Is Roadside Assistance on Car Insurance Worth It
It's worth it if you'd otherwise have no way to get a tow or a jump, and not worth paying for twice if you already have coverage somewhere else.
It depends on what you already have
Roadside assistance through your car insurer is worth it if you don't already have coverage from another source and you want one phone call to handle a dead battery, a flat tire, or a lockout. It's usually added to your policy for a modest amount, and it covers the kind of breakdown that has nothing to do with an accident.
It's not worth it if you already have coverage through your car's manufacturer, a credit card, or a membership plan like AAA. Paying for it twice doesn't get you more help, it just means you're covering the same thing two ways.
What you already have changes the answer
Many new cars come with roadside assistance built in for a set number of years from the manufacturer. If your car is still under that coverage, adding it to your insurance policy is redundant. Check your owner's manual or call the dealer to find out if you're still covered and when it runs out.
Some credit cards include roadside assistance as a cardholder benefit, often for a flat fee per use rather than a subscription. If you carry a card like that, look at what it actually covers before assuming you need more.
If you belong to a membership club that offers roadside service, you may already be set. The thing to check is whether that membership covers everyone who drives your car, or just you, since insurance-based roadside assistance usually follows the vehicle instead of the person.
If none of these apply to you, adding it through your insurer is often the simplest way to get coverage, since it's billed with your premium and doesn't require a separate membership to track.
How you drive and what you drive
An older car is more likely to need a tow or a jump than a newer one, simply because parts wear out. If your car is getting on in years or has high mileage, roadside assistance is more likely to pay off in actual use rather than sitting unused.
How much and where you drive matters too. Someone who drives long distances, or drives through areas with little cell service or few nearby repair shops, benefits more from having a guaranteed way to call for help than someone who mostly drives short distances close to home.
One thing worth checking before you buy it: see what your policy's roadside assistance actually covers, since towing distance limits and the number of service calls allowed per year vary by insurer. Ask your agent to spell out the specifics rather than assuming it works the same everywhere.
Questions people ask about this
Does roadside assistance cover a flat tire if I don't have a spare?
Most roadside assistance plans will send someone to change a flat if you have a spare, or tow the car if you don't. Confirm with your insurer whether towing to a tire shop is included or counts as a separate service call.
Will using roadside assistance raise my insurance rate?
Roadside assistance claims are generally treated differently from accident claims, but how your insurer handles frequent use varies. Ask your agent directly whether repeated roadside calls affect your renewal rate.
Can I add roadside assistance to my policy at any time or only at renewal?
This depends on your insurer. Some let you add it to an active policy right away, while others only let you make changes at renewal. Call your agent to ask about your specific policy.
Does roadside assistance cover towing after an accident?
Towing after an accident is usually handled differently than a routine breakdown, and may fall under your collision coverage instead. Ask your insurer how the two types of towing are treated under your policy.
Is roadside assistance the same thing as rental car coverage?
No, they're separate coverages. Roadside assistance helps when your car breaks down or won't start, while rental reimbursement pays for a replacement car while yours is being repaired. You can usually add either one independently.
If you're not sure what coverage you already have, compare quotes and ask each insurer to lay out exactly what their roadside assistance includes.
Start by checking your owner's manual, your credit card benefits, and any membership you already pay for, to see if you're covered without adding anything. If you're not, call your insurer and ask what their roadside assistance actually includes, how many service calls are allowed per year, and what the towing distance limit is. Have your policy number and your car's mileage on hand when you call. If you're comparing insurers, ask each one the same questions so you're comparing the same coverage, not just a price.
