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Comprehensive Guide to Roadside Assistance

What Does Roadside Assistance Cover?

Roadside assistance plans are designed to get you back on the road quickly, whether your car breaks down on the freeway or in your driveway. These plans typically cover services such as towing, tire changes, and lockout help, providing peace of mind and financial protection in case of vehicle breakdowns.

Towing

When your car is undrivable, roadside assistance generally covers towing it a limited distance, such as 15 miles, or to the nearest repair shop. If you choose a repair shop farther away, you’ll pay for the additional mileage. Some plans offer higher mileage limits for higher tiers.

Winching

Winching services, which pull your car out of mud, snow, sand, or water, are sometimes included in roadside assistance plans. Your vehicle usually needs to be within a certain distance of an established road for this service to be available.

Changing Flat Tires

Most roadside assistance plans include tire changes, but you’ll need to have a spare tire available. Some plans, like Allstate’s Roadside Advantage, offer additional benefits such as covering costs for repairing or replacing wheels and tires damaged by road hazards.

Lockout Service

If your keys are lost, stolen, or locked inside your vehicle, most roadside assistance plans will send someone to unlock your car. This service is usually free up to a certain dollar limit.

Emergency Fuel Delivery

When you run out of gas, roadside assistance plans can deliver a limited amount of fuel to get you to the nearest gas station. The delivery is free, but you generally pay for the fuel.

Battery Service

Roadside assistance often includes a free jump-start for your car battery. Some plans, like AAA, even replace batteries if necessary. Coverage for electric car batteries is also available, usually by towing your vehicle to a charging source.

Minor Mechanical Work

Some roadside assistance plans allow technicians to perform minor mechanical work, such as tightening a spark plug, to get you back on the road without needing a tow.

Trip Interruption Coverage

If your car breaks down far from home and takes a few days to fix, some roadside assistance plans offer trip interruption coverage. This reimburses expenses for lodging, food, and travel.

Is Roadside Assistance Worth It?

Roadside assistance can be a valuable investment, especially if your vehicle doesn’t already have coverage. Many automakers include free roadside assistance for a limited time on new cars. Membership-based plans from organizations like AAA offer additional benefits such as discounts on travel, dining, and entertainment.

Benefits of Roadside Assistance

• Savings: Hiring a tow truck can cost $75 to $125 out of pocket, so a membership plan could pay for itself in a single use.
• Security: Roadside assistance protects you from risky situations like changing a tire on a busy highway.
• Convenience: Instead of calling multiple tow truck services, you can simply contact roadside assistance.

Alternatives to Roadside Assistance

If you prefer not to purchase a roadside assistance membership, consider these alternatives:

Auto Insurance Add-On

Adding roadside assistance to your existing auto insurance policy generally starts at $15 to $30 annually per vehicle. Ensure that service calls aren’t counted as claims to avoid raising your insurance premiums.

Credit Card Perk

Some credit cards offer complimentary roadside assistance for cardholders, usually for a flat fee per service.

Cellphone Benefit

Certain cellphone plans include roadside assistance. For example, Verizon offers this service for $4.99 per month, per phone.

DIY Emergency Kit

Carrying an emergency car kit with jumper cables, basic tools, motor oil, a jack, lug wrench, spare tire, tire pressure gauge, and a temporary tire inflator can reduce your reliance on roadside assistance.

The Bottom Line

The added security and convenience of roadside assistance can make it worth the cost. Adding it to your auto insurance is an inexpensive option, but it may increase your premiums slightly. Shopping around for car insurance can help you find the best rates.

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