Roadside assistance provides peace of mind when dealing with dead batteries, flat tires, lockouts, and unexpected breakdowns. But is it actually worth the yearly cost? Below, we break down roadside assistance costs, what various plans include, towing costs, and the best roadside assistance services in the United States to help you decided whether coverage makes sense for you.
Every year, millions of drivers experience roadside emergencies ranging from dead batteries and flat tires to mechanical breakdowns and lockouts.
In fact, AAA responds to more than 27 million roadside assistance calls annually, averaging roughly 52 roadside rescues every minute.
That's a whole lot of stranded drivers on the side of the road!
But with memberships often costing anywhere from $50 to $200 or more per year, many drivers are wondering: Is roadside assistance actually worth paying for, or is it cheaper to simply pay out of pocket when problems happen?
In the following guide, we’ll break down average roadside assistance costs, what roadside assistance plans include (and what they don't), how much towing costs without coverage, and the best roadside assistance services in the United States.
All to help you decide whether roadside assistance is worth it in your situation.
Average Roadside Assistance Costs & Key Statistics
Now, it's important to remember that roadside assistance pricing varies widely depending on coverage limits, towing distance, vehicle type, and other variables.
But on average, here's a roundup of what various roadside services cost.
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Basic roadside assistance memberships typically cost about $50–$80 per year.
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Mid-tier and premium plans often range from $80–$200+ annually, depending on distance, benefits, and RV coverage.
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Insurance-company roadside assistance add-ons are usually much cheaper, often costing only $10–$40 per year added onto an auto insurance policy.
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AAA basic roadside assistance memberships start around $50–$65 per year, depending on region and membership tier.
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GEICO Emergency Roadside Service can cost as little as $14 per year per vehicle as an insurance add-on.
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Some roadside assistance plans charge monthly instead of yearly, averaging roughly $5–$15 per month depending on coverage level.
Meanwhile, without coverage, a single roadside emergency can quickly become expensive:
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Local towing: $75–$125
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Long-distance towing: $150–$300+
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Difficult recoveries or heavy-duty towing: $500-$1000+
In many cases, insurance-company roadside assistance is significantly cheaper than standalone memberships. And it's good to know that there truly are affordable options available.
However, lower-cost plans often offer shorter towing distances, fewer annual service calls, longer response times and fewer travel-related benefits.
What Roadside Assistance Usually Includes
Most roadside assistance services include some combination of towing, battery jump starts, flat tire assistance, lockout services, fuel delivery, and vehicle recovery. While coverage details vary, many plans can save drivers hundreds of dollars during unexpected roadside emergencies.
Here's a look at what most roadside assistance services include:
Towing Services
If your vehicle breaks down and cannot be safely driven, roadside assistance may tow your vehicle to a repair shop, your home, a car dealership, or a nearby service center.
Towing is one of the biggest reasons drivers purchase roadside assistance coverage in the first place. Without coverage, towing costs can become surprisingly expensive very quickly.
Even a short local tow can cost $75 to $100 or more, where longer-distance tows or heavy-duty recoveries can easily cost several hundred dollars and upwards of a thousand of more.
Battery Jump Starts
Dead batteries are one of the most common roadside emergencies, especially during extremely hot or cold weather. Thankfully, most roadside assistance providers offer jump-start services for when your vehicle battery dies unexpectedly.
Without coverage, however, calling a tow truck or mobile roadside technician for a battery jump start will often cost $50–$100, or as much as $100–$200+ for late-night boosts or when you're stranded in a remote area.
In some cases, drivers may also face additional service fees if the car battery needs replacement or the battery has failed completely instead of simply being discharged.
This is one reason many drivers choose to carry portable jump starters inside their vehicles.
Flat Tire Assistance
Flat tires are another extremely common roadside emergency, especially during road trips or poor weather conditions. The good news is that most roadside assistance plans include help installing a spare tire, inflating a tire, or towing the vehicle if no spare is available.
Without roadside assistance, roadside tire service typically costs between $50 and $150 for a basic tire change. Costs can climb even higher if towing is required, or the emergency is during late-night hours.
Drivers without a usable spare tire often face the highest costs because the vehicle may need to be towed to a repair shop.
