Roadside Assistance Plans to Keep Your Family Safe

Whether dealing with a flat tire on a busy highway or a dead battery in a remote parking lot, roadside assistance can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major family crisis.

While most drivers hope they’ll never need emergency support, AAA reports that they respond to over 30 million roadside calls annually. This staggering number highlights why choosing the right assistance plan is crucial for family safety and peace of mind.

Importantly, not all roadside assistance services offer the same coverage, response times, or family-friendly features. Some excel at nationwide coverage but fall short on specialized services, while others provide comprehensive family protection at a higher cost.

We’ve researched the top roadside assistance plans for 2025. Each option has been assessed based on family coverage, pricing, service limits, and reliability to help you make an informed decision for your loved ones’ safety.

AAA Roadside Assistance Plans

AAA is the nation’s leading roadside assistance provider, helping more than 33 million motorists annually. This longstanding organization focuses on protecting families on and off the road with comprehensive service plans.

AAA Roadside Assistance family benefits

AAA membership covers driving or riding as a passenger in any owned, leased, or borrowed vehicle. More importantly, the service allows you to add household members at significantly reduced rates, with family additions starting at just $44.99 annually [3]. For a limited time, AAA even offers promotions, including 53% off and one free family member when selecting Classic benefits with Auto Pay.

Eligible family members include:

• Spouse or domestic partner living at your address
• Parents residing in your household
• Dependent children, including those away at college [3]

Added family members receive identical benefits to the primary account holder, giving everyone access to the same trusted roadside coverage.

AAA Roadside Assistance pricing and membership tiers

AAA offers three distinct membership levels with increasing benefits:

Classic Membership ($64.99/year) includes:

• Towing up to 5 miles per breakdown or back to a service facility
• $50 locksmith reimbursement for vehicle lockouts
• Emergency fuel delivery (member pays for fuel)

Plus Membership ($99.99/year) includes:

• Extended towing up to 100 miles
• $100 locksmith reimbursement
• Free fuel with delivery
• $750 trip interruption coverage

Premier Membership ($124.99/year) includes:

• One 200-mile tow annually, plus three 100-mile tows
• $150 locksmith reimbursement (vehicle and home)
• $50 windshield repair credit
• $1,500 trip interruption coverage

AAA Roadside Assistance towing and service limits

Each membership includes four roadside assistance calls annually per member. Premier members receive one additional call (5 total) annually. Additionally, maintaining automatic renewal provides one extra service call annually per member.

Regarding towing costs, standard rates for non-members average $388 for a 100-mile tow. Therefore, a Plus membership covering four 100-mile tows represents potential savings of $1,552 annually.

Beyond towing, all plans include jump starts, tire changes, lockout services, fuel delivery, and basic mechanical assistance [1]. Members also receive bicycle assistance and access to AAA’s battery testing and replacement service, which counts as one of your annual service calls.

Optional RV and motorcycle coverage is available for additional protection for specialized vehicles.

Good Sam Roadside Assistance Plans

Good Sam distinguishes itself in the roadside assistance market with specialized coverage particularly designed for recreational vehicles, making it a top choice for RV enthusiasts and families who travel extensively.

Good Sam Roadside Assistance for RVs and families

Unlike standard auto clubs, Good Sam offers comprehensive protection tailored to RV owners. Their specialized network includes over 30,000 towing and service specialists who understand the unique challenges RVs present [2]. Especially valuable for families, Good Sam automatically covers your spouse or domestic partner and dependent children under 25 at no additional cost [2]. This family-oriented approach means everyone travels protected under a single membership.

Moreover, the service extends beyond basic roadside help, offering RV Concierge assistance to help locate repair facilities, lodging, and rental car locations if your vehicle becomes disabled during a family trip [2]. For RV owners, this specialized support often proves invaluable during unexpected breakdowns.

Good Sam Roadside Assistance pricing and coverage

Good Sam offers three distinct membership tiers:

• Standard Plan ($64.95/year with auto-renewal discount, regularly $129.95) includes unlimited towing to the nearest service facility, flat tire service, lockout assistance, jumpstarts, and fuel/fluid delivery
• Platinum Plan builds upon Standard benefits with enhanced coverage for rented or leased vehicles
• Platinum Complete Plan ($89.95/year for auto) provides the most comprehensive protection, including emergency medical evacuation and vehicle return after medical emergencies.

Each plan covers multiple vehicle types under one membership. The unlimited towing distance represents exceptional value considering towing an RV could potentially cost up to $500 per hour.

