What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down on the Road
Where roadside assistance comes from and what it covers
Roadside assistance is a service that sends someone to help you when your car stops working away from home. It is not one program — it comes from several different sources, and what you get depends on which one you use. The main options are your auto insurance company, a membership club you join separately, your car's manufacturer warranty, or your credit card company.
Most roadside assistance covers towing to a repair shop, lockout service if you are locked out of your car, fuel delivery if you run out of gas, jump-starts for a dead battery, and tire changes for a flat. Some also cover winching if you are stuck, fuel system cleaning, or minor repairs on the spot. What is covered and how far they will tow you varies widely by provider and plan level.
Key Takeaways
- Your auto insurance may already include roadside assistance at no extra cost, so check your policy documents before paying for a separate membership.
- Membership clubs like AAA charge an annual fee but typically cover more tows per year and longer towing distances than insurance add-ons.
- Your car's manufacturer warranty often includes roadside assistance for a set number of years, even if you bought the car used.
- Credit card companies sometimes offer roadside assistance as a cardholder benefit, though coverage is usually more limited than other options.
- You can have more than one source of roadside assistance — if one is unavailable or has reached its annual limit, you can call another.
Roadside assistance through your auto insurance
Most auto insurance companies offer roadside assistance as an add-on to your policy, though some include it automatically in certain coverage levels. The cost is usually between $3 and $15 per month. Before you pay for it, call your insurance agent or log into your policy online to see if you already have it.
Insurance-based roadside assistance typically covers one or two tows per year, usually up to 50 miles. If you need a longer tow, you may have to pay the difference yourself. The service is available 24 hours a day, and you call the number on the back of your insurance card to request help.
One limitation: insurance roadside assistance often has a waiting period before it takes effect — sometimes 30 days after you add it. If you are adding it now because you are worried about a breakdown, it may not cover a problem that happens this week.
Membership clubs like AAA
AAA and similar membership organizations charge an annual fee — typically $50 to $150 depending on membership level — and provide roadside assistance as part of the package. You do not need to be an insurance customer to join. The main advantage is that membership clubs usually allow more tows per year and cover longer distances than insurance add-ons.
AAA's basic membership typically covers four tows per year up to 100 miles each. Higher tiers cover more tows and longer distances. The service is available 24/7, and you call the number on your membership card. AAA also partners with local tow companies, so response time depends on where you break down — in cities it is usually faster than in rural areas.
Membership takes effect immediately when you join, so unlike insurance add-ons there is no waiting period. If you travel frequently or live far from repair shops, the extra tows and longer distances may justify the annual cost.
Manufacturer roadside assistance through your warranty
If your car is new or relatively new, the manufacturer's warranty likely includes roadside assistance. This is true even if you bought the car used — the coverage transfers to you. Check your warranty documents or call the manufacturer's customer service line to find out what is included and how long it lasts.
Manufacturer coverage varies by brand. Some cover unlimited tows for the length of the warranty (often three to five years), while others limit you to a certain number per year. Most cover towing to any repair facility, not just dealerships. Call the number in your warranty paperwork to request service.
The advantage of manufacturer coverage is that it is usually free and often more generous than insurance or membership options. The disadvantage is that it expires when your warranty does, so if your car is older you will need to switch to another source.
Credit card roadside assistance benefits
Some credit card companies offer roadside assistance as a cardholder benefit, particularly premium cards. The coverage is usually free to cardholders and available 24/7. However, it is typically more limited than other options — often covering only one or two tows per year and shorter distances.
Check your credit card's benefits guide or call the number on the back of your card to see if roadside assistance is included. If it is, write down the phone number and keep it in your car. Coverage usually applies to any vehicle you are in, not just one you own.
Credit card benefits can be a useful backup if your primary roadside assistance has reached its annual limit, but they should not be your only source of help.
Comparing costs and coverage across options
| Source | Cost | Tows per year | Typical tow distance | Waiting period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance add-on | $3–$15/month | 1–2 | 50 miles | Often 30 days |
| AAA membership | $50–$150/year | 4+ | 100+ miles | None |
| Manufacturer warranty | Free | Varies | Varies | None |
| Credit card benefit | Free | 1–2 | 50 miles | None |
What to do when you break down
When your car stops working, move to a safe location if possible — pull onto the shoulder, away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights. Then call the roadside assistance number for whichever service you are using. Have your membership or policy number ready, your location, and a description of what is wrong with the car.
The dispatcher will ask where you are, what vehicle you drive, and whether anyone is injured. They will give you an estimated arrival time for the tow truck. Stay in your car with the doors locked if you are on a highway, unless it is unsafe to do so. If you have multiple roadside assistance sources and one is unavailable, call the next one on your list.
After the tow truck arrives, the driver will ask where you want to go — usually a repair shop of your choice. If you do not have a preferred shop, ask the driver for a recommendation. Keep the receipt and any paperwork the tow company gives you, in case you need to file a claim with your insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one roadside assistance service?
Yes. Many people have coverage through both their insurance and a membership club, or through their manufacturer warranty and a credit card. Having multiple sources means if one has reached its annual limit or is unavailable, you can call another. There is no penalty for having overlapping coverage.
What if the tow company wants to take me to a shop I do not want?
You can usually choose where the tow truck takes your car. Tell the dispatcher your preferred shop when you call, or tell the driver when they arrive. Some roadside assistance plans limit you to shops within a certain distance, so ask before you insist on a specific location far away.
Do I have to pay anything out of pocket when the tow truck arrives?
Not usually, if the tow is covered by your plan. The tow company bills your roadside assistance provider directly. However, if you exceed your plan's limits — for example, if you need a 150-mile tow but your plan covers only 100 miles — you may owe the difference.
How long does it take for a tow truck to arrive?
Response time depends on where you are. In cities, a tow truck may arrive within 30 minutes to an hour. In rural areas, it can take several hours. The dispatcher will give you an estimate when you call. If you are in an unsafe location, ask the dispatcher for advice on what to do while you wait.
What happens if my car breaks down while I am out of state?
Most roadside assistance coverage works nationwide, including AAA, insurance add-ons, and manufacturer warranties. Credit card benefits also typically work anywhere. When you call, tell the dispatcher your location and they will dispatch a local tow company to help you, even if you are far from home.