4 Best Roadside Assistance Plans

Our Expert Take

Erie’s roadside assistance program can be added to your car insurance for about $5 per year, per vehicle. This low fee gives you peace of mind without adding much to your insurance bill.

You get 24/7 help for issues like dead batteries, flat tires, and lockouts. Erie limits towing to 20 miles, so it may not match some plans with unlimited towing, but for most drivers this is enough for short distances to a repair shop.

Erie’s service is available in the states where Erie writes auto policies. You won’t get coverage outside of Erie’s market area. If you live or travel in those states, Erie is a smart pick for reliable and budget roadside help.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very low cost (about $5/year per car)
• Covers common emergencies: lockouts, jump-starts, tire changes
• Towing included (up to 20 miles)
• Available 24/7
• Can be added easily to your existing Erie policy

Cons

• No unlimited towing (tows over 20 miles require extra payment)
• Only available where Erie offers auto insurance
• Not as many perks as some standalone auto clubs
• No nationwide coverage if you drive outside Erie’s market

If you want the basics and already have Erie insurance, this add-on is a good choice. You’ll want to look elsewhere if you need unlimited towing or travel often outside Erie’s service area.

What’s Included In Assistance Plans?

Erie’s emergency roadside service provides 24/7 assistance for common vehicle issues, offering support such as towing to the nearest garage (up to 20 miles), flat tire changes, jump-starts for dead batteries, lockout services, and fuel delivery if you run out of gas. These essential services are designed to get drivers back on the road quickly and safely with minimal hassle.

While the core coverage is dependable, additional charges may apply for services that exceed the towing limit or involve extra labor. Erie’s plan is focused on providing the basics that most drivers need and does not include added perks like trip interruption coverage, hotel stays, or travel discounts.

This streamlined approach makes Erie’s roadside assistance a practical option for those seeking straightforward help during roadside emergencies without paying for extras they may not use.

Our Expert Take

Geico’s roadside assistance is a good fit if you want affordable, simple coverage from a well-known insurance company. For around $14 per year per vehicle, you can add it onto your policy, making it one of the least expensive options among big insurance brands. This makes it appealing if you are cost-conscious but still want access to 24/7 emergency support.

You can request help easily through either Geico’s website or their mobile app. Unlike some standalone providers, however, Geico does not offer standalone roadside plans—you have to be insured with them. The plan is designed for basic emergencies and may not be enough if you need more premium services, such as long-distance towing.

If you prioritize convenience and already have Geico for your car insurance, this add-on is a solid value. It isn’t ideal if you want extensive trip interruption coverage or roadside protection for multiple vehicles not insured with Geico.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Very affordable—around $14 per year for each car
• 24/7 nationwide support
• Fast and simple help requests with the Geico app
• Covers common issues like lockouts, dead batteries, and flat tires
• Fuel delivery is included if you run out of gas

Cons:

• Available only if you already have a Geico auto policy
• Does not offer extra perks like trip interruption reimbursement
• Towing range is limited, usually up to 20–30 miles
• No coverage for vehicles you don’t insure with Geico
• Not as extensive as membership-based services like AAA

What’s Included In Assistance Plans?

Geico’s roadside assistance plan includes several standard services to help during common breakdown situations. Coverage includes towing (typically up to 20–30 miles), jump-starts for dead batteries, flat tire changes (with a spare tire), lockout assistance, fuel delivery (you pay for the gas, not the delivery), and winching if your car is stuck near the road. These essential services are designed to provide quick help without complicating the process.

Assistance is available 24/7 and can be requested through Geico’s roadside dispatch or mobile app. There’s only one package option, keeping the plan simple and free of confusing tiers or upgrade levels. While effective for everyday roadside emergencies, Geico’s plan doesn’t include advanced perks like trip reimbursement or extended towing limits.

Overall, it’s a practical and easy-to-use add-on for drivers who want basic, reliable help without the extra frills.

Our Expert Take

Good Sam stands out for providing flexible coverage for a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, RVs, and trailers. You don’t have to worry about paying extra for long-distance tows—unlimited towing mileage is included when you’re taken to the nearest service center.

For many families and frequent travelers, Good Sam can be a practical choice. The plans are easy to understand, and you can get help 24/7 for emergencies anywhere in the United States. Good Sam’s website is user-friendly and provides clear plan details, so you always know what you’re getting before you sign up.

If you travel in an RV or travel trailer, Good Sam is especially worth considering. Their plans include specialized RV coverage that many competitors don’t match, which is a benefit for campers and full-time travelers.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Unlimited service calls mean you can call for help as often as you need.
• Unlimited towing mileage to the nearest qualified service center.
• Plans cover a wide range of vehicles, including family cars and RVs.
• 24/7 help, even in remote areas.

Cons:

• Some plans may cost more than basic roadside assistance from car insurance.
• Certain plan details can be confusing if you don’t read the terms carefully.
• Not all services are available in every area.

Overall, the flexibility and range of services offered may justify the price for many drivers and families, especially if you travel often or own multiple vehicles.

What’s Included In Assistance Plans?

Good Sam assistance plans offer a broad range of services designed to keep you on the road during unexpected car trouble. Most plans include unlimited towing to the nearest service shop, flat tire changes, battery jump-starts, lockout services, and fuel or fluid delivery (with fuel costs paid by the driver).

Coverage also extends to RVs, trailers, and most personal vehicles, making it especially valuable for those with larger or more complex setups. One standout feature is trip interruption coverage, which helps with unexpected expenses if your travel plans are disrupted.

Many plans allow unlimited service calls and can cover your entire family, providing peace of mind no matter who is behind the wheel. With flexible options and strong support for both everyday drivers and RV enthusiasts, Good Sam is a dependable choice for roadside assistance.

Our Expert Take

Nationwide’s roadside assistance stands out because it gives you a choice between a basic and a plus plan. Both options cover important services like towing, jump starts, fuel delivery, and lockout help. The basic plan covers most needs, but the plus plan gives you extra features for longer trips.

Experts highlight that ditch extraction is included even with the basic plan, which is not common among competitors. The pricing is competitive for the coverage offered, making it appealing if you want solid support without high costs.

There are a few limits on towing distances and some options that may not be as flexible as AAA or cross-country services. Still, for most drivers using their own cars for daily travel, Nationwide provides dependable roadside help.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Two plan choices: basic and plus
• Ditch extraction available on both plans
• 24/7 national coverage
• Covers common emergencies (tows, jump starts, fuel, lockouts)
• Can be added to your auto insurance

Cons:

• Towing miles may have a cap
• Trip interruption coverage is not always included or may be limited
• No standalone plan—must bundle with car insurance
• Fewer travel perks compared to standalone services

This makes Nationwide a strong fit if you want a straightforward, insurance-based plan without a lot of extras you might not use.

What’s Included In Assistance Plans?

Nationwide’s roadside assistance covers the basics you expect, like towing, jump starts, flat tire change, lockout help, and fuel delivery. Even the basic plan includes ditch extraction, which is helpful if you get stuck off-road or in bad weather.

The plus plan can add more coverage, although some features like trip interruption reimbursement may be limited or unavailable, depending on your policy.
Both plans use a network of service providers that respond 24/7 wherever you drive in the U.S.

You can usually request help by phone or an app linked to your account. Nationwide’s plans are focused on emergencies, not travel perks or discounts. Coverage, limits, and exact benefits can vary by state and specific policy.