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Best Roadside Assistance Plans of 2024
Our experts answer readers' insurance questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess insurance products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own.
Getting stuck on the side of the road because of a flat tire, car issue, or lack of fuel can be a stressful experience. One thing that can help out in such a situation is a roadside assistance plan.
Roadside assistance plans are generally optional coverage by car insurance providers. It may only be available if you purchase a specific type of coverage, such as a collision or comprehensive.
If you have this type of coverage, you can typically get help if your car needs a jump start, extra fuel, or tow to another location. Some providers also offer help if you lock yourself out of your vehicle or can provide small repairs. We've rounded up the six best roadside support plans based on advertised benefits. Several of our top picks are also listed in our best car insurance companies guide.
Top Roadside Assistance Plans of 2024
We've reviewed the top roadside assistance plans, looking at cost, availability, accessibility, and coverage benefits. Learn more about each option below so you can make an informed decision.
Compare the Best Roadside Assistance Plans
Best Affordable Roadside Assistance Plan
Erie Auto Insurance
Insider’s Rating
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
893
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
A+ (Superior)
Pros
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Quotes available through a network of independent agents who can help you with diverse insurance needs
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Strong reputation in states it does serve
Cons
con icon
Two crossed lines that form an 'X'.
Not available in all 50 states
con icon
Two crossed lines that form an 'X'.
You need to call in to file most claims
Product Details
Great customer service with several discounts
Available in 12 states plus Washington, D.C.
Earn cash for good driving through the YourTurn program
Best Roadside Assistance Plan for Small Repairs
Progressive Auto Insurance
Insider’s Rating
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
Icon of check mark inside a promo stamp
It indicates a confirmed selection.
Perks
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
842
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
A+
Pros
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Coverage available in all 50 states
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Discounts for bundling insurance products with competitive rates
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Highly rated with JD Power and AM Best
Cons
con icon
Two crossed lines that form an 'X'.
Rates may jump significantly after your first accident or for higher risk drivers
con icon
Two crossed lines that form an 'X'.
Mixed reviews on claims and customer service on sites like Consumer Affairs and TrustPilot
Product Details
Ranked #17 out of 18 in auto claims satisfaction
Bundling, vehicle safety, and student driver discounts
Low rates
Name your price tool
Best Roadside Assistance Plan from a Low-Cost Comprehensive Provider
GEICO Auto Insurance
Insider’s Rating
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
Icon of check mark inside a promo stamp
It indicates a confirmed selection.
Perks
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
824
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
A++
Pros
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
National presence with coverage in all 50 states
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Buyers can bundle with homeowners, renters, and other insurance products
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Offers some of the most competitive auto insurance rates
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Claims adjusters may be able to reduce or eliminate deductibles on some claims
Cons
con icon
Two crossed lines that form an 'X'.
Customer satisfaction varies across products
con icon
Two crossed lines that form an 'X'.
Claims process may be longer than some competitors based on customer reviews
Product Details
Discounts for safe driving, good grades, military, and more
Available in all 50 states
Best Roadside Assistance Plan for Military Members
USAA Auto Insurance
Insider’s Rating
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
Icon of check mark inside a promo stamp
It indicates a confirmed selection.
Perks
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
871
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
A++
Pros
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Low rates for eligible buyers
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Coverage is available in all 50 states and Washington, DC
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Auto policies can be bundled with other insurance plans and financial products
Cons
con icon
Two crossed lines that form an 'X'.
Only available to military, veterans, and their families.
con icon
Two crossed lines that form an 'X'.
Claims may take longer than with some other providers
Product Details
USAA auto insurance is open to the military, veterans, and their families
Discounts for safe driving and more
Best Roadside Assistance Plan from a Large Insurer
State Farm Auto Insurance
Insider’s Rating
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
Icon of check mark inside a promo stamp
It indicates a confirmed selection.
Perks
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
817
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
A++
Pros
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Nationwide presence
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
High customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction rankings
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Discounts for bundling insurance products
Cons
con icon
Two crossed lines that form an 'X'.
Quotes are only available through captive agents (who only quote State Farm)
con icon
Two crossed lines that form an 'X'.
Pricing may be higher or products unavailable for high-risk drivers
con icon
Two crossed lines that form an 'X'.
Rates may rise quickly for households with teen drivers
Best Roadside Assistance Plan for a Premium Option
Travelers Auto Insurance
Insider’s Rating
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
854
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
A++ (Superior)
Pros
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Large network of independent agents
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
High JD Power rankings and financial stability rankings
Cons
con icon
Two crossed lines that form an 'X'.
