Roadside Assistance Towing – What’s the Limit?

How far does roadside assistance tow?

While we have seen a decrease in traffic fatalities, it is still imperative to exercise caution when on the roadside. This is why roadside assistance is a great asset for all vehicle operators!. Picture this: You’re rushing over to the next town. Maybe it’s for a family reunion, or a convention you’ve planned for months, or maybe it’s just your daily commute to work. Out on the interstate, you’re driving for miles, and then, out in the middle of nowhere, your vehicle dies. Maybe you’re out of gas; maybe you blew a tire; or maybe it’s something even more severe! Either way, you’re stuck far from home, and you need help.

When you’re stranded on the side of the road with a car that won’t budge, the value of roadside assistance becomes crystal clear. But how far will roadside assistance tow your vehicle? Down the block? Across town? What if you’re miles away from home? As a car enthusiast who’s been there, done that, and fixed it, let me walk you through everything you need to know about roadside assistance, towing distances, coverage, and how to make the most of these services. Whether you’re considering adding roadside coverage or looking for the best plan, this guide will make it all clear.

What Is Roadside Assistance?

24/7 Roadside assistance is a service designed to help drivers deal with common car-related issues that happen while on the road at any time of the day or night. Think of it as your personal car guru in times of trouble. Services vary based on the company through whom you use roadside assistance, but generally, they are a catch-all for any kind of problem you need solved on the road immediately. After calling, roadside assistance will dispatch a technician to you to help solve your problem.

Any immediate roadside assistance will offer a towing service so you can haul your broken-down vehicle to whatever destination you need, typically the nearest repair shop.

But if your problem is simpler, then they may be able to get you going on the spot. 

For example, if you have a flat tire, roadside assistance will be able to replace your spare for you, as long as you own a spare tire. Alternatively, they can tow you to the nearest shop to have your tire replaced. If your battery dies, they can jump it so you can get yourself to the nearest auto shop. If your keys are locked inside your car, they can provide remote or onsite unlocking services to get you back inside your vehicle. They can even spot you on fuel if you happen to run out of gas!

If you’re in an emergency situation on the road that isn’t life threatening, your best option is to call for roadside assistance. Odds are, there is something they can do to help.

How Can I Get Roadside Assistance?

To get access to roadside assistance, step zero is to have a reliable roadside assistance provider. Accidents and emergencies can happen anytime to anyone, so don’t get left out in the lurch because you were unprepared.  If your roadside assistance program has a mobile app, it would be convenient to download that app in advance and become familiar with the workings so that placing a service request is simple and easy. 

If you have roadside assistance and you need service now, pause and take a breath. Relax. Then first, contact your provider. You can either call the customer service phone number or, if they have an app, report the incident in the application.

Share details

After you get a hold of a representative, or when you begin the report in the app, be specific about the issue you’re experiencing, and the kind of assistance you will need. Being clear and concise can help your roadside assistance get you the service you need quicker, and will adequately prepare your service technician for the work required.

The last piece of information you will need to provide is your location. If you are using an app, this is made incredibly easy by the use of GPS: Simply allow your application to know your GPS data, and the service technician will know your precise location. On call with a rep? Tell them your address if you know it, or the nearest landmarks if you don’t. If you’ve broken down on the interstate, for example, stating your nearest mile markers and whether you are north or south bound (or east or west bound) is sufficient. Roadside assistance can come to your place of work or home if need be, depending on where your car that is experiencing issues is located.

And that’s it! From there, all you have to do is wait for your service technician to arrive with the help you need.

How Far Does Roadside Assistance Tow?

Roadside assistance services will generally offer different tiers of coverage depending on your financial and service needs. 

Basic

Basic Roadside Assistance Plans generally include between 5 and 10 miles of towing range from the point of your incident. This kind of plan is perfect for inner-city drivers with short commutes who very infrequently travel long distances. Additionally, if you don’t have a preferred repair shop, then even out on the open road, you can be towed to a local repair shop for the quick fixes you need. Most auto insurances include a basic roadside assistance package, so if this is all you need, check with your insurance provider! They may already be able to get you out of a bind. Here at DriveSmart auto, this would be included in our basic Roadside plan.

Mid-Tier

Mid-Tier Coverage plans may include up to 50 miles of towing. If you live in a rural area, or frequently travel to rural areas, then the repair shop you need may be quite a bit farther away. This plan is perfect for the extra boost you may need to get to the next repair shop, or even your preferred shop if it is in range. Many auto insurance companies offer upgraded plans with these features, but they may cost a bit more in fees. 

Premium

Premium Membership Plans can include between 100–200 miles of towing, or even further in some cases. This is the perfect plan for wanderers on the open road who love to travel and never know where they might find themselves. Additionally, for specialty vehicles like RVs and motorcycles, where repair shops may be farther and fewer between, the extra mileage can help you get to the appropriate shop no matter where you are. This would be included in DriveSmart’s Roadside Plus package.

