Towing Cost vs Roadside Assistance: Full Comparison

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Quick Answer: Paying for a single tow out of pocket costs $75–$300. An annual roadside assistance plan costs $60–$130 and covers multiple tows plus jump starts, lockouts, and flat tires. If you drive more than occasionally, a plan wins financially after just one incident. The real question is whether you already have coverage through insurance or a credit card.

What To Do

Audit your existing coverage before spending anything new. You may already be paying for roadside assistance through:
- Auto insurance policy (look for “roadside” or “emergency road service” on your declarations page)
- Credit card, call the number on the back and ask if roadside is included
- Vehicle manufacturer program (new car? check the glove box for coverage documents)
- Cell phone plan (some T-Mobile, Verizon plans include it)
If you have no coverage, decide based on your situation:
- Drive an older car that occasionally has issues? Get a plan.
- Drive a new car rarely, mostly short local trips? Out-of-pocket may be fine.
- Road trip regularly, drive in winter, or live in a rural area? A plan is essential.
Compare roadside plans by your biggest risk:
- Frequent long-distance driver: AAA Plus (100-mile tow coverage)
- Local driving only: AAA Basic, or a credit card roadside benefit
- Budget-conscious: Check if your insurer offers a roadside rider for $5–$15/year
Factor in non-towing benefits. A jump start call through AAA costs nothing with membership. Out of pocket, a service call runs $50–$80. Lockouts and flat tire changes add up the same way.

What It Might Cost

Out-of-pocket towing (no coverage):

Comparison on Tow With The Flow

Towing Cost vs Roadside Assistance: Full Comparison

What To Do

What It Might Cost