What road information is and who provides it
Road information is a service that sends help to your vehicle when you break down, get a flat tire, run out of fuel, or lock yourself out. The help arrives at your location — you do not have to drive anywhere. Most road information comes through one of three routes: your auto insurance company, a membership program you pay for separately, or your vehicle manufacturer as part of the warranty or owner benefits.
The largest providers are AAA (which operates regional clubs), insurance companies like State Farm and Geico, and manufacturer programs like GM OnStar or Ford Roadside information. Some credit card companies bundle road information into premium card benefits. Roadside information is not the same as towing insurance — it covers the when ready help at the roadside, while towing insurance covers the cost of transporting your vehicle to a repair shop.
Road information typically covers a tow to a repair facility, lockout service, fuel delivery, battery jump-starts, and tire changes. The specifics depend on which program you have and what tier of membership or coverage you chose. Most programs operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Key Takeaways
- Road information is usually bundled into auto insurance, sold as a separate membership, or included with your vehicle purchase, and you need to know which one you have before you break down.
- Most programs cover towing to a repair shop, lockout service, fuel delivery, and battery service, but the distance they will tow and the number of free calls per year vary widely.
- Calling your provider directly is faster than calling a tow truck yourself, because they dispatch the service and often waive or reduce the cost.
- Membership programs like AAA typically cost $50 to $150 per year and cover multiple vehicles if you add them, while insurance-bundled information is usually included at no extra charge.
- If you do not have road information and need a tow, you can call a local tow company directly, but you will pay the full cost out of pocket.
How to find out what road information you already have
Before you pay for a separate membership, check whether you already have road information through your auto insurance policy. Log into your insurance company's website or call the customer service number on your insurance card and ask whether roadside information is included. Some policies include it automatically; others offer it as an add-on you can turn on for a small monthly fee (usually $3 to $10).
If you bought your vehicle new, check your owner's manual or the welcome packet that came with the car — many manufacturers include a certain number of free tows or roadside calls as part of the warranty or owner benefits program. Call the manufacturer's customer service line (the number is usually in that packet) to confirm what is covered and how to request help.
If you have a premium credit card, review the benefits guide that came with the card or log into your card's online portal. Some cards include roadside information as a cardholder benefit. Write down the phone number for any information you find — you will need it when you are stranded.
What different road information programs typically cover
Most road information programs cover towing to a repair facility, but the distance varies. AAA Plus, for example, covers up to 100 miles of towing per call, while basic AAA covers 7 miles. Insurance-bundled information often covers 50 to 100 miles. Manufacturer programs vary — some cover unlimited towing to an authorized dealer, while others cap it at a certain distance or number of calls per year.
Beyond towing, standard coverage usually includes lockout service (a technician comes to unlock your car), fuel delivery (they bring gasoline to you if you run out), battery jump-start service, and tire changes for a flat. Some programs also cover winching (pulling your car out of a ditch), fuel system issues, and lost key replacement. A few cover hotel or rental car costs if you are stranded far from home, but this is less common and usually only in higher-tier memberships.
The number of free calls per year also varies. Some programs offer unlimited calls; others limit you to a certain number (often 4 to 6 per year) before charging you for additional service. Check your specific program's terms to understand these limits.
The difference between membership programs and insurance-bundled information
Membership programs like AAA, Better World Club, and regional roadside information clubs charge an annual or monthly fee and cover any vehicle you register with them. AAA membership typically costs $50 to $150 per year depending on your region and membership tier. You can add multiple vehicles to one membership, and the coverage follows you — if you rent a car or borrow a friend's vehicle, you may still be covered depending on the program.
Insurance-bundled information is included in your auto insurance policy (or added for a small fee) and covers the vehicles listed on that policy. It does not follow you to rental cars or borrowed vehicles. The advantage is that it is usually cheaper or free if you already have the insurance, and the insurance company coordinates the information with your claim if there is an accident. The disadvantage is that you lose the coverage if you switch insurance companies.
Manufacturer programs are free for a set period (often the first three years of ownership) and then may expire or require renewal. They typically cover only that specific vehicle and only while you own it. These programs often have the best coverage for mechanical issues because they are designed to support the vehicle's warranty.
