What Is The Best Roadside Assistance?
What is Roadside Assistance?
In 2022, there were 42,514 motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the United States. This is a 1.7-percent fatality decrease from 43,230 traffic fatalities in 2021; however, those statistics are still high. Let’s face it. Life on the road can be unpredictable. You can be on your way, minding your own business, when suddenly, you find yourself in a vehicle emergency. Whether you’re commuting to work, embarking on a cross-country road trip, or cruising around in your vehicle, breakdowns happen. Being stuck on the side of a desolate road or busy highway doesn’t seem very appealing or safe, does it? That’s where roadside assistance comes to the rescue (literally!). Roadside assistance is a service designed to help you when your car leaves you stranded. It covers a wide range of issues, from dead batteries and flat tires to towing and emergency fuel delivery. Roadside assistance is one of those things that is meant to give you peace of mind. But the real question is: What roadside assistance is best for you? Let’s explore the options to help you find the best roadside assistance plans for your needs.
Where Can I Buy Roadside Assistance?
Before diving into the details, let’s answer one big question: Where do you even get roadside assistance? How do you shop around? You’d be surprised how many avenues offer these services:
- Car manufacturers
- Auto clubs
- Credit card providers
- Car insurance companies
- Specialized roadside assistance programs
Each source has pros and cons. The right choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and driving habits. Let’s break it down further.
Car Manufacturers That Offer Roadside Assistance
Many car manufacturers include roadside assistance programs as part of their new vehicle warranty. If you buy a new vehicle, your purchase may qualify for a manufacturer exclusive warranty. This is great because it typically comes free for a set number of years or miles. If you drive a newer vehicle, check with your manufacturer. You may already have coverage. Some top car manufacturers offering roadside assistance include:
- Toyota: Offers 2 years of complimentary roadside assistance.
- Hyundai: Provides 5 years/unlimited miles for free.
- Ford: Covers 5 years/60,000 miles as part of their warranty.
The downside? Manufacturer plans are usually limited to certain conditions or coverage periods. Once you hit the limit, your roadside assistance may be null and void. If you drive an older car or plan to keep your car for the long haul, you might need additional auto roadside assistance.
Auto Clubs That Offer Roadside Assistance
Auto clubs are organizations that require membership for exclusives. These exclusives include things such as discounts, benefits, and travel services. For example:
- DriveSmart: Offers towing, batter service, mobile mechanics, and more.
- AAA: Covers towing, emergency fuel assistance, batter service, and more.
- Auto Club of America: Flat tire repair and change, and towing services
The catch? These plans require membership in order to get the benefits and services. This means members are charged a fee that must be renewed yearly. Depending on the tier of your membership, you may pay a higher fee or be required to pay additional fees. While auto clubs are a great way to get service, they can be rather pricey.
Credit Card Companies That Offer Roadside Assistance
Certain premium credit cards include roadside assistance as a cardholder perk. If you already own one of these cards, you might have access to the best roadside service without even realizing it! Top options include:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred
- American Express Premium Cards
- Capital One Venture Rewards
These credit card plans are perfect for emergencies but often charge per incident, which can add up quickly. If you need frequent coverage, this might not be your best bet. Credit card companies offer plenty of perks and benefits to cardholders, but they only go so far. It is recommended that if you have such a credit card, check what type of perks it may offer. See all the terms and conditions to see what is the extent of the coverage.
Car Insurance Companies That Offer Roadside Assistance
Many auto insurance companies offer roadside assistance as an optional add-on. Companies like State Farm, Geico, and Allstate provide affordable roadside assistance programs for policyholders. Benefits often include towing, jumpstarts, and tire changes.
The advantage? It’s convenient to bundle roadside assistance with your existing insurance.You may qualify for a discounted rate if you bundle plans. The downside? Filing for roadside service could impact your insurance rates. With insurance rates seeing a 25% increase in 2024 means most people can’t afford to pay for overpriced coverage. And with many insurance providers changing their areas of coverage and types of services offered, prices are rising. Finding roadside assistance that fits within your budget is essential. This is why it is so important for people to shop around and find the best deal for what they need.
Best Roadside Assistance Plans
Now for the big reveal: What are the best roadside assistance plans out there? After reviewing countless roadside assistance reviews, these programs consistently come out on top:
- DriveSmart: A one-stop shop for all your vehicle needs. Get comprehensive care for your vehicle while also getting membership rewards. Enjoy exclusive discounts and perks; all under an affordable price!
- AAA (American Automobile Association): A classic favorite offering comprehensive coverage, including towing, battery service, fuel delivery, and more. It’s ideal for families, seniors, and frequent travelers.
- Good Sam Roadside Assistance: The best roadside assistance for RV owners and motorhome drivers. They’re known for offering coverage tailored to larger vehicles.
- Allstate Motor Club: Offers flexible membership tiers with 24/7 assistance and great value for money.
- Better World Club: An eco-friendly alternative with coverage similar to AAA but with added environmental perks.
These top roadside assistance companies stand out for their reliability, affordability, and coverage options. Whether you drive a sedan, an RV, or even a motorcycle, there’s a roadside service plan for everyone. These providers offer reliable roadside assistance and other added benefits to members.
