Five Roadside Assistance Programs Compared

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Written by Nick Versaw

Updated March 13th, 2023

You can replace a flat tire, no problem. Your car’s well maintained. And if you run out of gas, you’ll just call a friend. Roadside assistance programs are a waste of money. Right?

Well, what about when your tire goes flat on a side road in the middle of the night, and your trusty jack breaks? Or if the reliable friend you’d normally call if you run out of gas is on vacation, and you don’t have any other options. Roadside assistance sounds like a good idea, then, right? 

Here’s the thing, if you’re having a true vehicle emergency, you need a company that’s consistent, reliable, and focused on getting you the help you need fast!

A quality emergency roadside assistance plan will cover services such as towing, lockouts, dead batteries, flat tires and more. But which one is best for your car — and your budget? Let’s compare roadside assistance programs to find the most trusted (and most affordable) plans.

Roadside Assistance Plan Options

As you begin to explore your options for a roadside assistance program, there are a few different places you can look to find coverage. 

• Auto insurance providers: Many auto insurance providers offer roadside assistance as an add-on to your policy. If you are looking for a streamlined option that covers all of your vehicle insurance and roadside needs in one convenient bill, this is a good fit. 
• Subscription-based assistance: For years, roadside assistance plans were only offered through subscription-based auto clubs like AAA for an annual fee. This is still an option that offers coverage, regardless of what vehicle you are driving. But typically, it’s a more expensive route.
• Roadside assistance apps: A new wave of mobile apps offering on-demand roadside assistance has sprung up in recent years. You’ll have access to one-off services when you need them. But the costs can add up quickly when compared to a traditional plan. 
• Car manufacturers’ roadside assistance: Some auto manufacturers provide roadside assistance to customers. Although the details vary, this complimentary service typically runs out after a couple of years, so you’ll need to find an alternative eventually. 
• Cell phone provider: Some cell phone providers offer roadside services as an add-on for customers. 
• Credit card roadside assistance: If you have the right credit card in your wallet, you might already have access to roadside assistance services. In some cases, your credit card provider will cover the cost. In other cases, you’ll be charged for making the call. It’s important to read the fine print before relying on this option. 

Drivers looking for a roadside assistance plan to rely on should consider all of the options above. But we highly recommend focusing on subscription-based assistance and add-on coverage from auto insurance providers. That’s because these are the most reliable and accessible options for drivers seeking peace of mind in the event of a road emergency. 

Best Roadside Assistance Plans

While roadside assistance plans have the same goal – they can vary quite a bit in terms of the services offered, the price, and their customer service reputation.

Let’s take a look at the top roadside assistance plans. 

Farmers Insurance

Farmers Insurance is a long-standing insurance company with an excellent reputation. Typically, you’ll find above-average insurance premiums through the company. But the company has a helpful roadside assistance plan that you can add on for around $2 per month. 

The plan covers:

• Emergency tow
• Dead battery/ jumpstart
• Flat tire change
• Lockout entry assistance
• Roadside winching

When you call, Farmers will provide up to $150 in necessary services. The easiest option is to call the Farmers roadside assistance number. But you can also manage the problem on your own and save your receipts from the service you received for potential reimbursement. 

Travelers Insurance

Travelers Insurance has a solid reputation that dates all the way back to 1897. Its dependable reputation is exactly what you want in a roadside assistance provider.

As a Travelers auto insurance policyholder, you can add roadside assistance for between $12 to $20 per month. The costs vary based on your area and the coverage option you choose. 

The basic plan covers:

• Towing for up to 15 miles
• Dead battery/ jumpstart
• Fuel delivery (fuel cost not included)
• Flat tire change
• Lockout entry assistance
• Roadside winching

Traveler’s Premium Roadside Assistance offers a few additional perks, including free towing for up to 100 miles, trip interruption coverage, and personal property coverage. 

Allstate

Allstate is a widely used car insurance company that offers a range of coverage options. Roadside assistance is one of the many add-ons offered by Allstate. But there are two different types to choose from. 

First, you can add a basic roadside assistance plan to your insurance policy. This costs around $25 per year for each vehicle on your policy. The basic plan includes: 

• Towing for mechanical breakdowns
• Dead battery/ jumpstart
• Fuel delivery (fuel cost not included)
• Flat tire change
• Lockout entry assistance

The second option is to become a member of the Allstate Motor Club. With this choice, you’ll pay between $100 to $185 per year. Here are the additional features you’ll gain through the membership plan:

• Road hazard benefit
• Trip interruption
• Higher towing reimbursement limits

Nationwide

Nationwide is available to come to your rescue with their roadside assistance plan add-on.

If you want to work with Nationwide’s roadside assistance, you’ll have two options. 

First, the Nationwide Roadside Assistance Basic package includes:

• Towing for up to 15 miles
• Dead battery/ jumpstart
• Fuel delivery (fuel cost not included)
• Flat tire change
• Lockout entry assistance (up to $100)

But you can also opt for the Plus package. It includes all of the basic features plus the following:

• Towing for up to 100 miles
• Trip interruption

The price varies a bit based on your location. But you can expect to pay around $23 annually for the basic plan or around $42 annually for the plus plan. 

AAA

AAA, or the American Automobile Association, is a very popular roadside assistance membership service. According to the company, 5 out of 6 members are satisfied with the program. 

As a AAA member, you’ll be able to call in for roadside help anytime. Whether you are the driver or a passenger in another vehicle, you can use this membership to get the assistance you need.

AAA offers three different membership levels. 

