What roadside information is and how to find it near you
Roadside information is a service that sends help to you when your car breaks down, gets a flat tire, runs out of gas, or won't start. The service dispatches a tow truck, locksmith, or mechanic to your location. You can find roadside information through your auto insurance company, a membership program like AAA, your car's manufacturer warranty, or by calling a local towing company directly.
The fastest way to find help right now is to call your insurance company's roadside information line — the number is on your insurance card. If you don't have roadside coverage through insurance, search "towing near me" or "roadside information near me" on Google Maps to see local tow truck operators and their wait times. Many areas also have 24-hour dispatch services that can connect you to the nearest available truck.
Key Takeaways
- Your auto insurance policy may already include roadside information at no extra cost, so check your card or policy documents before paying out of pocket.
- AAA membership and similar programs charge an annual fee but cover multiple incidents per year and often include lockouts, fuel delivery, and towing.
- If you don't have a membership or insurance coverage, calling a local tow company directly is usually faster than using an app.
- The cost of a single tow without coverage typically ranges from $75 to $150 for a short distance, with longer distances charged by the mile.
Roadside information through your auto insurance
Most auto insurance policies offer roadside information as an add-on, though some insurers include it in standard coverage. Check your insurance card or your policy documents to see if the roadside information phone number is listed. If it is, you already have coverage and can call that number directly when you need help.
If your policy doesn't mention roadside information, contact your insurance agent to ask whether you can add it. The cost is usually $5 to $15 per month. When you call for help, you'll need to provide your policy number, location, and a description of what's wrong with your car. The insurer will dispatch a service provider to you and may cover the cost of towing up to a certain distance — often 50 to 100 miles — depending on your plan.
AAA and membership-based roadside programs
AAA is the largest roadside information membership program in the United States. A basic AAA membership costs around $50 to $70 per year and includes towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, and jump-starts. AAA members can call the roadside information number on their membership card or use the AAA mobile app to request help.
Other membership programs with roadside information include Better World Club, which focuses on environmentally conscious drivers, and some credit card companies that offer roadside information as a cardholder benefit. If you already have a membership through work, a credit card, or another organization, check whether roadside information is included before paying for a separate service.
Manufacturer roadside information and warranty coverage
Many new cars come with roadside information as part of the manufacturer's warranty. This coverage is typically good for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Check your owner's manual or the paperwork you received when you bought or leased the car to see whether roadside information is included.
If you have manufacturer coverage, the phone number to call is usually in your owner's manual or on a card in your glove box. This coverage often includes towing to the nearest dealership, which can be useful if you need warranty repairs. Once the manufacturer's coverage expires, you'll need to switch to insurance-based coverage, AAA, or pay out of pocket for future calls.
Finding a local tow truck company without membership
If you don't have insurance coverage, a membership, or manufacturer information, you can call a local towing company directly. Search "towing near me" or "24-hour towing [your city]" on Google Maps to see which companies operate in your area and read their reviews. Many tow companies display their rates online, though prices vary based on distance and the type of service you need.
When you call, tell the dispatcher exactly where you are, what's wrong with your car, and whether you need a tow or just roadside service like a jump-start. Ask for an estimated cost and arrival time before you confirm. Some tow companies accept payment by phone or card, while others require cash on arrival. Keep the receipt for your records in case you need to file an insurance claim later.
What to expect when help arrives
Once you've called for roadside information, the dispatcher will give you an estimated arrival time — usually 30 minutes to an hour in urban areas, longer in rural regions. Stay in your car with the doors locked and hazard lights on. If you feel unsafe, move to a well-lit public place like a nearby business and wait there instead.
When the service provider arrives, they'll ask for your name and the phone number you called from to confirm your request. For towing, they'll ask where you want the car taken — usually a repair shop of your choice, though some services require you to use their preferred shop. For roadside service like a jump-start or lockout, the work usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. If you're charged a fee, ask for an itemized receipt.
Comparing costs: membership versus pay-per-call
A single tow without coverage typically costs $75 to $150 for the first 5 to 10 miles, with additional charges of $2 to $5 per mile after that. A lockout service runs $50 to $100, a jump-start $50 to $75, and fuel delivery $30 to $50. If you break down more than once a year, a membership program usually costs less than paying per incident.
AAA membership at $60 per year becomes cheaper than a single tow if you use the service even once. Insurance-based roadside information at $10 per month ($120 per year) is more expensive upfront but often covers more incidents and longer towing distances. Calculate how often you think you'll need help and choose the option that fits your situation and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose which repair shop the tow truck takes my car to?
Usually yes. When you call for roadside information, tell the dispatcher which shop you want to use. Some services have preferred shops and may charge extra if you choose a different one, so ask before confirming. If you don't have a preferred shop, the dispatcher can recommend one nearby.
What if I'm stranded in a rural area with no cell service?
If you have no signal, move to higher ground or a nearby road where you might get a signal. If you're on a highway, flag down a passing vehicle and ask to use their phone. Some cars have built-in emergency call buttons that work without cell service — check your owner's manual. Once you reach a phone, call the local sheriff's non-emergency line and ask for a tow truck recommendation.
Does roadside information cover accidents or collision damage?
No. Roadside information covers mechanical breakdowns, lockouts, and fuel delivery. If your car is damaged in an accident, you'll need to file a collision insurance claim. However, roadside information will tow your damaged car to a repair shop or your home after an accident.
Can I use roadside information if I'm driving someone else's car?
It depends on the program. If you have AAA or a membership in your name, you can usually use it in any car. If the coverage is through the car owner's insurance policy, you'll need to call their insurance company and explain that you're driving their car. Manufacturer coverage typically applies to whoever is driving the car at the time of breakdown.
What should I do if the tow truck charges more than the quoted price?
Ask the driver for an itemized breakdown of the charges before you pay. If the price is significantly higher than the quote, ask to speak with the company's manager or office. Get the receipt and contact information, and report the overcharge to your insurance company or the state's consumer protection office if you believe you were charged unfairly.