The Best Roadside Assistance Companies

Friday, January 17th

2025 Roadside Assistance Company Reviews

Good Sam

• Prices from $49.95 to $129.95 per year
• Towing, battery help, locksmith services, and fuel delivery
• Discounts offered with big name brands
• Discounts for RVs
• Coverage across the US, Canada, and Mexico
• Prorated refunds available any time during the year
• "A+” rating and accreditation from the BBB

Established in 1984, Good Sam Roadside Assistance delivers comprehensive roadside support for both automobiles and RVs. Good Sam Enterprises is the company that owns Good Sam Roadside Assistance. The company specializes in membership clubs and subscription-based products for recreational vehicle owners and outdoor enthusiasts, and they also manage over 190 Camping World stores and RVs.com. Don't be confused though: while most of the site is dedicated to RVs, Good Sam helps out with standard vehicles too.

Coverage across North America

Good Sam's roadside assistance program offers cost-effective protection for you and your family, covering a wide range of areas including the United States, throughout North America, including Alaska, Canada, and Hawaii as well as Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. We were particularly surprised to see so many international options on the list, which helps Good Sam stand out from the pack. They confidently position themselves as a more economical choice for customers.

Two plans for unlimited towing

There are two options for coverage with Good Sam: one plan for RVs and another for standard vehicles. On the site, you can see a direct comparison of Good Sam's rates with other companies, which helps you see the current difference between Good Sam and its competitors. The best part? Both of Good Sam's plans offer unlimited towing which is extremely impressive compared to most competitors.

Vehicle package: Auto Coverage

The basic Auto Coverage is one of the most impressive plans from Good Sam, especially if you need towing. The price of Auto Coverage is normally $99.95;, however, at the time of our review, Good Sam was running a promotion for a year of coverage for $49.95. The roadside assistance package includes unlimited-distance towing to the nearest service center, coverage for spouses and dependent children for member-owned vehicles, emergency fluid delivery, and enough fuel to reach a gas station.

Upgraded plans

Both of these have upgradable features too, so you can get Auto Coverage Platinum which costs $79.95. This option includes coverage even for leased and rented vehicles and includes RVs in the package. Finally, there's the $119.95 tier which includes all vehicle types as well as emergency medical assistance, creating an impressive one-stop shop for Roadside Assistance.

RV package: RV Roadside Assistance

If you're looking for an option that services just RVs for your bigger road trips, Good Sam offers RV Roadside Assistance. The cost for the RV plan is regularly $129.95; however, it only cost $64.95 at the time of this review. The service includes towing to the nearest service center for member-owned vehicles, and coverage for the member, spouse, and dependent children. The coverage extends to North America, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. The plan also includes tire service, offering a flat tire change and roadside tire delivery, along with the support of certified RV technicians on staff and access to the nation's largest RV-specific dispatch network.

Competitive discount opportunities

Good Sam frequently offers substantial discounts, with plans reduced by up to 50% for new members. While it's unclear if these are periodic promotions or standard pricing, the discounts make Good Sam's competitive plans even more appealing. On top of that, there are so many different discounts for travel like discounted service on your RV, savings on fuel and propane, campground discounts, discounts on dining and hotels, and free entry to Camping World RV shows.

Cancel any time for a refund

Good Sam has a highly competitive refund policy as well. You can cancel anytime and receive a prorated refund for the unused portion of your membership term. This is pretty on par with the industry. According to the Good Sam policy, you won't be able to qualify for a refund if you have already used the services of your membership for that subscription period.

Outstanding reputation

We were highly impressed by Good Sam's reputation. The company has earned an "A+" and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. While there aren't a lot of third-party reviews for Good Sam, we did find plenty of reviews praising the company on the Good Sam website. We found tons of 5-star reviews from satisfied customers who especially mentioned the usefulness of the unlimited towing, which is one of Good Sam's best features. Overall, Good Sam stands out with an especially impressive reputation in the industry.

Top option for roadside assistance

Good Sam stands out for its transparent website layout, providing detailed information about each roadside assistance plan. Offering competitive pricing and benefits, including unlimited towing mileage, comprehensive family coverage, and a variety of plans, there are truly no downsides to this service. For these reasons, Good Sam secures the highest rating among roadside assistance providers with a perfect 5-star score.

Better World Club

• Prices from $62.95 to $114.95 per year
• Towing, battery help, locksmith services, and fuel delivery
• Discounts offered with big name brands
• Discounts for EVs
• Coverage across the US and Canada
• 30-day refunds
• "A+” rating and accreditation from the BBB

Ideal for the eco-friendly vehicle owner, Better World Club (BWC) is a company that offers roadside assistance that extends to vehicles under the 1-ton class. This means their plans include RVs, noncommercial bicycles, motorcycles, scooters (50cc or larger), and various recreational vehicles on top of the regular daily-driver cars that most customers wish to protect. As an added benefit, hybrid and electric car owners receive a 10% discount for each eco-friendly vehicle per year.