The AAA Classic costs $70 per year and covers:

• Towing for up to 5 miles
• Dead battery/ jumpstart
• Mobile battery replacement service
• Fuel delivery (fuel cost not included)
• Flat tire change
• Vehicle locksmith service (up to $50)
• Winching
• Bicycle roadside assistance
• Free identity theft monitoring
• Career assistance
• Severe weather alerts
• Car travel interruption (Up to $600)
• Passport photos (for a fee)
• Travel guides
• Hotel discounts
• Free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards

One step up is the AAA Plus, which costs $106 per year and covers everything in the Classic package along with: 

• Towing for up to 100 miles
• Vehicle locksmith service (up to $100)
• Car travel interruption (Up to $1,000)
• Passport photos (2 free sets)

Finally, you can spring for the AAA Premier package at $133 per year. It covers everything in the Classic and Plus packages, along with :

• Towing for up to 200 miles
• Vehicle locksmith service (up to $150)
• $10,000 identity theft insurance
• Home lockout service ($100)
• Car travel interruption (Up to $1,500)
• Free one-day car rental (with tow)
• Concierge services

When you pay a AAA membership fee of any kind, you’ll also gain access to special benefits which include discounts across the country. However, the cost of membership is higher than some of the other options on this list, so you have to consider whether the perks are worth the cost. 

AT&T

If you have a phone line through AT&T, you can access a roadside assistance plan for just $2.99 per month. The low-cost plan covers up to four service calls per year. With each call, AT&T will pay for up to $75 in services. 

Here are the basic services covered through this plan:

• Towing for mechanical failure
• Dead battery/ jumpstart
• Fuel delivery, up to three gallons
• Flat tire change
• Lockout services
• Winching

American Family

American Family is an auto insurance provider in 19 states. If you live in one of the covered states, then American Family’s affordable car insurance rates make it an attractive option. Plus, you’ll find worthwhile roadside assistance coverage available as an add-on. 

Here’s what American Family’s roadside add-on covers:

• Towing to the nearest shop
• Dead battery/ jumpstart
• Fuel or oil delivery (fuel cost not included)
• Tire changes or patch
• Lockout assistance
• Roadside repairs (1 hour of mechanical labor)

The best part is that this add-on will only cost between $10 to $20 per year. That’s a great price for the peace of mind provided. 

Better World Club

Better World Club offers an auto club membership that promises an eco-friendly experience. As the only green auto club, the nationwide fleet is carbon neutral. Plus, members will gain access to discounts that support a socially responsible lifestyle. 

Better World Club’s roadside assistance covers different services for each level. 

The Basic Auto membership is $59.95 per year, and you’ll gain access to:

• Towing (Up to 5 miles)
• Battery jump start
• Fuel delivery (fuel cost not included)
• Flat tire change
• Lockout assistance
• Winching
• Trip interruption ($750 per use)

The Premium Auto membership is $97.95 per year. It offers all of the features above, plus the following:

• Towing (Up to 100 miles)
• Fuel delivery, two gallons
• Trip interruption ($1,500 per use)

Additionally, you can add bicycle roadside assistance coverage to either plan for $17 per year. 

Good Sam

Good Sam offers unique roadside assistance coverage options. Instead of limiting the coverage to a regular car, you can find coverage options for travel trailers, motorcycles, and RVs. 

The roadside assistance plans range from $99.95 to $179.95 for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and sports trailers. If you are looking for RV coverage, you’ll pay between $129.95 to $239.95 for coverage. You can choose a plan that covers owned, leased, rented, or borrowed vehicles. 

Although this is a good option for those with unique protection needs, it’s not the most affordable option for drivers with a standard car. 

Which Is The Best Roadside Assistance Plan For Me?

The best roadside assistance company for you is out there. But which option is the best for your situation?

Here are some factors to consider when sifting through your roadside assistance options:

Cost Trade-Offs

Of course, you’ll need to decide how much you are willing to spend on a plan. If you want to spring for the best coverage, that could take a bite out of your budget. But if you are comfortable with a bare-bones plan, then your auto insurance company might offer an affordable add-on option. 

Get a free quote that includes roadside assistance to see how much it would impact your budget. 

Features

The right features will vary based on your driving habits. 

If you frequently take road trips, then trip interruption insurance can offer the peace of mind you need on the road. If you mostly stick close to home and within a few miles of a repair shop, then a limited number of miles of towing shouldn’t be a dealbreaker. 

Another factor to consider is how often you are on the road with other drivers. If you often travel with a family member, then you might want to get coverage that isn’t tied to your vehicle. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Roadside Assistance Plans

What’s Better Than AAA?

There are several reliable and affordable roadside assistance plans on the market. What’s better than AAA’s plan will depend on your preferences and budget. Take a look at the options outlined above to help you find the best option for you. 

Is Roadside Assistance Worth It?

Although it might be tempting to rely on good luck, it’s likely you’ll run into car trouble at some point. Roadside assistance coverage offers added peace of mind to busy drivers. If you get stuck on the side of the road, you know who to call for help. 

Does Using Roadside Assistance Increase Premium? 

If you opt for a roadside assistance plan through your insurer, it’s unlikely that your rate will go up if you need roadside assistance. 

Find Roadside Assistance Coverage Today

As a driver, a breakdown can quickly turn into an emergency situation without the right roadside assistance service at the ready. Luckily, many major auto insurance companies provide a streamlined option for car insurance with add-on roadside coverage. 

If you want the peace of mind offered by a basic plan, then see what your preferred insurance company is offering. Want to make sure you don’t overpay for car insurance? Take advantage of our free comparison tool. We can help you find the best rate in minutes.

Nick Versaw Managing Editor

Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in creating educational content about insurance and other related topics. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.