How Much Should You Pay for Roadside Assistance?

For most drivers in 2025, a fair price for roadside assistance is about $60–$150 per year for a standard membership or $10–$30 per year as an add-on to your auto insurance; pay‑per‑use services typically run $75–$200+ per incident. The right number for you depends on how far you want towing covered, how often you drive, your vehicle’s age and reliability, and whether you prefer a membership, an insurance add-on, or on‑demand help.

What Roadside Assistance Typically Costs in 2025

Roadside assistance pricing varies by provider type and the level of towing and service you want. The ranges below reflect commonly advertised or typical market prices this year; actual rates vary by region and provider.

• Auto insurance add-on: often $10–$30 per year per vehicle (examples in market: roughly $14/year at some insurers; around $20–$50 per policy term at others). Basic towing distance and limited services are typical.
• Auto clubs (e.g., AAA, Better World Club, regional clubs): about $60–$90/year for entry tier, $95–$140 for mid-tier (often 100-mile towing), and $120–$200 for premium tiers (long-range towing and extras). Prices vary by club and region.
• Standalone memberships (e.g., Allstate-branded, AARP-partner plans, Good Sam for RVs): commonly $70–$200/year depending on coverage and vehicle type (cars vs. RVs/motorcycles).
• Automaker programs: typically included for 3–5 years on new vehicles; after expiration, paid plans or pay‑per‑use vary. EV makers may cover towing to a charger for limited periods.
• Credit card/network benefits: increasingly pay‑per‑use with set dispatch fees; “free” comprehensive coverage is now rare on mainstream cards. Expect $60–$120+ per service call if offered.
• On‑demand apps (e.g., Honk, Urgently) or local tow: usually $75–$125 for jump/lockout/tire change, $100–$150 for tow hookup plus $3–$7 per mile; fuel delivery is commonly $70–$120.
• Wireless carrier or membership bundles: occasionally available as add-ons (pricing and availability change frequently); typically similar to entry club tiers if offered.

In short, light-duty coverage can be very inexpensive as an insurance add-on, while broad towing and travel benefits through clubs cost more but deliver greater peace of mind for longer trips.

What Affects How Much You Should Pay

Several factors determine whether a bare-bones plan or a higher-tier membership makes sense for your situation.

• Towing distance needs: if you mostly drive close to home, a 5–15 mile tow may suffice; road-trippers often need 100+ miles to avoid big out-of-pocket costs.
• Expected number of service calls: older vehicles or high-mileage drivers may use multiple calls per year; infrequent drivers in newer cars may never call.
• Vehicle type and age: older cars, used EVs with worn tires, or specialty vehicles (motorcycles, RVs) often need broader coverage and compatible providers.
• Where you drive: rural areas mean longer tows and fewer providers; urban areas have more nearby service but higher traffic-related delays.
• Weather and climate: regions with snow, heat, or flooding see higher breakdown risk; winter coverage with winching can be valuable.
• Who’s covered: some plans cover the member in any car; others cover a specific vehicle. Households with multiple drivers may save with member-based coverage.
• Service model: insurer add-ons often reimburse or dispatch basic service; clubs operate large provider networks with travel benefits; on-demand apps offer speed and transparency but pay-per-incident pricing.
• Time sensitivity: larger clubs may have longer waits at peak times; on-demand services can show ETA and price upfront but may cost more per call.

If you value predictable costs and long towing ranges, a mid-to-premium club tier is worth it; if you rarely need help and drive newer cars, an insurance add-on or pay‑per‑use model can be cheaper.

Compare the Value: Sample Scenarios

Use these representative situations to gauge what a sensible annual budget looks like for different driving patterns and risk levels.