Lockout Assistance
Many roadside assistance plans include lockout services if you accidentally lock your keys inside your vehicle. This can be especially helpful for newer vehicles with electronic smart keys and advanced locking systems.
Without coverage, lockout services commonly cost $50 to $150 for a standard unlock, or as much as $150–$300+ for emergency after-hours service or for luxury vehicle unlocks.
Fuel Delivery
Not surprisingly, running out of fuel is another common reason drivers call roadside assistance providers, which is precisely why many plans include emergency fuel delivery services.
Without roadside assistance coverage, fuel delivery often costs between $50 and $100 or more for the service call alone, plus the cost of fuel, which usually is not included in the service cost.
Prices may also increase during overnight hours, severe weather, or in remote locations.
Winching and Extraction
If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow, mud, sand, or a ditch, some roadside assistance plans include limited winching and extraction services.
Without coverage, recovery and winching services can become very expensive. Basic winching often costs between $100 and $250, while more difficult recovery situations may easily exceed $300–$1,000+ depending on terrain, weather, and vehicle size.
It's also good to note that many cheaper, lower-tier roadside assistance plans exclude advanced off-road recoveries, potentially leaving drivers with significant out-of-pocket expenses if the find themselves stuck.
What Roadside Assistance Usually Does NOT Cover
Drivers often assume roadside assistance covers every possible vehicle problem, but most plans come with limitations and exclusions.
Coverage details vary by provider, so it’s important to understand what roadside assistance usually does NOT include before relying on it during an emergency.
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Major mechanical repairs — Roadside assistance may tow your vehicle, but it usually will not pay for actual repair work or replacement parts.
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Collision-related recovery — Accidents and crash recovery are often handled through auto insurance claims instead of roadside assistance plans.
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Off-road recoveries — Many providers will not recover vehicles stuck deep in mud, sand, trails, or inaccessible off-road areas.
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Long-distance towing beyond plan limits — Some plans only include a limited towing distance, with extra mileage billed separately.
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Tire replacement costs — Roadside assistance may install your spare tire, but it usually does not cover the cost of buying a new tire.
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New battery purchases — Jump-start services are commonly included, but battery replacement costs are often extra.
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Fuel costs — Fuel delivery service may be covered, but drivers usually still pay for the fuel itself.
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Commercial vehicle recovery — Many personal roadside assistance plans exclude work trucks, commercial vans, or fleet vehicles.
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Repeated service abuse — Excessive roadside assistance claims within a short period may lead to denied service or membership restrictions.
Some roadside assistance providers may also deny service if your vehicle is located in dangerous or inaccessible areas, including flood zones, deep mud, severe snowbanks, construction zones, or remote off-road trails.
It’s also important to understand that some roadside assistance plans cover the member regardless of which vehicle they are in, while others only cover a specifically registered vehicle.
In other words, certain memberships provide assistance even if you're riding in or driving a friend’s car, while lower-tier or vehicle-specific plans may not.
Best Roadside Assistance Plans & Services Compared
AAA Roadside Assistance
Founded in 1902, AAA (American Automobile Association) is one of the largest roadside assistance organizations in North America, with more than 60 million members.
AAA handles over 27 million roadside assistance calls each year and is known for its large towing network, travel discounts, and broad emergency coverage.
The provider offers several membership tiers that vary by region, including Classic, Plus, and Premier plans.
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Classic memberships generally start around $65 per year and include services like towing, battery jump starts, flat tire assistance, lockout services, and fuel delivery.
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Plus plans commonly cost around $100 annually and offer longer towing distances
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Premier plans often range from $125–$140 per year and may include one 200-mile tow, trip interruption protection, and additional travel perks.
One major advantage of AAA is that coverage usually follows the member rather than a specific vehicle, meaning members are often covered even when driving a rental car or riding with someone else.
Progressive Roadside Assistance
Progressive offers one of the cheapest roadside assistance options when bundled with an auto insurance policy.
Instead of operating as a standalone membership club like AAA, Progressive provides roadside assistance as an insurance add-on, making it especially appealing for drivers looking for inexpensive emergency coverage.
Costs vary, but typically range from roughly $15–$60 per year depending on the driver, vehicle, and state.
However, unlike AAA coverage generally applies only to vehicles listed on the insurance policy rather than following the driver personally.
