Whether you have a flat tire or an empty gas tank, being stranded on the side of the road is stressful. And when you’re in an unfamiliar location, having help on speed dial can be a serious relief.
When you pay for roadside assistance, you get a dedicated service provider who will ride to the rescue, whether a dead battery needs a jump start or your vehicle needs a tow. Let’s take a closer look at what emergency roadside service plans offer drivers and whether it’s the right fit for you and your vehicle.
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Emergency roadside service is a popular coverage option that helps stranded motorists with mechanical issues. Most roadside assistance services offer 24/7 coverage from a network of service providers at a reduced cost.
The coverage is designed to minimize the costs of common car malfunctions and provide support wherever your road trips take you.
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An emergency roadside assistance plan can include towing services, battery services, tire changes, fuel delivery, locksmith services, roadside labor, and, sometimes, other perks like trip interruption insurance. Providers define the number of services allowed for each call, and may also limit how many times you can call for help. What’s covered can vary depending on the location, provider, and other factors.
Roadside assistance programs usually include limited towing at no additional charge. Your coverage provider sets the limits on this benefit. Some tow to the nearest service station, and others will tow anywhere within a stated mileage. Plans may or may not include winching for stuck vehicles, however.
If you’ve got a dead battery, roadside assistance services will jumpstart your car and may replace the battery if needed. Some roadside assistance plans will also test your battery, starter, and alternator, as well as haul away your old battery for free.
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Roadside assistance plans normally provide a limited number of free tire changes if you have a functional spare on hand.
Fuel delivery is often part of roadside assistance coverage. Depending on your plan, you may be charged for the fuel itself, even if the delivery service is free. AAA, for example, propvides only enough gas to get you to the nearest gas station.
If you lose your keys or lock them in the car, most roadside plans will send a technician or mobile locksmith to access the car’s cabin. There will be a limit on the number of labor hours covered and the plan may not include key replacement.
Many roadside plans provide a limited amount of on-site mechanical labor free of charge. This allows the roadside technician to diagnose and resolve minor issues, like loose wires or low fluids, on the spot. More complicated repairs normally require a tow to the nearest service station.
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Trip interruption benefits reimburse you for the cost of food or lodging if you’re stranded far from home while waiting at a repair shop. Depending on your plan, these benefits are included or may be available as a paid upgrade.
Some roadside programs cover different kinds of vehicles, from motorcycles to boats and RVs.
Some roadside problems will require services or materials that are not included in your plan. For example, roadside plans often do not include tires, batteries, or parts — even when the installation labor is included.
Typically, you can opt to pay directly for the extra services or parts you need.
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Many drivers rack up plenty of mileage (and DIY repairs) without needing emergency roadside service. But there are some situations where having emergency support can be a smart idea.
The average age of vehicles on the road is 12.8 years, according to a S&P Global Mobility report. AAA research shows that older cars are far more likely to end up sidelined on the highway during the next family road trip.
More mileage equals more chances for things to go wrong with your car. According to World Population Review, the average one-way commute in the U.S. is 18 to 34 minutes, depending on the state. Assuming an average speed of 35 mph and 250 work days in the year, the midpoint of the range amounts to almost 7,600 miles annually.
Imagine yourself on the side of a busy highway or on a remote country road after dark. If you’re not confident in your ability to change a flat tire quickly and safely or don’t know what to do if you have other mechanical issues, roadside assistance might give you peace of mind.
Hitting the highway for an epic road trip gets a lot less fun when you’re stranded. Consider roadside assistance coverage for longer trips, especially those to rural or remote areas where finding an auto repair provider in an emergency might be a serious (and expensive) hassle.
One of the important considerations before plunking down your money for a roadside assistance plan is the cost.
So, is roadside service worth it?
Let’s take a closer look at what you might pay for common issues with your vehicle if you have roadside coverage versus without it.
Keep in mind that additional costs of fuel, tires, and batteries are not included in these estimates. And in the case of towing without roadside assistance, you’ll pay additional costs per mile on top of the towing fee. Costs can vary for roadside programs as well, based on your coverage limits and location.
As the cost comparison shows, even if you experience only one of these common car problems per year, emergency road service coverage can save you money.
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You’ve heard the cliche: membership has its benefits. Here are a few reasons to lean into the extra costs associated with roadside coverage.
