AAA vs Insurance Add-ons
Compare roadside assistance from State Farm, Farmers, AAA, and other providers. Find the best coverage for your needs.
| Provider | Annual Cost | Towing | Response Time | Best For | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
State Farm Roadside Assistance Insurance Add-on | $15-20/year per vehicle | Up to 1 free tow per year | 30-45 minutes average | State Farm policyholders | 1-877-627-5757 |
Farmers Roadside Assistance Insurance Add-on | $12-18/year per vehicle | Coverage varies by policy | 30-60 minutes average | Farmers policyholders | 1-800-435-7764 |
AAA Classic Standalone Membership | $64.99/year (covers driver) | Up to 7 miles free (4 times/year) | 20-30 minutes average | Frequent travelers | 1-800-AAA-HELP |
AAA Plus Standalone Membership | $94.99/year (covers driver) | Up to 100 miles free (4 times/year) | 20-30 minutes priority | Long-distance commuters | 1-800-AAA-HELP |
Progressive Roadside Insurance Add-on | $16/year per vehicle | Up to 15 miles | 45 minutes average | Progressive customers | 1-800-776-2778 |
GEICO Emergency Road Service Insurance Add-on | $14/year per vehicle | Up to $75 per incident | 30-45 minutes average | GEICO policyholders | 1-800-424-3426 |
Allstate Motor Club Standalone or Add-on | $25-89/year | Varies by plan (5-100 miles) | 30-40 minutes average | Multi-vehicle households | 1-800-869-7997 |
National General Roadside Insurance Add-on | $20-30/year per vehicle | Up to $100 per incident | 40-60 minutes average | National General customers | 1-888-293-5108 |
Insurance Add-on
Insurance Add-on
Standalone Membership
Standalone Membership
Insurance Add-on
Insurance Add-on
Standalone or Add-on
Insurance Add-on
Recommended:
AAA Plus or Progressive Roadside
Why:
Extended towing coverage for longer distances
Recommended:
Insurance add-on (State Farm, Farmers, GEICO)
Why:
Most affordable for basic coverage needs
Recommended:
AAA membership or Allstate Motor Club
Why:
Covers driver in any vehicle
Recommended:
AAA Plus or comprehensive add-on
Why:
More likely to need frequent service
Recommended:
Basic insurance add-on
Why:
Manufacturer roadside may be included
Recommended:
Allstate Motor Club or AAA RV
Why:
Specialized coverage for unique vehicles
Even with a new car, roadside assistance can be valuable. While new cars are less likely to break down, you can still experience flat tires, dead batteries, or lockouts. Many new cars include manufacturer roadside assistance for 3-5 years, so check your warranty first. A basic insurance add-on for $15-20/year provides peace of mind.
Using roadside assistance through your insurance company typically does not affect your rates, as it's not considered a claim. However, frequent use might be noted on your policy. AAA and other standalone services never affect your insurance rates since they're completely separate from your auto insurance.
AAA membership covers you as a driver in any vehicle, while insurance roadside covers specific vehicles on your policy. AAA typically offers longer towing distances and additional benefits like travel discounts and DMV services. Insurance add-ons are usually cheaper ($15-20/year vs $65-95/year) but provide basic coverage only.
With AAA, yes - your membership covers you in any vehicle, even as a passenger. With insurance-based roadside assistance, coverage is tied to specific vehicles on your policy. If you frequently drive different cars or help family members, AAA membership provides more flexibility.
If your tow exceeds the covered distance, you'll pay the difference at the driver's rate (usually $3-5 per mile). For example, if you have 7-mile coverage and need a 15-mile tow, you'll pay for 8 additional miles. AAA Plus (100 miles) or Premier (200 miles) eliminates this concern for most situations.
Get affordable roadside coverage with your auto insurance for as little as $15/year.