GEICO Emergency Roadside Service
GEICO Emergency Roadside Service is another low-cost roadside assistance option commonly used by budget-conscious drivers and owners of older vehicles. GEICO is one of the largest auto insurers in the United States and offers roadside assistance as a policy add-on.
Coverage typically includes towing, tire changes, jump starts, lockout services, and fuel delivery.
One of GEICO’s biggest advantages is affordability, with roadside assistance coverage sometimes costing as little as $14–$20 annually per vehicle. But like most insurance-based plans, coverage is usually tied to the insured vehicle rather than the individual driver.
Allstate Motor Club
Allstate Motor Club offers more traditional membership-style roadside assistance plans with several coverage tiers and travel-related benefits. Unlike Progressive and GEICO, Allstate memberships may cover the member regardless of which vehicle they are driving.
Depending on the plan, coverage may include roadside assistance, trip interruption protection, travel discounts, identity theft protection, and extended towing distances.
Membership costs vary, but commonly range from roughly $70 to over $180 per year depending on plan, coverage level and included perks.
Better World Club
Founded in 2002, Better World Club markets itself as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional roadside assistance providers. The company focuses on sustainable practices while still offering many of the same emergency services as larger competitors.
Memberships include towing, bicycle roadside assistance, RV coverage, and fuel delivery services.
Annual membership costs typically range from about $63–$115 depending on towing limits and coverage level.
OnStar
OnStar is a subscription-based roadside assistance and connected vehicle service available primarily in GM vehicles, which include Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick models.
Unlike traditional roadside assistance providers, OnStar integrates emergency support directly into the vehicle through built-in communication systems. The provider's services include automatic crash response, remote diagnostics, navigation support, emergency assistance, and roadside assistance coordination.
Plans commonly range from roughly $15–$50 per month depending on included features. While OnStar provides advanced vehicle connectivity and convenience, subscription costs are often significantly higher than traditional roadside assistance memberships.
The Best Alternatives to Roadside Assistance Plans & Car Insurance Companies
While nothing truly replaces the reliability that comes with having high-quality roadside assistance, there are a few other options that some drivers might find more appealing.
Credit Card Perks
Some credit cards also offer roadside assistance benefits. Coverage may include towing, jump starts, tire changes, lockout assistance, and fuel delivery.
There are several U.S. cards, including select Chase Sapphire, Capital One Venture, and American Express cards, that offer roadside assistance programs.
However, coverage limits and service fees vary, so drivers should review their card’s current benefits before relying on it for emergencies.
Pay-Per-Use Providers
For drivers who rarely travel long distances or only drive occasionally, pay-per-use roadside assistance may sometimes be the cheapest option.
Instead of paying yearly fees, some drivers may prefer to simply call a tow truck or roadside service provider when problems happen.
While a single service call can cost anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars, infrequent drivers may still spend less overall compared to maintaining an annual roadside assistance plan.
Building Your Own DIY Roadside Emergency Kit
Drivers can also reduce dependence on roadside assistance services by keeping emergency tools and supplies inside their vehicles.
While a DIY roadside emergency kit does not replace professional towing or recovery services, it can help drivers handle smaller problems without waiting for a tow truck.
And since dead batteries are one of the most common reasons people end up calling roadside assistance, we strongly encourage all drivers to keep a portable jump starters on hand.
Best Roadside Assistance by Use Case
The best roadside assistance provider often depends on your vehicle, driving habits, budget, and how frequently you travel. While some plans focus on affordability, others prioritize towing distance, travel perks, or specialized coverage for RVs and families.
Best for Families
AAA is often considered one of the best roadside assistance options for families due to its large nationwide service network, travel discounts, and flexible membership options. Many AAA plans also cover the member rather than a specific vehicle, which is useful for households with multiple drivers.
Best for RV Owners
AAA and Better World Club both offer RV-specific roadside assistance options, including larger towing allowances and coverage designed for motorhomes and trailers. This can be especially important since RV towing and recovery costs are often much higher than standard passenger vehicles.
Best for Older Vehicles
GEICO and Progressive roadside assistance add-ons may provide affordable protection for older vehicles that are more likely to experience dead batteries, electrical issues, flat tires, or mechanical breakdowns. Their low yearly costs can make them appealing for drivers seeking basic emergency coverage.