There’s a certain peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re not alone when you’re stranded at 2 a.m. Roadside assistance programs have folks manning the helm around the clock so that when you call for help, they’ll answer.
In the same way you can track your pizza from the moment it gets popped into the oven until the delivery driver arrives, many roadside assistance mobile apps offer real-time tracking of providers like tow truck drivers.
While there’s no guarantee your roadside program covers every corner of the map, many of them have contracted providers just a few miles away on major routes and highways.
When you get behind the wheel, you never plan to have a breakdown. But accidents happen and if you’re not equipped to handle minor repairs, it can be a relief to let the professionals handle it.
When you think of emergency roadside assistance, you likely associate it with being an AAA member. While AAA service is one of the most popular options, there are other ways to request roadside assistance coverage.
Below are just a few options to consider, but keep in mind you may already have some limited coverage through your car insurance, credit card, or cell phone provider.
The long-standing auto club offers three tiers of annual plans: Classic, Plus RV, and Premier. Each AAA roadside assistance plan comes with different towing mileage ranges and other benefits.
Good Sam specializes in roadside assistance for RVs, but also has plans for cars, trucks, and motorcycles. It offers three tiers of plans, as well: Standard, Platinum, and Platinum complete. Good Sam’s Platinum Complete Auto membership even provides emergency medical assistance.
As a roadside assistance program, Better World Club boasts a 100% carbon neutral program and includes four tiers: Starter, Basic Auto, Premium Auto, and a tier just for bicyclists. You even get 10% off your membership if you’re the owner of a hybrid or electric vehicle.
Chevron Auto Club provides two tiers of emergency roadside assistance coverage: Gold and Premier. Both include standard roadside services plus accidental loss of life insurance.
Car insurance companies commonly offer some basic roadside assistance, but you can also add more robust, paid coverage to your car insurance policy with some insurers. Providers like GEICO, Progressive, State Farm, National, and Allstate offer emergency roadside service.
New cars often come with free roadside services for a certain period of time. You can also purchase extended warranties through the car manufacturer or a third-party that offers roadside benefits.
A few credit companies like Chase, US Bank, Bank of America, and Capital One offer free roadside assistance as a perk, while others offer coverage for an annual fee. Keep in mind that free plans may not provide any services free of charge. More often, they provide a dispatch number to call so you can access roadside services at negotiated rates.
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For example, Verizon offers emergency roadside assistance coverage for $4.99 monthly per line. T-Mobile includes a one-year AAA membership on certain plans.
Many rental car companies offer some roadside assistance or provide extended coverage for an add-on cost. Be careful before purchasing roadside assistance coverage if you already have it through your car insurance company, as this will usually cover your rental car.
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The cheapest way to get emergency roadside service is usually through your car insurance company, but ask these questions before you add coverage to an existing policy:
What’s the plan cost?
Are there any additional fees?
How many service claims can I have per year?
Will claims affect my car insurance rates?
Am I covered if I’m not in my own car?
Does coverage extend to other household members?
What are the towing and service limits?
Does this roadside assistance policy offer trip interruption benefits?
While memberships through auto clubs may be more expensive, they can provide better coverage and more reliable service for members. And if you’re hitting the road without a backup plan, the helping hand will be worth its weight in gold.
Each provider defines service call limits. AAA allows up to four roadside assistance events each year. Allstate allows up to five roadside rescues annually on its Roadside Assist and Roadside Advantage plans.
Infrequent roadside assistance calls generally do not affect your insurance rates. Depending on the carrier, you may see a rate increase if you call roadside assistance regularly. Frequent calls can indicate a maintenance problem with your vehicle or poor decision-making on your part.
You can reach Allstate roadside assistance by calling 800-347-8880.
You can reach GEICO roadside assistance by calling 800-424-3426. GEICO recommends you request service online or through the mobile app.
You can reach State Farm roadside assistance by calling 877-627-5757.
MOBILE TIRE CHANGE 24/7 Roadside Assistance in Indianapolis, Indiana. Call Mr.Quickpick for roadside assistance services in Indianapolis including: car unlocking, tire change assistance, jump start services, fuel delivery, tire repair, mobile tire replacement, battery installation, towing, mobile mechanics & much more. Call (317) 342-0887. Serving all Marion & surrounding counties.
