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.
Saturday, February 15th
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:
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.
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.
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