24-Hour Roadside Assistance: How Much Does It Cost?

Car insurance – or, at least, liability insurance – is a legal necessity for drivers in the United States. While the aim of insurance is to provide a safety net when emergencies happen, the legal reason for it is to cover liabilities in case you are at fault. Still, when it comes down to it, car insurance can help when sudden and catastrophic repairs are necessary on your vehicle. On the other hand, roadside assistance is often equally valuable to drivers, but you are not required to have a roadside assistance plan. So, the big question then is: how much does roadside assistance cost, and is it worth it to have?

If you’ve ever been stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire, dead battery, or engine trouble, you might wish you had roadside assistance. But you may not know whether or not it is worth it to have, considering how infrequent these kinds of mishaps are. Whether you’re looking for affordable roadside assistance or a comprehensive membership plan, this guide will break it all down. As a car enthusiast and vehicle advice guru, I’m here to help you find the best options to keep you covered. All without breaking the bank.

Need Immediate Roadside Assistance?

Roadside assistance isn’t something you need often, but it is something you need fast. You never need roadside assistance when you have nowhere better to be, after all. You’re going somewhere, and you need to be there quickly; otherwise, you wouldn’t be driving! Whether that’s a trip to the store or the commute to or from work or a scenic roadtrips, you have to be somewhere. This is where 24-hour roadside assistance steps in. But just because you may need it doesn’t mean you believe it’s worth it, so let’s start by looking at the dollar cost.

The good news is that there are a variety of options to suit every budget and every level of need. Whether you’re a cautious driver who rarely faces emergencies and just needs affordable coverage for the occasional mishap, or you’re looking for a premium service that offers comprehensive coverage and the luxury feel of celebrity treatment, there’s a plan designed just for you.

This article will provide a simple cost-benefit analysis of different kinds of roadside assistance, but if you’re thinking “I need roadside assistance now”, don’t wait. If you have a roadside assistance membership, call your provider. If you don’t, look for the nearest towing company with good reviews. Make sure to stay safe out there.

Your Reliable Roadside Back-Up Plan

Having a backup plan can make all the difference when you’re stuck in a tough spot. Whether you’re dealing with a flat tire, a dead battery, or an unexpected breakdown, being prepared can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration. That’s why it’s important to consider the different options available to ensure you’re covered in case of an emergency. From basic towing memberships to comprehensive roadside insurance, there are a variety of services designed to get you back on the road quickly and safely. Let’s explore these options in more detail:

Membership Plans

Roadside assistance memberships offer 24/7 service to members and can include a wide range of benefits. Plans typically include services like flat tire changes, jump-starts, lockout assistance, and towing, along with other concierge services for finding shops or rentals. It pays to be a member, but you have to pay annual fees in part. Companies like AAA, AARP, and auto clubs offer affordable roadside assistance memberships starting as low as $40-$70 annually, and may provide tiered service.

It may feel wasteful to pay for a service that you won’t always be using. After all, it’s natural to think that you’re spending money on something you won’t need every day. When your car is running smoothly, and you’re driving without incident, it’s easy to wonder if paying for roadside assistance is a worthwhile expense. You may even think that it’s an unnecessary cost, especially if you’re someone who drives cautiously and maintains your vehicle well. But as we will discuss later, just because you’re consistently paying for this service doesn’t mean it’s necessarily more expensive than other options.

Pay-Per-Use

For drivers who don’t want to commit to a membership, pay-per-use options are available. You don’t need a roadside assistance membership when you can just call the nearest towing company. Services like TowBusters Roadside Assistance allow you to call for help and pay only when you need it, but don’t get too excited. These one-time towing services can cost as much as $100 for a single tow, and you are at the mercy of whatever towing companies are nearest to you. While it might cost more per incident, pay-per-use can be a long-term, low-cost roadside assistance option for infrequent drivers. That said, always remember that the short-term costs can be tremendous.

Insurance Add-On Coverage

Many auto insurance providers offer roadside assistance as an add-on to your existing policy. They provide similar benefits to traditional roadside assistance memberships, but since they are a part of your existing insurance, they tend to cost less. Companies like State Farm, Progressive, and Allstate provide coverage for as little as $10-$20 per year. If you’re wondering how much is roadside assistance with insurance, this option is often the most affordable, especially if you already possess comprehensive coverage.

However, since this sort of roadside assistance is tied to your auto insurance, this means they have further information on the kinds of emergencies you’ve hit at the roadside. If you’re particularly paranoid about your insurance premiums rising, this option can present an unusual risk. Usually, calling for roadside assistance does not directly impact your insurance premiums, but you can never be sure.

Compare Your Roadside Options

The aforementioned options tell you what you’re getting, but what do these prices look like side-by-side?

• Roadside Assistance Memberships: Typically range from $50-$150 per year.
• Insurance Add-Ons: Usually $10-$30 annually.
• Pay-Per-Use: Costs range from $50-$150 per service.
• Auto Clubs: Starting at $60 annually.

