Do I have to pay for roadside assistance through my insurance?

No—roadside assistance through your auto insurer is optional. You can buy it as a low-cost add‑on to your policy, get it from a motor club like AAA, rely on coverage included with a new-car warranty or certified pre-owned program, use a pay‑per‑use dispatch service via some credit cards or mobile apps, or simply pay a tow company when you need help. Which route makes sense depends on your budget, how often you drive, your vehicle’s age, and what coverage you may already have.

What roadside assistance actually is

Roadside assistance is a service that helps when your vehicle is disabled due to non-accident issues—think dead batteries, flat tires, lockouts, or running out of fuel. Programs typically coordinate a service provider to come to your location and either get you moving or tow you to a repair shop. It’s separate from accident-related towing, which may be handled under a claim if you have physical damage coverage.

Do you need to buy it from insurance?

No. Most insurers offer roadside assistance as an optional endorsement for a small additional premium, but you don’t have to purchase it to carry auto insurance. Some drivers already have equivalent coverage through a vehicle warranty, a motor club membership, or another benefit, and others prefer to pay out of pocket when needed. A few insurers require certain coverages (like comprehensive) to add roadside assistance, but many do not—check your carrier’s rules.

Where else you can get roadside assistance

There are several common sources for roadside assistance beyond your insurance policy, each with its own pricing and coverage limits.

• Motor clubs (e.g., AAA, Better World Club): Annual memberships with tiered towing distances and multiple service calls per year.
• Automaker programs: Many new and certified pre-owned vehicles include roadside for a limited term (often 2–5 years) as part of warranty coverage; some brands extend coverage with paid plans or subscriptions.
• Credit cards and banks: Some cards provide pay‑per‑use dispatch services and, less commonly, complimentary or reimbursed coverage on premium cards; terms vary by issuer and card tier.
• Mobile carriers and apps: Certain phone carriers and standalone apps offer month‑to‑month roadside plans or pay‑per‑use dispatch.
• On-demand local tow providers: You can call a tow company directly and pay the market rate per incident without any membership.
• Insurance add‑on: An inexpensive endorsement on your auto policy that dispatches service or reimburses you up to stated limits.

Choosing among these options comes down to how often you expect to need help, towing distance needs, whether you want a membership’s broader perks, and avoiding duplicate coverage you might already have.

What it typically covers and what it costs

Coverage details differ by provider, but most roadside plans center on the same core services and set dollar or mileage caps per incident.

• Towing: Common caps range from 5–15 miles with insurer add‑ons, up to 100–200 miles on higher-tier motor club plans.
• Battery jump-starts and testing: Usually covered with no deductible; some programs can arrange mobile battery replacement at additional cost.
• Lockout service: Unlocking doors; some plans include limited locksmith reimbursement if keys are lost.
• Flat tire change: Using your spare; mobile tire repair or replacement is typically extra.
• Fuel delivery: Delivery is covered; you may pay for the fuel itself depending on the plan.
• Winching/extraction: Often limited (e.g., one truck, one operator, within a certain distance of a roadway).
• Trip interruption: Select plans reimburse lodging/meals if a breakdown occurs far from home and repairs take more than 24 hours.
• Costs: Insurer add‑ons typically run about $10–$40 per vehicle per year; motor clubs range from roughly $60 to $180+ per year depending on tier and region; on-demand tows commonly cost $100–$250+ depending on distance and market.

Always read the per-incident limits, service call caps, and any per‑use fees. Low premiums can come with short tow limits or fewer covered calls, while premium memberships cost more but may include long-distance towing and extras.

Pros of buying roadside assistance through your auto insurer

Insurer-based roadside assistance can be a convenient, low-cost option with straightforward billing and claims handling.

• Low price: Often among the cheapest ways to get basic coverage for common breakdowns.
• One bill, one contact: Coverage rides with your policy; the carrier dispatches help and may pay the provider directly.
• No separate membership to manage: Simple to add/remove at renewal or midterm.
• Reimbursement option: Some insurers let you choose your provider and submit receipts up to stated limits.

If you need only short tows and occasional help, an insurer add‑on is frequently the most economical choice.

Cons of buying roadside assistance through your auto insurer

There are trade-offs that might make a motor club or another provider a better fit for some drivers.

• Shorter tow limits: Many policies cap tows at 5–15 miles, with higher costs beyond the cap.
• Potential rating impact: While roadside calls are usually “non-chargeable,” frequent use can lead to higher premiums or the coverage being removed at renewal.
• Coverage variability: Some carriers require other coverages to be in place or limit the number of service calls per term.
• Fewer travel perks: Insurer add‑ons rarely include trip interruption, travel discounts, or extended towing comparable to top-tier motor clubs.

