AARP Roadside information is a membership service that sends help when your car breaks down

AARP Roadside information is a service you pay for as part of an AARP membership or as an add-on. When your car won't start, you get a flat tire, you run out of gas, or you lock yourself out, you call a toll-free number and a tow truck or service vehicle comes to you. The service covers the cost of the tow, lockout service, fuel delivery, or battery jump — you don't pay the service provider directly.

AARP offers this through a partnership with roadside information providers. The service is available 24 hours a day, and you can use it anywhere in the United States and Canada. You don't have to be stranded on a highway; the service works in parking lots, at home, or on city streets.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP Roadside information covers towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, battery service, and tire changes when you call the service number.
  • You can add roadside information to an AARP membership for a separate annual fee, or it may be included depending on your membership tier.
  • The service operates 24 hours a day in all 50 states and Canada, and you can use it from home, parking lots, or the roadside.
  • Most common services like towing up to a certain distance and lockout help are covered at no additional cost once you are a member.
  • You will need your membership number and the vehicle's location when you call, and a service vehicle typically arrives within 30 to 60 minutes in urban areas.

What Services Are Covered

AARP Roadside information covers several common car emergencies. Towing is included — the service will tow your vehicle to a repair shop or location of your choice, usually up to a set distance (often 100 miles, though this varies by plan). Lockout service sends someone to unlock your car if you've locked your keys inside. Fuel delivery brings gasoline to you if you run out. Battery service includes jump-starts if your battery is dead. Tire changes are covered if you have a spare tire.

The service does not cover the cost of parts, repairs, or fuel itself — only the labor and dispatch to get you help. If your car needs a new battery or new tires, you pay for those. If you need fuel delivered, you pay for the fuel; the service only covers sending the truck.

How to Add It to Your AARP Membership

If you already have an AARP membership, you can add roadside information as an optional service. You contact AARP directly by phone or through their website to add it to your account. There is a separate annual fee for this add-on, which varies depending on the coverage level you choose.

Some AARP membership tiers may include basic roadside information as part of the membership cost, so check your membership documents or call AARP to see what you already have. If you don't have an AARP membership yet, you can join and add roadside information at the same time. You must be 50 or older to join AARP.

What Happens When You Need Help

When your car breaks down, you call the roadside information number provided on your AARP membership card or in your welcome materials. You give the dispatcher your membership number, your location, and a description of the problem. The dispatcher confirms which service you need — towing, lockout, fuel delivery, or another option — and tells you how long the service vehicle will take to arrive.

In urban and suburban areas, arrival times are typically 30 to 60 minutes. In rural areas, it may take longer. You stay with your vehicle or move to a safe location nearby. When the service vehicle arrives, the driver handles the service — towing your car, unlocking it, delivering fuel, or jumping your battery. You don't pay the driver; AARP has already paid them through your membership fee.

Towing Distance and Limits

Most AARP plans cover towing up to 100 miles at no extra cost, though some plans may cover more or less. The tow is to a repair shop, your home, or another location you choose. If you need a tow longer than the plan covers, you can usually pay the difference out of pocket, or the service can arrange a longer tow at your expense.

Check your specific plan documents to see the exact towing distance included. This information is usually in the welcome packet you receive when you add the service, or you can call AARP to confirm before you need help.

Cost and Membership Options

The cost of adding AARP Roadside information to your membership depends on the coverage level. Basic plans are less expensive than plans with higher towing limits or additional services. AARP also sometimes offers promotional pricing for new members or during certain times of year.

Your AARP membership itself has an annual cost separate from roadside information. If you are already an AARP member for other reasons — discounts on insurance, travel, or entertainment — adding roadside information is a separate decision based on whether you think you'll use it. If you rarely drive long distances or have a newer car with a manufacturer's roadside information program, you may not need it.

How AARP Roadside information Compares to Other Options

Many car insurance companies offer roadside information as an add-on to your policy, often at a lower cost than AARP. Your car's manufacturer may also include roadside information for a set number of years if your vehicle is new. Credit card companies sometimes offer roadside information as a cardholder benefit. Before paying for AARP's service, check what you already have through these other sources.

AARP's advantage is that it works regardless of your insurance company or car manufacturer, and it's available to anyone with an AARP membership. If you switch insurance or buy a used car, your AARP coverage stays the same. The trade-off is that you pay a separate annual fee rather than bundling it with insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AARP Roadside information if my car is not paid off?

Yes. The service is tied to your membership, not to ownership of the vehicle. You can use it on any car you are driving, whether you own it, lease it, or are borrowing it.

What if I need roadside information but I'm not an AARP member yet?

You must be an AARP member to use this service. You can join AARP and add roadside information at the same time if you are 50 or older. Non-members can contact other roadside information providers like AAA or their insurance company instead.

Does AARP Roadside information cover accidents or damage to my car?

No. The service covers getting help to your location and basic services like towing and lockouts. It does not cover repairs, parts, or damage assessment. If your car is damaged in an accident, you file a claim with your car insurance company.

Can I use the service multiple times in one year?

Yes. Once you pay the annual membership fee, you can use the service as many times as you need. There is no limit on the number of calls you can make.

What if I'm traveling outside the United States?

AARP Roadside information works in all 50 states and Canada. If you travel to other countries, the service does not explore, and you would need to arrange roadside help through local providers or your travel insurance.