Who has the cheapest roadside assistance?

For most drivers, the cheapest reliable roadside assistance is the add-on from your existing auto insurer—State Farm is often among the lowest at roughly $10–$20 per year per vehicle (about $5–$10 per six‑month policy), with GEICO around $14 per year and Progressive about $16 per year. If you drive a newer car, many automakers include roadside assistance at no cost for 2–5 years, which is effectively the cheapest option while it lasts. Below, we compare the lowest-cost choices, what they cover, and when each option makes sense.

Cheapest options at a glance

The following list summarizes commonly available low-cost roadside assistance choices in the U.S. with typical late‑2024 pricing and key limits. Local rates and terms vary—always verify details in your ZIP code and policy documents.

• Auto insurer add-on (cheapest ongoing cost for most):
  State Farm ≈ $10–$20/yr per vehicle; GEICO ≈ $14/yr; Progressive ≈ $16/yr; USAA ≈ $14–$20/yr; Nationwide ≈ low‑$20s/yr. Coverage usually includes towing (often 5–15 miles to the nearest shop), jump-start, lockout, fuel delivery, and tire change; limits and mileage vary.
• Included with new vehicles (free while it lasts):
  Hyundai/Kia (typically 5 years), Toyota (2 years), Honda (3 years), GM, Ford and others offer complimentary roadside on new vehicles; usually to the nearest dealer and limited to the original term/VIN.
• Wireless-plan add-ons (low monthly fee):
  Verizon Roadside Assistance ≈ $4.99/month per enrolled line (about $60/yr), covering the member in any vehicle; typical services include towing, jump-starts, lockouts, tire changes, and fuel delivery with stated limits.
• Retail memberships that include roadside:
  Walmart+ ($98/yr) has offered up to four roadside service calls per year via a national dispatch network; suitable if you already value the broader membership benefits.
• Standalone clubs (usually mid-priced):
  AARP Roadside Assistance (administered by Allstate) typically starts around the mid‑$60s per year for members; AAA Classic commonly ranges $60–$90/yr by region (plus occasional enrollment fees), with 3–7 miles of towing, varying by club.
• Pay‑per‑use apps and card “dispatch” (no annual fee, but not the lowest per incident):
  HONK, Urgently, Blink, and credit‑card dispatch lines typically run about $60–$100+ per service call, depending on distance and service type.

Bottom line: If you want the lowest ongoing cost, insurer add-ons are usually the best value; if you have a new car, manufacturer coverage is free for its term. If you rarely need help and dislike subscriptions, pay‑per‑use can be cheaper over time despite higher per‑incident prices.

What “cheapest” really means

Sticker price is only part of the story. The least expensive plan can become costly if it tows only a few miles and you live far from a shop, or if it limits the number of service calls. Consider total cost of ownership: annual fee, included tow miles, per‑mile overage charges, service-call caps, household vs. driver coverage, and fine‑print exclusions (e.g., RVs, trailers, off‑road recovery).

Cheapest by situation

If you already carry auto insurance: add roadside to your policy

This is often the lowest annual out‑of‑pocket route. Major carriers price roadside as a low-cost rider, typically below $25 per year per vehicle. State Farm is frequently at the bottom end (about $10–$20 annually), with GEICO and Progressive close behind. Coverage usually includes towing to the nearest repair facility, jump‑starts, lockouts, tire changes, and fuel delivery; glass and winch services vary by insurer. Note that some insurers reimburse you if you arrange your own tow; others require using their dispatch network. While roadside claims are generally not chargeable accidents, they can appear on your CLUE report; rate impacts are uncommon but possible—ask your agent how your company treats these claims.

If your vehicle is new: use the automaker’s free roadside

Many brands include 2–5 years of complimentary roadside assistance. It’s effectively the cheapest option while it’s active, though coverage tends to route you to dealers, and the benefit is tied to the vehicle’s VIN. If you’re within the coverage window, there’s usually no need to purchase a separate plan unless you need longer tows, RV/trailer coverage, or more liberal service limits.

If you want a low-cost non‑insurance membership

Two budget-friendly alternatives to auto clubs are phone-plan add‑ons and retail memberships whose primary value is elsewhere. Verizon’s $4.99/month Roadside Assistance is inexpensive if you already have a line and like driver-based (not vehicle-based) coverage. Retail bundles such as Walmart+ (about $98/yr) can be compelling if you’ll also use the core shopping/shipping perks; the roadside component typically includes up to four events per year via a third-party network.

Typical price snapshots (late 2024)

These examples reflect widely reported pricing bands as of late 2024; your local quotes and terms may differ. Always confirm tow mile limits, service caps, and whether coverage is per driver or per vehicle.

• State Farm Emergency Road Service: ≈ $10–$20/yr per vehicle (among the lowest).
• GEICO Emergency Road Service: ≈ $14/yr per vehicle.
• Progressive Roadside Assistance: ≈ $16/yr per vehicle.
• USAA Roadside Assistance: ≈ $14–$20/yr per vehicle (eligibility required).
• Nationwide Roadside Assistance: typically low‑$20s/yr per vehicle.
• Verizon Roadside Assistance: ≈ $4.99/month per enrolled line (about $60/yr).
• Automaker programs: usually $0 during 2–5 year term on new vehicles (brand-specific).
• AAA Classic: roughly $60–$90/yr by region, plus possible enrollment fee and add‑ons.
• AARP Roadside Assistance (via Allstate): commonly mid‑$60s/yr for members.
• Pay‑per‑use apps (HONK, Urgently, Blink) and card dispatch lines: typically $60–$100+ per call.

As a rule, anything under about $25 per year is an insurer add-on; anything near $0 is likely bundle-included (automaker or membership you already want); and per‑incident prices cluster around $60–$100 when you avoid subscriptions.

