Roadside Assistance
Don't pay twice for the same coverage.
AAA Classic
$60-95/yearThe standard. 4 service calls/year. Towing 5 miles included. Family discounts.
Best overall.
AAA Plus
$110-130/year100-mile towing, locksmith, fuel delivery, lockout — the upgraded plan most people actually need.
Best value upgrade.
Allstate Roadside (Good Hands)
$25-100/yearPay-per-use option ($75/use, no membership). Or annual.
Best pay-as-you-go.
Better World Club
$60-90/yearLike AAA but supports clean energy. Bicycle and EV roadside included.
Best for cyclists/EV.
Your car insurance
$5-15/year add-onGeico, Progressive, State Farm all sell roadside as a $1-2/month add-on.
Cheapest if you have car insurance.
Credit card benefit
FREE (with card)Many credit cards include roadside (Visa Signature, AmEx Platinum). Already paid.
Check your card before paying separately.
Don't pay twice
Many people pay AAA $90/year while their credit card or car insurance ALREADY includes roadside. Check before paying:
- Visa Signature, AmEx Platinum, Chase Sapphire — all include roadside.
- Geico, State Farm, Progressive — $1-2/month add-on with auto policy.
- New car warranty — most have 3-5 years of roadside included.
- Costco/Sam's Club — limited roadside via auto programs.
When AAA still wins
- You drive long distances (100-mile towing on AAA Plus).
- You travel in rural areas where local tow trucks are scarce.
- You want lockout/locksmith service.
- You take road trips (battery jumps, fuel delivery).
- Family member uses AAA — household plan covers all drivers.
When you call
- Stay with your vehicle. Hazard lights ON.
- Pull over to safe spot. Off the road.
- Call the membership phone (in app or on card).
- Operator asks: name, member number, location, problem, vehicle.
- Wait time: 30-90 minutes typical.
- Tow truck arrives. Driver verifies your name.
- Show driver license + member card.
Save the phone numbers
Add roadside, your insurance, and AAA into your phone contacts NOW. The middle of a thunderstorm at the side of the highway is not the moment to be searching.