What is Roadside Assistance, and What Does it Cover?

 As a driver, have you ever experienced a vehicle breakdown and not known who to call or what to do next? 

Unexpected breakdowns and similar car emergencies can disrupt travel plans, prevent drivers from getting to work on time, and cause headaches for everyone on the road. Most of all, they can be a real challenge for drivers without a plan to address them as they happen.

From battery issues and tire problems to more serious engine troubles, approximately 69 million vehicle breakdowns occur annually in the United States alone, highlighting the importance of roadside assistance. What is roadside assistance insurance? It is a specific type of support designed to assist drivers in such situations. To make an informed decision on whether or not to take advantage of roadside assistance services and whether it is a worthy investment, drivers must understand how it works and the costs involved.

What is Roadside Assistance?

Roadside assistance, known as breakdown coverage, is a specialized service designed to help drivers during car emergencies. Whether it is a misplaced car key, a flat tire, or running out of gas, roadside assistance plans help drivers facing a car-related emergency.
Roadside assistance coverage is available to drivers through several sources, such as:

• Auto insurance providers
• Car manufacturer
• Clubs like the American Automobile Association (AAA)
• Cellular and Internet service providers
• Credit card companies
   

How Does Roadside Assistance Work?

Roadside assistance insurance policyholders are entitled to emergency roadside service if their car breaks down or they have a vehicle-related emergency. The driver simply contacts their roadside assistance provider through a phone call, mobile app, or, in some cases, an on-board emergency communication system.

The driver is typically asked questions regarding the vehicle, the issue, and policy or membership information. Roadside assistance is then promptly dispatched to the driver’s location if the driver cannot resolve the problem on their own. 

Roadside assistance insurance varies by provider and policy specifics. Some common roadside assistance services include gas delivery, jumping a dead battery, replacing a flat tire, or providing a tow, particularly in cases where the issue cannot be immediately resolved. 

Ultimately, roadside assistance mitigates the cost (and the hassle) of a roadside emergency or unexpected breakdown. Like any form of insurance, roadside assistance insurance charges policyholders a fee or a premium to cover them in case a breakdown occurs. Typically, a driver can avoid paying out of pocket for roadside assistance they receive as long as it falls within the limits of their policy.

Some roadside assistance insurance policies only include towing up to a certain mileage limit or only cover specific services. Others may limit the number of roadside assistance calls they respond to annually. That’s why it is important for drivers to carefully read all terms and conditions before considering any road assistance insurance policy or paid membership program.

Do You Have to Pay for Roadside Assistance?

Whether or not you have to pay for roadside assistance ultimately depends on the coverage offered. Roadside assistance services are typically provided as follows:

1. Through standalone membership programs. Organizations like AAA offer paid memberships specifically for roadside assistance. Typically, these membership plans include towing, battery jump-starts, tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockout assistance. Membership fees vary based on coverage level, with basic plans starting around $50 annually.
2. Bundled with your car insurance policy. Most auto insurance providers offer roadside assistance to their policyholders as an optional policy add-on, starting at around $10 annually. This roadside assistance insurance usually covers services similar to those covered by membership programs but is sometimes tied to policy coverage limits.
3. As part of your new vehicle warranty. Many new cars come with complimentary roadside assistance as part of the manufacturer's warranty. The coverage, which often includes free towing to the dealership, battery services, and more, is usually valid for a set period or mileage limit, such as 3 years/36,000 miles.
4. On a pay-per-use basis. For drivers who do not have roadside assistance insurance, all hope is not lost. Services like Uber’s Urgent.ly or independent providers allow drivers to pay for emergency roadside assistance as needed. However, the costs vary widely, depending on the services required. Towing services, for example, start at around $75 - $150 and increase based on how many miles the vehicle is towed. 

As with any service, roadside assistance coverage has limits, depending on the type of policy you choose. You may be charged additional fees based on:

• Mileage Limits: Towing may only be covered up to a certain distance, such as five to ten miles.
• Service Limits: Some roadside assistance plans limit the number of service calls you can make in a year, and exceeding that cap may result in additional charges.
• Service Exclusions: Some exclusions may apply to your roadside assistance plan, such as changing certain types of specialty tires or exclusions beyond a certain amount of delivered fuel.

There are several instances where roadside assistance may be offered free of charge, including through:

• Credit Card Perks: Certain premium credit cards, which offer rewards programs for travel, cash back, and more, offer roadside assistance at no additional cost. 
• Manufacturer’s Deals and Offers: Free roadside assistance is sometimes provided as part of a manufacturer’s promotional offerings or vehicle purchases.
• Cell Phone Contract Bundles: Some cell phone plans, such as AT&T or Verizon, include free roadside assistance as part of their premium services.
   

When you understand the available roadside assistance options, you can make an informed decision on choosing a plan that fits your lifestyle, needs, and budget. Regardless of the roadside assistance program you choose, it is important to review the details to avoid unexpected costs and ensure that you have the help you need when you need it most.

Is Roadside Assistance Worth It? 

There are many advantages to having roadside assistance insurance that make it a valuable investment for most drivers. The primary benefit of a roadside assistance program is cost savings. 
When you compare the costs associated with paying out-of-pocket for roadside assistance services such as towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, or emergency repairs, drivers can save hundreds of dollars annually by signing up for roadside assistance, especially when most memberships often start as low as just $50.

Roadside assistance programs are especially beneficial for:

• Drivers of older vehicles

• Commuters or frequent travelers

• Drivers in rural or remote areas 

• Young or inexperienced drivers
   

Roadside assistance is often worth the investment, but its value ultimately depends on your circumstances. Factors such as your driving habits, vehicle reliability, and budget play a role. For example, a brand-new car with a comprehensive warranty that includes roadside assistance may not require additional coverage. However, a driver with a high-mileage vehicle or who frequently travels long distances would greatly benefit from a plan.

To make an informed decision, compare providers and plans to find one that meets your needs. Whether bundled with car insurance, included in a warranty, or purchased as a standalone membership, roadside assistance provides peace of mind, ensuring you’ll have help when you need it most.