If you frequently drive long distances, own an older car prone to breakdowns, or want generous towing, a motor club or premium plan may be worth the higher annual cost.

How it affects your premiums and claims history

Roadside assistance claims are typically not treated like at‑fault accidents and usually don’t trigger surcharges by themselves. That said, insurers do track usage. Multiple calls in a short period can result in a modest premium increase, a reduction in benefits, or removal of the roadside endorsement at renewal. If a tow is related to a covered accident or comprehensive loss (e.g., hitting a deer), it may be handled as part of that claim instead of roadside assistance. Ask your insurer how they classify and rate roadside usage.

When buying through insurance makes sense

Certain driving patterns and vehicle situations align well with an insurer’s low-cost add‑on model.

• You want the cheapest safety net for occasional, short-distance tows and basic services.
• Your commute and errands stay within a small radius, so short tow caps are acceptable.
• You prefer a single point of contact and direct billing through your carrier.
• You don’t already have comparable coverage through a warranty, motor club, card, or lease.

In these cases, the insurer add‑on often delivers the best value, provided you understand the caps and call limits.

How to decide and avoid duplicate coverage

A quick audit helps you choose the right option and prevent paying twice for the same benefit.

1. Check your current policy declarations for “Roadside Assistance,” “Towing & Labor,” or similar endorsements and note limits.
2. Review your vehicle’s warranty or CPO booklet for included roadside terms and duration.
3. Look at memberships and cards: Motor club tiers, credit card benefits (often pay‑per‑use), and any bank or mobile carrier add-ons.
4. Estimate your risk: Vehicle age/condition, commute length, climate, and typical driving radius.
5. Compare costs vs. tow needs: If you might need long-distance towing, price a motor club plan; if not, insurer add‑ons are often enough.
6. Confirm how claims are rated: Ask your insurer whether frequent roadside calls can affect premiums or eligibility.
7. Decide on dispatch vs. reimbursement: Choose the model you prefer and verify documentation requirements.

Taking these steps should clarify the most cost-effective option and help you avoid overlapping coverage that doesn’t add value.

Questions to ask your insurer before adding it

Before you add roadside assistance to your policy, clarify the fine print so there are no surprises during a breakdown.

• What are the per-incident limits (towing miles, dollar caps) and annual call limits?
• Are there any per-use fees or deductibles?
• Do I need comprehensive or collision coverage to qualify for roadside assistance?
• Is service dispatched directly, or do I pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement?
• How are roadside calls recorded and do multiple uses affect my premium or eligibility?
• Are family members or other drivers in my household covered when driving my car?
• Are trailers, motorcycles, or rental cars included or excluded?

Clear answers to these questions will help you match the coverage to how you actually drive and prevent gaps or unexpected charges.

Bottom line

You don’t have to pay for roadside assistance through your insurance, and many drivers already have it from another source. Insurer add‑ons are usually the cheapest way to get basic coverage, but they often come with short tow limits and usage caps. If you need longer tows, frequent service, or travel perks, consider a motor club or an automaker plan. Confirm what you already have, understand the limits, and choose the option that best fits your driving patterns and budget.

Summary

Roadside assistance is optional and available from multiple sources: your insurer, motor clubs, automakers, some credit cards/banks, phone carriers, or on-demand providers. Insurance add‑ons are inexpensive and convenient for short tows and basic services, but frequent use can lead to higher premiums or coverage removal. If you want longer towing distances and added perks, a motor club or premium plan may be worth the extra cost. Check your existing benefits to avoid paying twice, compare limits and pricing, and ask your insurer how roadside usage affects your policy.

How much should roadside assistance cost?

Standalone roadside assistance plans can cost anywhere from $60 to $420 per year for coverage. Add-on roadside assistance from car insurance companies tends to be cheaper and typically ranges from $10 to $60 per year, depending on service selections.

Does it cost money to call roadside assistance?

If you are not a Member, you can request roadside assistance by calling 800-222-4357. There will be an additional fee of $75, plus the cost of your selected Membership plan, for immediate roadside assistance.

How do I know if my insurance covers roadside assistance?

Most insurers offer roadside assistance as an optional add-on to full-coverage policies, and you may have selected it when purchasing your policy. You can generally check your auto policy online or contact your insurer by phone to verify this.

Is roadside assistance free with insurance?

Roadside assistance and car insurance are not the same. However, many auto insurance companies offer roadside assistance as an add-on to their insurance policies. Sometimes, these programs are included for free; other times, they cost an additional small monthly fee.