What Do You Do if You Do Not Have Roadside Assistance
You call a tow company directly, pay out of pocket, and look at adding roadside coverage before the next breakdown.
Call a local towing company
If you don't have roadside assistance and you're stuck, the fastest path is to call a towing company near you directly. Search for one, tell them where you are and what happened, and expect to pay the bill yourself since there's no coverage behind you.
Some auto shops offer towing as part of a repair, so if you already know where you want the car taken, call that shop first and ask if they can send someone. Either way, this is a one-time fix. It doesn't change what happens the next time you're stranded.
Your car insurance may already cover part of this
Check your insurance policy before you assume you have nothing. Some policies include roadside assistance or towing coverage even if you forgot you added it, or never noticed it listed. Look at your declarations page or call your agent and ask directly whether towing or roadside help is part of your coverage.
If it isn't, ask what it would cost to add it. Insurers that offer this coverage usually let you add it at renewal or sometimes mid-term, and it's often cheaper than a single tow paid out of pocket.
If you're not sure which company holds your policy or what it includes, that's worth sorting out before you're on the side of the road again, not during.
Other places roadside help might already exist
Some credit cards include roadside assistance as a cardholder benefit, especially cards built for travel or cashback rewards. Check the benefits guide for any card you carry, or call the number on the back and ask.
If your car is still under a manufacturer warranty, many automakers include roadside assistance for a set period after purchase. Check your owner's manual or the paperwork from when you bought the car.
Auto clubs are another option, and membership isn't tied to your insurer or your car. You pay a membership fee and get roadside coverage as part of it, usable no matter which car you're driving.
If none of these apply to you, adding coverage through your insurer is usually the most direct route since it's billed alongside a payment you're already making.
Questions people ask about this
How much does a tow cost without roadside assistance?
The cost depends on the towing company, your location, and the distance to the shop or destination. Call around before you commit, since prices vary and some companies charge more for after-hours or long-distance tows. Ask for the total cost upfront, not just a base rate.
Can I add roadside assistance after I'm already stranded?
No, roadside assistance has to be in place before you break down. It's a coverage you add to a policy or membership ahead of time, not something you can purchase in the moment you need it. Once you're stranded, your options are limited to paying for help directly.
Is roadside assistance worth it if I rarely drive long distances?
It depends on how much risk you're comfortable carrying yourself. A breakdown can happen close to home just as easily as on a long trip, so the value isn't only about distance. Weigh the cost of adding coverage against what you'd pay for a single tow or lockout service.
Does roadside assistance cover a flat tire or a dead battery?
Most roadside assistance plans cover common issues like a flat tire, a dead battery, or being locked out of your car, but exactly what's included depends on the plan. Ask your insurer, credit card issuer, or auto club for the specific list of services before you assume something is covered.
Will my car insurance rate go up if I add roadside assistance?
Adding roadside assistance is usually a small flat addition to your premium rather than something tied to your driving record. It's different from coverage that responds to a claim you file after an accident. Ask your insurer directly what it would add to your premium so you're not guessing.
If you're thinking about adding roadside coverage so this doesn't happen again, see what other insurers charge for it.
Start by pulling up your current insurance policy and checking whether towing or roadside assistance is already listed. If it's not, call your insurer or agent and ask what it would cost to add. Check any credit cards you carry for roadside benefits, and check your car's warranty paperwork if the vehicle is newer. Keep the phone number for a local towing company saved in your phone in the meantime, so you're not searching for one while you're stuck.