High rate of customer complaints about claims
con icon
Two crossed lines that form an 'X'.
Only available in a limited number of states
con icon
Two crossed lines that form an 'X'.
Rates may be high for high-risk drivers
Product Details
IntelliDrive Program
Student discounts, payment discounts, safe driver discounts
Multi-policy discounts
Low rates
Methodology: How We Chose the Best Roadside Assistance
Roadside service coverage is available as an optional coverage add-on as part of many different auto insurance policies. While many car insurance providers offer similar benefits, there are nuances in benefits, limits, and what's actually covered.
To determine the best roadside assistance, we compiled a list of insurers offering this type of coverage. Then, we compared overall costs, tow mileage limits, mechanical repairs, timeliness of assistance, customer service, and company history. Each company gets a rating, with various factors weighted according to our insurance rating methodology.
Roadside Assistance Frequently Asked Questions
Roadside support isn't technically an insurance product, but it can be tacked on to an auto insurance policy as an add-on. This type of coverage can help drivers who need help with a flat tire, fuel, or a jump start.
Roadside service coverage can offer peace of mind to drivers knowing they have options to get support in a range of circumstances. These include running out of gas, or dealing with a flat tire, or even getting your car out of the mud if it's stuck. Some premium options can provide more benefits for trip interruption and property coverage.
Roadside protection may be more affordable than you think and can be an easy add-on, depending on your auto insurance policy. It may be a great investment to make sure you have your bases covered if your car breaks down or you run out of fuel and need help.
Best Affordable Option
Erie Insurance
Erie stands out as an affordable option because it allows customers to add roadside assistance for about $5 for every car insured per year. You can get help if you're dealing with a flat tire, dead battery, lack of fuel, car breakdown, or if you've been locked out of your car. Your coverage also includes getting your vehicle out of either snow or a ditch if the vehicle is within 10 feet of the highway. If it's out of the service area, there may be extra costs.
Erie has a higher towing mileage limit than some other providers, allowing tows up to 20 miles. It's also available 24/7, and you have the option to use a towing company of your choice and get reimbursed by filing a claim or calling 800-FOR-ERIE to use their service provider.
One downside to Erie is that it is only available in some locations. You must live in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, DC, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Erie Insurance Review
Best for Small Repairs
Progressive
Not all car problems are the same. If you need a little extra help from your roadside assistance plan, Progressive may be a great option.
Progressive offers up to one hour of labor on-site to get your vehicle back up and running again. If repairs take longer, you can get the vehicle towed to a local repair shop.
Progressive roadside assistance includes towing up to 15 miles and winching (which involves getting your car out if it's trapped in snow or mud) if it's within 100 feet of the highway. You can also get a jump start if your battery dies, have gas delivered, or get your electric car towed to a charger if it runs out of battery. You're responsible for fees associated with the gas or battery charge, though.
Similarly, if your keys are nowhere to be found, this service can get a professional to help, but you'll pay for the key replacement. Progressive can also help you install a spare tire if you're experiencing a flat. According to the fine print, there may be a limit to the number of times you can get roadside service coverage, and some states may have policy limits.
Progressive roadside coverage is available 24/7. You can add this as a policy option if you're a current customer or call the company at 1-800-776-4737.
Progressive Insurance Review
Best Low-Cost Comprehensive Provider
GEICO
GEICO has been around since 1936 and has a financial strength rating of A ++ from AM Best. GEICO is featured in our best affordable car insurance companies guide and offers low-cost and comprehensive roadside assistance called GEICO Emergency Road Service.
GEICO Emergency Road Service rates begin at just $14 per year for each vehicle. Through this coverage, you can get towed up to 20 miles, which tends to be a higher limit than many providers. If your battery dies, you can get a jump. If dealing with a flat, you may get a spare installed. GEICO's website states that lockout services are available if you're unable to get into your vehicle for a value of up to $100. Winching and gas delivery are also included.
The company website states that GEICO may cover more instances of roadside emergencies, though it doesn't specify an exact number. You may want to check your policy if you get this optional coverage.
According to the company website, it's best to use the GEICO mobile app if you need emergency roadside maintenance. You can submit a request in just two minutes. Service is available 24/7, and someone will generally arrive within an hour.
