Get Roadside Assistance Insurance Coverage

Roadside Assistance Vs. Towing Coverage

Auto insurers may offer roadside assistance or just towing and labor coverage. Towing and labor is coverage on your auto policy that will reimburse you up to the policy limit if your vehicle has to be towed. Available limits usually start at $50 per disablement, but higher limits are available. This coverage requires paying for the tow out of pocket and then submitting an invoice to your insurance company for reimbursement. To have towing coverage on your policy, you must have at least comprehensive coverage on your vehicle. Some insurers may require that you have both comprehensive and collision coverage to qualify for the coverage.

How to Add Roadside Assistance to Your Policy

If you want to add roadside assistance or towing coverage to your auto policy, you can speak with your insurance agent or contact your auto insurance company directly. They can assist you in understanding precisely what the endorsement provides for you and the cost of the coverage itself. The cost of these coverages is nominal, and having them is a great idea, especially if you have an older, less reliable car. Whether it's a dead battery, a flat tire, or something else, roadside assistance can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses resulting from an unfortunate vehicle breakdown.

Do I Need Roadside Assistance if I have AAA?

You do not need to add roadside assistance to your auto policy if you are a AAA member. However, the cost of this coverage through your auto policy can be much less expensive than having it through AAA. This is because a AAA membership includes all of the roadside assistance options but also provides you with discounts on other things such as travel, entertainment tickets, insurance, and more. It is important to compare the cost of roadside assistance and what it includes through your car insurance carrier and AAA before deciding which option is best for you.

Does Towing Impact My Car Insurance Premium?

Though roadside assistance or towing coverage may be significantly lower on your auto policy than through AAA or another auto club that provides roadside assistance services, your car insurance premium may be impacted if you put through frequent emergency claims on your auto policy.

If putting multiple emergency claims is a concern for you, you may be better off purchasing this coverage through AAA or another auto club to avoid the impact those claims may have if you carry the coverage through your auto policy. The cost of doing this may be more expensive, but it could be worth it in the end when you avoid claims against your car insurance policy for multiple emergency road service situations.

Roadside Assistance FAQs

Q: What does roadside assistance on a car insurance policy include?

A: Auto insurance carriers offer different services in their roadside assistance packages, but typically, some of the things that are included are towing, tire changes, jumping a dead battery, locksmith services, and fuel services.

Q: How can I buy roadside assistance coverage?

A: You can purchase roadside assistance coverage through your car insurance company or an auto club like AAA. If you have a brand new vehicle, car manufacturers sometimes include roadside assistance for the first three years of ownership.