1. Urban commuter with a late‑model car: pay $10–$30/year via your insurer or rely on pay‑per‑use (~$100 per call) if you can tolerate occasional out-of-pocket costs and shorter towing limits.
2. Suburban family, two cars, several road trips a year: target $95–$150/year per adult for a club mid-tier with 100-mile towing, or a household plan if available; likely the best balance of cost and coverage.
3. Rideshare/delivery driver or high-mileage commuter: consider $120–$200/year premium tier for longer towing and more service calls; downtime costs can dwarf the membership fee.
4. College student with an older car: $60–$120/year club entry or mid-tier is a good safety net; parent-covered member-based plans can be cost-effective.
5. EV owner: check your automaker’s included roadside terms first; if expired, ensure flatbed towing and tire services are covered. Budget $60–$150/year if you take road trips; otherwise consider pay‑per‑use.

If your expected use is zero to one call a year and you stay local, low-cost options are sensible; multiple calls or long-distance driving justify higher-tier coverage.

How to Check the Fine Print Before You Buy

Small differences in coverage terms can add up to big costs when you actually need help. Scrutinize these items.

• Towing limits: per-tow miles and annual caps; overage per-mile rates can be steep.
• Service call limits: number of covered events per membership year and per household.
• Eligible vehicles: whether motorcycles, EVs, hybrids, RVs, or trailers are included or require special plans.
• Dispatch vs. reimbursement: reimbursement requires you to pay upfront and file claims.
• Geography and availability: coverage areas, cross-border rules, and rural service gaps.
• Wait times and network size: average ETAs and provider density in your area.
• Lockout/fuel/battery specifics: key-fob programming, amount of fuel delivered, mobile battery install costs.
• Who’s covered: member-based vs. vehicle-based; household add-on pricing and teen driver rules.
• Exclusions and surcharges: off-road recovery, winching, mud/snow, unmaintained roads, and accident tows.

Clear, written terms prevent surprises and help you compare offers apples-to-apples.

Quick Worksheet to Estimate Your Number

Here’s a simple way to turn your driving habits into a realistic roadside budget.

1. Estimate incidents per year (0–1 for newer cars; 1–3 for older/high-mileage).
2. Pick your required towing range (local 5–15 miles vs. 50–200+ miles for road trips).
3. Choose a provider type that matches your needs (insurer add-on, club tier, on-demand).
4. Calculate: membership annual cost vs. expected pay‑per‑use total (incidents × $100–$250).
5. Select the cheapest option that still meets your towing distance and service expectations.

Revisit the calculation when you change cars, start road-tripping more, or move to a different region.

Current Benchmarks From Well-Known Options

While exact pricing changes by region and promotions, these are common ranges seen in 2024–2025 to guide your comparison shopping.

• AAA and regional auto clubs: roughly $60–$90 (entry), $95–$140 (100-mile mid-tier), $120–$200 (premium with longer tows and add-ons).
• Insurance add-ons (varies by insurer): commonly $10–$30 per year per vehicle for basic towing and services; confirm per-tow miles and call limits.
• Standalone plans (e.g., Allstate-branded, AARP/partner programs, Better World Club): typically $70–$200 per year depending on tier and vehicle type.
• On-demand tow/app dispatch: $75–$125 jump/lockout/tire; $100–$150 hookup plus $3–$7 per mile for towing; higher in remote areas or peak times.

Use these as ballpark figures; always verify current rates and terms in your ZIP code before enrolling.

Bottom Line

Budget about $60–$150 per year if you want year-round peace of mind with solid towing, or $10–$30 per year via your insurer if you mainly need basic, local help. If you rarely need assistance, pay‑per‑use can be cheapest, but one long tow can wipe out the savings. Match the plan to your towing distance needs and how often you expect to use it.

Summary

Most drivers should expect to pay $60–$150 per year for comprehensive roadside coverage, $10–$30 per year for minimal insurance add-ons, or $75–$200+ per incident for on‑demand help. Choose based on towing range, expected usage, vehicle type, and whether you prefer membership benefits or per-call flexibility. Verify fine print, especially towing miles and service limits, before you buy.

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.

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.

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.

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.