Best for Budget Drivers
Insurance-company roadside assistance plans are often significantly cheaper than standalone memberships. Providers like GEICO and Progressive may offer basic roadside coverage for as little as a few dollars per month when bundled with auto insurance.
Best for Frequent Travelers
Drivers who regularly travel long distances may benefit most from higher-tier plans that include extended towing distances, trip interruption coverage, and travel-related perks. Allstate and AAA Premier plans are often popular among road trip travelers for this reason.
Best for Infrequent Travelers
For infrequent drivers, pay-per-use roadside services and carrying emergency tools like portable jump starters can sometimes be the most cost-effective option, helping reduce yearly membership costs while still providing protection during occasional roadside emergencies.
Final Takeaway - Is It Worth It To Purchase Roadside Assistance?
Ultimately, roadside assistance can absolutely be worth the cost for many drivers.
Roadside assistance provides valuable peace of mind and can potentially save you hundreds of dollars during unexpected breakdowns, flat tires, dead batteries, or towing situations.
However, whether roadside assistance is truly worth the cost depends on your vehicle reliability, driving habits, emergency preparedness, and how often you travel.
For many drivers, even a single roadside emergency can cost more than an entire year of coverage. So it can be well-worth it to have roadside assistance coverage.
At the same time, drivers who are well-prepared with emergency tools or those who rarely drive long distances may find that lower-cost alternatives or DIY roadside emergency kits make more financial sense.
FAQ - Should You Get Roadside Assistance?
Is roadside assistance worth paying for?
For many drivers, roadside assistance can absolutely be worth the cost. A single tow, lockout service, jump start, or roadside recovery can easily cost more than an entire year of coverage. However, whether roadside assistance makes financial sense depends on your driving habits, vehicle reliability, and emergency preparedness level.
What does roadside assistance usually cover?
Most roadside assistance plans commonly include towing, battery jump starts, flat tire assistance, lockout services, fuel delivery, and limited winching or extraction services. Coverage limits and towing distances vary between providers and membership tiers.
What does roadside assistance usually NOT cover?
Roadside assistance typically does not cover major mechanical repairs, collision-related recovery, off-road recoveries, new tires, new car batteries, fuel costs, or towing beyond plan mileage limits. Some providers may also deny service in dangerous or inaccessible locations.
How much does roadside assistance cost?
Basic roadside assistance memberships typically cost about $50–$80 per year, while premium plans can range from $80–$200+ annually. Insurance-company roadside assistance add-ons are often much cheaper, sometimes costing only $10–$40 per year.
How much does a tow truck cost without roadside assistance?
Without coverage, local towing often costs between $75 and $125, while long-distance towing or difficult recoveries can easily cost several hundred dollars or more. Heavy-duty towing and off-road recovery situations may exceed $1,000 in some cases.
Is AAA better than insurance roadside assistance?
AAA often provides broader coverage, longer towing distances, travel discounts, and coverage that follows the member rather than the vehicle. Insurance-company roadside assistance plans are usually cheaper but may offer fewer benefits and more limited coverage.
Do roadside assistance plans cover rental cars or other people’s vehicles?
Some memberships, including many AAA and Allstate plans, may cover the member regardless of which vehicle they are driving or riding in. However, many insurance-company roadside assistance plans only cover vehicles specifically listed on the policy.
Is roadside assistance included with car insurance?
Some auto insurance companies offer roadside assistance as an optional add-on to your policy. Providers like GEICO and Progressive commonly offer inexpensive roadside assistance coverage for an additional yearly fee.
Do credit cards offer roadside assistance?
Yes. Some credit cards offer roadside assistance benefits, including towing, jump starts, lockout services, and fuel delivery. However, coverage limits, reimbursement rules, and service fees vary significantly depending on the card provider.
What is the cheapest roadside assistance option?
Insurance-company roadside assistance add-ons are often the cheapest option, sometimes costing only a few dollars per month. For drivers who rarely travel or drive infrequently, pay-per-use roadside assistance may also be more cost-effective than maintaining a yearly membership.
Can I build my own roadside emergency kit?
Yes. Many drivers carry emergency roadside tools such as portable jump starters, tire inflators, flashlights, repair tape, tire repair kits, emergency blankets, and first aid supplies. While these tools do not replace towing or recovery services, they can help drivers handle smaller roadside emergencies themselves.