How much does Roadside assistance cost?

If you’ve ever been stranded on the side of the road, you know what a lifesaver roadside assistance can be. Whether you have a flat tire, need a jump start for a dead battery, or require winching to get out of a snowbank, emergency roadside service can help. 

A wide variety of businesses offer roadside assistance plans, and no two plans are the same. Therefore, it’s important to shop around for roadside assistance companies, the cost of their plans, and what they cover, in order to make the best decision for you.

Read on to understand the average costs for different types of roadside assistance programs. 

Emergency road service plans are offered through a variety of companies and organizations including:

An emergency roadside assistance plan might cost less if accessed through your credit card, car warranty, or auto insurance policy, than if you purchased one separately through a membership organization like AAA. 

Additionally, some roadside assistance plans will cover only the vehicle stipulated on the policy, but not you personally—say, if you were driving a rental car. Membership organizations such as AAA or AARP typically provide coverage for individuals, meaning you are eligible to receive services personally, no matter where you are and what car you’re driving. 

Roadside assistance plans are billed yearly or in monthly installments at an average fee of $30–100 per year, depending on several variables. The following roadside assistance options are tiered based on cost and coverage. They reflect pricing when you purchase a plan independently of an add-on to your credit card, car insurance, or cell phone plan.

A basic plan through motor clubs like AAA costs $45–65 per year, on average, and typically covers:

A premier plan costs $90–120 per year, on average, and will typically cover:

A top-tier plan through an independent member organization costs $120–160 per year, on average, and typically covers:

Without a roadside assistance plan, the cost of emergency roadside services can add up quickly. For example, a single visit from a tow truck driver can cost more than the annual fee for basic roadside assistance coverage. The following are common roadside assistance services and their prices when purchased outside of a plan.

Towing service. Most tow truck drivers have a hook-up fee, minimum roadside service fee, or minimum charge for the first 5–10 miles. Then they’ll tack on a per-mile charge to get your car to a repair shop, depending on the type of vehicle, time of day, and total distance. Average cost without roadside assistance plan: $75–125. See Towing cost guide.

Flat tire. A tow truck will change your flat tire (or tow you to a repair facility to buy a new one). The tow truck driver will likely charge their minimum service fee to change a flat. Average cost without roadside assistance plan: $50–75. See Tire repair cost guide.

Delivery of fuel or oil. Getting fuel or oil delivered will cost the minimum service charge of a tow truck, depending on the distance to get to you. Average cost without roadside assistance plan: $50–75. See Oil change cost guide.

Locksmith services. The cost of calling a mobile locksmith out to your vehicle for lockout service will depend on the distance traveled, the type of vehicle, and whether the lock must be rekeyed. Average cost without roadside assistance plan: $50–150

Battery changes. A battery replacement service can come to you and replace the battery in your car with a new one. Average cost without roadside assistance plan: $100–200

The following factors can increase or decrease the cost of roadside assistance:

How much does AAA cost for roadside assistance?

AAA auto club has three levels of coverage available to policyholders: basic, plus, and premier, which each have different price tiers that fluctuate based on where you live. AAA membership’s basic plan is $50–60; the plus plan is $90–100; and the premier plan is $120–130.

Is roadside assistance worth getting?

Considering the average cost of a tow ($75–125) versus the yearly premium for a roadside assistance plan ($30–100), just using the plan one time could be worth a year’s premium.

How can I get free roadside assistance?

If you purchased a new car, the manufacturer’s warranty may include emergency roadside assistance. This coverage will last for the same amount of time as the warranty—typically 3–5 years or up to a certain number of miles. Additionally, some car insurance companies (like Allstate, State Farm, and Geico) offer roadside assistance built into some of their plans as an added perk.

Find a roadside assistance provider in your area.