If you're a GEICO customer, you can get a quote for this add-on through your account or by calling (800) 42-GEICO (4-3426). If you have this coverage and pay for your tow, you can file a claim for reimbursement.
Geico Insurance Review
Best for Military Members
USAA
Military members can take advantage of unique offerings from USAA, which provides insurance and financial products, including roadside assistance. While not available to the general public, veterans and military members may qualify for membership and be eligible for many perks and discounts.
USAA has a much further towing distance than other providers, with a cap of 50 miles. You can also get coverage if your vehicle is stuck, needs a jump start, or is locked. Plus, you can get fuel delivered or assistance with changing your tire. In these cases, you'll pay for the cost of gas and need a spare on hand.
Another benefit is USAA policyholders may still obtain roadside service even if it's not added as part of their policy. In this case, you'll have to pay, but you can score discounted services just by being with USAA.
You can quickly and easily get support via the USAA mobile app and can submit a request for roadside assistance within 5 minutes. Generally, help will arrive within an hour to an hour and a half. If you already paid for services elsewhere, you can also get reimbursed for your coverage.
USAA is available in the United States, Mexico (if within 75 miles of the border), and Canada, plus U.S. territories, and is available 24/7. USAA has been around for over 100 years, starting in 1922, and has a financial strength rating of A++ from AM Best.
USAA Insurance Review
Best Large Insurer
State Farm
When it comes to large insurers serving all 50 states, State Farm comes out on top with its roadside assistance, which the company refers to as emergency road service coverage. State Farm has a well-established history being founded in 1922, and has a financial strength rating of A++ on AM Best.
State Farm's coverage assists if you run out of gas or oil, get locked out of your car, or need a tow because the car is broken down or stuck. One thing that stands out with State Farm is you get up to an hour of labor for lockout services and mechanical breakdowns.
If you opt for this type of coverage and need help you can fill out a request online or call 877-627-5757 and get support 24/7. Rates aren't disclosed on the website, but State Farm recommends contacting a State Farm agent to discuss coverage options. Also, if you don't get this coverage but use their service anyway, you may be billed at a lower, more competitive rate.
State Farm Insurance Review
Best Premium Option
Travelers
Many roadside assistance options are very similar, but Travelers has a premium option that offers even more if you're looking for additional benefits.
The Premier Roadside Assistance package has a towing limit of up to 100 miles. The Premier option includes jump starts, fuel delivery (although you have to pay for gas), changing a flat tire, winching, and lockout assistance.
It also offers Trip Interruption Coverage, which provides funds if your car is not working for 24 hours and you're further than 100 miles from home. You can get $200 per day (up to a total limit of $600) to cover hotel costs, food, and other transportation options to get you home.
The Premier package includes personal property coverage, which provides up to $500 if anything was stolen or damaged. The loss must be a qualified event under a comprehensive, collision, or glass loss, according to the company website.
Once you get Travelers roadside assistance, whether basic or Premier, you can call 800.CLAIM33 (800.252.4633) and press 3 to get support 24/7.
Travelers Insurance Review
What to Know Before Buying Roadside Service Coverage
Though roadside support plans may appear similar among various providers, options aren't exactly the same. When doing your research, consider the mileage limit for towing as well as any limits set on emergency assistance. Some providers may have a stated cap, and others may not.
Also, if getting coverage through your car insurance provider, you likely need to have specific policies in place beyond just liability insurance. Typically, you need to have a collision and/or comprehensive coverage policy to qualify for this add-on.
Lastly, read the fine print to know what costs you may be on the hook for like the cost of gas or any mileage beyond the limit. You can look up customer reviews about roadside assistance and shop around to find a great fit for you.
Evelyn He
Compliance Associate
Evelyn He is a compliance associate at Business Insider who supports the Personal Finance Insider team. Personal Finance Insider is Business Insider's personal finance section that incorporates affiliate and commerce partnerships into the news, insights, and advice about money that Business Insider readers already know and love.The compliance team's mission is to provide readers with stories that are fact-checked and current, so they can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by making sure language is clear, precise, and fully compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team.Before joining Business Insider, she served in various legal and compliance roles in different industries, including the legal and pharmaceutical industries. Evelyn obtained her M.S. degree in Marketing at Boston University in 2022. Prior to combining and consolidating her knowledge of law and business, she spent one year finishing 1L courses at Suffolk University Law School to further her legal knowledge. She has also completed MBA business law courses while working on her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her 14-year-old Shih Tzu named Money, and her 5-year-old Bichon named Tibber.
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