Good Sam Roadside Assistance travel discounts

Membership unlocks valuable travel-related savings, including:

• Up to 25% discounts on vehicle rentals from Avis or Budget
• Up to 10% discounts at participating hotels
• Up to 15% off car care service at AAMCO
• RV and auto service parts discounts

For families experiencing trip interruption more than 100 miles from home, Good Sam provides reimbursement up to $1,200 for expenses like meals, lodging, and car rentals while awaiting repairs.

Better World Club

Founded as an eco-conscious alternative to traditional roadside services, Better World Club stands out with its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices. As the nation’s only carbon-neutral roadside assistance provider, they offer comprehensive coverage while maintaining strong ecological values.

Better World Club eco-friendly roadside assistance

Better World Club delivers 24/7 emergency roadside assistance across all 50 states and Canada, with a unique twist – all services are 100% carbon neutral. Unlike conventional providers, BWC offsets the carbon footprint of every tow they provide. Furthermore, they donate 1% of their annual revenue to environmental cleanup and advocacy projects.

What truly sets them apart is their pioneering bicycle roadside assistance program, which makes them an ideal choice for eco-conscious families with diverse transportation needs. As a certified B Corporation, Better World Club maintains rigorous social and environmental standards throughout its operations.

Better World Club family and EV discounts

Although BWC covers individuals rather than vehicles, their membership extends protection regardless of the vehicle you’re driving or riding in. Consequently, this creates flexibility for families who share vehicles or frequently travel together.

Most notably, Better World Club offers permanent 10% discounts for hybrid and electric vehicle owners, demonstrating their commitment to supporting sustainable transportation choices. Additionally, members can access substantial travel discounts on hotels, car rentals, and flights.

Better World Club pricing and service calls

Better World Club offers several membership options:

• Basic Membership: $61.95 annually with 5-mile towing
• Premium Membership: $99.95 annually with extended benefits
• Bicycle Only Membership: $41.95 annually
• Combined Auto/Bicycle Coverage: Add bicycle coverage to auto membership for $18.00 annually

All memberships include four service calls per year, covering towing, lockouts, battery jumps, flat tire assistance, and emergency fuel delivery. However, coverage begins three business days after enrollment, with Premium membership benefits requiring a 30-day waiting period.

Importantly, their trip interruption coverage reimburses expenses if your vehicle is disabled over 100 miles from home [1], providing additional peace of mind for family travelers.

AARP Roadside Assistance Plans

AARP partners exclusively with Allstate to provide specialized roadside assistance options for senior drivers and their families. This partnership creates a unique service tailored to address older adults’ particular needs and concerns while traveling.

AARP Roadside Assistance plan options

AARP offers two distinct roadside service plans through Allstate: Roadside Assist and Roadside Elite. Both plans provide essential emergency services, including:

• Towing assistance when your vehicle breaks down
• Jump-starts for dead batteries
• Tire changes for unexpected flats
• Lockout assistance if keys are lost or locked inside
• Fuel delivery when you run out of gas
• Additional roadside services as needed

A standout feature is these services’ 24/7 accessibility, which ensures help is available regardless of when an emergency occurs. Indeed, this round-the-clock availability proves particularly valuable for family members who might travel at unusual hours.

AARP Roadside Assistance family add-ons

One compelling aspect of AARP’s roadside assistance is its versatility. The coverage extends beyond just the member’s personal vehicle. Upon enrollment, members gain access to assistance in any car they drive—including rented and borrowed vehicles [3]. This flexibility ensures protection follows the member rather than being limited to specific vehicles, making it ideal for families who share driving responsibilities or frequently use rental cars.

Furthermore, the service accommodates family travel needs by providing consistent coverage regardless of who drives the vehicle.

AARP Roadside Assistance pricing and discounts

AARP membership unlocks significant savings on roadside assistance plans. Members save up to 20% on annual membership fees. This discount substantially reduces the financial burden while maintaining comprehensive coverage.

The program offers exceptional value with prices starting at just $5.50 per month. making it one of the more affordable options for qualified seniors. Essentially, AARP members receive premium roadside assistance at discounted rates.

Allstate proudly promotes this as “the only roadside program designed just for AARP members” [16], indicating specialized features and pricing structures created with seniors’ specific needs in mind. Consequently, the program balances comprehensive protection with budget-friendly pricing appropriate for retirees and older adults.

OnStar Roadside Assistance

Image Source: Chevrolet

OnStar integrates vehicle technology with roadside assistance through a connected service ecosystem unique in the industry. This GM-backed service combines traditional roadside help with modern digital features to create a comprehensive safety network.