Coverage in the US and Canada

BWC offers 24/7 Roadside Assistance covering both vehicles and bicycles across all 50 states and Canada. Members only need their member number and the 24/7 Roadside Assistance number from the confirmation email to get started with using their coverage. However, there is a 3-day waiting period after signup before you can begin using services. Since BWC is committed to the environment, there are no physical materials and everything is focused online or on the app. In terms of towing and responses to emergencies, BWC maintains an average response time of 45 minutes.

Plans for cars and bikes

BWC provides three annual membership options, and members can upgrade by contacting customer service at any time. A $15 sign-up fee initiates the membership. You can choose between Bike Only, Basic Auto, and Premium Auto for your coverage. The basic plan for bikes only costs $41.95/year and includes the following features:

• 30 miles of towing
• $17 per additional member
• Flat tire change
• Lockout services
• 2 service calls per year

Basic package: Basic Auto

The Basic Auto package costs $62.95/year. The service includes 5 miles for towing, and essential services like battery jumpstart, flat tire change, and lockout services. In case you run out of fuel, you can opt to pay for the delivery of more fuel to your location. The plan also offers winching services. For added peace of mind, you get $750 per-use trip interruption coverage, with a maximum benefit of $1,000. You can use this service up to 4 times per year. You also can use a $75 legal fee reimbursement. Plus, if you need to add more members, each additional person can be added for just $37, making it a practical choice for families.

Full Coverage package: Premium Auto

The BWC Premium Auto package offers a few more perks than the basic. Starting at $114.95 per year, you can expect 100 miles of towing, services like battery jumpstart, flat tire change, and lockout services. You'll receive 2 free gallons of fuel delivery in case you run out and winching services if you get stuck somewhere wild. With your membership, you'll get $1,500 trip interruption coverage, with 4 service calls per year and the same $75 legal fee reimbursement as the Basic plan. Plus, for $60 per additional member, you can extend the coverage to your entire family at an affordable rate. If you're an RV owner, you have the option to add RV coverage for an extra $75.

Competitive discounts

In terms of discounts, you'll find the 10% off per car for eco-friendly vehicles, which is great for drivers already using hybrid or electric cars. Members also get perks from pharmacies, restaurants, car rental locations, movie theaters, popular retailers, and more. This way, you can enjoy perks even when nothing at all is wrong with your car.

Competitive 30-day refund policy

BWC allows full refunds if canceled within the initial 30 days, provided no service calls have been used. This is pretty standard in the industry. And, if you make a decision after 30 days, you can still get some money back. After 30 days, BWC offers a prorated refund of unused dues, minus the value of services rendered.

Solid reputation and eco-friendly practices

BWC distinguishes itself with a green initiative, being the only certified B Corporation Roadside Assistance company. As a B Corporation, BWC considers the impact of its decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, the community, and the environment. They are 100% carbon neutral, regularly contribute to environmental causes, and hold an "A-" rating from the Better Business Bureau. This is an impressive track record for a roadside assistance company. While we wish there were more reviews out there to support the BBB rating, this remains a solid option for eco-friendly drivers.

Top option for eco-friendly drivers

At the end of the day, BWC's benefits align with competitors, and its pricing is pretty solid for the industry. On top of that, there's the perk of discounts for EV users, making Better World Club the ideal choice for you if you're highly focused on environmental friendliness on the road. With solid ratings from the BBB, BWC stands out for those who support this B Corporation's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Best Roadside Service

• Prices from $69 to $230 per year
• Coverage per driver or per vehicle
• Towing, battery help, locksmith services, and fuel delivery
• Discounts offered with big name brands
• Coverage across the US
• Towing within 45 minutes
• Refunds any time if you don't use the service
• "A+” rating and accreditation from the BBB

Best Roadside Service, operated by Nation Motorclub Inc. is based in Boca Raton, Florida. The company has been serving customers for over 50 years, assisting more than 15 million individuals during its time in the roadside assistance industry.

Round-the-clock availability

Best Roadside Service emphasizes round-the-clock availability, committing to answering calls at any time. With an average emergency response time of 42 minutes, their service is promised to be quick and easy. The best part? Their customer service representatives are required to have a minimum of 3 years of experience, and they can serve customers in English, Spanish, and French.

Coverage across the US

You can find coverage from Best Roadside Service across the US. During our research, we tried to find details on limitations or locations that might not be covered, and the site's only information was to state that "no matter where you are” you can expect assistance from Best Roadside Service. If this is true, it's highly impressive.

Plans that cover you or your car

There are two ways to purchase Best Roadside Service depending on what you anticipate you might need most. You can choose between a plan that follows your car (buying assistance for a particular vehicle) or you can choose a plan that follows you (buying assistance for any car you happen to be in). Now, you can add tiers depending on how many vehicles or how many individuals you want to add to your plan, but depending on how much you change cars, each option has its merits.

