Does it cost money to call roadside assistance?

Usually, the call itself is free, but the service may cost money unless you have coverage through a membership, your auto insurer, your vehicle’s warranty, a credit card program, or a government safety patrol. If you pay out of pocket, common services like a local tow often run $75–$150 plus $4–$10 per mile, with surcharges for after-hours, heavy-duty, or off-road recoveries. Below is a clear breakdown of when roadside help is included, when you’ll likely pay, and how to avoid surprise charges.

When roadside help is already covered

Many drivers already have roadside coverage without realizing it. The sources below commonly include or arrange help for flat tires, jump starts, lockouts, fuel delivery, and towing—though limits and exclusions vary by provider and plan.

• Auto insurance add-ons: Many insurers offer roadside assistance for a small premium (often $5–$20 per six months). Coverage typically includes limited towing mileage and basic services; frequent use can lead to removal of the benefit and may appear on your claims history.
• Automaker/new-vehicle plans: New cars often include roadside assistance for a set period (for example, 2–5 years, mileage limits vary by brand). Service usually includes towing to the nearest dealer and basic help; coverage may not apply after collisions.
• Membership clubs (e.g., AAA and regional motor clubs): Annual fees vary by region and tier. Plans generally include a fixed number of service calls per year and mileage limits (higher tiers cover longer tows). Extra miles or specialty tows cost more.
• Credit cards and banking benefits: Some cards still provide roadside dispatch (you pay a set fee per call) or limited included coverage; many have shifted to pay-per-use. Always check your current Guide to Benefits because card benefits change frequently.
• Mobile carriers and apps: Certain phone carriers and app-based services sell low-cost monthly roadside plans or per-incident help. These are typically pay-per-use or limited-coverage programs.
• State DOT “Safety Service Patrols”: On many highways, government-funded patrols provide free short-term assistance—moving a disabled vehicle to a safe spot, jump starts, small amounts of fuel, or minor fixes. Long-distance towing isn’t included.
• Rental cars: Basic assistance is often included for mechanical issues; renters can buy optional “roadside assistance protection” for lockouts, flat tires, and other driver-induced problems. Without it, you may pay per incident.

If you’re covered by one or more of these sources, your out-of-pocket cost is often $0 for included services within the plan limits. Charges apply when you exceed limits (for example, extra tow miles) or request services not covered.

When you’ll pay out of pocket

You’ll typically pay when you don’t have coverage, you’ve exceeded your plan limits, or you choose an out-of-network provider. Costs vary by region, vehicle type, time of day, and complexity.

• Tow hookup/local service call: About $75–$150 for light-duty vehicles in many areas; higher in major metros.
• Towing per mile (after any included miles): Roughly $4–$10 per mile locally; long-distance and rural rates can be higher.
• Lockout service: Often $60–$120; high-security vehicles can cost more.
• Jump start or battery service: About $50–$120; battery replacement is extra.
• Flat tire change: Roughly $50–$100 if you have a usable spare; tire repair/replacement costs extra.
• Fuel delivery: Frequently $50–$100 for delivery plus the cost of fuel.
• Winching/recovery (stuck vehicle): Commonly $75–$200+ depending on difficulty; off-road or multiple-vehicle recoveries can be much more.
• Heavy-duty vehicles (RVs, large vans, trailers): Premium rates—hookup can exceed $200, with higher per-mile charges.
• After-hours/holiday surcharges: Often $25–$75 extra.
• Electric vehicles: Flatbed tows are standard; mobile charging is still uncommon and may be expensive if available. Tows to a charger or dealer follow normal per-mile pricing.

Quotes can vary widely. Always ask for a total estimate (including mileage, surcharges, and taxes) before you agree to service—especially at night or in rural areas.

Key fine print that affects what you’ll pay

Service limits and caps

Most plans cap the number of service calls per year and the towing mileage included per incident. Exceeding those limits triggers per-mile fees or out-of-pocket rates.

