We compared roadside assistance services from different auto insurance carriers, clubs, manufacturers, and credit card companies.
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Roadside Assistance Companies
By checking the menu of features, services provided, and costs involved, we reviewed each provider’s roadside assistance. But before jumping on, let’s start from the basics!
What is the definition of Roadside Assistance?
This coverage is optional and will provide assistance if you get a flat tire, run out of gas, a tow or jump start, or lock yourself out of your car.
How does Roadside Assistance work?
Car insurance companies either partner up with an existing network of businesses to provide direct roadside assistance, or they arrange the services on the customer’s behalf.
When you call for roadside assistance, your insurance provider will dispatch the service provider that’s closest to you and appropriate for your situation, with no charge for the service.
What is included in Roadside Assistance?
1. Towing :
Towing service providers will take your car to the nearest mechanic up to a specified distance, depending on your insurer. If you need your vehicle towed past the limit set by your insurance company, you have to pay for the extra miles.
2. Flat tire change :
Flat-tire service professionals will replace your flat tire at the scene if you have your own space.
3. Fuel delivery :
Ran out of gas or fuel in the middle of the road? No problem. Fuel-delivery service can provide you with enough fuel to get you to the nearest gas station. Some insurance carriers charge you for the fuel, but the delivery service is free anyway.
4. Battery charge for electric cars :
Some insurers like Progressive offers to tow people with an electric vehicle anywhere within a 15-mile radius or to the nearest qualified charging facility if there isn’t one within 15 miles. You only have to pay for the cost of the charge.
5. Winching service :
If your car is trapped in mud, snow, water, or sand (within 100 feet of a road or highway), extrication or winching service with a motor-powered cable or chain will help you get out and on the road.
6. Battery jump-start :
If your car battery is dead, and you need a battery jump-start at the scene battery, jump-start service providers will restart your battery.
7. Locksmith service and lockout service :
If you lost your keys, or they got stolen, or you accidentally locked them inside your vehicle, lockout service will help you get into your car, typically by trying to unlock the car door using a pump wedge or a long-reach tool.
If those methods don’t work, your provider will call a locksmith.
The best companies for Roadside Assistance
Here’s an overlook at some of the most popular roadside assistance service providers, plus what each carrier includes on their roadside assistance service.
1. Progressive
By far, Progressive offers the best Roadside Assistance Plan at the lowest prices. Roadside Assistance from Progressive will only cost you $16.
When we say it’s the best, we’re not just saying it the BBB rated Progressive an A+ and the Roadside Assistance that Progressive designed for the policyholders include:
- Towing
- Winching
- Jump-start
- Fuel delivery
- Battery change
- Lockout service
- Flat tire change
- On-scene labor
Progressive, like all other insurance companies, has a limit on towing and policy. The towing service will tow you 15 miles or to the nearest repair shop, and the service limit varies by policy.
We actually have an article on Progressive’s Roadside Assistance. Check it out!!
Progressive Roadside Reimbursement
2. AAA
Roadside Assistance from AAA costs $38–$164. BBB rated AAA an A+, and their Roadside Assistance includes:
- Towing
- Flat tire change
- Jump-start
- Battery change
- Mechanical First Aid
- Winching
- Fuel delivery
- Locksmith service
- Identity Theft Protection
- Passport Photos
- Trip Planning
AAA limits on towing are to the nearest gas station, AAA-approved repair facility, or preferred mechanic, and you can only use this service up to 4 times per membership year.
3. Better World Club
Roadside Assistance from Better World Club costs $58-$98. BBB rated this company’s roadside assistance an A+ and their Roadside Assistance include:
- Battery jump-start
- Flat tire change
- Towing
- Lockout service
- Fuel delivery
- Trip routing
- Discounts on hotels
- Rental cars
- And more…
Policyholders can receive towing services up to 5 miles with the Basic Auto package or 100 miles with the Premium Auto package, with the limitation of 4 service calls per year.
4. USAA
Roadside Assistance that USAA offers would cost $14 on average. BBB rated this insurance carrier’s roadside assistance coverage A-. The coverage USAA offers include:
- Towing
- Lockout service
- Jump-start
- Flat tire change
- Fuel delivery
This insurance provider will tow your car to the nearest repair shop for you, and each time you call for service, they pay up to $100.
5. GEICO
The average cost of GEICO’s Roadside Assistance is $14, with an A+ rating from BBB. This insurer’s coverage includes:
- Towing
- Jump-start
- Flat tire change
- Lockout service
GEICO will only tow your car to the nearest repair shop, and you can only call them for roadside assistance service five times per year.