Basic package: Vehicle

Vehicle plans remain tied to the registered car, motorcycle, or scooter, providing Roadside Assistance regardless of the driver. The starting price for the Vehicle-based plan is $69 per year for 1 vehicle. You can have 2, 3, or 4 vehicles too, depending on how many vehicles you have in your household. The pricing (charged per year) shakes out accordingly:

• $69 - 1 vehicle
• $130 - 2 vehicles
• $175 - 3 vehicles
• $230 - 4 vehicles
• 2 service calls per year

Alternate package: Individual

Individual plans cover you, regardless of the vehicle and driving status. You can add up to 4 total individuals to one plan if you'd like to have your entire family covered, no matter what each person drives. The prices for Individual start at $89.95 per year with the tiers going up depending on how many family members you choose to add. The pricing (charged per year) appears as follows:

• $89.95 - 1 person
• $114.95 - 2 people
• $139.95 - 3 people
• $149.95 - 4 people
• 2 service calls per year

Big-name benefits for discounts

Beyond roadside assistance, Best Roadside Service provides other perks such as dining discounts, reduced hotel rates, savings on cruises, and various automotive and theme park discounts. Many of these are industry standard, but there are a few standouts to keep an eye on. Specifically, you might want to check out Best Roadside Service's partnerships with major brands like Carnival Cruises, Disney, Hertz, Knott's Berry Farm, Universal Studios, Baskin Robbins, and Wyndham Hotels.

Cancel any time, but there are some fees

Best Roadside Service has a strict refund policy. The company offers prorated refunds for unused full months (if you cancel your membership 6 months in, you can get a refund for the 6 unused months in your year subscription). However, these refunds are subject to a $10 administrative fee. On the other hand, if you've used any of the roadside assistance, you won't be eligible for a refund. This policy is more flexible in terms of the timeframe than other companies, but much stricter regarding the usage of services.

Solid ratings, but not a lot of buzz

Best Roadside Service has an impressive reputation. Starting with the Better Business Bureau, Best Roadside Service holds a perfect "A+” rating and accreditation. On top of that, the BBB page shows that Best Roadside Service has been awarded a 4-star average rating out of 5 from customers. From other third-party review sites, the feedback is sparser than we're used to, but the sentiment generally agrees with the score on the BBB: a 4-star average all around. However, we'd love to see a little more buzz to feel totally secure.

A solid option, but room to improve

Best Roadside Service is a reasonable choice for Roadside Assistance, featuring ample towing mileage and swift response times. While the refund policy is stringent, and costs may accumulate for larger families, it stands out as a suitable service for individuals or couples with one to four vehicles. On top of the solid options for both individuals and vehicles, the discount benefits are particularly popular. On the other hand, with less buzz than we'd like, Best Roadside Service doesn't quite make it to the top suggestions in our review. Still, they earn a high rating and are definitely worth your consideration.

Honk

• No cost to join
• Pay as you go model
• Towing, battery help, locksmith services, and fuel delivery
• Discounts for individual services
• Coverage across the US
• "B” rating from the BBB

Established in 2014, Honk aims to revolutionize the roadside assistance experience for drivers, service providers, and insurance companies. The company has an impressive network of over 108,000 service vehicles, and Honk promises a prompt response to efficiently address issues and get you back on the road.

User frinedly app

The user-friendly app keeps you informed, allowing you to track details like the driver's information, estimated arrival time, and updates, with the added convenience of rating the service received. Honk differentiates itself from traditional motor clubs by eliminating membership cards and fees and providing a pay-as-you-go model where you only pay for the specific services you require.

Coverage nationwide in the US

This pay-as-you-go program offers coverage described as "nationwide”. Although we'd like more detailed information about the coverage area, it's clear that Honk offers assistance throughout the US. To see the specifics of your local options, you'll need to download the Honk app and check out which services and providers are listed around you. The wide network for Honk means that no matter what service you need (like tow, gas refill, or changed tire), there will be someone in the network nearby to help you out across the country.

Only pay for the services that you need

Since Honk doesn't offer memberships or commitments, getting started with them is pretty straightforward. You just need to download the app and look for service providers in your area. All of the options partnered with Honk will show up on the app. Honk promises a 3-step process:

1. Find and order your help from the app
2. Wait for a roadside professional to come to your location
3. Get back on the road

Pricing depends on your area

To give you an idea of the prices you might expect from Honk, we checked out the basic options using Florida as a test area. For a local tow there, the cost was $119. For a battery change, locksmith, fuel help, or tire change, the cost was $93. Now, this may change depending on where you're located when you need help, but with this pay-as-you-go method, you don't need to worry about monthly fees or charges.

