Best Roadside Assistance Plans in 2026 (10 Standout Companies)

The best roadside assistance plans start at $70 per month, with AAA, Allstate, and Geico among the leading providers. AAA ranks at the top for 100-mile towing, DMV services, and exclusive hotel discounts.

Allstate includes lockout coverage up to $100 and emergency labor for tire changes. Geico offers mechanical first aid and fuel delivery without extra fees.

Top 10 Companies: Best Roadside Assistance Plans

AAA also provides identity theft monitoring, while Allstate includes personalized trip routing for members.

Geico further stands out with coverage that extends to rental cars during travel.

Enter your ZIP code to compare affordable roadside assistance plans bundled with top-rated auto insurance policies from providers in your area.

Monthly Costs Reflect Roadside Value and Service Depth

Monthly rates for the best roadside assistance plans range from $70 to $172, but what you pay directly affects what you get. Geico offers the lowest entry point at $70, covering basics like towing and jump-starts—ideal for drivers who want simple, dependable help without extra perks. Geico insurance roadside assistance is a solid choice for budget-conscious drivers looking for reliable, no-frills coverage that includes essential services.

Roadside Assistance Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Coverage Level

USAA’s rates are nearly as low, offering great value for military families who qualify. On the other hand, Allstate charges more but backs it up with benefits like trip interruption and legal support. Liberty Mutual’s higher full coverage rate reflects its wider options, including coverage for trailers and motorcycles.

AAA is priced above average but offers DMV services, hotel discounts, and long-distance towing, making it worth it for frequent travelers. These monthly roadside assistance plans give drivers the flexibility to choose a provider that matches their driving habits without committing to a large annual payment.

Choosing the right provider depends on how much roadside help you expect to need and whether added travel perks justify a higher rate. It’s also a smart move to compare auto insurance rates alongside roadside benefits to ensure you’re getting the best overall value.

Best Combined Discount Structures for Roadside Plans

Auto insurance discounts can really help lower what you end up paying for roadside assistance. Nationwide offers a standout 40% discount through its usage-based program, which rewards safe, low-mileage driving. USAA provides the most generous military savings at 30%, making it a solid option for service members who already benefit from competitive base rates.

Top Auto Insurance Discounts for Roadside Assistance Plans

If you’re bundling policies, Allstate and Geico each offer 25% off when you combine roadside assistance with auto insurance, which helps stretch your monthly budget. Progressive takes a different approach by offering drivers an average of $231 in annual savings through its Snapshot program, which tracks and rewards good driving behavior.

Green vehicle owners also benefit—Travelers, USAA, and Nationwide each offer up to 10% in eco-friendly car discounts. Farmers and Liberty Mutual hold steady with strong bundling and military discounts while maintaining up to 30% off through usage-based insurance programs, adding value to their roadside assistance plans without inflating premiums.

Roadside Assistance Explained

What is roadside assistance? Roadside assistance helps drivers when their vehicle breaks down. The service will typically provide fuel, change a flat tire, jump a dead battery, or tow the vehicle to a repair shop if the fix isn’t simple. However, there are other roadside assistance services they may provide as well, such as unlocking a car or winching a vehicle out of snow or mud.

Roadside assistance also helps reduce your breakdown costs, as services are included in your annual fee. While the amount of roadside assistance coverage depends on what level of service you purchase, services are free as long as they are under your coverage.

So, if you have a car prone to breakdowns, roadside assistance can more than pay itself off after a year. For example, while tows are expensive, a tow may be free of charge under your roadside assistance coverage, saving you a few hundred dollars. This can help significantly reduce your car breakdown costs over time.

Many drivers explore auto insurance companies for roadside assistance, as some providers include or offer it as an optional add-on—giving you extra peace of mind without needing a separate service provider. Since what roadside assistance covers isn’t always clear, read on for the basics of which types of breakdowns and mishaps roadside assistance will help with.

