What Does Roadside Assistance Cover?
Roadside assistance typically covers emergency services like towing, battery jump-starts, flat tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockout assistance. Most plans, including AAA and insurance-based options, offer 24/7 support within geographic limits. Coverage varies by provider—basic tiers often exclude commercial vehicles or impose mileage caps, while premium plans may include trip interruption benefits or RV support.
What services are included in standard roadside assistance?
Standard packages cover five core services: towing (5-15 miles), jump-starts, tire changes, emergency fuel, and lockout aid. Exclusions include off-road recoveries, commercial vehicles, or pre-existing mechanical faults. Pro Tip: Always confirm coverage territory—rural areas often incur extra fees.
When evaluating coverage, start by checking towing limits. Most basic plans cap distance at 10 miles—enough to reach nearby garages but insufficient for cross-town hauls. Fuel delivery usually provides 2-3 gallons, prioritizing enough to reach stations rather than full tanks. Did you know some insurers charge per-service deductibles? For instance, State Farm bills $75 per lockout call beyond annual allowances. Transitioning to premium tiers, providers like Allstate’s “Elite” plan include unlimited towing up to 200 miles and lodging reimbursements during repairs. Always check for motorcycle/RV exclusions—these often require separate riders.
| Service | Basic Plan | Premium Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Towing Distance | 10 miles | Unlimited |
| Fuel Delivery | 2 gallons | 5 gallons + delivery |
| Lockout Assistance | Simple doors | Smart key/EV access |
Does roadside assistance cover electric vehicles?
EV-specific coverage is limited but growing. Most providers handle flat tires and lockouts, but battery tows require flatbeds to prevent drivetrain damage. Specialized services like mobile EV charging (e.g., AAA’s 10-minute boost) remain rare outside metro areas.
Electric vehicles pose unique challenges. While a dead 12V accessory battery gets jump-started traditionally, a depleted traction battery needs flatbed towing—regular dollies can’t disengage motors safely. How do providers adapt? AAA’s EV plans include Level 2 charging cables and technician training for high-voltage systems. However, battery replacements aren’t covered; you’ll still need OEM support. Practically speaking, EVs benefit more from geofenced assistance networks. Tesla’s service, for instance, routes help via in-car telematics. Pro Tip: Verify if your plan covers portable charger retrievals if you forget cables at home. For example, Nissan Leaf owners in California can request free emergency charging through EZ-Charge partnerships.
Battery Expert Insight
FAQs
Most plans extend coverage to rentals if you’re the primary driver. However, exclusions apply for luxury/exotic vehicles—verify class limits beforehand.
Are Uber/Lyft drivers eligible?
Commercial ride-hailing requires separate policies. Personal plans often deny claims if apps were active during breakdowns.
Is there a wait period after sign-up?
Yes—48-72 hours is standard to prevent fraud. Exceptions exist for OEM programs like BMW’s included coverage.