Roadside Assistance: What Is It, and Do I Need It?
If your vehicle breaks down, roadside assistance can help you get back on the road — and almost every auto insurance policy includes this option.
Most car insurance companies collaborate with an existing network of businesses to either provide direct roadside assistance or arrange services on behalf of the customer. When you call roadside assistance, the company will send the closest and most appropriate service provider to your location.
Before you add roadside assistance to your car insurance policy, you should know what's included.
What roadside assistance service includes
If you become stranded on the side of the road, a roadside assistance program will connect you with the appropriate professional, whether you require minor repairs, gasoline, or something else.
Towing service providers will take your car to the nearest mechanic up to a specified distance. If you require your vehicle to be towed beyond that limit, the provider will charge you for the excess.
Battery jump-start service providers will restart your battery if it's dead.
Flat-tire service professionals will replace your flat tire with your spare. However, roadside assistance may not cover a flat tire on a motorcycle or other similar vehicle.
Lockout service and locksmith service helps you get into your car if you're locked out, but there's a difference between the two. Lockout service providers typically use a pump wedge or a long-reach tool to unlock the car door. If those methods fail, the provider will contact a locksmith.
Fuel-delivery service providers will deliver enough fuel to get you to the nearest gas station. If the service provider charges for this separately, the local pump price will be used.
Extrication or winching service is the process of moving a vehicle when it's stuck. If it takes more than one service professional and truck to dislodge the car, you may have to pay an additional fee.
Should you get roadside assistance?
This is determined by the age of your vehicle, the distance you typically drive, and whether you value convenience. Roadside assistance is provided by a variety of auto insurance companies, auto clubs, credit card issuers, and car manufacturers.
If you've decided to add this coverage, check out our roadside assistance comparisons to see who provides it and how they differ.
Here's how we decide whether the advantages are worthwhile:
Vehicle age: Because new cars require less maintenance and have fewer mechanical issues, you may be able to avoid using roadside assistance. Your vehicle's manufacturer may even provide free emergency service for the first few years or a certain number of miles. You could pay for one-time services as they come up. However, if you own an older vehicle, roadside assistance may be a worthwhile investment.
Distance and commute: Another factor to consider is how far you typically drive to work or to run errands. If you usually stay in a small area, you might not need roadside assistance. However, if you frequently travel to unfamiliar locations, it's a good idea to have a professional network on hand.
Convenience: If you value convenience, we believe you'll benefit from including a roadside assistance program in your auto insurance policy. You will not have to determine which service provider is best suited to your requirements. This is especially useful if you are stranded late at night or during bad weather.
Costs: Roadside assistance programs negotiate service provider prices and pass the savings on to members, which can help you save money. Many roadside assistance members use the service multiple times per year.
Free roadside assistance: If you already have access to these services, you should use them. Some credit card companies and automobile manufacturers offer their own free services, though some restrictions may apply.
Which insurance companies offer roadside assistance?
Most auto insurance companies provide roadside assistance as a policy supplement, but the benefits vary. The programs offered by the largest auto insurance companies are summarized below.
State Farm
All State Farm customers have access to the company's roadside assistance service. If you did not include the benefit in your policy, you will be charged a fee for the services you use. The cost is usually lower than the market rate. The basic features of State Farm's emergency roadside service are included, but mechanical and locksmith labor is limited to one hour. However, the time limit should be sufficient to resolve most issues.
Geico
The main benefit of Geico's roadside assistance add-on is that you can request assistance via Geico's mobile app instead of calling the company. You can save your policy information in the app and have the company use GPS to find you. Geico's location tracking can be useful if you ever get lost and don't know where you are.
Allstate
Allstate provides three levels of service — by far the most options for roadside assistance. The third tier, Allstate Motor Club, has the most features and can also be purchased separately. If you want more than just towing and tire changes, Allstate's Motor Club is a great option because it includes trip interruption coverage and a personal concierge.
Progressive
Progressive's emergency roadside assistance program provides all of the expected basic coverage, such as flat-tire changes and battery jump-starts. Furthermore, policyholders can take advantage of Progressive's lenient towing guidelines. Most insurance companies only cover free towing up to a certain distance, but Progressive will tow your car further than 15 miles if there isn't a qualified repair shop nearby.
USAA
With its roadside assistance add-on, USAA, like other large insurance companies, provides basic features. The main disadvantage is that you will have to pay for the services provided out of pocket and then wait to be reimbursed.