What Roadside Assistance Covers

While coverage varies by provider and plan level, most roadside service plans include the following core services:

• Fuel Delivery: A driver brings gas to your location when you run out. Some plans include the fuel cost, while others don’t.
• Jump-Start Service: If your battery dies, a technician can restart your vehicle on the spot.
• Lockout Help: If your keys are locked inside, a pro will unlock your car or call a locksmith.
• Flat Tire Change: A roadside tech installs your spare so you can safely drive to a repair shop.
• Towing Service: If your car can’t be fixed on-site, it’s towed to the nearest repair facility within a mileage limit. Some towing plans offer 15-mile limits, while others—like AAA Plus—cover up to 100 miles.

Additional services may include winching if your vehicle is stuck in mud, snow, or a ditch, and transportation assistance to help you reach your destination if your car becomes inoperable. Some roadside assistance plans also offer discounts on travel, entertainment, and partner services, adding extra value beyond breakdown help.

Roadside assistance is usually available around the clock, so help’s there whenever you need it. Just keep in mind that response times can vary depending on where you are and how close a service provider is.

Learn more: Do you need auto insurance to be towed?

What Roadside Assistance Doesn’t Cover

Roadside assistance is great for handling common breakdowns, but it doesn’t cover everything. Most plans come with limits on how far they’ll tow your car, how often you can use the service, and what they’ll pay for. Knowing these limits can save you from surprise charges later on.

For example, many plans offer free towing, but only up to a certain number of miles, usually between 15 and 100. Anything beyond that can come with a per-mile fee. Some providers also limit how many times you can use roadside help yearly. If your plan only includes two or three calls and you go over, you’ll have to pay out of pocket.

Also, the service itself is covered, but not the parts. So, if you get a flat and don’t have a good spare, you’ll still need to pay for a new tire. The same goes for gas or a new battery—they’ll help deliver it or get you started, but the cost is yours to cover. These costs can add up, especially for low-mileage drivers, which is why pairing roadside assistance with pay-per-mile insurance might offer better long-term value.

A few common limitations to expect:

• Towing covers a set number of miles per call
• Service calls may be capped per year, especially with basic plans
• You’ll pay for replacement items, like fuel, batteries, or new tires

Being aware of what’s not included helps you pick the right plan—and avoid added stress when dealing with car trouble.

Where to Get Roadside Assistance

Many people wonder if their auto insurance covers roadside assistance, but roadside assistance is only available as an add-on with some insurance companies. While a car insurance company is often the popular choice to purchase plans from, such as State Farm roadside assistance or Geico roadside assistance, there are other places to get roadside assistance.

Options like Geico roadside help are especially appealing for drivers looking for affordable, essential coverage without unnecessary extras. When shopping around for a roadside assistance plan, consider the cost and what extra features and services are offered.

It’s also helpful to understand the types of auto insurance you already have, as roadside assistance is often bundled with full coverage or higher-tier policies. We’ve outlined where you can find roadside assistance, from your auto insurance company to credit card companies, so you can decide which type of plan and provider is right for you.

Membership Organizations That Offer Roadside Assistance

Some common membership organizations you may have heard of include AAA roadside assistance and Better World Club. If your insurance provider doesn’t offer roadside assistance, choosing a membership organization is usually the second most popular option.

While joining a membership organization is more expensive than adding roadside assistance to your car insurance plan, there is often a wider range of services offered. While insurance companies may not offer winching or locksmith services, a membership usually offers all of these in addition to the basics of roadside assistance, such as gas delivery and jumpstarts.

In addition, membership organizations often offer numerous perks and discounts. If customers take advantage of these perks and discounts on everything from plane tickets to movie tickets, the price is higher tickets will.

See more: Best AAA Auto Insurance Discounts

Car Manufacturers That Offer Roadside Assistance

A lesser-known option is roadside assistance plans through your car’s manufacturer. A few car manufacturers will throw in roadside assistance as a perk when you purchase a new vehicle from them.

Car Manufacturers That Offer Roadside Assistance Plans

The free roadside assistance is often limited to within a few years of purchase, but you may receive other benefits like free oil changes for the duration of your car’s life. While it’s not always the cheapest roadside assistance in the long run, it can offer great short-term value, especially if bundled with other maintenance perks during the vehicle’s warranty period.

GM also makes the most of its OnStar technology by using its telematics for the usage-based insurance option of its OnStar Insurance. See our GM auto insurance review for more.

What to Do Without Roadside Assistance

If you don’t have roadside assistance and your car breaks down, don’t panic. If the issue is something simple like a dead battery or an empty gas tank, a friend or family member may be able to help you out.

