Roadside Assistance, what does it cover?

Roadside assistance is a common coverage that you can get as an add-on from your insurance provider. It helps you pay for the services you need if your car breaks down on the road.

Covered services can include towing, transportation assistance, tire changes and more. If you have a problematic car or are just not too familiar with car repair, you may want to get roadside assistance for added peace of mind.

What Is Roadside Assistance?

Otherwise known as breakdown coverage, roadside assistance is a car insurance add-on designed to provide services to help you get back on the road if you have a flat tire or run out of gas.

If your car breaks down unexpectedly, you can call your provider for assistance, including towing, tire changing, locksmith assistance or even fuel delivery. Most insurers offer roadside assistance, but note that it is optional and not a government requirement.

Having roadside assistance coverage can help reduce the cost of breakdowns, as you will not have to pay out of pocket for these services. If your car needs to be towed, for example, your insurer will connect you with the best provider for your location and situation and cover the costs.

How Does Roadside Assistance Work?

If you have roadside assistance coverage and need help, simply contact your provider and tell them what’s wrong with the vehicle or use your insurer’s mobile application. From there, the provider will help you by dispatching the nearest provider.

What Does Roadside Assistance Cover?

Roadside assistance coverage can assist in coordinating help and paying the cost of most car breakdown issues. It should cover you wherever you are, whether on a highway or at home in your garage.

Towing Services

For some breakdowns, you need a tow truck to take your car to the nearest repair shop. Many towing service providers also offer a range of repairs.

Flat Tires & Tire Changes

This includes replacing a flat tire and potentially providing a tire that suits your car if you have no suitable spare.

Battery Jump Start

A battery jump start involves starting your car if it has a discharged or depleted battery. This typically requires another vehicle or external power source.

Locksmith Services

If you get locked out of your car, locksmith services can help you get back in quickly and easily.

Fuel Delivery

Fuel delivery covers just that: fuel delivery. If you run out of gas before you get to the next gas station, fuel delivery services have you covered.

Mud or Snow Extraction

Mud or snow extraction services are designed to help you get your car out of difficult mud or deep snow.

Roadside Assistance Benefits You Might Encounter

Some insurance providers offer extra perks with roadside assistance coverage, including the following:

Trip Interruption Coverage

This type of travel insurance coverage can cover any interrupted trips caused by your car’s breakdown. For instance, if you need to pause your road trip due to unexpected repairs, trip interruption coverage can pay for lodging and other travel expenses.

Legal Defense Coverage

This coverage reimburses you for legal costs up to the plan limit if you need an attorney to defend you in court against a traffic violation.

Guaranteed Arrest Bonds

This coverage will post your bond if you've been charged with a traffic offense up to a certain limit. However, this does not cover you if you are charged with a DUI or felony.

Contact your Town & Country Insurance Agent to check your auto policy's Roadside Assistance Coverage

Insurance terms, definitions and explanations are intended for informational purposes only and do not in any way replace or modify the definitions and information contained in individual insurance contracts, policies or declaration pages, which are controlling. Such terms and availability may vary by state and exclusions may apply. Discounts may not be applied to all policy coverages.