How much does roadside assistance charge?

In the U.S., expect $60–$120 for common one-off services (jump-starts, flat-tire changes, lockouts, fuel delivery) and about $75–$125 for a tow hook-up plus $4–$10 per mile; annual memberships typically run $60–$180, and insurance add-ons cost about $10–$40 per year. Prices vary by provider, region, time of day, distance, and vehicle type, and many new cars include roadside for the first 2–5 years. Below is a detailed breakdown to help you estimate and compare what you might pay.

What you’ll pay per incident (without a plan)

If you don’t have a membership or coverage, most roadside providers charge per service. These are typical ranges you’ll see in many U.S. markets in 2024–2025; dense urban areas and remote locations can be higher.

• Jump-start: $60–$120
• Flat-tire change (using your spare): $50–$100; mobile tire service (bringing/repairing a tire) can be $150–$300+
• Lockout: $60–$150; high-security keys or after-hours calls can push this higher
• Fuel delivery: $70–$120 plus the cost of fuel
• Towing: $75–$125 hook-up plus $4–$10 per mile; long-distance or highway tows add up quickly
• Winching/extrication (stuck in snow/mud): commonly $125–$250 for the first hour, then billed hourly
• After-hours/holiday surcharge: often 10–25% extra
• Special equipment: flatbed usually included for modern cars and EVs; fees can apply for complex recoveries or low-clearance garages

These prices are ballpark figures; local supply, weather, and demand can swing costs substantially, especially during storms or peak breakdown periods.

What memberships and add-ons cost

Auto clubs (AAA and similar)

Auto-club plans package multiple services for one annual fee. Pricing varies by region and club, but the tiers below reflect common ranges seen across the U.S.

• Basic/Classic: roughly $60–$90 per year; typically 3–5 service calls and short tows (about 5–7 miles)
• Plus/Plus RV: roughly $100–$140 per year; longer tows (often up to 100 miles) and expanded services; RV/motorcycle coverage may cost extra
• Premier/Highest tier: roughly $130–$180 per year; one long tow (often up to 200 miles) plus other enhanced benefits
• Additional household members: commonly $30–$60 each per year

Auto clubs are cost-effective if you want predictable coverage, longer tow miles, and multiple calls per year. Always check your local club’s exact mileage limits and fine print.

Insurance policy add-ons

Many auto insurers offer roadside assistance as an optional rider. It’s often the cheapest way to get basic coverage, but it can come with stricter caps.

• Typical cost: about $5–$20 per six-month term ($10–$40 per year)
• Common limits: a dollar cap per incident (e.g., $100–$150) or a mileage cap (e.g., 10–20 miles)
• Service count: may limit the number of calls per policy term
• Claims impact: usage is usually not a chargeable accident claim, but frequent use can lead to removal of the benefit at renewal—policies vary by carrier

Insurance add-ons are ideal for infrequent needs and short tows, but verify caps and reimbursement rules before relying on them for long-distance towing.

Credit cards and memberships you already have

Some credit cards, wireless carriers, and warehouse clubs offer roadside dispatch or optional roadside programs. Benefits and pricing have changed in recent years, so check your specific issuer or membership.

• Credit-card roadside dispatch: commonly $60–$120 per call for standard services; extra mileage or complex recoveries cost more
• Premium cards: some arrange service but you pay the third-party provider; “included” towing miles are uncommon and vary by issuer
• Other memberships (wireless/warehouse clubs): optional add-ons typically a few dollars per month with service limits and caps

These programs are convenient in a pinch, but they’re often pay-per-use with modest tow mileage; read the terms to avoid surprises.

Automaker-provided roadside assistance

Many new vehicles include roadside assistance during the warranty period, which can cover towing to the nearest dealer and basic services.

• Typical coverage length: about 2–5 years from the in-service date (varies by brand and whether coverage follows time, miles, or both)
• Services: towing to the nearest authorized dealer, jump-starts, lockouts, flat-tire help, and limited fuel delivery
• Limitations: usually restricted to dealer destinations and may exclude off-road recovery or accidents

If your vehicle is still under the automaker’s roadside program, it’s often the fastest and lowest-cost option—just confirm destination rules and any distance caps.

What drives the price

Several factors influence what roadside assistance providers charge on any given call. Understanding these can help you estimate costs and choose the right coverage.

• Distance: per-mile rates and long tows are the biggest cost drivers
• Time and demand: nights, weekends, holidays, and severe weather increase prices and wait times
• Location: dense urban cores and remote rural areas both tend to cost more
• Vehicle specifics: size, AWD/4×4, roof boxes, and EV flatbed needs can affect equipment and time
• Service complexity: winching, difficult access, and low-clearance garages add labor
• Coverage limits: membership tow miles and insurer caps determine what you pay out of pocket

In short, the farther, later, and trickier the job, the higher the bill—unless your plan absorbs those variables.

When a membership pays for itself

As a rough benchmark, two short tows or one medium-distance tow in a year can exceed the cost of most mid-tier memberships. For example, a 20-mile tow at $100 hook-up plus $6/mile totals about $220; a $120 club plan with a 100-mile tow could cover that in full and still leave additional calls for the year.

How to choose and save

To minimize costs and avoid gaps, compare what you already have with what you might need before you break down.

1. Inventory existing coverage: check your automaker, insurance policy, credit cards, wireless plan, and any clubs
2. Match tow miles to your risk: long commutes or road trips favor higher tow-mile tiers
3. Check caps and exclusions: per-incident dollar limits, off-road restrictions, and winching rules matter
4. Consider family usage: add household drivers if they’re likely to call
5. Ask about service limits: number of calls per year and whether usage affects renewal
6. Assess network quality: local response times and contractor availability vary by region
7. Keep reimbursement options: save receipts; some plans reimburse out-of-network providers

A few minutes of comparison can prevent unexpected out-of-pocket charges and ensure faster, better-matched service when you need it.

Summary

Roadside assistance typically costs $60–$120 per incident for common services and $75–$125 plus $4–$10 per mile for towing. Annual memberships usually run $60–$180 and can pay for themselves with even one medium-distance tow, while insurance add-ons provide low-cost basic coverage with tighter caps. Prices vary by distance, timing, location, and vehicle needs, so confirm limits and compare what you already have before you buy anything new.

What’s the average cost for 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.

What is the best and cheapest roadside assistance?

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.

What does roadside assistance actually cover?

Although details vary depending on your plan, roadside assistance usually covers things like towing, changing flat tires, lockout services, jump-starts and fuel delivery.

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.