OnStar Roadside Assistance tech features

OnStar offers four distinct ways to request roadside assistance, giving drivers multiple access options in emergencies:

• Blue OnStar Button – Located inside GM vehicles, this dedicated button connects drivers directly to an OnStar Advisor who coordinates help
• OnStar Guardian App – Allows users to request assistance directly through their smartphone, regardless of location
• Vehicle Mobile App – Assistance available through brand-specific apps (myChevrolet, myBuick, myGMC, myCadillac)
• Infotainment System – Select help through the vehicle’s center display screen

This multi-platform approach ensures access even when separated from your vehicle. Services include jump-starts, flat tire assistance, emergency towing, and door unlocking. According to company information, third-party providers, including Allstate Roadside Services, provide roadside services.

OnStar Roadside Assistance family safety tools

The OnStar Guardian app extends protection beyond vehicle ownership, offering family-oriented safety features. Subscribers can add up to seven family members or friends to their account, ensuring everyone can access OnStar safety services. The Guardian app works in any vehicle or even on motorcycles, making it versatile for diverse family transportation needs.

Furthermore, the app includes crash detection capabilities using the smartphone’s sensors. In an accident, OnStar automatically calls the phone to check on occupants and dispatches First Responders to the location if needed.

OnStar Roadside Assistance pricing and availability

OnStar roadside assistance is included in multiple subscription tiers:

• Safety & Security Plan ($22.99/month)
• Premium Plan
• Essentials Plan

Even more, the OnStar Guardian app is available separately for $15.00/month for those without GM vehicles. For 2025 and newer GM vehicles, basic OnStar services come standard, including Automatic Crash Response and Remote Commands through mobile apps.

Roadside Assistance can be used with the Guardian app four times annually before additional charges apply. Subsequently, this provides a substantial value for families needing reliable emergency road service.

Rescue & Towing

Rescue & Towing stands out as a locally operated roadside assistance provider that focuses on rapid response for families experiencing vehicle emergencies. With personalized service and community roots, they offer specialized support for stranded motorists in various situations.

Rescue & Towing family-focused services

For families seeking reliable roadside support, Rescue & Towing delivers comprehensive protection beyond standard assistance. Their family-oriented approach extends coverage to all household members, ensuring everyone receives prompt help during travel emergencies.

The company excels in providing:

• Specialized services for family vehicles of all sizes
• Emergency towing for unexpected breakdowns
• Complete roadside support including flat tire changes, jumpstarts, and lockout assistance
• Fuel delivery when you’re stranded with an empty tank

As demonstrated during a family road trip, their technicians arrived within 30 minutes to fix a flat tire on a remote highway, allowing the family to continue their journey with minimal disruption. This real-world responsiveness showcases their commitment to keeping families safe and mobile.

Rescue & Towing response time and reliability

In roadside emergencies, time is crucial. Rescue & Towing prioritizes quick response times, often reaching stranded motorists faster than larger national chains. Since they operate locally, their familiarity with area roads allows them to navigate traffic and find optimal routes to reach customers promptly.

Their 24/7 availability ensures help arrives regardless of emergencies – a critical consideration for families traveling with children during off-hours or in unfamiliar locations. Furthermore, this round-the-clock service minimizes families’ time waiting in potentially unsafe roadside situations.

Local expertise translates to faster service as their technicians can efficiently navigate through traffic, road closures, or detours more effectively than companies from outside the area.

Rescue & Towing pricing and plan options

Unlike large corporations with significant overhead costs, Rescue & Towing offers more competitive rates while maintaining high-quality service. Customers receive accurate estimates for arrival time and service costs when requesting assistance, eliminating surprise charges.

Though specific plan structures aren’t publicly detailed, their services include:

• Emergency roadside assistance with transparent pricing
• Towing services with clear mileage limits
• Vehicle lockout assistance with fair locksmith rates
• Jump-start services without hidden fees

Above all, their community-based operation model fosters accountability and customer satisfaction, as reputation within the local area directly impacts their business success.

Conclusion

Roadside assistance plans serve as essential safety nets for families, offering peace of mind during unexpected vehicle emergencies. Each provider reviewed brings unique strengths—AAA excels with nationwide coverage and family-friendly pricing, while Good Sam specializes in RV protection. AARP delivers targeted benefits for seniors, Better World Club stands out with eco-conscious services, OnStar leads with technology integration, and local providers like Rescue & Towing offer personalized support.

Families should consider several factors when selecting a plan:

• Coverage area and service availability
• Number of included service calls annually
• Family member add-on options and pricing
• Additional benefits like trip interruption coverage
• Special vehicle requirements (RVs, EVs, etc.)

Remember that the best roadside assistance plan balances comprehensive coverage with affordable pricing while meeting your specific family needs. Though premium plans cost more upfront, their value becomes clear during emergencies when prompt, reliable assistance matters most.