Roadside information for electric vehicles covers the same breakdowns as gas cars, but with one critical difference: a dead battery means a tow to a charger, not a fuel station

When your EV stops running on the road, roadside information dispatches a tow truck to move your car to a charging location — usually a public charger, a dealer, or a repair shop. The service covers lockouts, flat tires, and mechanical failures the same way it does for any vehicle. The main gap: most standard roadside plans do not cover the cost of charging itself, and some tow operators are not trained to handle EVs safely, which can delay your rescue.

Your coverage depends on where it comes from. New EV buyers often get roadside information built into the warranty. Used EV owners, or anyone who bought their car outright, need to check whether their auto insurance includes it or purchase it separately through a membership program like AAA. The cost and coverage limits vary widely, so knowing what you have before you break down matters.

Key Takeaways

  • Roadside information for EVs covers towing to a charger or repair facility, but does not pay for the electricity itself once you arrive.
  • New EV warranties typically include roadside information for three to eight years, depending on the manufacturer and whether you bought the car new or used.
  • If your warranty does not cover roadside information, you can add it through your auto insurance or join a membership program like AAA, which costs between $50 and $200 per year.
  • Some tow operators lack EV training and may damage your vehicle during towing, so confirm the dispatcher knows how to handle electric cars before the truck arrives.
  • Roadside information does not cover charging costs, so budget for that separately if you are stranded far from home.

What roadside information actually covers for electric vehicles

Roadside information for EVs includes towing, lockout service, flat tire changes, and jump-starts (though jump-starting an EV is different from a gas car and requires special equipment). The service dispatches a tow truck to your location and moves your vehicle to a destination you choose or the dispatcher recommends. For EVs, that destination is almost always a public charging station, a dealership, or an independent repair shop — not a gas station.

What roadside information does not cover: the cost of electricity once you reach the charger, repair bills, or towing if you ran out of charge because you ignored low-battery warnings. Some plans also exclude towing if your car breaks down in a remote area beyond a certain distance from a major road or city. Read your plan's fine print to know the mileage limits and any exclusions specific to battery-related failures.

The tow itself is usually free up to a certain distance — commonly 50 to 100 miles, depending on your plan. If you need a longer tow, you may pay an additional fee per mile. Some plans cap the number of tows per year (often three to five), so using roadside information multiple times in 12 months could exhaust your benefit.

Roadside information that comes with your EV warranty

Most new electric vehicles include roadside information as part of the manufacturer's warranty. Tesla includes it for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Chevrolet Bolt owners get it for three years or 36,000 miles. BMW, Audi, Hyundai, and Kia all bundle it in, but the length of coverage varies — typically three to eight years. Check your owner's manual or warranty paperwork to confirm what you have and when it expires.

If you bought your EV used, the roadside information coverage transfers to you only if the original owner did not already use up the benefit period. A used EV purchased three years after the original sale date may have only a few years of roadside coverage left, or none at all. Contact the manufacturer's customer service line with your vehicle identification number (VIN) to find out exactly when your coverage ends.

Once your warranty roadside information expires, you lose that benefit unless you renew it through the manufacturer (some allow extended coverage purchases) or switch to a different source like insurance or a membership program.

Adding roadside information through insurance or membership programs

If your EV warranty does not include roadside information or your coverage has expired, you have two main options: add it to your auto insurance policy or join a membership program.

Through auto insurance: Most major insurers — State Farm, Geico, Progressive, Allstate — offer roadside information as an add-on to your policy for $3 to $12 per month. This is usually the cheapest option if you already have a policy with that company. Coverage typically includes towing up to 100 miles, lockout service, and tire changes. Call your insurance agent to ask what roadside information riders they offer and whether they have any EV-specific limitations.

Through membership programs: AAA is the largest roadside information membership program in North America. Membership costs $50 to $200 per year depending on the tier you choose. AAA Plus covers towing up to 100 miles; AAA Premier covers up to 200 miles. AAA membership also includes discounts at hotels, restaurants, and retailers, which some people factor into the cost. Other membership programs like Better World Club and Roadside information USA exist but are smaller and less widely available.