No hotel discounts, but some reduced-rate services

Now, one drawback for some is that because you're not paying for a monthly or annual membership, you don't get access to some of the fancy discounts that appear with competing subscription-based roadside assistance companies. However, you do get discounted services due to Honk's partnerships. So, instead of contracting a tow service yourself (and paying a premium) you get reduced rates by going through Honk.

Mid-tier reputation

Overall, Honk's reputation came out as pretty middle-of-the-road. From the Better Business Bureau, Honk holds an average "B” rating. As for reviews, it appears that Honk may be too new to really have a solid review presence. But the few blog reviews out there put Honk at a mid-tier 3.3 stars out of 5. Praise for the company is mostly that it offers an alternative to paying monthly or yearly for services you might never use. However, if you have an older car or something less reliable, this may end up being more expensive for you in the long run.

Best for customers with reliable cars

Like automobile bloggers, we appreciate that Honk offers an alternative to the monthly/yearly commitment model seen at other companies. If you're confident in your vehicle or keep it well maintained, the risk of a breakdown is pretty slim. If that fits your driving profile, you might benefit from a pay-as-you-go service like Honk. However, accidents can happen anywhere. You can hit a nail and blow a tire or even just miss some road trash when driving at night. If accidents occur more than once or twice a year, Honk's program will have you paying more than many yearly memberships.

Solid rating overall

So, balance out your needs before you pick one way or another. The benefit of Honk is you don't need to commit, so you have plenty of time to decide. For this reason, Honk receives a solid rating. It's definitely beneficial for some drivers, but for others, paying for each service could get expensive.

Allstate Motor Club

• Prices from $89 to $179 per year
• Towing, battery help, locksmith services, and fuel delivery
• Discounts offered
• Coverage across the US
• Coverage in Canada
• Towing guarantee with 25% off your yearly payment if service arrives late
• "A+” rating from the BBB

The mere mention of Allstate immediately makes us think of Dennis Haysbert's voice, saying, "Are you in good hands?". There probably isn't anyone with a device that has ads that doesn't know about Allstate. With over 90 years of experience, this service offers a range of protection products, including auto, home, life, and other insurance. Roadside assistance is just one of its many offerings. To support you, Allstate is affiliated with Esurance, Encompass, SquareTrade, and Answer Financial to prove their services are backed by solid finances, and that you are, in fact, in good hands.

Coverage across the US and Canada

According to Allstate's website, you are covered by their roadside assistance no matter where you're located within the United States or Canada. There were no listed states or provinces where Allstate didn't offer assistance, which was exciting given the limitations at many other companies in our review.

Membership, pay-per-tow, or add-ons

For those in need of towing, assistance with a flat tire, jump starts, or help with locked cars, Allstate's Roadside Assistance plans come in two options: Roadside Advantage and Roadside Elite. Both plans offer extra benefits, such as flight deals, hotel bookings, savings on vacation packages, car buying services, discounted oil changes, movie tickets, spas, gym memberships, and more. And if you prefer to worry about a tow only when needed, Allstate offers on-demand tow services starting at $154 for a 5-mile tow. This one-time service doesn't require a policy or auto insurance through Allstate. Now, if you already have Allstate auto insurance, coverage for towing, tire changes, jump-starts, lockouts, and fuel delivery can be added to your existing policy for as little as $25 per vehicle.

Basic package: Advantage Plan

The least expensive tier from Allstate is the Advantage Plan. This is ideal if you drive locally and prefer to stay close to home. Your first-year fee is $89 per year, and you have the option to add a second household member at no extra cost. The details of the plan include 24-hour roadside assistance with up to 5 rescues a year, covering services like tow service (up to 10 miles per tow), jump start, fuel delivery, lockout service, and tire change. In case of trip interruption, there's a $1,500 benefit, reimbursing you for up to 3 days of expenses or until your car is fixed, whichever comes first. You're also covered for tire and wheel repair and replacement, with reimbursement up to twice per membership year ($100 each) for tire damage due to a road hazard. For RV protection, renewal pricing is $105, and household plans allow you to include up to 5 other household members for an extra fee.

Full Coverage package: Elite Plan

The top-tier plan at Allstate is the Elite Plan. If you're looking for a plan that's meant for individuals and families who travel frequently, this service is the one to check out. The Elite Plan costs $164 for the first member, and you have the option to add a second household member at no additional charge. The plan covers 24-hour roadside assistance with up to 7 rescues a year, including services such as tow service (up to 100 miles per tow), jump start, fuel delivery and cost of fuel, lockout service, and tire change. In case of trip interruption, you're entitled to the same $1,500 benefit as the Advantage Plan. On top of that, the plan includes the same 2-event tire and wheel replacement policy, but up to $250 each. Motorcycle and RV protection are also part of the package. For renewal, the pricing is $179, and you can include up to 5 other household members for an additional charge.

