How Roadside Assistance Works

Roadside assistance is a bonus service that’s not typically included with base auto insurance plans. You’ll most commonly see roadside assistance as an add-on to an insurance plan or a perk of a credit card. Some retailers offer roadside assistance with major purchases of a full set of tires, as do some manufacturers. 

So what is roadside assistance? What does roadside assistance cover and what does it not cover? Is roadside assistance worth it if you already have insurance? 

Whether you already have a roadside assistance plan or are thinking of purchasing one, this article will help answer your questions surrounding roadside assistance.

Explain to Me How Roadside Assistance Works

Roadside assistance is a service that you get (1) in return for a monthly, quarterly, or annual fee or (2) as a perk with a major purchase from a tire retailer or brand. It works like a membership -- you regularly pay the service so that in case of an emergency, you’ll have access to assistance if something happens to your car.

Roadside assistance usually has a 24/7 hotline that finds a nearby service provider to help; however, some low-cost and limited plans do not offer 24/7 coverage. Review your policy to find out if your coverage is available 24/7; add the hotline number to the contact list in your phone.

The roadside assistance service handles the hard part: Finding the tow truck, mechanic, or other auto service and handling the logistics of getting them out to service you. If your car needs to be towed, the roadside assistance will help organize that as well. In the case of an emergency where you can’t drive your car, roadside assistance could be a great option. It's worth noting that not all offer towing, some limit the distance for towing, and not all towing is free of charge. Check with your provider to understand the terms of your policy.

Additionally, roadside assistance plans will also usually have policy limits for certain services. For example, your roadside assistance plan could cover towing up to $150. Or, it may have a limit on how many times you can call the service every year. 

We’ll cover what roadside assistance does and doesn’t cover next. 

What Does Roadside Assistance Cover?

Roadside assistance usually covers emergencies like:

• Jumpstarting a dead battery
• Towing vehicles (usually limits on distance or cost)
• Delivering gas to your vehicle
• Service charges for changing or a flat tire (with your spare; does not include the cost of the new tire)
• Lockouts (getting back in a vehicle that you’ve locked yourself out of)
• A stuck vehicle (if you are trapped in mud or snow, for example)
• Basic temporary fixes to get you back on the road to safety

Roadside assistance plans do not cover things that insurance typically covers (accidents) nor does it pay for the repairs themselves. For example, roadside assistance covers the cost to deliver fuel but not the cost of the fuel. It covers the service cost to change a tire or install a spare, but not the cost of the new tire itself (learn about tire warranties). It will cover costs to remove a stuck vehicle that's close to a road, but it won't fully cover some difficult winching or extrications. Roadside assistance also does not cover damage to your vehicle or any medical expenses that result from an accident; those fall under auto insurance. 

We mentioned it already, but roadside assistance plans also have limits on how far you can have your car towed or how much of the towing cost will be covered. It’s not as if the towing company won’t tow your car if it isn’t covered by the plan. Rather, you’ll just have to pay out of pocket for the rest of the towing cost. 

How Much Does Roadside Assistance Cost?

This depends on the nature of the roadside assistance plan and what it covers. Sometimes, roadside assistance is included in certain purchases at no additional cost. Or, roadside assistance will be included with your credit card or phone line. The costs depend on where you live, the type of coverage, and the source from which you purchase the coverage. 

An independent roadside assistance plan may cost $50 to $180, depending on the nature and limits of the coverage. AAA, for example, offers classic plans as low as $50 in some areas. 

A roadside assistance plan included with your auto insurance will be cheaper, as it’s considered an add-on. 

Finally, roadside assistance included with a tire purchase, credit card, or any other bonus, is usually offered at no additional cost, but it may have more limits on how much is covered. Additionally, these plans will usually only last for a couple years, whereas independent plans (through AAA or your auto insurance carrier) are renewed monthly, semi-annually or annually. 

Is Roadside Assistance Worth It?

This depends on your situation and comfort with driving. If you find yourself often driving in unfamiliar areas and aren’t comfortable with making roadside repairs on your vehicle, roadside assistance can be worth it. Also, if you drive an older vehicle with high mileage, a roadside plan could be worthwhile. If you’re not physically able to change your tires, roadside assistance is very helpful. 

Weigh the potential risk (and cost) of a breakdown against what a roadside assistance plan would cost you. Explore options, and remember to check what is covered in a plan. For example, before buying an independent plan, check with your auto insurer to compare coverage and prices. 

Roadside assistance plans included with some tire purchases are nice perks that come at no additional cost. Remember that although the roadside assistance plan is "free," you will still have to pay for actual repairs, services, and parts (including replacement tires). Roadside assistance helps you get out of tricky roadside situations, but won’t cover everything. 

Photo 139760603 | Irina Meshcheryakova | Dreamstime.com