(800) 253-1482Best Emergency Roadside Assistance
Summary: Roadside assistance offers help with flat tires, fuel delivery, lockouts, and towing to nearby repair shops when needed. Coverage varies by provider and some plans cover longer towing distances or fuel delivery, though fuel costs may apply. Services usually include spare tire installation or winching for stuck vehicles. Monthly costs range from $5 to $25, depending on provider and location. Frequent claims can impact premiums, so it’s wise to use this service only during emergencies. Comparing providers helps you find the best emergency roadside assistance for your needs and budget. Many plans cover rental cars, and following rental company guidelines helps avoid extra fees. Though it varies by coverage and carrier, most policies allow using roadside assistance for other vehicles with certain conditions, so knowing your options is important for a smooth experience. Estimated Read Time: 13 mins
It doesn’t matter how well you prepare, if you drive long enough, you’re likely going to need roadside assistance at some point.
Offered by many auto insurance companies, having emergency roadside assistance is a great addition to any policy for not only peace of mind but as a viable way to get you back on the road should disaster strike.
Drivers have plenty of options and we’re looking at some of the best roadside assistance options available.
What Does Roadside Assistance Cover?
Roadside assistance is a true lifesaver when you find yourself stranded, offering essential services to help get your car back on the road.
If your vehicle breaks down and becomes inoperable, emergency roadside assistance can tow it to a qualified repair facility.
Just keep in mind that the coverage varies among policies and brands. For example, you may have fuel delivery with one brand but not another, or, one company may offer towing up to ten miles while another to the nearest shop.
Furthermore, while roadside assistance can deliver fuel—typically up to three gallons—to get you to the nearest gas station, you might have to pay for the fuel itself, depending on your specific plan.
Roadside assistance will also help you if you catch a flat, including putting your spare tire on to get you back on the road.
If you lock yourself your of your vehicle, your coverage is also available to help you unlock it to avoid sitting around.
Additionally, sometimes vehicles get stuck. If you need winching services, your roadside assistance coverage can help you get out of a jam and move your vehicle to safety.
How Much Is Roadside Assistance?
The cost of roadside assistance depends on factors such as the provider, coverage level, location, and services offered.
Many auto insurance companies provide it as an add-on for $5 to $25 per month, with the final price varying based on your needs.
It's important to compare options and consider your driving habits when selecting the right coverage for you.
Here at Freedom Insurance Group, we represent many different brands that provide your car roadside assistance through affordable policies.
Below, we’re breaking down most of these carriers and the features they offer drivers.
If you’d like to explore your options, compare rates, and save 40% on your premiums like our average customer, feel free to use our auto insurance quote tool for an accurate look at how much you’d pay for liability coverage, roadside assistance, and more:
Does Using Roadside Assistance Increase Premium?
Roadside assistance claims count as insurance claims, but the penalties for filing them can differ based on state regulations.
This means that what applies in one state might not apply in another, so it's essential to be informed about your local laws.
If you find yourself filing multiple claims in a short timeframe, some insurance companies may increase your rates, however, if you don’t submit too many claims, it’s not something you should likely worry about.
Insurers consider the frequency, severity, and fault of each claim when determining how to adjust your premiums.
Frequent roadside assistance claims can signal to insurers that your vehicle may not be in great shape, potentially affecting their view of your claims and leading to further scrutiny regarding your coverage.
Many policyholders are hesitant to use roadside assistance due to fear of penalties, but this reluctance can be counterproductive. After all, you’ve already paid for this coverage, so it makes sense to use it when needed.
Roadside assistance is a great safety net for emergencies, and with responsible usage, you’ll save money in the long run.
Finding the Best Roadside Assistance
While having roadside assistance may not be the core of your policy, it’s still important to explore and compare your options.
Freedom Insurance Group only works with top-rated auto insurance companies, capable of offering quality, affordable products that you can trust.
Below are some of the many brands we are proud to partner with but it’s not a comprehensive list. To learn more about all of your options, ask an agent by clicking the link or calling the number above:
Allstate
As one of the biggest names in insurance, it’s no surprise that Allstate offers roadside assistance for its policyholders.
This includes a variety of services, such as towing, jump-starting your battery, helping you when you’re locked out, or assisting with flat tires.
Available 24/7, it’s an easy service to use, as you can access these services right from your phone.
Furthermore, there are three different options for Allstate customers including annual membership plans and pay-per-use services.
If you are a member, you can even use your emergency roadside care when you’re a passenger in another vehicle.
- 24/7 Availability: Yes
- Usage: Up to 5 Times per Year
- Towing: Yes
- Repairs: Tire Changes and Jump Starts
- Fuel Delivery: Yes
Bristol West
Bristol West offers roadside assistance, which covers various emergencies like flat tires, lockouts, battery issues, and other mechanical troubles.
You can have access to towing services 24/7, jumpstarts, fuel delivery, locksmith services, and you can even have your flat tires handled on the road.
If you do not wish to have full roadside assistance, Bristol West also offers a towing and labor service, where you can select a service provider of your choice, use them, and get reimbursed through a claim.
It’s important to remember that this coverage does not extend to other vehicles and only applies to the vehicle on your policy.