Money back if drivers are late

Allstate provides an on-time arrival guarantee for tow trucks. If the service provider arrives more than 30 minutes after the estimated time, customers qualify for a 25% discount on the next year's membership dues. According to customers, policies can be canceled at any time, with a prorated refund for unused services. A full refund is applicable if canceled within the first 30 days.

Solid BBB rating but concerning reviews

Allstate Motor Club holds an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau for Roadside Assistance specifically. However, third-party reviews are a different story. According to Trustpilot, Allstate's reputation is pretty abysmal. The Roadside Assistance program has just 1.4 stars. Customers complain about plans and policies being modified without any warning. There was also a range of complaints about how hard it is to use the app for Allstate to call for Roadside Assistance. And despite the tow guarantee, there are tons of complaints about tow trucks not showing up as well as billing discrepancies, and more.

Mid-tier service overall

While the benefits for Allstate are solid, and the tow length is 10 miles for the basic plan, which is better than many other services in our review, the lackluster reviews are a little concerning. While it might be an excellent choice for those with Allstate auto insurance, it may not be the preferred option for everyone, especially given the concerns about getting your tow or difficulties with the app. However, with an "A+” rating from the BBB, there are definitely some high points to consider too.

AAA Roadside Assistance

• Prices from $75 to $124.99 per year
• Towing, battery help, locksmith services, and fuel delivery
• Discounts offered
• Coverage in in 15 US states and territories
• Coverage in Canada
• "A+” rating from the BBB

You've likely come across an AAA (American Automobile Association) auto insurance commercial or two. Beyond offering insurance, though, AAA (most often referred to as "triple-A”) extends its services to include Roadside Assistance, home security, identity protection, notary services, and various auto-related situations. With a history dating back to 1902 and a whopping 61 million members relying on their Roadside Assistance plans, AAA offers 24/7 safeguarding, whether you're driving or riding along with others.

Covered across the US and Canada

Depending on where your vehicle breaks down, AAA is there to help. The company operates throughout the United States and Canada. But there are some limitations. For example, at the time of our review, AAA only offered coverage for drivers living in Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Puerto Rico, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

3 day waiting period

After signing up, a 3-day waiting period applies before you can access and utilize your Roadside Assistance benefits, so you'll want to be a member before getting involved in a vehicle or roadside emergency. AAA can be contacted through their app, by phone, or online, but customer feedback suggests uncertainty regarding their timely response. Members are entitled to up to 4 emergency roadside services per membership year.

Hard to find detailed pricing

To explore coverage options on AAA's website, the initial step involves providing your state and zip code, as membership costs vary across the United States. To give an accurate price comparison each time, we checked out prices for the state of Florida where any roadside assistance company (like AAA) requires location to proceed. While there used to be prices for all three tiers at AAA, now it appears that AAA only offers pricing for their basic plan, which costs $75 per month for Florida residents. This one plan is now called the "Classic” and it includes all the main features of roadside assistance. The three plans that AAA offers are called Classic, Plus, and Premier.

Basic option: Classic

Classic costs $75 per month as listed on the main website. The service includes:

• Towing for 5 miles or to the nearest AAA repair shop
• Emergency starting
• Car battery service
• Flat tire service
• Emergency fuel delivery (but you pay for the fuel)
• Vehicle locksmith reimbursement (up to $50)
• Accident insurance up to $100,000

Mid-tier option: Plus

The Plus service expands on the features offered on their Classic option. These upgraded features include:

• Towing for 100 miles or to the nearest AAA repair shop
• Emergency fuel delivery (free fuel)
• Vehicle locksmith reimbursement (up to $100)
• Accident insurance up to $300,000
• 2 sets of passport photos per member

Full coverage option: AAA Premier

The Premier option includes everything in the Plus plan, with more upgraded features and a few new ones. These include:

• Towing for 200 miles
• Vehicle locksmith reimbursement (up to $150)
• Accident insurance up to $500,000
• Unlimited sets of passport photos per member
• Home lockout service up to $100
• 24 hour concierge
• 24 hour emergency and medical services

Tons of available discounts

While AAA stands out as one of the most recognized Roadside Assistance providers, its plans, regrettably, offer low mileage towing options. Despite this drawback, AAA compensates with some membership perks, including discounts on pet insurance, rental cars, home security, restaurants, electronics, glasses prescriptions, and more.

Refund within 7 days

Should you enroll in AAA's Roadside Assistance plan, only to reconsider, a full refund can be obtained within 7 business days from enrollment. Beyond this period, cancellation remains an option for a prorated refund. However, if you have used any of the emergency services from AAA, you can cancel, but you won't receive a refund.

Reputation is falling outside the BBB

Surprisingly, AAA receives an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau, despite the difficulty in obtaining clear pricing. However, from third-party review sites, the news isn't so hot. According to Trustpilot, customers have rated AAA just 1.5 stars on average. Customers complain regularly about the dependability of the service, citing delayed claims payments, extremely long tow truck waits, or even sudden cancellations. It's a veritable laundry list of complaints. Yikes! Evidently, the quality of AAA's services appears to be declining, so despite the stellar BBB score, you might want to consider looking elsewhere.

