Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
Whether you're just cruising around town running errands, or embarking on an exciting family road trip, the last thing you want is for your car to unexpectedly break down. It's not only a major inconvenience but can also pose challenges to your safety, or totally throw off your perfectly planned timeline. This is where a dependable Roadside Assistance plan comes to the rescue.
These services promise swift support and expert guidance to help you navigate the unexpected twists and turns of a car breakdown. Whether you're worried about a blown tire, accidentally run out of fuel, or just need an emergency tow, being a member of a roadside assistance company can help soothe any worries and keep a roadside emergency from being a costly setback.
Tuesday, October 8th
Good Sam Roadside Assistance, established in 1984, excels in providing comprehensive roadside support for both automobiles and RVs. With coverage across the US, including Alaska and Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, Good Sam offers economical plans for a variety of vehicles. Their transparent website layout, competitive pricing, and impressive benefits, such as unlimited towing, family coverage, and discounts, make them the top option in the industry, earning a perfect 5-star rating.
Better World Club (BWC) is an excellent choice for eco-conscious vehicle owners, offering roadside assistance for a variety of vehicles, including hybrids and electric cars with a 10% discount. Their coverage spans the US and Canada, providing 24/7 assistance with a 45-minute average response time. BWC's flexible and affordable membership options include Bike Only, Basic Auto, and Premium Auto. BWC's commitment to environmental initiatives, carbon-neutral status, and B Corporation certification contribute to its excellent rating, making it a top choice for environmentally-conscious drivers.
Best Roadside Service, based in Boca Raton, Florida, offers reliable 24/7 assistance across the US with an impressive average response time of 42 minutes. With over 50 years of experience, they provide vehicle-specific or individual plans, starting at $69 per year for cars. While their benefits include notable discounts with major brands, you need to be aware of their the strict refund policy and limited customer buzz. Still, Best Roadside Service earns a high overall rating in our review.
Honk, established in 2014, has a unique pay-as-you-go model, providing nationwide coverage in the US through its network of over 108,000 service vehicles. With no memberships or commitments, users can download the app, order assistance, and pay only for the specific services needed, such as towing or a tire change. While lacking fancy discounts, Honk offers reduced-rate services through partnerships, and is best suitable for drivers with reliable cars who prefer a flexible, on-demand assistance approach.
Allstate's Roadside Assistance covers the US and Canada, starting at $89 per year with a range of full-service benefits. While Allstate holds an "A+" BBB rating, some customer reviews have complained about policy changes and app usability. With solid benefits but mixed reviews, showing a range of pros and cons, Allstate receives a good rating.
AAA, known for its auto insurance, extends services to Roadside Assistance, home security, and more. Operating in the US and Canada, AAA seems to have a solid service. However, despite an "A+" BBB rating, customer reviews elsewhere average 1.5 stars, indicating a declining reputation and concerns about service quality and reliability. With unclear pricing and negative reviews, AAA receives a cautionary recommendation in our review.
USAA, founded in 1922, provides roadside assistance bundled with its insurance. While coverage spans the US, Canada, and Mexico, and is available internationally, it's primarily for USAA policyholders. For non-members, services are accessible but come with out-of-pocket costs. Despite its military focus, the company has a concerning "NR" rating from the Better Business Bureau, and suffers from accessibility and reputation concerns.
Auto Road Service provides roadside assistance and extended warranties, with plans that cover the US, Canada, and Mexico. However, with complex pricing structures that lack some clarity and an outdated website, the company's reputation falls compared to more modern competitors. Considering, too, the lack of customer reviews and a confusing plan structure raise concerns, Auto Road Service is left with a lower rating here.
Geico offers a roadside assistance program for its insurance policyholders at an annual cost of around $14 per car. While it provides coverage across the US, the program lacks special discounts and bonuses, and reviews reveal a mixed reputation, with an average rating of 2.4 stars out of 5. Limited to Geico customers, the service is really behind the pack, resulting in a lower overall rating.
Paragon Motor Club, with over 25 years of customer service, lacks transparency about its history and leadership, making it challenging to trust. The website's outdated design, small text, and unclear information contribute to difficult navigation. While offering coverage in the US and Canada, the plans, including Classic and Advantage, come with mid-tier prices, and the lack of discount details and recent reputation decline further hinders its appeal. For this reason, Paragon Motor Club is at the bottom of the pack among the options for roadside assistance.
Often, we don't give much thought to unfortunate events like a sudden car breakdown until they catch us off guard, leaving us with limited options: expensive tow trucks or worse, waving down a stranger to jump your car in the Walmart parking lot. That's why proactive planning by joining a Roadside Assistance plan can be crucial to your peace of mind and your wallet.
Roadside Assistance plans go well behind the basics of mechanical concerns. You'll find assistance with an array of services such as towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery, theft protection, lockouts, tire changes, and more.
As an added layer of convenience, many Roadside Assistance programs allow you to customize your plan with additional add-ons. For instance, you can opt for trip interruption coverage or even financial assistance to cover legal defense in case of a speeding ticket. The flexibility in choosing the plan that suits your lifestyle comes with varying costs so that you have options that align with your budget. Plus, for those of us with a large family with multiple drivers and vehicles to worry about, many plans allow you to extend coverage to any car you drive, regardless of ownership, making it a family-friendly choice.
Beyond the basic services, many Roadside Assistance programs offer a range of fun perks unrelated to car trouble like discounted hotel stays, discounts on regular car maintenance, and discounts at major retailers or even pharmacies. So, on top of being covered in a roadside emergency, you can count on extra benefits to make your travels even better.
But with so many different companies on the market offering Roadside Assistance plans, it can be hard to know where to start. So, as you explore the packages offered by various providers, keep these key considerations in mind:
To make your next road trip a breeze, Top Consumer Reviews researched and analyzed the top Roadside Assistance plans available today: we bring you the lowdown on which ones stand up to really assist you when your car goes haywire. Because, let's face it, when you're stranded with a flat tire or a bad battery, you want help and you want it fast. We hope our analysis helps you make the best decision so you can rest easy whether you're hopping to the store or driving cross-country. Happy motoring!
Select any 2 Roadside Assistance Companies to compare them head to head