended warranty that continues even after your complimentary warranty expires. Keep in mind, however, that warranties for cars are primarily intended to help cover the cost of mechanical repairs — they are not the same thing as roadside plans. An extended warranty may include roadside assistance, but that is not always the case.

Cell phone companies that offer roadside assistance

Certain cellular phone companies, like T-Mobile and Verizon, offer roadside assistance plans. However, they typically limit how many service events they will cover per year.

Credit card companies that offer roadside assistance

Some credit card issuers, like Visa and Chase, also offer roadside assistance plans. Plans are sometimes automatically folded into cardholder accounts but may still require a service fee.

Car insurance companies that offer roadside assistance

Many car insurance companies sell roadside assistance endorsements that can be added to your auto insurance policy at a cost. Importantly, if you need to use your roadside assistance, it could count as a small claim, which might cause your premium to go up when your policy renews.

Do I need roadside assistance?

Having an emergency roadside assistance plan may provide you peace of mind on the road. You might also compare the cost of a plan with the out-of-pocket cost of a tow or other vehicle service. You might consider a roadside assistance plan if you:

• Drive an older car or one that requires frequent maintenance
• Have a long commute
• Often take road trips
• Live in a region with extreme weather like heat waves or winter storms
• Are inexperienced or uncomfortable with vehicle maintenance like tire changes
• Want additional roadside support for a child or other family member

Frequently asked questions

• Which car insurance companies offer roadside assistance?
  

  Many auto insurance companies offer roadside assistance endorsements, but some don’t or have limitations on when this coverage can be added. Major providers that offer optional roadside assistance coverage include Allstate, Geico, Liberty Mutual, Progressive, State Farm and USAA. Roadside assistance pricing and services vary by carrier, so it’s helpful to contact an insurance agent to discuss plan specifics before purchasing coverage.

• Do I need an additional roadside assistance plan if I already have auto insurance?
  

  Depending on your situation, you might benefit from roadside assistance even if you already have auto insurance. An insurance policy can help cover repairs to your vehicle in the event of an accident, theft, vandalism or weather-related damage, but it won’t cover run-of-the-mill malfunctions, such as a dead battery or flat tire. In other words, if you are stranded because you’ve run out of gas, your car insurance won’t help. A roadside assistance plan, however, is likely to include the delivery of gas to your car, helping you get back on the road ASAP.

• Does a roadside assistance plan cover everyone in my household?
  

  It depends on the provider of your roadside assistance plan. For example, roadside assistance plans from car manufacturers are typically limited to the vehicle, no matter who is driving. Other plans, such as AAA, could require you to purchase family coverage but may offer lower rates for additional drivers listed on your plan.

• What does roadside assistance cover?
  

  Different plans and carriers offer varying services for roadside assistance. Still, the best roadside assistance plans will often include towing, key services, tire changes, jumpstarts, battery replacements, fuel delivery, winching and more. When shopping for roadside assistance, it’s generally a good idea to compare the services offered with the price of coverage to find the right plan for your budget.

• How much does roadside assistance cost?
  

  The cost of roadside assistance varies greatly depending on the company providing the service and the type of vehicle you’re driving. Plans that cover RVs, for example, tend to be more expensive than those that just offer assistance to cars and small trucks. One of the most popular providers, AAA’s plans range from $65 to $125 annually. Others offer plans that start at roughly $50 and may increase to well over $100. Many companies offer more than one plan, with pricier options including more extensive services. Good Sam’s highest tier, for example, the Platinum Complete Auto Plan, includes unlimited towing, technician support, discounts and coverage for all members of the family for $89.95 a year.

• How do I pick the best roadside assistance plan for me?
  

  It’s a personal decision, much of which can come down to cost and availability. Before you shop around for it, make sure you don’t have roadside assistance already from your credit card or cellphone company. Or, if you just purchased your vehicle, check if you have roadside assistance from your car’s manufacturer.