A single long-distance tow can cost $300+ out of pocket. But with the right roadside assistance plan, you’ll never pay full price.
Here’s how roadside assistance works, how it’s different from “roadside dispatch,” and which plan to get for the best possible value.
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What Is “Roadside Assistance”?
Roadside assistance is a service that helps motorists get back on the road if they experience a breakdown or get stuck.
You might call for roadside assistance if you get a flat tire, run out of gas, get stuck in a snowbank, smell smoke coming from your engine, or if your car simply won’t start in the first place.
You might also call for a tow if your car becomes undrivable after an accident (just be sure to call 911, too, so you can get a police report for insurance!).
There are a few main ways you can call for roadside assistance:
- Call your roadside assistance plan. If you already have dedicated roadside assistance coverage from AAA or your insurance provider, you can call them or submit a ticket online for help.
- Call your credit card company. Some credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, include a roadside dispatch hotline as part of your complimentary benefits, which is a service that will connect you with a roadside assistance provider (but doesn’t actually cover the costs) — more on that in a bit.
- Do a “cash call” to a local mechanic. You can always call a local mechanic or towing company directly and ask them to provide roadside assistance. They’ll give you a jump start, tow, or whatever else you need and bill you right on the spot — hence the name “cash call.”
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What does roadside assistance actually cover?
Whether you submit a ticket to AAA or make a cash call to a local mechanic, a roadside assistance provider can usually help with:
- Flat tires
- Fuel delivery
- Dead batteries
- Towing and winching
- Lockout services (i.e., key locked inside)
- Simple roadside repairs
Basically, your roadside assistance provider (usually a local mechanic) will do everything they can to get you back on the road or will tow you to someone who can help further.
What does roadside assistance NOT cover?
Since roadside assistance providers are usually just local mechanics with basic tools and (possibly) a tow truck, there’s a limit to what they can help with.
For example, roadside assistance providers usually won’t help with:
- Complicated repairs
- Part replacement (except batteries)
- Vehicle modifications (e.g., installing sway bars)
- Routine maintenance (e.g., oil changes, alignments)
Roadside assistance vs. roadside dispatch
A roadside assistance plan and roadside dispatch are two entirely different things that are often mistaken for each other.
Here’s the difference, and why it matters:
- Roadside assistance plans like AAA or GEICO Emergency Roadside Service will find a local roadside assistance provider for you, send them to your location ASAP, and cover the majority of costs for you.
- Roadside dispatch plans like Visa Roadside Dispatch will connect you with a local roadside assistance provider — but you’ll still have to pay either a flat fee or à la carte for services.
It’s important to know the difference because some folks see “roadside” on their credit card benefits and assume they’re fully covered. But if it’s free, it’s usually roadside dispatch, meaning you could still pay $300+ for your next roadside assistance call.
That’s why having an actual roadside assistance plan can be a massive money-saver.
Types of Roadside Assistance Plans
If you’re looking to purchase a roadside assistance plan that would provide dispatch and cover most of your costs, you have a few options.
- Auto manufacturer plans: If you purchased your vehicle brand new, you might have received three to five years of complimentary roadside assistance with it.
- Third-party provider plans: Companies like AAA and Good Sam offer annual roadside assistance plans for ~$50 – $130/year, depending on location.
- Insurance add-ons: Most auto insurance providers offer roadside assistance as an optional add-on. Some, like Allstate, even sell it separately.
Of course, you can still call for roadside assistance if you don’t have a plan — but it’s going to cost you.
READ MORE: Insurance and Protection for Road Trips
Who Do I Call If I Don’t Have a Roadside Assistance Plan?
Without a roadside assistance plan, you still have a few options for getting help.
- Roadside dispatch: If your credit card or insurance benefits provide dispatch, they can connect you to a roadside assistance provider for a fee (usually $100+).
- Cash call: You can call a mechanic or roadside assistance provider directly and pay cash for individual services (e.g., $100 for a lockout, $300 for a 15-mile tow).
- Phone a friend: Depending on your breakdown location, a nearby friend might be able to jumpstart your car, help you change a flat, or deliver a gallon of fuel.
