Top 10 Best Roadside Assistance Plans
Best Roadside Assistance Plans
Most drivers have some form of roadside assistance program. This service is known for covering towing in the event you have a breakdown, but also includes changing flat tires, jumping a car with a dead battery, bringing you gasoline should you run out, and some even offer locksmith services in the event you lose your keys or lock yourself out of your vehicle. Roadside assistance coverage comes with many automakers' warranty programs, but it is also available as a separate add-on with a monthly or annual fee such as the American Automobile Association (AAA) plans. You can get roadside assistance through your auto insurance company or cell phone company as well.
Not All Roadside Assistant Programs Are Created Equal
What are the best roadside assistance companies? How do you compare roadside assistance companies, and what is the cost for these services? The first thing to know is that not all roadside assistant programs are created equal. For instance, some include high mileage towing limits. There are also programs that offer a wide range of travel-related perks such as travel maps (AAA is famous for their TripTiks that map out entire journeys from coast-to-coast), hotel and rental car discounts.Â
For this examination of the Top 10 Best Roadside Assistance Plans available today, we took a close look at over 20 different companies all offering some sort of roadside assistance. These included auto clubs, cell phone roadside assistance plans, and those offered by major auto insurance companies. We looked at the costs of the basic plans and the level of coverage as well as various coverage options. We gave extra points for companies with plans that include free coverage for family members and outstanding service.
Top 10 Best Roadside Assistance Providers
Our Top 10 for 2022 include everything from phone companies and insurance companies to membership driven travel giants. The big take-away here is to think about your specific needs when it comes to choosing a company that provides roadside assistance. No matter what your needs may be, there are companies here that will fit your bill.
 
#1. Travelers
Travelers Insurance has two 24/7 roadside assistance programs for you to choose from. Both the basic and premium package comes with winching, in the event you decide to accidentally go "off roading." The premier plan offers up to 100 miles of towing and includes trip interruption coverage. The basic plan costs just $12 per year.
 #2. Nationwide
Similar to Travelers, Nationwide offers two programs for roadside assistance, basic and plus. Basic costs just $1.90 per month, while Plus costs $3.50 per month. Basic covers towing for 15 miles while Plus will tow you up to 100 miles. Both plans cover jump-starting, replacing flat tires, winching, delivering emergency fuel and are good for six events per year.
 #3. Progressive
Our third auto insurance company on the list, Progressive offers one program for roadside assistance and it only costs $16 per year. The service provides towing to the closest shop (15 miles), 100 feet of winching in case you are stuck in the snow or mud, as well as the usual tire changing, jump starts, and fuel delivery.
 #4. Allstate
Unlike our other auto insurance companies on the list, Allstate lets you buy one of its two plans whether you are insured by them or not. The Advantage Plan costs $79 annually and includes $150 towing charges while the Elite Plan costs $149 per year and covers $250 worth of towing. The Advantage Plan only covers three rescues per year while the Elite Plan covers five.
 #5. Farmers
Farmers Insurance provides very basic and inexpensive coverage. The cost for roadside assistance is $1 to $3 per month and includes towing services for up to $150. The plan includes flat tire changes, jump starts, winching if your vehicle is stuck within 10 feet of a paved road, and lockout services.
 #6. State Farm
One of the cheapest ways to go for roadside assistance from your auto insurance company is available through State Farm. It includes towing to the nearest shop, delivery of gas, oil or battery, jump-starts, tire changes, lock-out service, and even one hour of mechanical labor. State Farm says the cost is just $5 to $7 per policy period.
 #7. Good Sam Club
This auto club offers many different plans to fit your needs including roadside assistance for RVs, trailers, trucks, and motorcycles. The Platinum Auto Plan costs $99.95 and provides towing to the nearest service center regardless of mileage. Buying a plan online can save you up to 50 percent.
 #8. AAA
AAA Classic starts at $68 per year including five miles of towing, fuel delivery, and $50 locksmith service. Higher tiered AAA Plus costs $104 and includes 100 miles of towing, fuel delivery and $100 locksmith service. Top tier AAA Premier will cost you $131 and includes 200 miles of towing, fuel delivery and $150 locksmith service. While AAA offers the most expensive plans, it includes many discounts on lodgings, car rentals, and more.
 #10. AT&T
Standard roadside assistance is available at $2.99 per month for AT&T customers with one phone line. It covers four assist calls per year. However, the coverage is linked to your smartphone, so the phone and subscriber must be present at the vehicle to qualify. The plan only covers $75 of costs per incident.
