Roadside Assistance Comparison
The Roadside Assistance Comparison lines up five common options: AAA Classic, AAA Plus, AAA Premier, a typical insurance add-on and manufacturer roadside. It compares annual cost, towing distance, and flat-tire, lockout, fuel-delivery, battery-jump and trip-interruption coverage, so you can see which plan covers the tows you're likely to need.
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How this tool works
The comparison table lists each plan's annual cost and covered tow distance plus five service features. Select the Plan, Annual Cost or Tow Distance headers to sort, and tick "Show only plans with 100+ mile towing" to hide shorter-range options. On phones the table switches to stacked cards.
AAA Plus is flagged as the best value because it pairs 100 miles of towing with free fuel delivery and up to $1,500 of trip-interruption coverage for $126 a year, compared with 5 miles on AAA Classic ($76) and 200 miles on AAA Premier ($199).
The figures are typical published plan tiers compiled by TowingServiceHub. AAA dues and benefits are set by regional clubs, insurance add-ons vary by insurer and policy, and manufacturer programs usually tow only to the nearest dealer during the warranty period. Limitations: prices and limits change, so confirm current terms with the provider before you rely on a plan.
Roadside assistance plans side by side
| Plan | Annual cost | Tow distance | Flat tire | Lockout | Fuel delivery | Battery jump | Trip interruption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAA Classic | $76 | 5 miles | Included | Included | Included (you pay for fuel) | Included | None |
| AAA Plus (best value) | $126 | 100 miles | Included | Included | Included (free fuel) | Included | Up to $1,500 |
| AAA Premier | $199 | 200 miles | Included | Included | Included (free fuel) | Included | Up to $2,500 |
| Insurance Add-On (Typical) | $20–$40 | 25–50 miles | Varies by policy | Varies by policy | Sometimes included | Usually included | None typically |
| Manufacturer Roadside | Free (warranty period) | Nearest dealer | Included | Included | Included | Included | Varies by brand |
AAA dues and benefits vary by regional club; insurance add-ons vary by insurer and policy. Confirm current terms with the provider.
Frequently asked questions
Is AAA Plus worth it compared with AAA Classic?
If you drive far from home, often. AAA Plus costs $126 a year versus $76 for Classic but raises covered towing from 5 to 100 miles, adds free fuel and includes up to $1,500 of trip interruption. A single 25-mile tow estimates at $117–$158 in our Towing Cost Calculator.
How far will AAA tow for free?
Based on the plan tiers in our comparison, AAA Classic covers up to 5 miles per tow, AAA Plus up to 100 miles and AAA Premier up to 200 miles. Distance beyond your plan's limit is typically paid out of pocket, and limits can vary by regional club.
Is insurance roadside assistance cheaper than AAA?
Usually. A typical insurance roadside add-on costs $20–$40 a year, compared with $76–$199 for the AAA tiers in our comparison. The trade-off is that towing is typically limited to 25–50 miles, and flat-tire and lockout coverage varies by policy.
Do new cars come with free roadside assistance?
Manufacturer roadside programs, as summarized in our comparison, are free during the warranty period and include flat-tire, lockout, fuel-delivery and battery-jump service. Towing is typically limited to the nearest dealer, and trip-interruption benefits vary by brand.
Which roadside plan has the longest towing distance?
AAA Premier, with up to 200 miles of towing in our comparison, plus free fuel delivery and up to $2,500 of trip-interruption coverage. At $199 a year it is also the most expensive of the plans listed.
Related guides
- Best Roadside Assistance Plans Compared (2026)
- AAA Roadside Assistance: Is It Worth It in 2026?
- Insurance Roadside Assistance vs AAA: Which Is Better?