If it’s more serious, you can call a towing company or local mechanic to check your car and tow it if needed. Without a roadside assistance plan, expect to pay around $100 for the service. That’s why many drivers choose to get coverage through one of the best auto insurance companies, where roadside help is often available as an affordable add-on.

Before signing up, it’s a good idea to explore roadside assistance comparisons to see which plan gives you the best value for your driving needs. When getting help without roadside assistance, ensure you don’t fall prey to common tow truck scams. Unsolicited tow truck drivers will try to tow your car and charge you an astronomical amount.

If a tow truck driver shows up whom you haven’t called, don’t accept their services. You should always get a copy of the estimated charges for your tow before a tow truck company takes your car. Watch out for unnecessary costs or high prices.

#1 – USAA: Top Overall Pick

Pros

• Military Member Savings: USAA offers eligible military members and families competitive auto insurance rates, with additional roadside assistance available.
• Affordable Monthly Rates: USAA auto insurance rates start at $49 per month, making it a budget-friendly option for eligible drivers.
• Flat Tire Assistance: USAA provides roadside help for flat tires, reducing the need to arrange emergency service independently.

Cons

• Restricted Military Eligibility: USAA roadside assistance is generally limited to eligible military members, veterans, and qualifying family members.
• Service Availability Differences: Roadside assistance response times can vary by location and provider availability.

#2 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Replacement Upgrade

Pros

• Better Car Replacement: Liberty Mutual offers an optional upgrade to a car one model year newer with 15,000 fewer miles after a covered total loss.
• 24/7 Emergency Support: Liberty Mutual roadside assistance provides towing, lockout services, and emergency help around the clock.
• Safe Driving Discounts: Liberty Mutual offers up to 30% savings through its RightTrack program for eligible drivers.

Cons

• Limited Towing Mileage: Some roadside assistance plans may limit covered towing to 15 miles.
• Fuel Delivery Expenses: Roadside assistance may cover fuel delivery, but drivers must pay for the fuel.

#3 – Nationwide: Best for Deductible Rewards

Pros

• Vanishing Deductible Rewards: Nationwide reduces eligible drivers’ deductibles by $100 annually, up to $500, with optional roadside assistance.
• Flexible Roadside Plans: Nationwide offers Basic and roadside assistance plans with different service limits and benefits.
• Digital Service Tracking: Nationwide roadside assistance lets drivers request emergency help and track service providers.

Cons

• Additional Roadside Costs: Nationwide roadside assistance requires an extra premium based on coverage and location.
• State Benefit Restrictions: Nationwide roadside assistance benefits and deductible rewards may vary by state and policy.

#4 – State Farm: Best for Agent Support

Pros

• Local Agent Guidance: State Farm agents help drivers compare roadside assistance plans, coverage options, and policy rates.
• Multi-Policy Discounts: State Farm offers bundling discounts that help eligible drivers reduce auto insurance premiums.
• Around-the-Clock Assistance: State Farm provides 24/7 roadside assistance for flat tires, battery jumps, and vehicle lockouts.

Cons

• Uncovered Replacement Parts: Roadside assistance generally excludes the cost of replacement tires, batteries, and other vehicle parts.
• Location-Based Price Differences: State Farm roadside assistance rates and service costs vary by location and policy.

#5 – Geico: Best for Digital Service

Pros

• Mobile App Access: Geico lets drivers request roadside assistance, manage policies, and track service requests through its mobile app.
• Online Service Requests: Geico roadside assistance allows drivers to request towing, tire changes, and battery jumps online.
• Emergency Service Availability: Geico provides 24/7 roadside assistance for drivers who need help with unexpected breakdowns.

Cons

• Towing Distance Restrictions: Geico roadside assistance may charge extra for towing beyond covered mileage limits.
• Variable Response Times: Geico roadside assistance arrival times depend on service provider availability and location.

#6 – AAA: Best for Roadside Coverage

Pros

• Extended Towing Coverage: AAA Premier roadside assistance plans offer one tow of up to 200 miles per membership year.
• Complimentary Fuel Delivery: AAA Plus and Premier roadside assistance plans include emergency fuel delivery at no additional fuel cost.
• Emergency Locksmith Coverage: AAA Premier roadside assistance provides up to $150 in eligible vehicle locksmith services.