Do I Need Roadside Assistance?
Find yourself wondering, do I really need roadside assistance? The answer depends on how much you drive and where you go. If you’re a daily commuter, long-distance traveler, or someone who’s constantly on the road, emergency roadside service is a no-brainer. It’s also a smart choice for seniors, families, and anyone driving an older car. We always recommend you get the coverage you think you may need, that way, you are covered.
Here are some key benefits of having the best roadside assistance membership:
- Peace of mind during road trips.
- Savings on unexpected towing costs.
- Quick help during emergencies, day or night.
- Coverage for lockouts, flat tires, and more.
- Battery service
- Emergency fuel delivery
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Car Insurance Companies Offer Roadside Assistance?
Major providers like Geico, Progressive, and State Farm offer roadside assistance as add-ons to existing policies. You must have a policy with them to be able to get roadside assistance. If not, you will not be able to sign up for roadside assistance. Something to keep in mind when looking for roadside assistance providers.
Do I Need an Additional Roadside Assistance Plan If I Already Have Auto Insurance?
Not necessarily. Most auto insurance plans come with some kind of roadside assistance. However, auto insurance roadside plans may have limits. These limits can be a maximum mileage of towing coverage, or number of claims you can do. You may want to consider upgrading if you need more coverage. For instance, if you foresee yourself needing to tow a vehicle for an X amount of miles, then you may need to opt for a higher tier of coverage to hit that amount.
Which Credit Cards Offer Roadside Assistance?
Premium cards from American Express, Chase, and Capital One offer pay-per-use roadside assistance benefits. This is usually an added perk of using a specific credit card. Sometimes, you can even receive a certain percentage of cashback on purchases of certain things. This can include things such as paying for gas, buying groceries, using the credit card at specific retailers, etc. If you have a major credit card, you should consider checking to see what type of benefits and perks your credit card offers.
What Does Roadside Assistance Cover?
Roadside assistance covers a plethora of services. Depending on the tier of coverage you get will dictate the benefits you get. Keep in mind, your coverage is determined by what tier you buy. For instance, you may get towing but not lockout assistance unless you upgrade to a higher coverage tier. Common services for include:
- Towing
- Flat tire changes
- Battery jumpstarts
- Lockout assistance
- Emergency fuel delivery
- And more
How Much Does It Cost?
Costs vary but typically range from $50 to $100/year, depending on the provider and coverage level. Oftentimes, drivers will see this as part of their current policy with an insurance provider. Cost can also depend on service area, meaning where you live and where the company operates. For example, AAA has auto clubs throughout the United States. They match you to clubs in your operating area, and that can help dictate what price you pay for the coverage.
What’s the Best Roadside Assistance for Seniors?
For seniors, reliability and quick service are not just conveniences—they’re essential for maintaining independence and peace of mind on the road. Programs like AARP and AAA are highly regarded for their comprehensive roadside assistance coverage, including services such as towing, battery jump-starts, flat tire changes, and emergency fuel delivery. These providers also prioritize accessibility, with user-friendly systems and quick response times that are especially valuable in emergencies.
AARP and AAA go a step further by offering tailored options that cater to the needs of older drivers. For instance, senior discounts and flexible membership plans make coverage more affordable, particularly for those on fixed incomes. Additionally, these programs often include extras like travel discounts, trip planning services, and even identity theft protection, adding more value to their membership.
For seniors living in rural areas or frequently traveling long distances, having dependable coverage can be a lifeline. The peace of mind that comes with knowing help is just a phone call away can alleviate the stress and anxiety of unexpected vehicle troubles. These programs are designed to provide not only practical support but also confidence and security, enabling seniors to stay mobile and enjoy their independence longer.
Choosing the Best Roadside Assistance Program
Choosing the best provider comes down to your needs. For RV drivers, Good Sam Roadside Assistance is a no-brainer. If you’re a frequent traveler, AAA is hard to beat. And for budget-conscious drivers, car insurance and credit card add-ons can provide basic coverage without breaking the bank. When choosing the coverage that works best for you, be sure to take into consideration what types of benefits you need. It is best to shop around and see what coverage you can get for the best price. Choose the best plan that fits your budget, needs, and wants. You don’t want to be caught in a situation where you need help and don’t have it. Be prepared.
Join the DriveSmart Network for the Best Roadside Assistance Deals
Roadside assistance is more than just towing or battery service. It’s about freedom, safety, and enjoying the open road with confidence and peace of mind. When you join DriveSmart, you unlock access to top-tier roadside services, personalized assistance, and exclusive offers. All designed for car lovers like you! We have a powerful application that can get you in touch with technicians quickly. Especially when you’re on the road.
Ready to get started? Join today and enjoy peace of mind with every journey. Click 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 budgets, and premium plans for those in need of more comprehensive coverage.
Driving on the road is fun, 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. Join the DriveSmart Network today to unlock access to our latest offers, personalized assistance, towing services, and more. With DriveSmart by your side, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re covered. Sign up now and keep those wheels turning smoothly!