- 24/7 Availability: Yes
- Usage: Varies by Policy
- Towing: Yes
- Repairs: Tire Changes and Jump Starts
- Fuel Delivery: Yes
GAINSCO
If you’re a high-risk driver, chances are, you might find your options to be a bit limited, however, even if you have an SR-22 policy, roadside assistance is available.
GAINSCO provides tow services, covering $50, $75, or $100 worth of towing after an accident if your vehicle can’t be driven.
Furthermore, you can use your coverage to pay for the cost of renting a vehicle while your car is still in the shop following a wreck.
- 24/7 Availability: No
- Usage: N/A
- Towing: Yes
- Repairs: No
- Fuel Delivery: No
GEICO
When your car lets you down, GEICO Emergency Road Service is ready to help get you back on the road.
Coverage includes towing to the nearest repair facility, battery jump starts, tire changes if you have a spare, and lockout services up to $100 if you lock your keys in the car.
You can also get help if your vehicle is stuck near a public road through winching services, and there is also fuel delivery available—all with no out-of-pocket cost for individual services.
GEICO’s Roadside Assistance covers standard vehicles like cars and trucks, but we also offer separate options for motorcycles, boats, and RVs.
The GEICO Mobile app makes getting roadside help easier than ever. You can request assistance in just two minutes, available 24/7 with GPS tracking to find your location and a service tracker to keep you updated until help arrives.
- 24/7 Availability: Yes
- Usage: N/A
- Towing: Yes
- Repairs: Tires and Jumpstarts
- Fuel Delivery: Yes
Infinity
The Infinity DriverClub offers free 24/7 roadside assistance membership, where you only pay for services when you need them and even non-policyholders can also join.
If your car breaks down, towing services can take it to the nearest repair shop. In cases of a dead battery, help is available to jumpstart your vehicle so you can continue your journey.
For flat tires, roadside assistance can save the day by handling the replacement for you, which can be especially helpful if you’re short on tools or experience.
Alleviate some of the stress of running out of gas, as fuel delivery ensures you won’t be stranded without a way to refuel.
Finally, in those moments when you accidentally lock yourself out, lockout assistance can get you back into your car quickly.
- 24/7 Availability: Yes
- Usage: N/A
- Towing: Yes, Up to $50
- Repairs: Tires and Jumpstarts
- Fuel Delivery: Yes
National General
National General's roadside assistance offers essential support across the U.S., helping with everything from towing to battery jump-starts. Whether you're stuck with a flat tire or locked out of your car, this service has you covered.
For immediate help, simply call the National General Motor Club, available 24/7, and you'll receive help when you need it the most, day or night.
The program includes a range of services, such as unlimited towing to the nearest repair facility, fuel delivery, tire changes, and winching if you’re stuck in mud or snow.
Best of all, the National General Motor Club is not only open to National General customers but is also available to other drivers, regardless of your auto insurance carrier.
- 24/7 Availability: Yes
- Usage: Varies
- Towing: Yes
- Repairs: Tires
- Fuel Delivery: Yes
Progressive
Progressive’s 24/7 roadside assistance is a great additional coverage that offers a variety of services that help you handle unexpected vehicle issues, including towing, jumpstarts, fuel delivery, and more.
Provided through Agero, Progressive’s service is trusted by over 80 million drivers across the U.S.
Roadside assistance through Progressive covers cars, but can also include protectionfor motorcycles, RVs, and some towing vehicles, offering wide-ranging support no matter your ride.
Trip interruption coverage, where available, covers food, lodging, and travel expenses if you experience a breakdown far from home for even more protection while out on the road.
The towing service includes a 15-mile radius, but you can opt for a farther repair location by covering the rest of the trip.
Electric car owners can have their vehicle towed to the nearest charging facility, with costs applying only to the charge itself.
Winching service is available to help when your vehicle is stuck in mud, snow, water, or sand, as long as it’s within 100 feet of a road.
Furthermore, there are also jumpstart and fuel delivery services available when needed.
Lockout assistance includes dispatching a locksmith to help if keys are lost, stolen, or locked inside, but you will have to cover the cost of replacing your key.
Finally, if you need repairs, Progressive offers man great options, including flat tire change and up to an hour of on-scene labor.
- 24/7 Availability: Yes
- Usage: Varies By Policy
- Towing: Yes (15 Miles)
- Repairs: Tires, Jumpstarts, Minor Repairs (1 Hour of Labor)
- Fuel Delivery: Yes (Must Pay for Fuel)
Safeco
Safeco’s roadside assistance offers 24/7 support, accessible directly through their mobile app.
If you break down, they’ll dispatch a tow truck to the nearest service station to get you moving again. For flat tires, Safeco can help with spare tire installation or a quick air refill.
They also provide jumpstart services for dead batteries to keep you from being stranded.
Furthermore, if you run low on essentials like gas or radiator fluid, they’ll deliver what you need so you’re ready to continue safely.
Drivers can also enjoy locksmith services if they are locked out of their vehicle, to quickly regain access.