Declining reputation is a red flag

While some of the AAA perks are exciting, like a range of discounts on hotels, car rentals, and reimbursement for different services, that isn't enough to earn AAA a higher rating in our review. With the difficulties navigating the website just to find pricing as well as the extremely concerning reviews, AAA stands out as a service that used to be quite popular but is falling in its reliability. Our advice? You may want to choose a more reputable Roadside Assistance company especially if you're looking for options with better prices (or just better customer service overall).

USAA

• Free for those with USAA auto insurance
• Other customers pay-per-service
• Towing, battery help, locksmith services, and fuel delivery
• Coverage across the US, Canada, and Mexico

Founded in 1922 in San Antonio, USAA started when 25 Army officers collaborated to provide insurance coverage for each other's automobiles. Fast forward to 2022, and USAA proudly marks its 100th year serving its members and fulfilling its mission.

Military focus

Over the years, the company has strengthened its commitment by partnering with military-affiliated groups and expanding its support network to better serve its member community. This stands out as one of the primary options if you are in the military or have previously served. The only downside? USAA is similar to other insurance providers where the roadside assistance is bundled with existing insurance.

Coverage in the US, Canada, Mexico, and more

USAA offers coverage that spans the United States, Canada, and Mexico (within 75 miles of the U.S. and Mexico border), along with U.S. territories. On top of those locations, USAA also offers some services internationally. Details about coverage in specific countries can be found on the International Motor Insurance Card (Green Card) or by reaching out to our International Claims department.

For those with and without insurance

For most customers, coverage for roadside assistance is bundled with USAA's existing insurance. While this limits the usage a bit for customers who don't have USAA's auto insurance, there are two bonuses to choosing USAA over other insurance providers that also have roadside assistance.

• First, if you are a member of USAA already, roadside assistance is included in the cost of your regular insurance. You don't have to pay anything extra to get access to roadside assistance.
• Now, if you're not a member, you can still use USAA's services (unlike some other insurance competitors). When you need assistance, USAA will send a service provider to your location, and you can settle the payment directly with them upon arrival. And if you're worried about costs, USAA has arranged special rates for these services that are often more cost-effective than if you were to contact a tow driver independently.

No special discounts

When it comes to discounts, USAA's roadside assistance plan doesn't have its own special discounts or bonuses like some other services in our review. Instead, the perks are focused on the actual assistance you receive, so you get the help you need when you need it. For example, you can expect assistance (on average) within 60-90 minutes.

One package available for service

Here's what you can expect. If you are a current policyholder (or plan to join USAA soon), here are all the services you'll get for free:

• Taking your vehicle to the nearest repair shop in most areas
• Winching if vehicle gets stuck
• Battery jump-start
• Fuel delivery
• Locksmith services
• Flat tire assistance (spare tire required)

Just keep in mind that for any service not covered, you'll be billed at USAA's standard rate. However, on the website, there aren't any specifics on what the "standard rate” actually looks like.

Reimbursement program if you join USAA

If you're not a current policyholder for USAA, you won't need to worry about cancellation policies or refunds. Though, if you do join USAA after paying for a service, they offer a reimbursement program. Otherwise, if you want to look into cancellation, you'll have to contact USAA regarding their cancellation policies for the insurance that you have. You can't cancel the roadside assistance as it is bundled with your insurance plan directly.

Concerning NR rating

Unfortunately, despite the flexible options for policyholders and those who don't have insurance, USAA doesn't have a stellar reputation. The company has a disappointing "NR” rating from the Better Business Bureau and only a 3.3-star average from third-party review sites. This is particularly disappointing as this company focuses on serving members of the military or former servicemen, which seems unfair to those customers (and customers who aren't military members too) to be stuck with something mid-tier.

USAA misses the mark

While USAA has a rich history, the company's roadside assistance is typically bundled with existing insurance, making it less accessible to customers who aren't policyholders with USAA. You can get services if you don't have a policy, but you have to pay out of pocket. The lack of special discounts and the "NR" rating from the Better Business Bureau might be a concern for some customers too. It's got a unique option for policyholders and those who aren't with USAA, but in the end, their reputation doesn't impress enough for us to highly recommend the service.

Auto Road Service

• Prices from $10.99 per month to $589 for 7 years
• Towing, battery help, locksmith services, and fuel delivery
• Coverage in across the US
• Coverage in Canada
• Coverage in Mexico
• 30-day cancellation policy
• "A+” rating from the BBB

Operating from New York since 1979, Auto Road Service has been a longstanding provider of roadside assistance. Offering standard roadside assistance as well as extended automotive warranty coverage for drivers looking for extra protection, Auto Road Service initially seems to be a solid option.