But none of these solutions is totally free (you should still buy your friend a smoothie), and each of them can be a bit stressful in the moment.
That’s why having a dedicated roadside assistance plan might be worth it.
READ MORE: What to Do in a Roadside Emergency
Cost vs. Value: Is a Roadside Assistance Plan Worth It?
Let’s use an AAA Classic membership as an example. For $65 per member per year, you’ll get:
- 24/7 roadside assistance for any vehicle you’re driving or are a passenger inside (including rentals and friend/family cars)
- Four free tows per year (to nearest AAA-approved shop, or up to five miles)
- Repair discounts
- Travel benefits (e.g., free Hertz Gold, 10% off hotels)
Let’s compare that to the cost of paying for roadside services out of pocket:
- Towing: $109 (national average)
- Lockout service: $50 – $250
- Tire change: $75+
- Fuel delivery: $50+
So, an AAA Classic membership (or comparable roadside assistance plan) can easily pay for itself after just one incident.
And if you’re lucky enough to go a whole year without a flat tire, dead battery, or other roadside emergency, the peace of mind alone (or hotel discounts) might be worth it.
How To Choose the Right Roadside Assistance Plan
Since roadside assistance plans tend not to vary much between providers, your choice will largely come down to who has the best price.
Here’s how to find out:
- Make sure you don’t already have it. If you bought your vehicle brand new, you may already have 24/7 roadside for free with your new car benefits. Check your vehicle’s warranty booklet (which you can find on Google for most vehicles).
- See if your insurance provider has a deal. Some insurance providers offer temporary promos or super-cheap roadside coverage. Google “[your provider] roadside” to see what your options are. You can also compare insurance providers through a marketplace like Coverage.com.
- Ask friends and family for a referral. AAA and Good Sam are technically clubs that offer discounts to new members. See if a friend or family member can generate a referral code for you for up to 50% off your first year.
READ MORE: Here’s the Best Way to Shop for Car Insurance
Making the Most of Your Roadside Assistance Plan
Once you’ve chosen a roadside assistance plan, here’s how to make the most of your membership:
- Download the app. These days, roadside assistance providers have apps that allow you to instantly share your location and request assistance.
- Save the hotline number in your phone. If you have cell service but no 5G or wifi, you’ll need to call in for help. Save your membership number in your phone, too.
- Know your benefits. I once booked a $700 hotel without realizing my AAA benefits gave me 10% off. Dang — that would’ve paid for next year’s membership!
- Keep a paper card in your wallet. In the case of AAA, your physical card will give you perks and discounts at hotels, restaurants, and mechanics nationwide. But they need to see your physical card, which is why I print a paper version for my wallet.
FAQs About Roadside Assistance
Does my car insurance include roadside assistance?
Car insurance typically does not include roadside assistance by default. However, most car insurance providers will sell it as an optional add-on.
Is AAA worth it?
An annual AAA membership ($65) can pay for itself after a single roadside assistance event ($100+). So if you drive 15,000+ miles per year, own an older/less reliable vehicle, or would simply like peace of mind while driving, an AAA membership could be well worth it.
What should I do during a roadside emergency?
Your first priority is to get safe. Try to stop as far away from traffic as possible, such as in a parking lot. Call 911 if you were involved in an accident, are still blocking traffic, need medical help, or feel unsafe for any reason. Then, be prepared to summarize the issue you’re having (car won’t start, flat tire) and call your roadside assistance provider to request help.
TL;DR: Do You Need Roadside Assistance?
Roadside assistance is a common automotive service where a local mechanic helps you get back on the road. He or she can help with flat tires, dead batteries, getting out of a ditch, lockouts, and other basic services, or, in the worst-case scenario, give you a tow.
Roadside dispatch is a common credit card perk that can help you connect with a roadside assistance provider for a flat fee, whereas a roadside assistance plan covers dispatch and most of your fees.
Having a roadside assistance plan can be well worth it since they provide peace of mind all year and tend to be cheaper (~$65) than a single “cash call” (~$100 – $500).
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Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
