How Much Does Roadside Assistance Cost in 2025?

In the U.S. market, the average cost of roadside assistance is about $75–$120 per year for a basic standalone membership, roughly $15–$30 per year when added to an auto insurance policy, and $70–$130 per incident for on‑demand help; short tows commonly total $100–$250+ depending on mileage. These figures reflect typical 2024–2025 pricing across major providers and regions, though exact costs vary by coverage level, location, and vehicle type.

What “average cost” means and how it varies

Roadside assistance pricing depends on how you buy it—through an auto club (like AAA), as an add‑on to car insurance, via an automaker’s warranty program, through a credit card benefit, or per‑use via an on‑demand app. Basic memberships usually cover a set number of service calls (towing, jump starts, lockouts, tire changes, fuel delivery), while premium tiers expand towing distance and trip‑interruption benefits. On‑demand services price each incident separately, and tow costs rise with distance and local labor rates.

Current price ranges by channel

Across the most common ways drivers obtain roadside assistance, costs group into a few predictable bands. The bullet points below summarize what most drivers can expect to pay in 2025 based on market averages and publicly listed ranges from major providers.

• Standalone memberships (auto clubs): About $75–$120 per year for basic tiers; $120–$200+ for premium tiers with longer towing distances and added perks.
• Auto insurance add‑ons: Roughly $15–$30 per year per vehicle for basic roadside coverage through major insurers.
• Automaker programs: Often included at no additional cost during the new‑car or certified pre‑owned warranty period; out‑of‑warranty extensions can run $50–$150+ per year depending on brand and plan.
• Credit card benefits: Some cards include complimentary dispatch with per‑use fees (commonly $50–$100 per call), while premium cards may cover a limited number of incidents annually.
• On‑demand apps (no membership): Typical per‑incident charges run about $70–$130 for jump starts, lockouts, tire changes, or fuel delivery; towing usually starts around $95–$125 for hook‑up plus $3–$7 per mile.

Taken together, these options put the “average” annual cost for a basic, pre‑paid plan near $95, with insurer add‑ons averaging closer to $20–$25 per year. Drivers who prefer not to subscribe should budget roughly $100–$250 for a short local tow or $70–$130 for non‑tow services as needed.

What affects your final price

Several practical factors drive how much you’ll actually pay for roadside assistance in a given year. Understanding these will help you pick the right plan and avoid surprise charges.

• Coverage tier and limits: Longer included towing distances (e.g., 100–200 miles) and higher service-call allowances increase membership costs.
• Region and labor rates: Urban areas and high-cost regions tend to have higher callout and per‑mile towing fees.
• Vehicle type: Heavier vehicles, EVs, and specialty models may require specific equipment, raising per‑incident costs.
• Usage frequency: Multiple breakdowns in a year can make memberships better value than per‑use pricing.
• Bundling and discounts: Pairing roadside with auto insurance or leveraging employer, student, or veteran discounts can lower annual costs.

In short, a driver in a high-cost metro with a long commute may benefit from a premium tier, while an infrequent user with new‑car coverage may save with an insurer add‑on or manufacturer program.

Typical incident costs in 2025

To help set expectations, here’s what most drivers are seeing for common roadside events when billed per incident or outside plan limits.

• Tow (short local): $100–$250+ total, depending on hook‑up fee and mileage.
• Tow (longer distance): Hook‑up plus roughly $3–$7 per mile, with rural/after‑hours surcharges possible.
• Jump start/battery service: $70–$120; mobile battery replacement costs extra.
• Flat tire change: $70–$120; towing needed if no usable spare.
• Lockout service: $70–$120; key replacement is additional and varies widely.
• Emergency fuel delivery: $70–$110 plus the cost of fuel.

These figures reflect prevailing 2024–2025 rates reported by national dispatch networks and independent towers; actual totals vary with provider availability, time of day, and vehicle specifics.

Which option makes the most financial sense?

If you rarely need help

Drivers with newer vehicles or short commutes often come out ahead with an insurer add‑on ($15–$30 per year) or by relying on manufacturer coverage during the warranty period, using on‑demand services only if needed.

If you drive often or long distances

Frequent travelers, commuters with long highway miles, or households with multiple drivers typically get better value from a standalone membership, especially mid‑to‑premium tiers that include longer towing distances.

If you want the lowest predictable cost

Bundling roadside assistance into your auto insurance is usually the cheapest flat annual price, but confirm caps on towing distance and incident limits to avoid out‑of‑pocket surprises.

How to keep costs down

The following steps can reduce either your annual spend or your out‑of‑pocket risk when you need a rescue.

• Check for existing coverage from your automaker, insurer, or credit card to avoid paying twice.
• Match towing distance to your real risk—upgrade only if you regularly travel far from home.
• Compare regional pricing; auto club dues and tow rates vary by location.
• Ask about multi‑vehicle or family add‑ons that are cheaper than separate plans.
• Maintain a spare tire and basic tools to avoid a tow for simple issues.

A quick audit of your current benefits, driving patterns, and local rates can shave meaningful dollars off your annual protection while preserving reliable coverage.

Bottom line

Expect to pay around $95 per year on average for a basic standalone roadside assistance plan in 2025, about $20–$25 per year if added to your auto insurance, and roughly $100–$250 for a typical short tow if you opt for pay‑as‑you‑go service. Choose the channel that aligns with how often you drive, how far you travel, and how much financial certainty you want when something goes wrong.

Summary

Average roadside assistance costs in 2025 cluster around $75–$120 per year for basic memberships, $120–$200+ for premium tiers, and $15–$30 per year via insurer add‑ons. On‑demand help typically runs $70–$130 for minor services and $100–$250+ for short tows, with higher totals for longer distances or specialty vehicles. Matching coverage limits to your driving habits—and checking for existing benefits—offers the best value.