Compare the annual cost of adding roadside information to your insurance against the cost of a membership program. If you already have insurance with a company that offers it cheaply, that is usually your best bet. If you want broader coverage or longer towing distances, a membership program may be worth the extra cost.

Why EV-specific training matters for tow operators

Not all tow operators know how to safely handle electric vehicles. EVs have high-voltage battery systems that can cause serious injury if touched or damaged during towing. Some operators may tow an EV by the front wheels when the car is in neutral, which can damage the transmission or battery pack. Others may not know that an EV cannot be jump-started the traditional way or that the battery may not hold enough charge to move the car onto the flatbed.

When you call roadside information, tell the dispatcher explicitly that you drive an electric vehicle and ask whether the tow operator has EV training. If the dispatcher is unsure or says the operator does not have specific EV experience, ask to be transferred to a different service or wait for a different truck. It is better to wait 30 minutes for someone who knows what they are doing than to risk damage to your vehicle.

Some roadside information programs now flag EV calls in their system and automatically dispatch trained operators. AAA, for example, has been training tow operators in EV safety since 2020. If you are choosing between programs, ask whether they have EV-trained operators in your area before you sign up.

What to do if your EV breaks down and you do not have roadside information

If you do not have roadside information coverage and your EV breaks down, you have three options: call a local tow company directly, call your auto insurance company to see if they can recommend someone, or contact the EV manufacturer's customer service line to ask for a referral.

Calling a local tow company directly will cost you out of pocket — typically $75 to $150 for the first 10 miles, then $3 to $5 per additional mile. You will also need to tell them you drive an EV and confirm they have experience towing electric vehicles before they arrive. If you call your insurance company, they may have a preferred network of tow operators they work with regularly, some of whom may have EV training.

Contacting the EV manufacturer is often the fastest route if you are still under warranty. Tesla, for example, will sometimes arrange a tow for you even if you did not purchase roadside information, though this is not may provide. Other manufacturers may refer you to a local service center or a vetted tow operator. This option takes longer but can save you money if the manufacturer covers the cost.

How to avoid needing roadside information in the first place

The most common reason EV owners need roadside information is running out of charge. Modern EVs have range estimates on the dashboard and low-battery warnings, but these are not always accurate, especially in cold weather or heavy traffic. Plan your route before you leave, use a navigation app that accounts for charging stops (like Google Maps or the Tesla navigation system), and charge to at least 80% before long trips.

Keep your EV regularly serviced according to the manufacturer's schedule. EVs have fewer moving parts than gas cars, but the battery, cooling system, and brakes still need maintenance. A well-maintained EV is far less likely to break down on the road.

If you live in a cold climate, be aware that battery range drops in winter. A car rated for 300 miles of range may only achieve 200 miles in freezing temperatures. Plan accordingly and do not assume you can drive as far as the summer range suggests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does roadside information cover charging my EV at the roadside?

No. Roadside information covers towing your car to a charger, but not the cost of the electricity itself. Once you reach a public charging station, you pay for the charge using the station's app or payment method. Some programs may cover a small amount of charging time as a courtesy, but this is rare — check your specific plan to be sure.

Can a regular tow truck tow my electric vehicle?

Technically yes, but it is risky. A tow operator without EV training may damage the battery, transmission, or electrical system. Always confirm the operator has EV experience before they arrive. If they do not, ask for a different truck or wait for one that does.

What happens if I run out of charge in the middle of nowhere?

Call roadside information and tell them your location. They will dispatch a tow truck to move your car to the nearest charging station or repair facility. If you do not have roadside information, you will need to call a local tow company and pay out of pocket. This is why having roadside information is especially valuable if you frequently drive long distances or live far from public chargers.

Does my roadside information cover towing if my EV battery fails?

Yes, a battery failure is treated like any other mechanical breakdown. Roadside information will tow your car to a repair facility. However, battery replacement is expensive and usually not covered by roadside information itself — you will need to pay for the repair or use your vehicle warranty if it is still active.

Can I transfer my roadside information to a new vehicle?

If you have roadside information through your auto insurance, it transfers automatically to any vehicle on your policy. If you have a membership program like AAA, your membership follows you to any car you drive. If your roadside information came with your EV warranty, it stays with that specific vehicle and does not transfer if you sell or trade it in.