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Getting stuck on the side of the road because of a flat tire, car issue, or lack of fuel can be a stressful experience. One thing that can help out in such a situation is a roadside assistance plan.

Roadside assistance plans are generally optional coverage by car insurance providers. It may only be available if you purchase a specific type of coverage, such as a collision or comprehensive.

If you have this type of coverage, you can typically get help if your car needs a jump start, extra fuel, or tow to another location. Some providers also offer help if you lock yourself out of your vehicle or can provide small repairs. We've rounded up the six best roadside support plans based on advertised benefits. Several of our top picks are also listed in our best car insurance companies guide.

Top Roadside Assistance Plans of 2023

• Erie Auto Insurance: Best Affordable Option
• Progressive Auto Insurance: Best for Small Repairs
• GEICO Auto Insurance: Best Low-Cost Comprehensive Provider
• USAA Auto Insurance: Best for Military Members
• State Farm Auto Insurance: Best Large Insurer
• Travelers Auto Insurance: Best Premium Option

We've reviewed the top roadside assistance plans, looking at cost, availability, accessibility, and coverage benefits. Learn more about each option below so you can make an informed decision.

Compare the Best Roadside Assistance Plans

Methodology: How we Chose the Best Roadside Assistance

Roadside service coverage is available as an optional coverage add-on as part of many different auto insurance policies. While many car insurance providers offer similar benefits, there are nuances in benefits, limits, and what's actually covered.

To determine the best roadside assistance, we compiled a list of insurers offering this type of coverage. Then, we compared overall costs, tow mileage limits, mechanical repairs, timeliness of assistance, customer service, and company history.

Why You Should Trust Our Recommendations

Getting roadside assistance can be a smart move to help prepare for "what ifs" and make sure you're covered in a wide range of scenarios. At Insider, we know that there are many options to consider and work hard to determine the top options that benefit consumers. The plans on this list were determined by merit and benefits and based on a variety of factors.

Roadside Assistance Frequently Asked Questions

Best Affordable Option

Erie Insurance

Erie stands out as an affordable option because it allows customers to add roadside assistance for about $5 for every car insured per year. You can get help if you're dealing with a flat tire, dead battery, lack of fuel, car breakdown, or if you've been locked out of your car. Your coverage also includes getting your vehicle out of either snow or a ditch if the vehicle is within 10 feet of the highway. If it's out of the service area, there may be extra costs.

Erie has a higher towing mileage limit than some other providers, allowing tows up to 20 miles. It's also available 24/7, and you have the option to use a towing company of your choice and get reimbursed by filing a claim or calling 800-FOR-ERIE to use their service provider.

One downside to Erie is that it is only available in some locations. You must live in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, DC, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Erie Insurance Review

Best for Small Repairs

Progressive

Not all car problems are the same. If you need a little extra help from your roadside assistance plan, Progressive may be a great option.

Progressive offers up to one hour of labor on-site to get your vehicle back up and running again. If repairs take longer, you can get the vehicle towed to a local repair shop.

Progressive roadside assistance includes towing up to 15 miles and winching (which involves getting your car out if it's trapped in snow or mud) if it's within 100 feet of the highway. You can also get a jump start if your battery dies, have gas delivered, or get your electric car towed to a charger if it runs out of battery. You're responsible for fees associated with the gas or battery charge, though.

Similarly, if your keys are nowhere to be found, this service can get a professional to help, but you'll pay for the key replacement. Progressive can also help you install a spare tire if you're experiencing a flat. According to the fine print, there may be a limit to the number of times you can get roadside service coverage, and some states may have policy limits.

Progressive roadside coverage is available 24/7. You can add this as a policy option if you're a current customer or call the company at 1-800-776-4737.

Progressive Insurance Review

Best Low-Cost Comprehensive Provider

GEICO

GEICO has been around since 1936 and has a financial strength rating of A ++ from AM Best. GEICO is featured in our best affordable car insurance companies guide and offers low-cost and comprehensive roadside assistance called GEICO Emergency Road Service.

