How to Compare Roadside Assistance Providers

Key Factors to Consider When Comparing Providers

Many car insurance companies, cell phone companies, credit card companies, and motor clubs offer roadside assistance plans. But how can you choose? 

You're likely looking for competitive rates and top-tier service, but to find the best roadside assistance plan, it’s also important to pay attention to a few other features. Here’s how to compare roadside assistance providers.

1. Service Area

Do you visit family who live 200 miles away? Or often take road trips? Some roadside assistance companies offer local or regional coverage while others provide nationwide service. 

If your car breaks down outside of your provider’s service area, you may not be entitled to roadside assistance benefits—or you might have to pay extra for it. Make sure you’ll be able to get roadside help wherever you roam. 

2. Offered Services

Before buying roadside assistance, understand what the plan covers—and how often. Most plans, for example, allow a certain number of service calls per year. Consider the following list of typical roadside services when choosing a plan that’s right for you.

Towing Limit

Some providers have low mileage limits for towing. So, if you take road trips or have a breakdown in a remote area, it may not be covered. 

Towing to Destination of Choice

Can you get a tow to a destination you choose, such as your favorite mechanic? Or only to the nearest repair shop? 

Battery Testing, Jump Starts, or Replacements  

Some providers offer a jump start but don’t offer battery replacements, which may leave you wondering about your battery health.

Fuel Delivery 

If you run out of gas, are you entitled to roadside fuel delivery? Is the cost of fuel included with the roadside assistance?

Tire Changes

This is a fairly standard service but check to make sure it’s included.

Lockout Services

If you lock yourself out of your vehicle, some roadside assistance plans offer lockout service calls.

Winching or Extrication

If your vehicle gets stuck in the mud or trapped in a ditch, you may need winching or extraction services.

Mechanical Repairs

Some roadside assistance plans will perform minor mechanical repairs.

Electric Car Service

If you have an electric car, make sure your vehicle will be covered, or that your chosen service provider has a flatbed available for towing.

Availability

Roadside service availability varies between providers. Some operate during certain hours, while others provide roadside help 24/7.

3. Membership Costs and Fees

Before you purchase roadside assistance, compare rates. Look at each plan’s costs and fees including:

Annual Membership Fees

If you choose a third-party provider, you’ll likely pay an annual membership fee for roadside service coverage. Providers offer different coverage options for different prices. 

Want to add your family members who drive? Some roadside assistance companies offer coverage plans for household members at a discount. (If your provider doesn’t offer add-on coverage for household members, you’ll need to purchase separate roadside assistance plans.)

Per-Service Charges or Deductibles

Some roadside plans charge a fee for each service call, which is an added cost. Other plans give you a certain number of calls per year without a charge. Then, after you’ve used those service calls, they charge a fee for additional calls. Make sure to read the fine print.

Discounts or Promotions

Some roadside assistance plans help drivers save money by offering exclusive benefits. They might include shopping discounts and savings on car insurance and other insurance products. Some offer exclusive travel perks and extras like trip interruption coverage. These year-round benefits can make roadside assistance worth the cost, even if you never get a flat tire or need fuel delivery.

4. Response Time

If you need roadside assistance, how long will it take to get help? Smaller companies may have smaller networks, which could mean longer wait times. Be sure to ask about the average wait time for assistance.

5. Customer Service

Some companies offer help during specific hours, but the best roadside assistance plans offer 24/7 customer service. Read the company’s ratings and reviews to evaluate their dependability.

6. Additional Benefits

Beyond roadside assistance, some plans come with extra benefits and perks. Consider the value they add to your roadside plan. 

Added benefits might include:

• Coverage for multiple vehicles or family members
• Auto repair discounts
• Insurance discounts
• Trip interruption coverage (which compensates you for prepaid travel expenses if your trip gets interrupted or canceled)
• Identity theft protection
• Exclusive travel benefits
• Discounts on hotels, car rentals, and other travel expenses
• Savings on dining out, theater tickets, sporting events, and theme parks
• Shopping discounts

7. Provider Reputation

Check the following to make sure that the roadside assistance provider you choose has a solid foundation. 

• Years in business: Does the company have a long track record?
• Financial stability: Learn about the organization’s financial wellness through reputable third-party resources.
• Accreditations and certifications: It’s important that a roadside assistance company follows industry standards and regulations. Ask which licenses, accreditations and certifications the company has.  

For peace of mind, choose a roadside assistance company that will be there, whenever and wherever you need them. No one wants to be stranded somewhere at 2 a.m. The right roadside service provider will offer coverage wherever you roam and be available day or night. Consider a roadside company that has a solid financial grounding and a history of helping drivers out of sticky situations. And if they offer some extra perks along the way, all the better. Think about what you want and need from a roadside plan and be sure to compare various providers before making a decision.