How to request help when you break down
Call the roadside information number for your program when ready. Have your membership number or policy number ready, your vehicle's location (use your phone's GPS or a nearby street sign if you do not know the address), and a description of the problem. The dispatcher will ask whether you are safe — if you are on a highway or in an unsafe location, they may advise you to call police first.
Tell the dispatcher where you want the vehicle towed. If you have a preferred repair shop, give them that address. If you do not, the dispatcher will usually suggest a shop nearby or ask whether you have a preference for a dealership or independent mechanic. The service provider will contact the shop to confirm they can accept the vehicle, then dispatch a tow truck to your location.
Wait in your vehicle if it is safe to do so, or wait nearby in a well-lit area. The dispatcher will give you an estimated arrival time. If the tow truck does not arrive within that window, call back — delays happen, and the dispatcher can check on the status or send another unit.
What to do if you do not have road information
If you do not have road information through insurance, a membership, or your vehicle manufacturer, you can still get help — you will just pay for it directly. Search online for "tow truck near me" or "roadside information near me" and call a local company. Ask for a quote before they dispatch, because towing costs vary widely by location and distance. A local tow to a nearby shop might cost $75 to $150, while a long-distance tow can cost several hundred dollars.
Some repair shops offer free towing if you bring your vehicle to them, so it is worth calling a few shops in your area and asking. Credit card companies sometimes offer emergency roadside information to cardholders at no extra cost — call the number on the back of your card and ask. Some roadside information companies also offer pay-per-use options, where you pay a small fee (usually $5 to $15) to join temporarily and then pay for the service you need.
If you are a member of a warehouse club like Costco, check whether they offer roadside information discounts or partnerships. Some do, and the savings can offset the cost of membership if you use the service.
Common limits and exclusions in road information coverage
Most programs do not cover towing if your vehicle was damaged in an accident — that is usually handled through your collision insurance instead. They also typically do not cover towing if you ran out of fuel intentionally or if the breakdown was caused by lack of maintenance (like driving on a completely flat tire for miles). Some programs exclude towing for vehicles that are not registered or insured, or for vehicles with outstanding recalls that affect safety.
Distance limits are common. If your program covers 50 miles of towing and you need to go 75 miles, you will pay the difference. Some programs also limit the number of free calls per year — after you hit that limit, each additional call costs money. Read your program's terms carefully, because these limits vary significantly between providers.
Coverage may also be limited by time or location. Some programs do not cover towing in remote areas or during certain weather events. Manufacturer programs sometimes exclude towing if the vehicle is being used for commercial purposes or if you are not the registered owner. Check your specific program's exclusions before you need help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does road information cover towing if my car breaks down while I am on vacation out of state?
Yes, most programs cover towing anywhere in the United States and Canada, 24 hours a day. Membership programs like AAA and insurance-bundled information both work out of state. Call your program's number (which should work from anywhere) and let the dispatcher know your location. Some programs may charge more for out-of-state service, so check your terms.
Can I use road information if I am driving someone else's car?
It depends on your program. Membership programs like AAA often cover you as a driver even if you are not the vehicle owner, as long as you have your membership card. Insurance-bundled information typically covers only vehicles listed on your policy. Manufacturer programs usually cover only the specific vehicle. Call your program before you need help to confirm.
What happens if the tow truck takes longer than the estimated arrival time?
Call the roadside information number back and ask for a status update. The dispatcher can check on the tow truck's location and give you a new estimate. If there is a significant delay, they may send another unit or offer you a hotel voucher if you are stranded far from home. Document the delay in case you need to file a complaint later.
Do I have to use the repair shop the dispatcher recommends?
No. You can request a specific shop when you call, and the dispatcher will tow you there instead. If you do not have a preference, the dispatcher will suggest nearby options. You are not obligated to use any particular shop, but some programs may charge more if you choose a shop far from your location.
Can I add road information to my insurance if I do not have it now?
Yes. Contact your insurance company and ask whether roadside information is available as an add-on. Most companies offer it for $3 to $10 per month. It usually takes effect within a few days, so you can add it before a long trip if you want the coverage.