How Expensive Is Drive Roadside Assistance?

Expect most roadside assistance to cost $75–$150 for simple, one-off services (jump-starts, lockouts, tire changes), $100–$350 or more for tows depending on distance, and $50–$200+ per year for memberships; insurance add-ons typically run $5–$20 per month. Prices vary by location, vehicle type, time of day, and whether you choose pay-per-use, a membership, or an insurance add-on.

What “Drive Roadside” Could Mean—and Why Costs Vary

People often say “drive roadside” to refer broadly to roadside assistance, but it can also reference a specific provider or program branded as “Drive Roadside.” If you mean a particular company’s plan, pricing will depend on its tiers, your vehicle, and your location. If you mean roadside help in general, there are three main cost models: pay-per-use dispatch, annual memberships (like club plans), and insurance add-ons. Each comes with different pricing, limits, and response networks.

What Affects the Price

Several factors determine what you’ll actually pay for roadside assistance, whether you’re calling on-demand or using a plan. Understanding these helps set realistic expectations and avoid surprises on the bill.

• Location and availability: Urban areas can be cheaper and faster; rural or remote locations usually cost more and take longer.
• Service type: Jump-starts and lockouts are cheaper; towing is the most variable and expensive, especially over long distances.
• Tow distance and hookup fees: Many providers charge a base fee plus a per-mile rate after a limited included distance.
• Vehicle type: Heavy-duty vehicles, motorcycles, and EVs (flatbed required) may cost more.
• Time and conditions: Nights, weekends, holidays, and severe weather can add surcharges.
• Fuel and parts: Fuel delivery often excludes the cost of fuel; tire services may exclude a new tire.

Because of these variables, two similar calls can be priced very differently depending on where and when they happen and what equipment is required.

Typical Costs by Service Type (Pay-Per-Use)

If you do not have a membership or add-on coverage, on-demand roadside dispatch services and local towing companies usually charge per incident. The following ranges reflect common U.S. pricing.

• Jump-start: $75–$125
• Lockout service: $80–$150 (higher for smart keys or high-end vehicles)
• Tire change: $90–$150 (does not include the cost of a replacement tire)
• Fuel delivery: $75–$120 plus the price of fuel
• Towing (light-duty): $90–$150 hookup + $5–$10 per mile after an included minimum; 20–30 mile tows commonly land at $200–$350
• Winching/extrication: $100–$250+ depending on complexity and distance off-road

These figures are ballparks; busy metro areas and off-hours calls can push costs higher, while short-distance service during regular hours often lands near the low end.

Annual Memberships and Club Plans

Membership plans bundle multiple services and limited towing into a yearly fee. They’re cost-effective if you want predictable pricing and plan to keep coverage year-round.

• Basic tiers: About $50–$120 per year; typically include 3–5 service calls and 3–7 miles of towing per call.
• Mid-tier tiers: About $100–$160 per year; often include 100 miles of towing on at least one call, plus extras like trip interruption.
• Premium tiers: About $150–$250+ per year; can include multiple 100–200 mile tows, higher service limits, and broader coverage for RVs or motorcycles (sometimes as add-ons).

Read the fine print: limits on the number of calls, towing miles, and eligible vehicles can vary widely, and surcharges may apply outside the service area.

Insurance Add-Ons

Auto insurers and some credit cards offer roadside assistance as an add-on. Pricing is often modest, but coverage terms can be narrower than dedicated memberships.

• Typical cost: $5–$20 per month ($60–$240 per year) per vehicle via your auto insurer.
• Coverage scope: Usually limited towing (e.g., to the nearest shop), basic services (jump, lockout, tire, fuel), and a fixed number of events per policy term.
• Claims handling: Some insurers reimburse you; others dispatch directly. Reimbursement requires saving receipts.

Insurance add-ons can be a low-cost safety net, but check caps on towing distance and service call limits to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket charges.

EV-Specific Considerations

Electric vehicles sometimes need specialized support, which can affect price and availability compared with gas cars.

• Flatbed towing: Often required for EVs; rates mirror light-duty towing but may limit provider availability.
• Mobile charging: Still limited; where available, expect service-call fees similar to a jump-start plus per-kWh or time-based charges.
• Tire and lockout: Costs are similar to gas vehicles, but specialized wheels or run-flat tires can complicate service.

If you drive an EV, confirm that your plan includes flatbed towing and whether mobile charging is available in your area to avoid premium on-demand costs.

Ways to Save

A few proactive steps can reduce your total cost while ensuring timely help when you need it.

• Compare plans: Match towing miles and service caps to your real driving patterns, not just headline prices.
• Leverage bundled perks: New cars, certified pre-owned, telematics apps, and some credit cards include roadside coverage.
• Keep a spare and tools: Being prepared can turn a potential tow into a quick tire swap.
• Clarify pricing up front: Ask for the base fee, per-mile rate, included miles, and any surcharges before you authorize service.

Small differences in coverage terms often matter more than the sticker price, especially if you travel long distances or drive in remote areas.

If You Meant a Provider Named “Drive Roadside”

Some providers and networks operate under the name “Drive Roadside” or similar branding. Their prices typically fall within the ranges above, but specifics depend on plan tier, region, and vehicle type. For exact costs, check the provider’s latest plan details, included towing miles, call limits, and any surcharges for EVs, heavy-duty vehicles, or out-of-area service.

Bottom Line

Most drivers will spend around $75–$150 for a one-off roadside call and $200–$350 for a typical short tow, while yearly memberships run $50–$200+ and insurance add-ons cost $60–$240 per year. The best value depends on how often you expect to use the service, how far you drive, and whether you prefer predictable annual costs or pay-as-you-go flexibility.

Summary

Roadside assistance pricing varies by service type, distance, location, and coverage model. Pay-per-use calls are cheapest for occasional needs but can spike for long tows. Annual memberships and insurance add-ons offer predictable costs, with basic plans around $50–$120 per year and premium tiers $150–$250+. Always confirm included towing miles, service limits, and surcharges—especially for EVs or remote areas—before you buy or dispatch assistance.

Who has the cheapest roadside assistance?

Geico
Geico offers the cheapest roadside assistance plan with rates as low as $14 per year. Roadside assistance costs range from about $20 to $150 per year on average and will vary depending on coverage, vehicle and how many people are on a policy.

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.

Is drive roadside legit?

Summary. DriveRoadside.com has a 4.3 – star rating from 112 reviews, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction!

What is the average cost of roadside assistance?

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.