- 24/7 Availability: Yes
- Usage: Two Times per Six Months or Four Times per Year
- Towing: Yes
- Repairs: Tires, Jumpstarts, Minor Repairs
- Fuel Delivery: Yes
Texas Ranger
The key to remember about roadside assistance from Texas Ranger is that it specializes in helping drivers who are renting vehicles.
Furthermore, since it’s a complement to rental reimbursement insurance, which is only available for use after covering a claim but not for vacations or travel, you may find your options a bit limited.
Still, drivers receive help with dead batteries, a certain amount of towing coverage, and help if you lock your keys inside the vehicle.
- 24/7 Availability: Yes
- Usage: While Renting a Vehicle
- Towing: Yes
- Repairs: Tires, Jumpstarts, Minor Repairs
- Fuel Delivery: Yes
The General
The General offers its roadside assistance by collaborating with Nation Safe Drivers (NSD).
This is a 24/7 roadside assistance available throughout the U.S. and Canada, covering towing up to 15 miles, jumpstart, and even minor repairs---such as fixing your starter or alternator.
If you run out of fuel, they’ll bring gasoline, water, oil, or other supplies, helping you safely reach the nearest gas station. Help when you've locked out your vehicle is also available, as are tire services.
Members can use this service up to five times per year, though there are some limits on how frequently you can call.
Furthermore, if your car is being repaired due to an accident, you'll receive rental car reimbursement of up to $15 per day for five days, so you can stay mobile while waiting for your car to be fixed.
- 24/7 Availability: Yes
- Usage: Up to 5 Times per Year
- Towing: Yes, Up to 15 Miles Free
- Repairs: Tires, Jumpstarts, Minor Repairs
- Fuel Delivery: Yes
Travelers
Simply put, the roadside assistance options from Travelers are arguably some of the most attractive, for multiple reasons, but especially because there are so many options available.
For example, basic and premier 24-hour coverage options both provide towing, however, while standard coverage includes a decent 15 miles of towing, Traveler's Premier Roadside Assistance extends this up to 100 miles.
Services include jump-starts, fuel delivery, flat tire changes, and lockout assistance, available at any time, depending on your coverage and you have the option to use an independent towing service and request reimbursement if you prefer.
The Premier package adds trip interruption coverage, offering up to $200 daily (max $600) for meals and lodging if your vehicle is out of commission while you are more than 100 miles from home for over 24 hours.
Premier Roadside Assistance also includes personal property coverage, which replaces stolen or damaged belongings up to $500.
You can easily access help online from your phone making it a convenient, important consideration for all drivers.
- 24/7 Availability: Yes
- Usage: Up to 8 Times per Year
- Towing: Yes, Up to 15 or 100 Miles (Depending on Your Plan)
- Repairs: Yes but You’ll Need to Cover the Cost of Parts
- Fuel Delivery: Yes
Do You Tip Roadside Assistance?
When it comes to tipping roadside assistance providers, a thoughtful gesture can go a long way. Though it’s not mandatory, tips between $5 and $20 depending on the services are generally seen as a kind way to say thanks.
If the service provided was particularly challenging or required extra effort, a higher tip may be more appropriate.
Additionally, the courtesy and professionalism of the staff can also influence your decision.
It's worth noting that not all towing or roadside service personnel are allowed to accept tips, so it's a good idea to check their policy before offering one.
Regardless, expressing your gratitude through a tip can be a meaningful way to recognize the help you receive during stressful situations.
Does Roadside Assistance Cover Rental Cars?
You need to check your policy to see if you have coverage for rental vehicles that break down, as roadside assistance varies but many will provide protection.
If you have a comprehensive emergency roadside assistance plan, the rental company will likely require you to tow the vehicle to a specific nearby location.
By doing so, you’ll be able to receive your replacement vehicle sooner, the rental company can fix their vehicle in the fastest way possible, and it’s an overall best-case scenario for all parties facing unfortunate circumstances.
In critical situations, such as being near water or facing a fire, prioritize your safety and call for help immediately.
When renting a vehicle, always follow proper procedures for towing, because if you don’t follow the guidelines of your rental service, you could forgo reimbursement for any expenses as a result.
Unauthorized towing might also lead to extra costs for the rental company based on your rental agreement, so understanding these terms is important to avoid complications.
Familiarizing yourself with your rental agreement is essential for effectively responding to emergencies without additional stress.
Can I Use My Roadside Assistance for Another Car?
Most insurance companies link the roadside assistance program to the policyholder rather than a specific vehicle.
This means you can typically use your plan to help someone else’s car, whether you're driving a rental, borrowing a friend's ride, or simply riding with someone as a passenger.
However, there are some restrictions to keep in mind when using your roadside assistance for another person's vehicle:
- Many companies do not provide reimbursement for services rendered to third parties
- Some plans may only cover assistance for the registered owner of the car being helped, so remember to check your policy.
- The policyholder must consent to have the vehicle towed, and they may also need to show proof of ownership and/or identification for the vehicle receiving help.
- You may also need to keep the towing company's contact information ready throughout the process to verify everything with your carrier.
If you meet these requirements, you can confidently use your roadside assistance plan for another vehicle, so long as your policy permits it.