Does it really?

The company claims to handle 4 million roadside assistance calls annually, but given the lack of review presence, we question the validity of that claim. Along with that, the site feels extremely old-fashioned, so if you're looking for something modern that feels up-to-date, this may not impress you as well as some of our higher-rated companies.

Three country coverage

Auto Road Service is owned by Auto Advantage Inc. Through its parent company, Auto Roadside Service offers coverage for everyone within the United States, Canada, or Mexico. This is impressive since most companies in our review offer coverage in just the US and Canada, so the third country of coverage allows you to feel safer with several international road trips if you're planning one.

A confusing array of plans

Auto Road Service presents two Roadside Assistance plans, although the website's cluttered design makes it challenging to extract clear details. There are two main plan "types” along with a series of what appear to be pre-paid options to check out. Plans from Auto Road Service include 3 roadside assistance membership claims per year, with a 72-hour processing period after membership signup. While pricing details are buried in lengths of scrolling text, we were able to dig out the following details:

• Month-To-Month: $10.99 each month
• Premier Long Distance Month-To-Month: $13.99 each month
• Year-To-Year: $89.99 each year
• Premier Long Distance Year-To-Year: $135.99 each year
• 3 years: $257.99
• 5 Years: $425.99
• 7 Years: $589.99

The 1-7-year options appear to be single payments for that period of time. However, we would love to see more detailed descriptions of these plans to have more clarity.

No discounts available

We looked through the site for discounts like the ones we found at competitors. However, slogging through the dense material on the site was a struggle. And in the end, we found no details about extra discounts like hotels or reimbursements, which was a little disappointing. Though the prices are better on a month-to-month basis, some extras would have made Auto Road Service far more competitive.

Up to 30 days to cancel

In cases where Auto Road Service cannot reach you in your geographical area, the membership program offers a $100 reimbursement. Cancellation policies vary, but you can expect to be able to cancel within 72 hours for a full refund for memberships shorter than a year. Annual or longer memberships are canceled within 30 days, but after the 72-hour period, you'll receive a refund minus one month's membership.

No buzz for Auto Road Service

Despite a website that may convey security concerns, the parent company holds an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, according to the reviews on the BBB page, customers have rated Auto Road Service a concerning 1 out of 5-star rating. Further, there are no reviews on third-party sites to support any of the claims on the site, which was somewhat troubling. Given that most of the other companies in our review have more than a handful of ratings to their name, the general absence of any buzz for Auto Road Service raised some questions about its trustworthiness.

Seems like no one is using it

Considering the organizational challenges of the website alone, Auto Road Service doesn't stand out among the competitors. Their roadside assistance plans are somewhat complex with different year lengths seeming to be single purchases while others are offered as ongoing memberships. Considering the lack of buzz from reviews, Auto Road Services raises a lot of questions regarding how popular this service is with customers. Without decent feedback from members, we're hesitant to recommend this service.

Geico

• Prices around $14 per year
• Available to Geico customers
• Towing, battery help, locksmith services, and fuel delivery
• Coverage across the US
• "A+” rating from the BBB

Everybody is familiar with the cute little lizard who sells you car insurance from Geico. What you may not have known is that Geico also offers a roadside assistance program. However, there's a significant drawback.

Low cost, but you need their insurance

The cost is pretty low compared to other services, but you can't use Geico unless you're already paying for car insurance (or another kind of policy) through their services. So, if you're not a Geico member already, keep on scrolling. But if you do have a Geico policy or you're planning to shortly, the roadside assistance program might be a great add-on for extra safety.

Covered across the US

The nice thing about coverage through Geico is that if you can get coverage through one of their policies, you'll qualify for the roadside assistance program. The actual locations served by Geico aren't listed on the roadside assistance page, but Geico insurance covers all 50 US states.

Around $14 for the add-on

There's only one "plan” or package that covers roadside assistance, but before you can buy that, you'll need to have a Geico policy first. The roadside assistance package comes as an add-on. You can get the roadside assistance option for just around $14 annually per car, although the exact cost may vary based on your state and vehicle. This includes 24/7 service with coverage for towing, winching, jump-starts, and fuel delivery. Further, Geico's roadside assistance is designed to come to the rescue when you need immediate help, but it typically doesn't cover the costs of fixing underlying issues like a malfunctioning engine or an aging battery. The specific number of incidents covered by a Geico roadside assistance plan can vary depending on your policy.

No special discounts or bonuses

As for discounts, the roadside assistance plan from Geico doesn't offer its own discounts or bonuses the way many motor club-style competitors do. The benefits that come with the program are just those related to the actual assistance like:

• The ability to request help in as little as 2 minutes
• 24/7 availability for assistance
• GPS locator to help Geico professionals find you quickly
• An in-app service tracker

No-fee cancellation

While there isn't a refund or cancellation policy for the assistance program specifically, Geico's own policy will likely apply here (though it may be worth your time to check out the specifics or call customer service to be sure). Geico offers a no-fee anytime cancellation policy for their insurance, which would be highly beneficial if it also applies to roadside assistance. However, there was no mention of refunds that we could find.

