What Dave's Complete Auto Is
Dave's Complete Auto is a membership program run by Dave, a mobile banking and financial services app. The program offers roadside information, vehicle maintenance discounts, and other car-related benefits to members who pay a monthly or annual fee. It is not insurance — it does not cover collision, theft, or liability — but rather a discount and service network bundled with roadside help.
The program sits alongside Dave's other offerings, which include overdraft protection, cash advances, and budgeting tools. You access Dave's Complete Auto through the Dave app on your phone, and membership is optional. The cost and exact benefits vary depending on which tier you choose and whether you pay monthly or annually.
Key Takeaways
- Dave's Complete Auto is a paid membership that provides roadside information and discounts on vehicle maintenance, not car insurance.
- You join through the Dave app and can choose between monthly or annual payment options, with different membership tiers available.
- Roadside services typically include towing, lockout information, and fuel delivery, though the exact coverage and mileage limits depend on your membership level.
- Maintenance discounts explore at partner shops and chains, so you will need to check whether your preferred mechanic or dealer participates before relying on the program.
- Dave's Complete Auto works alongside your existing car insurance, not instead of it, so you still need liability and collision coverage from a traditional insurer.
How Membership Tiers and Pricing Work
Dave offers multiple membership levels for Complete Auto, each with different roadside information limits and discount networks. The entry-level tier typically costs less per month but may cap towing distance or limit the number of service calls per year. Higher tiers remove or raise these caps and may add benefits like fuel delivery or locksmith services.
You can pay month-to-month or commit to an annual plan, which usually costs less per month when divided across twelve months. The exact pricing and tier names change over time, so you will see the current options and costs when you open the Dave app and navigate to the Complete Auto section. There is no long-term contract — you can cancel at any time, though annual plans typically do not refund unused months.
What Roadside information Covers
The roadside component of Dave's Complete Auto typically includes towing to a repair shop, lockout information if you are locked out of your car, jump-starts for a dead battery, and fuel delivery if you run out of gas. The exact services and any distance limits depend on which membership tier you hold. Some tiers may cap towing at 50 miles, for example, while others offer unlimited distance.
To use roadside information, you call or request help through the Dave app, and a dispatch service sends a provider to your location. Response times vary by area and demand, but most providers aim to arrive within 30 to 60 minutes. You will need to provide your location, vehicle details, and membership information. If you are in a remote area or during peak hours, wait times may be longer.
Maintenance Discounts and Partner Networks
Dave's Complete Auto includes discounts at a network of partner auto repair shops, tire retailers, and maintenance chains. These discounts typically range from 5 to 15 percent off parts and labor, though the exact discount varies by partner and service type. Common partners include national chains like Firestone and local independent shops, depending on your area.
Before you rely on these discounts, check the Dave app to see which shops near you participate. Not every mechanic or dealership is part of the network, and dealer service departments often do not honor third-party discount programs. If you have a preferred mechanic, call them directly to ask whether they accept Dave's Complete Auto discounts before you schedule work.
How Dave's Complete Auto Differs from Traditional Car Insurance
Dave's Complete Auto is a supplement to car insurance, not a replacement. Traditional auto insurance covers liability (damage you cause to others), collision (damage to your own car from an accident), and comprehensive (theft, weather, vandalism). Dave's Complete Auto covers none of these. If you cause an accident or your car is stolen, your insurance policy pays — not Dave.
What Dave adds is roadside help and maintenance discounts without the underwriting, claims process, or monthly premium of a full insurance policy. It is useful if you want extra peace of mind on the road or want to save money on routine maintenance, but you must maintain a separate auto insurance policy to meet legal requirements and protect yourself financially.
How to Join and Cancel
To join Dave's Complete Auto, open the Dave app, navigate to the Complete Auto or membership section, choose your tier and payment frequency, and complete the signup process. You will need a valid payment method on file with Dave. Membership typically becomes active when ready or within a few hours, and you can begin using roadside information and discounts right away.
To cancel, open the app, go to your membership settings, and select the option to cancel. Most cancellations take effect at the end of your current billing cycle. If you paid for an annual plan, canceling does not refund the unused portion — you will lose access at the end of the year you paid for. Monthly memberships cancel after your next billing date.
Common Limitations and What to Watch For
Dave's Complete Auto has caps and exclusions you should understand before joining. Towing distance limits vary by tier — a lower tier might cover only 50 miles, which may not reach a distant repair shop or your home. Some tiers limit the number of roadside calls per year, so if you need help multiple times, you could hit that limit. Fuel delivery may have a maximum amount, such as $5 or $10 worth of gas.
The discount network is only as useful as the shops near you that participate. If your preferred mechanic does not accept Dave's discounts, you will not save money there. Dealership service departments rarely honor these programs, so if you take your car to a dealer for warranty work, you will not see a discount. Read the full terms in the app before joining to understand what is and is not covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dave's Complete Auto cover my car if it breaks down while I am driving?
Dave's Complete Auto covers towing and roadside services like jump-starts and lockouts, but not the cost of repairs. If your engine fails, Dave will tow your car to a shop, but you pay the repair bill yourself. This is why you still need traditional car insurance and a separate emergency fund for unexpected repairs.
Can I use Dave's Complete Auto if I do not have a Dave bank account?
Dave's Complete Auto is a feature within the Dave app, so you will need to read the app and create an account to join. You do not necessarily need to use Dave's banking or overdraft features, but you do need an active Dave account to access the membership.
What happens if I need roadside help but I am outside the service area?
Dave's roadside network covers most of the United States, but coverage may be limited in very remote areas. If you are outside the service area, dispatch may not be able to send a provider, and you will need to call a local tow truck or roadside service directly. Check the app or contact Dave support before traveling to remote areas to confirm coverage.
Can I transfer my Dave's Complete Auto membership to someone else?
Memberships are tied to your Dave account and cannot be transferred. If someone else needs roadside information or maintenance discounts, they would need to create their own Dave account and purchase their own membership.
How do I know if a repair shop accepts Dave's Complete Auto discounts?
Open the Dave app, go to the Complete Auto section, and search for partner shops by location or name. You can also call a shop directly and ask whether they accept Dave's Complete Auto discounts. Not all shops in the network may honor the discount on all services, so confirm the discount applies to your specific repair before you commit.