How to pick the best cheap plan

Before you buy, compare what matters beyond the price tag. The following checklist highlights the factors most likely to determine real-world cost and convenience.

• Towing distance included and overage rates per mile.
• Number of service calls allowed per year and any waiting period for new members.
• Coverage basis: per vehicle, per driver, or household; are family members covered?
• Service types covered: lockout (key replacement vs. entry only), fuel delivery (fuel cost included?), winching, battery service, tire change (spare required?).
• Vehicle restrictions: EVs, motorcycles, RVs, trailers, and off‑road recovery.
• Dispatch network strength in your area and typical ETAs.
• Claim handling: reimbursement vs. direct dispatch; whether insurer usage could appear on your claim history.

If you routinely drive long distances or rural routes, a slightly more expensive plan with longer towing and stronger network coverage can be cheaper in practice than a bare-bones “cheapest” plan.

Verdict

Who has the cheapest roadside assistance? For most drivers, it’s your current auto insurer’s roadside add‑on—State Farm is often the lowest, with GEICO and Progressive close behind—while new-car owners can rely on free manufacturer coverage during its term. If you prefer a standalone option on the cheap, Verizon’s $4.99/month add‑on is a strong budget pick, and retail bundles like Walmart+ can be cost‑effective if you’ll use the broader benefits. If you almost never need help, pay‑per‑use apps may minimize your total spend despite higher per‑incident pricing.

Summary

The lowest ongoing cost typically comes from insurer add‑ons (about $10–$20 per year with State Farm, ≈$14 with GEICO, ≈$16 with Progressive), or $0 manufacturer coverage on newer cars. Low-fee alternatives include Verizon’s ≈$60/year add‑on and membership bundles like Walmart+. Traditional clubs (AAA, AARP/Allstate) are mid‑priced but add perks and broader tow ranges. Choose based on tow miles, service limits, who’s covered, and how often you expect to use the benefit.

Who has the best roadside assistance plan?

There is no single “best” plan; the ideal roadside assistance depends on your needs, but top options include AAA for perks and comprehensive benefits, USAA for military members, and providers like State Farm, Progressive, and GEICO for integrated coverage with your auto insurance. For a purely standalone membership, Better World Club is also highly rated. 
Top Rated Standalone Roadside Assistance 

• AAA: Opens in new tabKnown for its many perks and comprehensive services, including trip-related benefits. 
• Better World Club: Opens in new tabA highly-rated standalone option that offers a full range of services and is recognized for its environmental mission, notes WalletHub. 
• Good Sam: Opens in new tabA popular choice that doesn’t impact your insurance premiums, offering extra benefits and a wide service area. 

Top Rated Auto Insurance Providers

• USAA: An excellent option for military members and their families. 
• State Farm: A strong choice for most drivers, offering more services than many other insurance providers. 
• Progressive: Recommended for basic needs, especially for small, quick repairs. 
• GEICO: Offers low-cost comprehensive coverage, making it a good value. 
• Erie: Known for offering the best affordable roadside assistance plans and good coverage for long towing distances. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Plan

• Your Car Type: Some plans are better for specific car types, and some manufacturer-provided plans are included with new car warranties. 
• Your Driving Habits: If you drive frequently, you may need more robust towing coverage. 
• Existing Coverage: Check your auto insurance policy, credit card, and any other memberships, such as those from your cell phone provider, as they may already offer roadside assistance. 
• Level of Service: Some plans cover only basic services, while others include perks like travel discounts and trip planning. 

What’s the best alternative to AAA?

What is an alternative to AAA?

Company	Average Cost
Good Sam	$49.95 per year for the auto-only basic plan
Allstate Motor Club	$89 for the first year for roadside advantage (basic plan)
Roadside assistance from a car insurance provider	Around $20 per year, depending on the insurer

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 is better, AAA or AARP roadside assistance?

AAA generally offers a more robust and reliable roadside assistance experience with better service coverage and higher satisfaction ratings, while AARP’s roadside service is a partnership with Allstate, offering a good option for seniors alongside their primary focus on advocacy and healthcare services. Your choice depends on your priorities: select AAA for superior roadside service, comprehensive travel perks, and broader eligibility, or choose AARP for targeted senior benefits and advocacy, plus a secondary roadside option through Allstate. 
Choose AAA if: 

• You prioritize top-tier roadside service: AAA is known for its extensive network, high satisfaction ratings, and broad coverage options, including more extensive towing distances and other benefits like car lockout services and identity theft monitoring. 
• You want extensive travel benefits: AAA offers discounts on travel, hotels, car rentals, and more, which can be a significant perk beyond just roadside assistance. 
• You want the best coverage for the whole family: AAA coverage typically extends to any vehicle you’re in, whether you’re driving it or a passenger, and can often include coverage for other household members. 

Choose AARP if:

• You want a membership primarily focused on senior-related benefits: AARP offers a wide range of advocacy, healthcare information, and other resources specifically for those 50 and older. 
• You are looking for a secondary option to add on: AARP offers a roadside assistance program through Allstate, providing a convenient option for members who may not already have another membership. 
• You prefer targeted discounts for seniors: AARP provides exclusive discounts on services and products relevant to older adults. 

Key Considerations: 

• Service Reliability: AAA generally has higher satisfaction ratings and a more established reputation for reliable roadside assistance. 
• Eligibility: AAA is available to anyone, while AARP’s roadside program is specifically for AARP members over the age of 50. 
• Cost: AARP roadside assistance can be cheaper, but AAA may be a better value if you factor in the overall benefits and higher service quality. 
• Complementary Memberships: You can join both organizations, as they serve different primary purposes, with AAA focusing on travel and vehicle needs and AARP on senior-specific advocacy and services.