Cons

• Basic Towing Limits: AAA Classic roadside assistance generally covers only five miles of towing per service call.
• Premier Benefit Restrictions: AAA’s 200-mile towing benefit is generally limited to one eligible tow per membership year.

#7 – Allstate: Best for Accident Forgiveness

Pros

• Accident Forgiveness Protection: Allstate offers accident forgiveness to help prevent rate increases after an eligible accident, plus roadside assistance.
• Trip Interruption Benefits: Allstate roadside assistance offers up to $1,500 in eligible trip interruption reimbursements with Roadside Advantage.
• Flexible Payment Options: Allstate offers roadside assistance without an auto insurance policy, with pay-per-use towing starting at $154.

Cons

• Membership Renewal Increases: Allstate’s Roadside Advantage costs $99 for the first year but increases to $111 upon renewal.
• Forgiveness Coverage Charges: Accident forgiveness requires optional auto insurance coverage at an additional cost, separate from roadside assistance plans.

#8 – Travelers: Best for New Car Protection

Pros

• New Car Replacement: Travelers offers replacement coverage for eligible new cars totaled within their first five years, alongside optional roadside assistance.
• Premier Towing Benefits: Travelers’ Premier Roadside Assistance provides towing services up to 100 miles.
• Hybrid Vehicle Discounts: Travelers offers eligible hybrid and electric vehicle owners up to 10% savings on auto insurance.

Cons

• Replacement Eligibility Restrictions: New car replacement generally applies only to qualifying vehicles within their first five years.
• Uncovered Parts Expenses: Travelers roadside assistance does not generally pay for replacement tires, batteries, or fuel.

#9 – Farmers: Best for Rideshare Coverage

Pros

• Rideshare Coverage Extension: Farmers offers rideshare insurance that helps cover eligible drivers between trips, alongside optional roadside assistance.
• Emergency Towing Services: Farmers roadside assistance helps cover towing costs when a vehicle breaks down.
• Rental Vehicle Protection: Farmers roadside assistance may extend to eligible rental vehicles, depending on policy terms.

Cons

• Separate Roadside Costs: Farmers roadside assistance is optional and adds to the total policy premium.
• Replacement Parts Expenses: Farmers roadside assistance generally excludes the cost of new tires, batteries, and fuel.

#10 – Progressive: Best for Price Flexibility

Pros

• Flexible Pricing Options: Progressive’s Name Your Price tool helps drivers find auto insurance rates within their budget, with optional roadside assistance.
• Snapshot Driving Savings: Progressive’s Snapshot program saves qualifying drivers an average of $328 annually on auto insurance.
• Convenient Mobile Requests: Progressive lets drivers request roadside assistance through its mobile app, including towing and emergency services.

Cons

• Budget Coverage Tradeoffs: Lower-priced policies may offer less protection, and adding roadside assistance increases the premium.
• Uncovered Repair Expenses: Progressive roadside assistance does not cover replacement parts, vehicle repairs, or fuel costs.

Roadside Assistance Plans That Work for Your Budget

Roadside assistance programs aren’t for everyone, but they can be a smart move if you drive long distances, own an older car, or often find yourself in areas where a breakdown could leave you stranded. Without a plan, a single tow can cost $100 or more, sometimes much higher, depending on how far you need to go. That’s why having coverage from one of the best roadside assistance plans can quickly pay for itself.

The easiest and often most affordable way to get roadside coverage is by adding it to your auto insurance policy. Many of the cheapest auto insurance companies, such as Geico, Progressive, and State Farm, offer roadside assistance as a low-cost add-on, sometimes for as little as $10 to $20 per year. These roadside assistance packages usually include services like towing, fuel delivery, battery jumps, and lockout help.

You can also look into membership options like AAA, which cost more but include perks like 100-mile towing, travel discounts, and DMV services. Some car manufacturers even include roadside help for a few years when you buy a new or certified pre-owned vehicle.

If you’re comparing options, be sure to look at both the price and what’s actually included in the plan. Use our free comparison tool to compare roadside assistance plans side by side and find the one that best fits your needs and budget.