If you need cheap roadside assistance for flat tires or same-day coverage, shopping around and comparing options is key. A simple search for “affordable roadside assistance near me” can help you find the best deals.

All these services can provide you with the basic emergency assistance you need, but personally, a roadside assistance membership is the better way to go if you can afford it.

The Benefits of Roadside Assistance

So, why do I think that? Roadside assistance comes with numerous benefits, some of which are not always obvious! Here are some of the main benefits:

24/7 Coverage

With a roadside assistance membership, you get access to 24/7 help; day or night, rain or shine. Roadside emergencies don’t follow a schedule, so neither should your roadside assistance. No matter what time of the day it is, you can always call your roadside assistance provider for help.

That’s not to say you can’t do this with pay-per-use options. However, towing companies will often price different during different times of the day. If you call in the evening, or on a weekend, or during a holiday, you are going to get upcharged even more! The price of your 24/7 roadside assistance never changes: you only pay your subscription fee.

Reliable Service

Roadside assistance providers, like DriveSmart, are very selective about the maintenance and towing companies within their network. Thanks to this standard set by the provider, you can rest assured that when you do need roadside assistance, it will be swift and reliable. 

The knowledge that you can count on these services to get you back on the road quickly can provide peace of mind that isn’t offered by pay-per-use services. Instead of having a reliable provider doing the research on good maintenance companies, you have to perform that research yourself, and unfortunately, layfolk like us don’t have the industry knowledge to make the best decisions. Roadside assistance providers are more likely to find you quality service.

Saves You Money

Pay-per-use towing might seem cheaper, but only if you don’t consider how often these sorts of roadside emergencies can occur. Americans tend to experience something simple like a blown tire about 5 times in their life, but remember, that isn’t the only thing you might call roadside assistance for. What if your battery or alternator dies? Or maybe your starter won’t turn over? What if a computer component misregulates the combustion cycle, or some even more complex issue occurs? You’re probably going to have to call for roadside assistance a lot more than you think.

Instead of paying out-of-pocket for costly towing services, roadside plans can save you hundreds of dollars over time. The cheapest towing insurance options available can still provide you with the services you need in a pinch, so don’t overlook this value.

How Much Does Roadside Assistance Cost?

As a brief summary of what we have discussed before, some quick benchmark values are shown below:

• How much is roadside assistance? Memberships range from $50-$150 annually. You might be able to get roadside at no additional cost to your policy too.
• How much for a single tow?: Pay-per-use services can cost $75-$150 per call.
• Cheap car insurance with roadside assistance: Add-ons cost between $10-$30 annually.
• Towing memberships: Start as low as $60 per year.

If you’re searching for the cheapest roadside assistance, companies like TowBusters and insurance providers often offer low-cost solutions. However, in my opinion, spending just that little bit extra for comprehensive roadside assistance is worth every penny

Roadside Assistance: Worth It for Every Driver

If you’re like me, you’ve probably thought, Is roadside assistance really worth the cost? I get it. Every dollar counts, and if you’re a safe driver who takes good care of your car, it’s easy to think you don’t need it. You keep up with maintenance, never run low on fuel, and always have a spare key nearby. But the truth is, the unexpected doesn’t care how careful you are. A flat tire, a dead battery, or even a breakdown can happen to anyone, and when it does, the costs can pile up fast.

Here’s the thing: roadside assistance isn’t just a safety net. It’s a cost saver. Without it, a single tow could set you back hundreds of dollars. With roadside assistance, you’re covered for just the cost of your membership, which can be a fraction of what you’d pay out of pocket during an emergency.

Plus, there’s the convenience factor. You don’t have to worry about carrying tools, knowing how to fix a flat, or finding a service provider on your own. One call is all it takes to have a technician dispatched to help you on the spot. That kind of peace of mind is hard to put a price on.

I know it might seem like skipping roadside assistance will save you money in the short term, but consider this: even a small roadside incident can become a big expense without it. Roadside assistance doesn’t just save you money; it also saves you stress and ensures you’re prepared for the unpredictable. When you think about it that way, it’s an investment in both your wallet and your peace of mind.

Join the DriveSmart Network for Exclusive Offers

No one likes to imagine their car breaking down, but being prepared can make all the difference. With DriveSmart, you get access to reliable roadside services, personalized assistance, and exclusive perks designed to keep drivers moving. Our easy-to-use app ensures that help is just a tap away, connecting you to technicians quickly whenever you need it.

Ready to take charge of your driving experience? Sign up for DriveSmart today and enjoy peace of mind with every journey. From cost-effective plans for cautious drivers to premium options with full-scale coverage, we’ve got a solution for everyone. Don’t wait until you’re stuck—join DriveSmart now and drive worry-free!

Joining the DriveSmart Network means unlocking exclusive deals, tailored support, and comprehensive roadside coverage built around your needs. Whether you’re commuting to work or embarking on a cross-country trip, you can hit the road with confidence knowing we’re here to help.