Ultimately, roadside assistance coverage puts out more assistance the more you put in. While higher tier packages may be more expensive, they offer more flexibility, more coverage, and more bonus benefits. Pick the plan that best suits your needs.

What Does Roadside Assistance Cover?

Roadside assistance can include a lot of coverage, but the actual offerings do vary by provider. Most plans will include the basics of what we have discussed already: towing up to a certain mileage, flat tire replacement, jumping dead batteries, and fuel delivery. However, benefits often extend beyond what can be done in the moment for your vehicle.

If your road trip is interrupted by a breakdown and you’re far from home, then roadside assistance often provides discounts for car rental and lodging, as well as concierge services. This is especially true of higher tier memberships. That way, no matter where you break down, you have nothing to worry about. Some plans may offer additional services, like discounts and onsite mechanical experts!

All of DriveSmart’s fundamental roadside services are included in its basic plan. With this plan, you get 10 miles of towing, onsite emergency services, and access to concierge services and rental discounts, as well as a host of other exclusive discounts. If you’re in need of the extra boost, then the Roadside Plus plan also includes a mobile mechanic who can get you out of even the toughest situations in a maintenance emergency on the road.

How Much Does Roadside Assistance Cost?

The cost of roadside assistance depends on how you access it and with whom your service is through. Most auto insurances provide roadside assistance at the cost of an additional $15 to $30 per year, but they generally only provide basic roadside services.

Membership plans with roadside assistance providers will generally provide more advanced services, and will charge more accordingly. For those services, you can usually expect to pay between $50 and $200 per year.

Additionally, there are non-membership roadside assistance programs which function on an on-demand basis. These programs don’t require you to pay membership fees, but will instead charge you for each assistance request, and those requests can cost you upwards of $100 at a time. 

Non-membership services with on-demand pricing provide a punishing price tag. Nothing is worse than having a personal crisis and then having to shell out hundreds of dollars to solve it on the spot. Even having basic roadside assistance services would be healthier for you in the long run, especially considering the chaos on the road.

When Can I Use Roadside Assistance?

Roadside assistance is available whenever you’re on the road—day or night. Most providers, like Progressive roadside assistance, offer 24/7 service to ensure you’re never stranded for long. Whether you’re dealing with a side road assistance issue or need towing in the middle of nowhere, help is just a call away.

Get More with Membership Plans

Already have a roadside assistance membership but looking to get more out of it? Consider upgrading to a premium roadside assistance plan. Premium services offer several perks, including extended towing distances, coverage for specialty vehicles like motorcycles, RVs, and boats, and concierge benefits in case you’re stranded far from home.

Membership plans like those from AAA or DriveSmart offer more robust services, including discounts, exclusive offers, and roadside breakdown assistance tailored to frequent travelers.

Do I Need Roadside Assistance?

Now, I know what you’re thinking. You’re a safe driver with an impeccable maintenance schedule on your vehicle. You’re always topped off on fuel, and you definitely never forget your keys in your car. I’m the same way. But you can never expect what’s going to happen out on the road. Things beyond your control may break down your vehicle, and without roadside assistance, you don’t have the safety net you need to get back on the road. Roadside assistance offers the peace of mind you need to drive with confidence.

Roadside assistance is cost saving too! If you need a towing service without roadside assistance, local towers can charge you hundreds of dollars just to move your vehicle. With roadside assistance, it costs you nothing more than the membership you already pay.

Finally, roadside assistance is convenient! You don’t have to worry about what might happen on the road, and you don’t need any tools yourself. You can simply call, and a technician will help you wherever you are. Doesn’t get more convenient than that, right?

It might seem like you’re saving money by not getting roadside assistance. It might seem like you won’t need it. But when you think about the consequences of even simple incidents on the road, it’s clear that even basic roadside assistance is better than nothing. It saves you money, it saves you heartache, and it saves you worry. 

Join the DriveSmart Network Today

Roadside assistance isn’t just about towing—it’s about freedom, safety, and enjoying the open road with confidence. With DriveSmart, you unlock access to top-tier roadside services, personalized assistance, and exclusive offers designed for car lovers like you. We have a powerful application that can get you in touch with technicians sooner when you’re on the road. 

We love driving on the road, but that doesn’t make it any less of a crazy and chaotic space. Anything can happen on the road, especially when we are least prepared for it. Stay safe out there, and remember: a smooth ride starts with the right coverage!

Ready to drive smarter? Join today and enjoy peace of mind with every journey. Click here to learn more and become a part of a network that’s always there when you need it. We have basic plans for safe drivers with tight wallets, and premium plans for those in need of more comprehensive coverage.