GEICO Emergency Road Service rates begin at just $14 per year for each vehicle. Through this coverage, you can get towed up to 20 miles, which tends to be a higher limit than many providers. If your battery dies, you can get a jump. If dealing with a flat, you may get a spare installed. GEICO's website states that lockout services are available if you're unable to get into your vehicle for a value of up to $100. Winching and gas delivery are also included.

The company website states that GEICO may cover more instances of roadside emergencies, though it doesn't specify an exact number. You may want to check your policy if you get this optional coverage.

According to the company website, it's best to use the GEICO mobile app if you need emergency roadside maintenance. You can submit a request in just two minutes. Service is available 24/7, and someone will generally arrive within an hour.

If you're a GEICO customer, you can get a quote for this add-on through your account or by calling (800) 42-GEICO (4-3426). If you have this coverage and pay for your tow, you can file a claim for reimbursement.

Geico Insurance Review

Best for Military Members

Military members can take advantage of unique offerings from USAA, which provides insurance and financial products, including roadside assistance. While not available to the general public, veterans and military members may qualify for membership and be eligible for many perks and discounts.

USAA has a much further towing distance than other providers, with a cap of 50 miles. You can also get coverage if your vehicle is stuck, needs a jump start, or is locked. Plus, you can get fuel delivered or assistance with changing your tire. In these cases, you'll pay for the cost of gas and need a spare on hand.

Another benefit is USAA policyholders may still obtain roadside service even if it's not added as part of their policy. In this case, you'll have to pay, but you can score discounted services just by being with USAA.

You can quickly and easily get support via the USAA mobile app and can submit a request for roadside assistance within 5 minutes. Generally, help will arrive within an hour to an hour and a half. If you already paid for services elsewhere, you can also get reimbursed for your coverage.

USAA is available in the United States, Mexico (if within 75 miles of the border), and Canada, plus U.S. territories, and is available 24/7. USAA has been around for over 100 years, starting in 1922, and has a financial strength rating of A++ from AM Best.

USAA Insurance Review

Best Large Insurer

State Farm

When it comes to large insurers serving all 50 states, State Farm comes out on top with its roadside assistance, which the company refers to as emergency road service coverage. State Farm has a well-established history being founded in 1922, and has a financial strength rating of A++ on AM Best.

State Farm's coverage assists if you run out of gas or oil, get locked out of your car, or need a tow because the car is broken down or stuck. One thing that stands out with State Farm is you get up to an hour of labor for lockout services and mechanical breakdowns.

If you opt for this type of coverage and need help you can fill out a request online or call 877-627-5757 and get support 24/7. Rates aren't disclosed on the website, but State Farm recommends contacting a State Farm agent to discuss coverage options. Also, if you don't get this coverage but use their service anyway, you may be billed at a lower, more competitive rate.

State Farm Insurance Review

Best Premium Option

Travelers

Many roadside assistance options are very similar, but Travelers has a premium option that offers even more if you're looking for additional benefits.

The Premier Roadside Assistance package has a towing limit of up to 100 miles. The Premier option includes jump starts, fuel delivery (although you have to pay for gas), changing a flat tire, winching, and lockout assistance.

It also offers Trip Interruption Coverage, which provides funds if your car is not working for 24 hours and you're further than 100 miles from home. You can get $200 per day (up to a total limit of $600) to cover hotel costs, food, and other transportation options to get you home.

The Premier package includes personal property coverage, which provides up to $500 if anything was stolen or damaged. The loss must be a qualified event under a comprehensive, collision, or glass loss, according to the company website.

Once you get Travelers roadside assistance, whether basic or Premier, you can call 800.CLAIM33 (800.252.4633) and press 3 to get support 24/7.

Travelers Insurance Review

What to Know Before Buying Roadside Service Coverage

Though roadside support plans may appear similar among various providers, options aren't exactly the same. When doing your research, consider the mileage limit for towing as well as any limits set on emergency assistance. Some providers may have a stated cap, and others may not.

Also, if getting coverage through your car insurance provider, you likely need to have specific policies in place beyond just liability insurance. Typically, you need to have a collision and/or comprehensive coverage policy to qualify for this add-on.

Lastly, read the fine print to know what costs you may be on the hook for like the cost of gas or any mileage beyond the limit. You can look up customer reviews about roadside assistance and shop around to find a great fit for you.