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Home › Pay › Common problems › Roadside assistance memberships
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Roadside assistance memberships

Roadside assistance can help with flat tires, dead batteries and tows. But many people pay for it twice without knowing, because coverage may already come with car insurance, a new-car warranty, a credit card or a phone plan. Some offers also limit tow distance or the number of calls each year.

Common problems to watch for

  • Selling roadside plans to people who already have coverage elsewhere
  • Tow distance limits that leave you paying the rest of the bill
  • A cap on the number of service calls per year
  • Plans added at a car dealer or rental counter without a clear explanation
  • "Reimbursement" plans where you pay first and then file a claim

Had one of these happen? Telling others what you were charged helps them avoid it.

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Free and low-cost alternatives

Coverage you may already haveCheck your car insurance, new-car warranty, credit card benefits and phone plan. Some include roadside help at no extra cost.
State highway service patrolsSome states run highway patrols that help stranded drivers, such as Florida's Road Rangers, which provide limited no-cost help on certain highways.
Basic preparationA spare tire you've checked, a jump starter or cables, and a phone charger can handle many problems without a service call.

Availability depends on your device and model. AblePro has no relationship with any company named here.

What fair pricing looks like

If you already have roadside coverage elsewhere, a second plan rarely makes sense. When buying one, fair plans clearly state tow distance, call limits and what is included.

Before you pay

  • Check your car insurance policy for roadside coverage
  • Look at your credit card and new-car warranty benefits
  • Ask about tow distance limits and calls allowed per year
  • Find out whether you pay up front and get reimbursed later
  • Check if the plan covers you in any car or only one car

How to cancel

  1. If it's part of your car insurance, ask your insurer to remove it from the policy.
  2. For a standalone membership, check its website or contract for the cancellation steps.
  3. If it was added at a dealer, review your paperwork and ask about a prorated refund.
  4. If paid through an app, cancel in the App Store or Google Play subscription settings.

Step-by-step cancel guide for iPhone, Android and PayPal →

Common questions

How do I know if I already have roadside assistance?

Look at your car insurance declarations page, your new-car warranty booklet, and your credit card benefits guide. Some phone plans and car brands also include it. If you're unsure, call the insurer or card issuer and ask. Many people find they already have some coverage.

Is roadside help on the highway free?

Some states run highway service patrols that help stranded drivers on major roads. For example, Florida's Road Rangers provide limited no-cost assistance. Services and areas vary by state, and these patrols aren't a full replacement for towing coverage. Check your state transportation department's website.

What does a tow distance limit mean?

Many plans only cover towing up to a set number of miles. If your car must go farther, you may pay for the extra miles yourself. Ask about the limit before buying, especially if you live in a rural area far from repair shops.

General consumer information, not legal or financial advice. Reports reflect the experiences and opinions of their writers, not AblePro, Inc. We check reports against our posting rules but do not verify them.