A comparison of 5 roadside assistance services

In today's fast-paced, technologically driven world, getting stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire or dead battery is more than just an inconvenience; it's a disruption to your day. A reliable roadside assistance service provides the imperative support needed to get you back on the road safely and efficiently. CheapInsurance.com has conducted an in-depth analysis of various roadside assistance plans and programs, evaluating their value, service offerings, and pricing to help you find the best fit.

While many auto insurance companies and third-party providers offer roadside assistance, the challenge lies in identifying which service aligns with your specific needs. It's essential to consider these options when obtaining an auto insurance quote. Furthermore, some vehicle manufacturers provide complimentary assistance for a limited period or mileage, so a thoughtful approach to choosing a membership is key.

What Is Roadside Assistance and What Are the Latest Trends?

A roadside assistance service is an emergency lifeline designed to get you back on the road swiftly. For both frequent and occasional travelers, a plan offers a safeguard against unexpected automotive troubles.

Modern roadside assistance services leverage technology to provide a range of solutions, from tire replacements and fuel deliveries to battery recharging and winching. The industry is rapidly evolving, with a growing emphasis on mobile apps, real-time tracking, and specialized support for a new generation of vehicles.

Common services covered by a roadside assistance plan include:

• Battery Jump-Starts: Boosting a dead battery to get your vehicle running.
• Emergency Fuel Delivery: Bringing a supply of gas or, increasingly, providing a mobile charge for electric vehicles (EVs).
• Car Lockout Service: Unlocking your vehicle if you've been locked out.
• Flat Tire Service: Changing a flat tire or providing a tow if a spare isn't available.
• Winching: Pulling a vehicle out of mud, snow, or a ditch.
• Towing: Transporting your vehicle to a repair shop.
• Minor On-Site Repairs: Addressing small mechanical issues to get the vehicle operational.

The best services now offer dedicated apps for seamless, on-demand assistance. Many also provide flexible subscription models or flat-rate, pay-per-use options that require no membership.

When selecting a service, it is prudent to analyze your driving habits, travel frequency, and vehicle type. Below is a comparative analysis of five leading roadside assistance providers, evaluating their offerings, benefits, and fees to assist you in choosing the ideal service.

Comparative Analysis of Roadside Assistance Companies

Based on a review of member options, service range, pricing, and national coverage, CheapInsurance.com has evaluated the following companies. The plans and pricing provided reflect current offerings at the time of publication.

Allstate Motor Club

Allstate Motor Club has affordable, flexible plans for a variety of drivers.

Allstate Motor Club offers a strong portfolio of roadside assistance plans, providing excellent value that is often more economical than its competitors. The service is available 24/7 for a wide range of vehicles, including gasoline, hybrid, and electric models.

• Roadside Advantage Plan: This is the most cost-effective option for the first year. The plan includes a road hazard benefit and a trip interruption benefit. It is best suited for local drivers, with a limit of three service calls per year.
• Elite Plan: A premium offering for the first year, this plan is perfect for frequent travelers and families. It extends coverage to motorcycles and RVs, offering up to five rescues annually, along with the same trip interruption and road hazard benefits.

For those not ready for a membership, Allstate provides a pay-per-use model for one-time assistance, with pricing determined by the specific service requested.

AAA – American Automobile Association

AAA offers a comprehensive membership with extensive perks and national coverage.

AAA is a trusted name in roadside assistance, known for its extensive network of over 63,000 service trucks in the U.S. and Canada. While service is quick, all plans are typically limited to four assistance calls per year.

• Classic Plan: The Classic plan includes towing up to five miles, battery jump-starts, battery and tire replacement services, fuel delivery, and vehicle lockout services. It also offers valuable fringe benefits like identity theft monitoring, weather alerts, and travel discounts.
• Plus Plan: This plan offers enhanced benefits, including free towing up to 100 miles and a car lockout service benefit.
• Premier Coverage Plan: The highest tier is ideal for long-distance and international travel. It includes one free 200-mile tow and three additional 100-mile tows. The plan also provides a one-day complimentary rental car with a tow and a free lockout service for your car or home.

AAA’s robust member benefits, such as discounts on hotels, retail, and travel, give it a significant competitive advantage. However, these benefits are tied to a mandatory membership plan.

Better World Club

Better World Club is ideal for eco-conscious drivers and owners of electric or hybrid vehicles.

Better World Club stands out as the nation’s only eco-friendly roadside assistance service. It focuses on green practices and offers a unique bicycle roadside assistance program, making it a fitting choice for EV and PHEV drivers.

• Bicycle Plan: This specialized plan covers towing for up to 30 miles for both pedal-powered and electric bicycles.
• Basic Auto Plan: This plan includes services like winching, jump-starts, flat tire changes, fuel delivery, and towing up to five miles. You can add bicycle coverage and motorcycle coverage for a fee.
• Premium Auto Plan: The premium auto plan extends the towing range to 100 miles and includes two free gallons of fuel. The price can increase with the addition of RV and motorcycle coverage.

All members receive up to four service calls per year, and BWC is known to donate one percent of its revenue to environmental causes, appealing to drivers who value sustainability.

Carchex Roadside Assistance Service

Carchex Roadside assistance offers excellent value on basic plans, particularly for used vehicles.

Carchex offers a strong value proposition, especially with its starter facility that includes free towing up to 25 miles—a feature unmatched at the basic level by many competitors.

• Basic Annual Plan: This plan covers single-vehicle assistance and some of the most common repairs.
• Extended Vehicle Plans: Carchex offers a tiered system (Titanium, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze) that provides varying levels of extended vehicle coverage. The Titanium plan is particularly comprehensive, nearly mirroring factory coverage with minimal exclusions.

Carchex is recognized for its reasonable response times and mechanical aid services, which contribute to a high level of customer satisfaction.

Good Sam Roadside Assistance

Good Sam Roadside Assistance is ideal for RV and motorhome owners.

Good Sam has a long-standing reputation as a top provider, especially for RVs and other recreational vehicles. Its plans cater to a wide range of vehicle types, including cars, trucks, and SUVs.

• Good Sam Auto Plan: Plans are available in different tiers (Platinum, Platinum+, and Platinum Complete) that offer services like unlimited towing to the nearest service center, tire and wheel road hazard coverage, and emergency medical assistance.

Good Sam is a reliable choice for drivers who need specialized assistance for larger vehicles and trailers.

How to Choose the Best Roadside Assistance Plan

Roadside assistance providers offer more than just emergency repairs; they also offer a sense of security and peace of mind. Some plans provide additional benefits like trip interruption coverage, rental car reimbursement, and discounts.

To make an informed choice, consider the following factors:

• Plan Offerings and Benefits: Do the benefits align with your driving habits? Look for features like towing mileage, service call limits, and special services (e.g., EV charging, bicycle coverage).
• Policy Limitations and Pricing: Understand the fees, annual costs, and any limitations on the number of service calls or towing distance.
• Membership and Coverage: Determine if a membership model or a pay-per-use plan is better for you. Check if the coverage extends to family members or if it applies to you personally (as a driver or passenger) in any vehicle.
• Customer Service and Availability: Look for providers with 24/7 support and a strong reputation for fast response times. Mobile app functionality is a major plus in today's market.
• Integration with Auto Insurance: Assess if adding roadside assistance to your existing auto insurance policy is a more cost-effective option than a standalone membership.

Most providers offer similar basic services, but the value is often in the additional, complementary benefits. For instance, some companies offer rental car coverage, accidental event compensation, or hotel discounts, which can be a deciding factor.

This story was produced by CheapInsurance.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.