Roadside assistance plans can help if you get a flat tire, lock yourself out, run out of gas, have a dead battery or need a tow. The best roadside assistance plans provide unlimited service calls for an affordable price.
We’ve evaluated roadside assistance plans based on price, service call limits, tow mileage limits and other important benefits. With a good roadside assistance plan on your side, you can travel smoothly and safely all year long.
Best roadside assistance plans of 2023
Comparing the best roadside assistance plans of 2023
What a roadside assistance plan typically covers
Roadside assistance plans can typically help when you’re on the road and your car malfunctions. While road assistance plans differ, most will help when:
- You have a flat tire.
- Your car breaks down on a public road.
- Your car needs to be towed to a repair shop.
- You lose your car keys or get locked out.
- You run out of gas.
- Your car battery dies.
What to look for when choosing a roadside assistance plan
Cost will be a determining factor when choosing a plan that’s right for you, but make sure to consider your needs first. “Understand what is and is not included in a roadside assistance plan,” said AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz. “Ultimately, you’re choosing convenience and peace of mind when selecting a roadside plan.”
If you have a spouse or children who use your car, for instance, you may want your plan to cover family members. Good Sam, Nationwide, AARP and Allstate extend this coverage.
If you frequently take road trips, you might want your plan to include trip interruption coverage, which can help alleviate costs if your car breaks down a certain distance from your residence and you need a rental or lodging for the night. Of the roadside assistance plans we analyzed, only Allstate and Better World Club offer trip interruption coverage.
Lastly, the best roadside assistance plans don’t have a limit on service calls you can make in a year. Erie, Geico, Good Sam and Nationwide all offer unlimited service calls.
How much does roadside assistance cost?
Of the companies we analyzed, the average cost of their most affordable roadside assistance plans is $45 a year.
Roadside assistance can cost anywhere from a few dollars to hundreds a year, depending on the plan you choose. Remember that more expensive doesn’t always mean better — finding a plan that suits your lifestyle is the most important.
How to compare roadside assistance services
Consider what your needs are. If you travel often or drive in dangerous terrain, the best roadside assistance plan would need to include winching, in case your car gets stuck in a ditch, for example.
If you’re prone to losing your keys, don’t know how to change a tire or simply want peace of mind when you’re behind the wheel, a roadside assistance plan with unlimited service calls may be preferable.
If more than one person in your household plans to drive your vehicle, make sure your plan covers other family members.
Where to get a roadside assistance plan
Most auto insurance companies provide roadside assistance for an additional fee. Check with your insurance agent about getting the best roadside assistance plan for you.
If you’re purchasing a new car, ask your dealership or manufacturer about roadside dispatch programs on offer, and inquire about any extended warranties, which may include some roadside assistance services.
Many credit card companies also offer roadside assistance plans.
- Visa offers roadside services including towing up to five miles, tire changing, jump-starting, lockout service, fuel delivery and winching for all credit card holders for a flat fee of $79.95.
- Chase also offers roadside dispatch to card members for a flat fee (price varies by card).
- Mastercard may pre-negotiate rates with contractors to keep pricing lower than if you were to call for services yourself. Keep in mind that any additional charges, like towing, will be billed to your credit card.
Auto clubs, like AAA and Better World Club, tend to be pricier but may offer more coverages.
Other companies may offer roadside dispatch with competitive pricing. AARP provides members roadside assistance through Allstate. Verizon Wireless offers a roadside plan as well.
If you’re looking to avoid a membership club altogether, you can request roadside services using the Honk app or at honkforhelp.com.
Methodology
Our insurance experts analyzed eight roadside assistance plans. Each plan was eligible for up to 100 points, based on its performance in the following categories.
Price: 50 points. The cost of each roadside assistance plan was factored into our scoring. We used the cost of each company’s lowest-price plan.
Tow mileage limit: 10 points. If a roadside assistance plan includes unlimited towing mileage, the company received full points.
Service call limit: 10 points: If a plan includes unlimited service calls in a year, the company received full points.
Mechanical service: 10 points: If a plan includes mechanical service coverage, the company received full points.
Winch service: 10 points. If a plan includes winching service, the company received full points.
Family/extended coverage: 5 points. If a plan includes coverage for family members in a household, it received full points.
Trip interruption coverage: 5 points. If a plan includes trip interruption coverage, it received full points.
Why you can trust us
Our insurance experts follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and unbiased reviews.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Of the eight companies we analyzed, Erie offers the cheapest roadside assistance plan, costing only $5 per year.
Roadside assistance may not seem necessary, but the peace of mind you’ll experience could be worth it the next time you’re in a bind. “When you get behind the wheel, you hope to never have to use your roadside plan, but the reality is emergencies happen,” Diaz said.
A roadside assistance plan is convenient to purchase through your auto insurance company, but that isn’t the only way to buy one. You may also be able to enroll for benefits through your credit card company, your cell phone company or through an auto club.
Some companies, like Nationwide, cover family members with their roadside assistance plan. With a plan like AAA, the primary driver is covered for the base member price, while others can be enrolled as associate members for an additional fee.
