Cheapest Roadside Assistance Membership in 2025: What Costs the Least?

The cheapest way to get roadside assistance for most drivers in 2025 is to add it to your existing auto insurance policy, which typically costs about $5–$20 per year per vehicle. If you want a standalone membership (no auto policy required), the least expensive widely available “everyday price” options are AARP Roadside Assist Essential (about mid-$60s per year, AARP membership required) and Better World Club Basic (about $63/year plus a roughly $15 first‑year sign-up fee). Promotional first‑year deals from Good Sam often undercut both, sometimes around $50, but renew higher.

Two paths to the lowest price

Roadside assistance is sold two ways: as a low-cost add‑on to an auto insurance policy or as a standalone membership from a motor club. Insurance add‑ons are usually the cheapest—by a lot—but they require you to be a policyholder and typically offer shorter tows and fewer extras. Standalone memberships cost more but are available to anyone and often include travel perks and wider coverage options.

Insurance add-ons: usually cheapest (but require you to be a policyholder)

These options attach to your car insurance and are typically the best pure price play. Exact pricing and benefits vary by state and insurer, but these ballpark figures are widely available in 2025.

• State Farm Emergency Road Service: commonly about $5–$10 per year per vehicle; basic towing to a nearby shop, jump starts, fuel delivery (fuel cost extra), lockouts, tire changes.
• GEICO Roadside Assistance: generally about $14–$20 per year per vehicle; towing to a nearby facility (short-mile caps are typical), jump start, lockout, tire change, fuel delivery.
• USAA Roadside Assistance: often about $14–$20 per year per vehicle; similar coverage to GEICO, available to eligible members.
• Progressive Roadside Assistance: commonly around the low‑$20s per year per vehicle; short‑distance tow, battery service, fuel delivery, lockout, flat tire.
• Other major insurers (Nationwide, Travelers, Farmers, Allstate for policyholders): typically fall in the ~$10–$30/year range per vehicle with similar basics.

If you already carry auto insurance with one of these companies, adding roadside is usually the lowest‑cost way to get help for common breakdowns. The trade‑off is shorter towing distances and fewer travel benefits than motor clubs.

Standalone memberships: lowest prices without an insurance policy

If you prefer a motor club or don’t want to depend on your insurer, these are among the least expensive national memberships you can buy in 2025. Prices can vary by region and promotions, so confirm current terms before enrolling.

• AARP Roadside Assist (by Allstate) — Essential plan: roughly mid‑$60s per year for AARP members; typically includes 4 service calls and short‑mile tows. Requires separate AARP membership (about mid‑teens per year). Preferred and Premier tiers cost more and add benefits.
• Better World Club — Basic Auto: about $63/year plus roughly $15 first‑year sign‑up fee; typically 4 calls and a short‑mile tow. Known for eco initiatives and optional nationwide bicycle roadside coverage (extra).
• Allstate Roadside — Advantage: commonly around $89/year; generally 5 calls with modest towing mileage. Higher Elite tier adds longer tows at a higher annual price.
• Good Sam Roadside Assistance — Standard/Auto+: frequently advertised around $50–$65 for the first year on promotion, with renewals often in the ~$120–$130 range; covers member (and often spouse) across multiple vehicles; towing limits and terms vary by plan.
• AAA — Classic (regional pricing): typically $60–$89/year plus a one‑time enrollment fee (~$10–$20) for new members; usually 4 calls and short‑mile tows (often 5–7 miles). Pricing and benefits vary by local club; additional household members cost extra.
• Paragon Motor Club — Basic: commonly around $70/year; often includes a modest tow mileage cap and standard services similar to other entry‑level clubs.

Among these, AARP Essential (if you’re an AARP member) and Better World Club Basic generally deliver the lowest steady annual prices; Good Sam often wins the first‑year price with sales, but budget for higher renewal costs.

Cheapest options by scenario

Here’s how the lowest‑cost choice usually shakes out depending on your situation. Use this as a quick decision guide to minimize your annual outlay without sacrificing essential coverage.

