Roadside assistance is a support service designed to help drivers when they experience unexpected issues with their vehicles. It ensures you are not stranded on the side of the road or left to deal with car trouble alone. By including roadside assistance in your insurance policy, you can have peace of mind knowing that help is just a phone call away if something goes wrong.
You can mostly get the following services under Roadside Assistance:
Best Roadside Assistance Insurance Providers in 2024
Some of the prominent and well-regarded companies of 2024 that provide roadside assistance are here below:
Good Sam
Good Sam Roadside Assistance is a popular service designed primarily for RV (Recreational Vehicle) owners, though it also covers regular vehicles like cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
Pros
- Provides winching service
- Covers 100% of towing costs
- No official limit on how many services calls you can make in a year
- Covers spouse or domestic partner and children under 25 automatically without any additional costs
Cons
- Costs slightly more than its competitors
Better World Club
Better World Club is a unique auto club that provides roadside assistance services, similar to companies like AAA, but with a focus on environmental sustainability. They are known as the only eco-friendly auto club in the U.S. and offer services for drivers, cyclists, and even pedestrians. What sets Better World Club apart is their commitment to promoting environmentally responsible practices and supporting green initiatives.
Pros
- Offers unique bicycle assistance plans to promote biking as an environmentally friendly mode of transportation
- Provides discounts on hotels, car rentals and hybrid vehicle insurance
- Advocates for sustainable transportation policies and donates 1% of its revenues to environmental causes
- Provides special discounts for eco-friendly vehicles
Cons
- You can make only 4 service calls per year
- To use premium plan coverages, there is a 30-day waiting period
GEICO
When looking for the best roadside assistance companies in 2024, GEICO remains a popular choice due to its combination of affordability, reliability, and nationwide coverage. While GEICO is widely known for its car insurance, its roadside assistance services are equally competitive, offering a range of essential features to help drivers in emergency situations.
Pros
- It’s easy to request roadside assistance through their mobile app
- Allows you to cover multiple vehicles under one policy
- Roadside assistance is available 24& across the US
- Even non-policyholders can purchase GEICO roadside assistance through their app for short term use
Cons
- Does not include minor mechanical repairs
Nationwide
Nationwide’s roadside assistance program is ideal for those who want customizable coverage options and excellent value for their money. With the choice between Basic and Plus plans, drivers can select the level of service that best fits their needs.
Pros
- Offers competitive pricing
- Has a user-friendly app that can be used to request roadside assistance
- Available 24/7 across the country
- Their plus plan includes trip interruption coverage
Cons
- Does not include mechanical repairs
Roadside Assistance and Their Impact on Car Insurance Premium
Adding roadside assistance to a car insurance policy typically has a minimal effect on premiums, but several factors can influence the actual cost. Here’s how it works:
Low Additional Cost
Roadside assistance is usually considered an optional add-on, and most insurance companies offer it at a relatively low cost. Depending on the provider and coverage, the cost can range from $10 to $30 per year. This is because roadside assistance is not a high-risk or high-cost service compared to collision or comprehensive coverage.
Factors Affecting Premium Increase
- Provider: Different insurance companies price their roadside assistance packages differently, so the cost increase varies.
- Coverage Level: Some roadside assistance plans offer basic services like towing up to a certain distance, while others provide more comprehensive coverage (e.g., more frequent service calls, longer towing distances). More extensive coverage may raise your premium slightly more.
- Vehicle Type: The type and age of your car might impact the cost. For example, luxury vehicles may incur a higher premium increase due to potentially higher towing costs.
Bundling Discounts
Some insurance companies offer discounts when you bundle multiple services together, such as auto insurance, roadside assistance, and rental coverage. In some cases, adding roadside assistance might actually reduce your overall premium if you qualify for bundling discounts.
Impact on Premium in the Long Run
Regular use of roadside assistance services may not directly affect your premium, but frequent claims could indirectly impact future insurance rates. If you rely on roadside assistance multiple times a year, your insurance company may view you as a higher-risk customer, which could lead to an increase in your overall premium.
Standalone vs. Insurance-Provided Roadside Assistance
It’s important to compare the cost of adding roadside assistance to your car insurance policy versus purchasing it from a third-party provider like AAA. Sometimes, standalone plans may offer more extensive coverage without affecting your car insurance premium at all.
In summary, adding roadside assistance typically leads to a small increase in your premium, but it’s an affordable way to ensure you have help when you need it. The cost-effectiveness of adding it to your policy depends on your driving habits, vehicle type, and how often you expect to use the service.
