When your car breaks down on the side of the road, peace of mind is priceless. But before you sign up for a roadside assistance plan, you might wonder: is it really worth the cost? Let’s break down what roadside assistance covers, what it costs, and when it makes sense for your budget.
Contents
What Is Roadside Assistance?
Roadside assistance is a service designed to help drivers when their car has a problem away from home. Depending on your plan, coverage usually includes:
- Towing: If your car won’t start or is unsafe to drive.
- Flat Tire Help: Someone comes to change your tire.
- Battery Jump-Start: Perfect for a dead battery in a parking lot or driveway.
- Lockout Service: If you accidentally lock your keys inside.
- Fuel Delivery: A few gallons of gas to get you to the nearest station.
Some plans even include extras like trip interruption coverage, discounts on travel, or rental car reimbursement.
How Much Does Roadside Assistance Cost?
Prices vary based on where you buy coverage:
- Auto Clubs (AAA, Better World Club, etc.): Around $50–$120 per year.
- Car Insurance Add-Ons: Often $10–$20 per year added to your policy.
- Credit Card Benefits: Some premium credit cards include roadside help free or at a reduced cost.
- Car Manufacturer Plans: Many new cars include free roadside assistance for the first few years.
When comparing options, consider both the price and the coverage limits (for example, some plans only tow up to 5 miles, while others include 100+ miles).
Pros of Roadside Assistance
- Convenience: One call solves your problem.
- Peace of Mind: Especially valuable for long trips or late-night breakdowns.
- Cost Savings in Emergencies: A single tow without coverage can easily cost $100–$300.
- Family Coverage: Many plans allow multiple drivers in your household to be protected.
Cons of Roadside Assistance
- Annual Cost: If you rarely have car trouble, you may pay for something you hardly use.
- Coverage Gaps: Some low-cost plans only cover short tows or have strict limits.
- Duplicate Coverage: Your car warranty, insurance, or credit card may already include it.
Is It Worth It?
The value of roadside assistance depends on your situation:
- Yes, it’s worth it if… you drive long distances, have an older car, live in a rural area, or want peace of mind for your family.
- Maybe not worth it if… you drive a new car with warranty coverage, rarely travel, or already have coverage through a credit card or insurance.
Think of it like insurance: you pay a small amount each year to avoid a potentially large bill when something goes wrong.
Tips to Save on Roadside Assistance
- Check Existing Coverage: Review your auto insurance, credit cards, and car warranty before buying a separate plan.
- Compare Providers: Don’t assume AAA is the cheapest; insurance add-ons can be far less expensive.
- Bundle Plans: Some providers offer discounts if you add family members or combine coverage with insurance.
- Look for Free Trials: Some new cars or memberships (like warehouse clubs) offer free roadside perks.
Final Thoughts
So, is roadside assistance worth the cost? For most drivers, the answer is yes, especially when you consider how expensive a single tow or lockout service can be. However, if you already have coverage elsewhere or drive a reliable, newer car, you may not need to pay extra.
At the end of the day, it’s about peace of mind. Knowing you have someone to call when your car leaves you stranded is a comfort many drivers are happy to pay for.
