Roadside information insurance pays for towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, and other emergency services when your car breaks down or gets stuck

Roadside information is a service that sends help to you when your vehicle stops working on the road. Instead of calling a tow truck directly and paying out of pocket, you call your roadside information provider, and they dispatch a service vehicle to your location. The provider covers the cost of the service — usually up to a set dollar amount per incident.

You can buy roadside information as a standalone policy from companies like AAA, or add it to your auto insurance policy. Some credit card companies, car manufacturers, and membership programs include it automatically. The coverage typically costs between $50 and $150 per year as a standalone product, though prices vary by provider and the level of coverage you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Roadside information covers towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, battery jumps, and flat tire changes, but the specific services and distance limits depend on your plan.
  • You can purchase roadside information through your auto insurance company, AAA, your car manufacturer, or standalone providers, each with different coverage limits and costs.
  • Most plans cover a set distance for towing — commonly 5 to 100 miles — and you pay nothing at the roadside if you call your provider first.
  • Roadside information does not cover mechanical repairs, parts, or damage caused by accidents; it only covers getting your vehicle to a repair shop.

What services roadside information actually covers

The core services included in most roadside information plans are towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, battery jump-starts, and flat tire changes. When you call your provider, they dispatch a service vehicle to your location. If your car cannot be safely driven, they tow it to a repair shop of your choice, usually within a certain distance. If you lock your keys in the car, they send a locksmith. If you run out of gas, they deliver fuel to you.

The limits matter. Most plans cover towing up to a set distance — 5 miles, 25 miles, 50 miles, or 100 miles depending on the plan. If your car needs to go further, you typically pay the difference. Some plans also set a dollar cap per service (for example, $100 toward a locksmith visit) rather than a distance limit. Read your plan documents to know your specific limits before you need the service.

Services not covered include mechanical repairs, replacement parts, hotel stays, rental cars, or damage from accidents. Roadside information gets your car to a shop; it does not fix it. If your engine fails and needs a new transmission, roadside information pays for the tow, but you pay the repair shop for the work.

Where to buy roadside information and what it costs

You have four main sources: your auto insurance company, AAA, your car manufacturer, or a standalone roadside information provider. Auto insurance companies often offer it as an add-on to your policy for $5 to $15 per month. AAA membership includes roadside information and costs roughly $50 to $150 per year depending on membership tier and your location. Car manufacturers sometimes include roadside information for a set period (often three years) as part of the warranty or as a paid add-on at purchase.

Standalone providers like Better World Club, Roadside information America, or your credit card company offer plans ranging from $50 to $200 per year. Some credit cards include roadside information automatically if you use the card to pay for gas or car maintenance. Check your credit card benefits guide to see if you already have coverage.

The cost difference usually reflects what distance the plan covers and how many service calls you get per year. A $50 plan might cover towing up to 5 miles and include four service calls annually. A $150 plan might cover 100 miles and unlimited calls. More expensive plans sometimes include additional services like fuel delivery to a specific location or coverage for motorcycles and RVs.

How to use roadside information when you need it

When your car breaks down, call your roadside information provider directly — not a random tow truck. Have your membership number or policy number ready, your location, and a description of the problem. The dispatcher will confirm your coverage, ask where you want the vehicle towed, and send a service vehicle to you. Most providers aim to arrive within 30 to 60 minutes in urban areas, though rural response times can be longer.

Stay in or near your vehicle in a safe location while you wait. When the service vehicle arrives, the driver will handle the service — towing, lockout, fuel delivery, or whatever your plan covers. You should not have to pay anything at the roadside if you called your provider first. If you call a tow truck independently and then try to submit a claim, you may not be reimbursed, or reimbursement may be partial and require paperwork.

Keep your provider's phone number in your phone or written down in your car. Many providers also offer mobile apps where you can request service, track the vehicle's arrival, and manage your account. If you are unsure whether a service is covered, ask the dispatcher before the vehicle arrives.

Roadside information versus towing insurance

Towing coverage is an add-on to your auto insurance policy that works similarly to roadside information but is managed through your insurance company. Roadside information is a separate service focused on emergency help on the road. The main difference is who you call and how the claim is processed.

With towing coverage through your auto insurance, you call your insurance company, and they dispatch a tow truck. With roadside information, you call the roadside information provider directly. Towing coverage typically covers only towing and is often limited to one or two incidents per year. Roadside information covers towing plus lockouts, fuel delivery, and other services, and usually allows more service calls per year.

You can have both, and many people do. Roadside information is cheaper and covers more situations, while towing coverage through insurance integrates with your policy and may have no separate deductible. Check what your auto insurance already includes before buying a separate roadside information plan.

What happens if you need service beyond your coverage limits

If your car needs to be towed further than your plan covers, you pay the difference out of pocket. For example, if your plan covers 25 miles of towing and the nearest repair shop is 40 miles away, you pay for the extra 15 miles. Some providers will negotiate a discounted rate for the overage, but you are responsible for the cost.

If you need a service not covered by your plan — such as a locksmith visit when your plan does not include lockout service — you pay the full cost. This is why reading your plan documents before you need help is important. If you frequently drive long distances or in remote areas, a plan with higher towing limits or higher dollar caps per service is worth the extra cost.

Some providers offer the option to upgrade your coverage mid-year if you realize your plan is too limited. Others require you to wait until renewal. If you think your current plan will not meet your needs, contact your provider to discuss options.

Roadside information for renters and people without cars

Roadside information is designed for car owners, but some plans extend coverage to household members or passengers. If you rent a car, check whether your personal roadside information plan covers rental vehicles — some do, some do not. If it does not, the rental company may offer roadside information as an add-on at checkout.

If you do not own a car but occasionally rent one or borrow a friend's vehicle, a standalone roadside information plan may not be worth the cost. Instead, consider adding roadside information to a rental car reservation when you book, or ask the rental company what coverage is included in the base rate. Some credit cards that include roadside information will cover you as a driver of any vehicle, so check your card benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does roadside information cover accidents?

No. Roadside information covers mechanical breakdowns and lockouts, not accidents. If your car is in an accident, you file a claim with your auto insurance company. However, if your car is undrivable after an accident, roadside information will tow it to a repair shop, and your insurance company will cover the towing as part of the accident claim.

Can I use roadside information more than once per year?

Most plans allow multiple service calls per year — often four to six, or sometimes unlimited. Check your plan documents or call your provider to confirm your limit. If you exceed the limit, additional calls may not be covered, or you may be charged per call.

What if I am out of state or in a remote area?

Most roadside information plans work nationwide, but response times in remote areas can be much longer — sometimes several hours. Some providers have better coverage in rural areas than others. If you frequently travel to remote locations, ask your provider about coverage in those areas before you sign up.

Do I need roadside information if I have a newer car with a warranty?

Many newer cars include roadside information as part of the manufacturer's warranty, typically for three to five years. Check your warranty documents to see what is included. Once the warranty expires, you will need to buy roadside information separately if you want the coverage.

Can I get reimbursed if I already paid for a tow truck?

Some providers will reimburse you if you paid out of pocket and then submitted a claim with a receipt, but reimbursement is not may provide and may be partial. It is always better to call your provider first before arranging your own tow. If you do pay out of pocket, keep the receipt and contact your provider within the timeframe stated in your plan documents.