Young woman checking her engine with her cell phone light on a dark road while calling for roadside assistance.

How roadside assistance coverage may help save you money in the long run

Consider the estimated out-of-pocket costs for emergency roadside services with the price of roadside assistance coverage.

Overview: Adding roadside assistance coverage to your auto policy may help save you money in the long run by turning unpredictable roadside emergencies into manageable expenses. Instead of facing high out-of-pocket charges for services like towing, lockouts or jump-starts, this coverage may offer financial advantages and help ensure greater confidence behind the wheel.

When it comes to managing your auto expenses, one question often comes up: Is roadside assistance coverage worth the cost? While it can be easy to see the sense of security it may offer, many drivers may overlook its potential as a smart financial choice. Let’s dive into how roadside assistance coverage can be a cost-effective choice by helping shield you from unexpected expenses.

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The cost of roadside emergencies without coverage

Imagine you're on a road trip and your car suddenly breaks down. Without roadside assistance coverage, you might find yourself facing hefty out-of-pocket costs for services like towing, jump-starts or lockouts. Here’s a peek at what these expenses could look like:

Emergency service type
Estimated out-of-pocket cost*
Towing (local)
$75 - $200+
Flat tire change (labor)
$50 - $100
Lockout service
$50 - $150
Jump-start
$50 - $100
$50 - $75 (+ cost of fuel)

(*These costs can vary widely based on your location, the time of day and the service provider.)

Consider how these possible one-time repair costs stack up against the average price of roadside assistance coverage. In many cases, you can add roadside assistance to your auto insurance for a modest extra fee. The average cost for roadside assistance from State Farm is $10-$20 per year. This more affordable expense can help you avoid the risk of much higher, unexpected costs if roadside problems arise.

Helping keep your car budget predictable

One advantage of roadside assistance coverage is the predictability it may bring to your budget. Rather than worrying about a sudden big bill for a single incident, you pay a small, regular premium that can help protect you from surprise expenses and can offer more confidence on the road.

Roadside assistance typically covers common incidents like towing, dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts, making it a practical choice for many drivers. By transforming unpredictable, often costly emergencies into manageable expenses, roadside assistance coverage may be a smart addition to your auto policy.

Is roadside assistance coverage worth the investment?

While there are many reasons you might want roadside assistance coverage, the optional add-on also has benefits that may outweigh the cost. Though it may be tempting to consider a DIY car repair, coverage can help you avoid hidden safety risks. Further, it’s not just about having a sense of security — it's about making a decision that may help protect you from the unpredictable.

So, the next time you’re reviewing your auto insurance options, consider how roadside assistance coverage can be a valuable addition to your policy. When you use this coverage, a claim will likely be filed. Talk to your insurance company about how this may impact your policy. For more details, connect with a State Farm agent today or get an auto insurance quote online.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third-party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
State Farm Indemnity Company
Bloomington, IL

State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas
Richardson, TX

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