Destination rules

Some memberships tow only to the nearest qualified facility, often your brand’s dealer for warranty work. Towing to your preferred shop farther away may cost extra miles.

What’s excluded

Common exclusions include collision tows, off-road recoveries, commercial vehicles, trailers, and specialty or oversized tires. In severe weather, providers may limit service to safety-only responses or experience long delays.

Network vs. reimbursement

Using an in-network provider is often cashless. If you go out-of-network, you may need to pay upfront and file for reimbursement—subject to caps and documentation requirements.

Insurance impact

Using insurer-provided roadside assistance typically doesn’t raise premiums like an at-fault accident, but frequent use can lead to removal of the benefit and may appear on your claims history. Insurer practices vary.

How to check what you already have

To avoid unnecessary charges, verify your existing benefits and their limits before you need help. The steps below will help you quickly identify coverage and how to use it.

1. Review your auto policy: Look for “towing/roadside” or “emergency roadside” endorsements; note per-incident mileage and service caps.
2. Check your vehicle’s coverage: Read the warranty/owner’s manual or your automaker’s app for roadside terms, duration, and destination rules.
3. Audit memberships and cards: Log into your motor club, credit card, bank, or mobile carrier accounts and download benefit guides; note whether coverage is included or pay-per-use.
4. Save the right numbers: Store your primary roadside number(s) in your phone and glovebox, including policy/account numbers.
5. Confirm the process: Ask whether service is cashless with an in-network provider or reimbursement-only; understand required documents and claim deadlines.
6. Know your limits: Write down included tow miles, number of calls per year, and any exclusions (trailers, off-road, commercial use).

Having this information handy reduces delays and surprise bills when you’re stranded—and helps you choose the most cost-effective option on the spot.

Ways to minimize or avoid unexpected costs

A little preparation can keep a stressful breakdown from turning into an expensive one. Use the tips below to keep costs predictable.

• Confirm mileage and total price before dispatch, including fees for after-hours or specialty equipment.
• Stay in-network when possible to use cashless benefits and avoid reimbursement caps.
• Choose the nearest suitable destination to stay within included tow miles.
• Keep a spare, jack, and wheel lock key accessible; a usable spare usually costs less than a tow.
• For EVs, request a flatbed and specify your preferred charger or dealer to limit mileage charges.
• Document everything—photos, odometer, tow truck info—in case you need reimbursement.

These steps won’t eliminate all costs, but they significantly reduce the chances of paying more than you need to.

Bottom line

Calling roadside assistance is typically free; what you pay depends on your coverage and the service requested. Many drivers already have assistance through auto insurance, a vehicle warranty, or a membership, but limits apply. Without coverage, expect to pay a call-out fee plus mileage and any surcharges. Verify your benefits now so you can make the least costly choice when trouble strikes.

Summary

It doesn’t usually cost money just to call roadside assistance, but the service itself may be free, included, discounted, or fully out-of-pocket—depending on your memberships, insurance, vehicle warranty, credit card benefits, and location. Towing and specialty services can add up quickly, so confirm what you have, know your limits, and ask for an all-in quote before you agree to a dispatch.

How much is roadside assistance service fee?

A standalone roadside assistance plan (as opposed to a car insurance add-on) is generally the most expensive. You can expect to pay at least $60 for a year of basic coverage and up to $150 per year or more for extra coverage with perks.

Do you get charged for calling roadside assistance?

You can also call 800-222-4357 to confirm your Membership status. Yes. 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.

Can I call roadside assistance if I’m at home?

Whether you’re in your own driveway or on the road, you can get help if your vehicle has stopped running due to non-accident-related events (e.g., mechanical or electrical breakdown). Vehicle towing: We can arrange to tow your vehicle anywhere within a 15-mile radius.

Can I call roadside assistance if I’m not a member?

You can use AAA if you are not yet a member by calling 800-AAA-HELP (800-222-4357) and signing up first. You can get roadside assistance immediately after becoming a member, though you will have to pay a service fee to use it within the first 48 hours of signing up.