Mixed reputation

While Geico's reputation is fairly solid, the reviews show a different story. Let's start with the good stuff first. At the Better Business Bureau, Geico holds a solid "A+” rating. However, once we move away from the BBB, the ratings for the roadside assistance program specifically get a little shaky. There's only one site that has verified third-party reviews and from there we discerned that Geico's roadside assistance program has an average rating of 2.4 stars out of 5. Customers complained about the quality of service from the providers sent by Geico to solve a variety of roadside issues, and then many customers were further frustrated when Geico didn't take responsibility when things went wrong during the service.

Not reliable enough even for Geico customers

Geico was already behind the pack by only offering its roadside assistance program to those who are already paying for an insurance policy. This means a lot of customers can't access these services at all, for any price. With that in mind, it was only about mid-tier. However, after checking out the customer reviews and the myriad of frustrations that pop up throughout, we're forced to reconsider. At the end of the day, even Geico customers aren't happy with their roadside assistance, so we can't recommend it either.

Paragon Motor Club

• Prices from $84.95 to $149.95 per year
• Towing, battery help, locksmith services, and fuel delivery
• Coverage across the US and Canada
• Prorated refunds any time during the year

Despite a claim of over 25 years of customer service, Paragon Motor Club lacks detailed information about its history and leadership. This leaves you in the dark about the company's background and many important details about the service. The site's small text, redundant details, and unnecessary information make it difficult for users to navigate and locate the required information. The aesthetic of the website will probably be a turn-off for potential customers.

Coverage in US and Canada

Paragon Motor Club extends its services across the United States and Canada. The company claims to provide 24/7 assistance for towing, flat tire assistance, car unlocking, and battery charging through its network of partners. However, we would like to see some more clarity about whether there are any limitations within the US and Canada (like Hawaii).

Plans tailored to your vehicle type

Paragon Motor Club offers plans based on the type of vehicle - car, truck, SUV, motorcycle, or RV/trailer - with options of "classic" or "advantage" plans. To see pricing at all, you'll need to put in the state where you reside. For the purpose of our review, we checked out the prices for roadside assistance in the state of Florida.

Basic package: Classic

Classic plans for cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles include 24-hour towing up to 15 miles per occurrence, $100 per occurrence for extricating and winching, flat tire assistance, vehicle fuel delivery, lockout service, battery service, and $50 toward minor mechanical adjustments. Prices for Classic roadside assistance in Florida range from $84.95/year for automobiles and motorcycles to $119.95/year for RVs, trucks, and trailers.

Full Coverage package: Advantage

The Advantage plan adds $1,000 per occurrence for trip interruption and $1,000 for stolen vehicle interruption. Some other perks include customized trip routing, travel discounts, and savings on hotels and rental cars. The Advantage plans are priced at $99.95/year and $149.95/year, for cars/motorcycles and RVs/trucks/trailers. Membership covers the primary member and one free associate member, with an unspecified fee for additional members under 21.

Unclear discount opportunities

While Paragon's website mentions benefits like hotel, rental car, entertainment, and travel discounts, the specific details and extent of these discounts remain unclear. Due to the small text and difficulty finding information on the Paragon Motor Club website, we couldn't dig up any more specific details. This lack of transparency (and old-fashioned design) may be particularly hurting Paragon Motor Club when compared to competitors.

Industry-standard refunds

Paragon Motor Club allows members to cancel anytime and receive a prorated refund for each full calendar month remaining in their membership period. This is a standard refund policy for the industry. However, there weren't further details regarding whether you use the services or not. At most companies, if you use roadside assistance, you won't be eligible for a refund at all (even a prorated one). The lack of clarity here is unsurprising as it is in line with the rest of the Paragon Motor Club website, but it's still frustrating.

Reputation has fallen recently

Unsurprisingly, Paragon Motor Club's reputation has fallen recently. While the company used to hold an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau, that isn't the case anymore. As of the date of this review, Paragon Motor Club only held a "B-” rating and a 1-star rating average out of 5 from the BBB. On top of that, there is a general lack of customer reviews and detailed information about the company online. We found 8 total reviews on Trustpilot and more than half of those were 1 star.

Bottom of the pack

Overall, Paragon Motor Club falls short in comparison to higher-rated Roadside Assistance providers. The site is hard to read and difficult to sift through. Even if they had better prices than competitors (which they don't), it would take a lot more effort to find what you need at Paragon Motor Club than with its modern competitors. With a falling reputation and low customer ratings, we just can't recommend Paragon Motor Club over any competitors.