1. If you already have auto insurance: add roadside assistance to your policy (typically $5–$20 per year per vehicle). It’s hard to beat on price for basic help.
2. If you want a true membership with the lowest ongoing price: AARP Roadside Assist Essential (about mid‑$60s/year) if you have or qualify for AARP; factor in AARP dues (about mid‑teens/year) for the total first‑year cost.
3. If you want the absolute lowest first‑year price: Good Sam often runs promotions near $50–$65; expect renewals around $120–$130 unless you catch another sale.
4. If you want a non‑AARP standalone at a stable budget price: Better World Club Basic (~$63/year; about ~$78 first year with sign‑up), plus optional bike coverage and eco perks.
5. If you want longer tows at a still‑reasonable price: Consider stepping up to AAA Plus or Allstate Elite during promotions; not the cheapest, but a single long tow can justify the higher tier.

Choosing by scenario helps you avoid paying for features you won’t use. The absolute cheapest choice isn’t always the best value if you ever need a long tow or multiple service calls.

What to watch in “cheap” plans

Low annual fees can come with trade‑offs. Before you buy, check these fine‑print details to avoid surprise bills at the roadside.

• Tow mileage caps: Entry tiers often cover only 5–10 miles; extra miles are billed per‑mile and add up fast.
• Service‑call limits: Most base plans allow 4–5 calls per membership year; extras may be denied or billed.
• Same‑day use and activation: Some clubs charge a “join and use” or same‑day surcharge, or impose a waiting period before benefits start.
• Additional drivers and vehicles: Cheapest plans often cover one person in one vehicle; adding household members costs extra.
• Coverage scope: Motorcycles, EV flatbed requirements, trailers, and RVs usually need upgraded plans.
• Lockout specifics: Basic plans may cover lockout service but not key replacement or smart‑key programming.
• Promotional pricing vs. renewal: First‑year teaser rates can jump significantly at renewal—budget for the ongoing cost.

Reading these terms takes minutes and can save you much more than the difference between competing annual fees.

Bottom line

If you’re optimizing purely for price, add roadside assistance to your auto insurance for about $5–$20 per year—nothing else consistently beats it. If you need a standalone membership, AARP Roadside Assist Essential and Better World Club Basic are the lowest reliable “everyday price” options, while Good Sam often offers the cheapest first‑year promos. Always confirm tow‑mile caps, service‑call limits, and renewal rates before you commit.

Summary

The cheapest roadside assistance for most drivers is an insurer add‑on (~$5–$20/year). Among standalone memberships without an auto policy, AARP Roadside Assist Essential (mid‑$60s/year, AARP membership required) and Better World Club Basic (~$63/year plus first‑year sign‑up) are the lowest regular‑price choices, while Good Sam frequently offers the lowest first‑year promotional deals (~$50–$65) but renews higher. Compare tow mileage, call limits, start‑up fees, and renewal prices to ensure the “cheapest” option stays cheap when you actually need it.

What is the cheapest roadside assistance plan?

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.

Is there a cheaper roadside assistance than AAA?

Most insurance companies offer their own roadside assistance plans. But while their annual rates may sometimes be cheaper, there are often a lot of hidden costs. For example, you can add basic roadside assistance to your Allstate car insurance for $25 a year per car vs. $64.99 for AAA Classic.

How much does roadside assistance normally cost?

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.

Which road side assistance is best?

The “best” roadside assistance depends on your priorities, but top choices include AAA for comprehensive perks and coverage, Good Sam for RVers and budget-conscious members, and insurance-based options like Geico or Allstate for affordable add-ons integrated with your auto policy. Factors to consider are cost, the type of plan (motor club vs. insurance add-on), coverage limits (especially for towing), and whether the plan covers you or any vehicle you’re in. 
Top Roadside Assistance Providers

• AAA: Opens in new tabOffers comprehensive programs with a wide range of services and travel discounts, though it is a stand-alone membership. 
• Good Sam: Opens in new tabA strong option for RVers and offers various membership levels, including an affordable basic plan. 
• Allstate (through AARP): Opens in new tabAn affordable option for AARP members, with different tiers of coverage available, such as Roadside Assist and Roadside Elite. 
• Geico and other car insurance providers: Opens in new tabMany insurers like Geico and Allstate offer roadside assistance as a relatively inexpensive add-on to your auto policy. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing

• Cost vs. Coverage: While motor clubs like AAA offer extensive benefits, insurance add-ons are often cheaper but may be more limited. 
• Coverage Type: Decide if you want a plan that covers you in any car you’re riding in, which is common with motor clubs, or if you prefer coverage specific to your vehicle. 
• Towing Limits: Check the maximum distance for covered towing, as this can vary significantly between providers. 
• Service Call Allowances: Review the number of service calls you’re allowed per year. 
• Mobile App: A good mobile app can make it easy to request service and track your assistance.