Roadside assistance coverage for the unexpected
Roadside assistance coverage is an optional add-on that sends help when your car lets you down away from home. A dead battery, a flat tire or keys locked inside are all common examples.
Many drivers look for car insurance with roadside assistance so the help is attached to a policy they already manage. If that sounds useful, you can request an auto insurance roadside quote and see what partner providers offer.
Services roadside assistance may include
Each provider decides which services it offers and how often you can use them.
Towing
A tow to a nearby repair shop or another location, usually up to a set distance.
Jump-start
A technician brings power to a dead battery so you can get moving again.
Flat tire help
Someone fits your spare tire so you do not have to do it at the roadside.
Lockout service
Help getting back into your car if the keys are locked inside.
Fuel delivery
A small amount of fuel brought to you if you run dry. You normally pay for the fuel.
Add-on or separate membership?
Roadside help can come from an insurance add-on, from a standalone motor club membership, or sometimes as a perk bundled with a new car or a credit card. They overlap, so it is worth checking what you already have before you pay twice.
An add-on tied to your policy is simple to manage in one place, and some are priced at a modest amount per year. A membership may offer more generous towing distances or cover the member in any vehicle. The right fit depends on how you drive.
Questions to ask before you add it
A few details separate one roadside offer from another. Ask each provider about these before you decide.
- How far will a tow go, and is there a limit on the cost?
- How many service calls are allowed per year?
- Does it apply to every car on the policy, or only one?
- Is there a waiting period before the coverage starts?
- What happens if I need help more than once for the same problem?
Who tends to find it useful
Long-distance commuters
More miles from home means more chances of a breakdown far from your usual repair shop.
Families on the road
Waiting at the roadside with children is stressful, so having a number to call matters.
Drivers of older cars
Aging batteries and tires fail more often, so quick help can be worth a small yearly cost.
Good to know
- Roadside help gets you moving; it does not usually pay for repairs themselves.
- Services, limits and prices vary by provider and policy.
- Using roadside assistance may or may not affect your rates, depending on the provider. Ask before you rely on it.
- This is an optional add-on, and it is not required in any state.
Roadside assistance questions
Prices vary by provider and by how much the add-on includes. A free quote from a partner provider shows the actual cost for your situation.
No. It is an optional coverage with most providers, so you usually need to ask for it. Choose roadside assistance in the form to start that conversation.
Often the coverage is tied to the vehicles listed on your policy. Some memberships follow the person instead. Check the terms.
Arrival times depend on your location, the weather and demand, so providers generally cannot promise a specific time.
Request an auto insurance roadside quote
Roadside assistance is already selected for you. Add your details and partner providers can explain what they offer.
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