You’re probably already paying for roadside assistance four different ways. Most drivers don’t know this — so they pay a fifth time when they add it to their auto policy or buy an AAA membership. Stacking what you already have gets you to free.

Credit Card Roadside

Several major credit cards include roadside assistance as a cardholder benefit. Coverage and terms vary, but it’s often included with no additional fee.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve — Emergency roadside dispatch is included. Some services (towing, lockout, fuel delivery) may require a per-service fee paid at the time of incident, but the dispatch and coordination is free.
• American Express Platinum and Gold — Roadside assistance through a network of providers. Premium cards often include up to four incidents per year at no charge.
• Citi cards — Some Citi products include roadside dispatch. Check your specific card’s benefits guide.

How to check: call the number on the back of your card and ask “What roadside assistance benefits do I have?” Alternatively, look up your card on the issuer’s website under “Card Benefits.” Visa, Mastercard, and Amex all have benefits portals.

One limitation: credit card roadside typically covers dispatch only. If you need a tow beyond a few miles, you may pay for the overage. Know the terms before you’re stranded.

Cell Carrier Perks

All three major carriers include some form of roadside assistance for qualifying plans:

• T-Mobile — Magenta and higher plans include roadside assistance through Allstate Motor Club. Covers towing up to five miles, jump starts, fuel delivery, flat tire change, and lockout service.
• Verizon — Some plans include roadside through a partner program. Check “My Verizon” under plan perks.
• AT&T — Select plans include roadside assistance. Log into your account under “Extras” to see what’s included.

These benefits are often underused simply because customers don’t know they exist. Download your carrier’s app now — most display available perks on the home screen or under “Account.”

Vehicle Manufacturer Roadside

Most new vehicles include complimentary roadside assistance from the manufacturer for the first three to five years:

• Toyota — 2 years / unlimited miles through Toyota Roadside Assistance.
• Honda — 3 years / 36,000 miles.
• Ford — 5 years / 60,000 miles on most models.
• GM (Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac) — 5 years / 60,000 miles.
• Hyundai — 5 years / 60,000 miles.

Manufacturer programs often include towing to the nearest dealer, battery jump starts, lockout service, and emergency fuel delivery. These are typically 24/7 and toll-free. The number is in your owner’s manual and often on a card in the glove box.

If your vehicle is within its manufacturer warranty period, check this first. It’s the most comprehensive free option.

Auto Policy Roadside

Most insurers offer roadside assistance as a policy add-on for $5–$10 a month (roughly $60–$120 a year). It’s convenient, claims are often handled through your existing insurer app, and it doesn’t require keeping track of a separate membership.

The downside: some insurers treat roadside calls as claims and count them against your record. This varies by carrier — some explicitly separate roadside assistance from claims; others don’t. Ask before you add it.

Policy roadside makes the most sense when:

• Your manufacturer warranty has expired.
• Your credit card and carrier don’t include roadside (or you’re unclear on the terms).
• You want a single app and phone number for everything.

If you’re already covered by three of the four sources above, don’t pay for a fourth. Do the audit first.

Here’s the five-minute audit: check your credit card benefits portal, your cell carrier app, and your vehicle’s owner manual for the manufacturer assistance number. If all three are active, you’re covered multiple times over — and you don’t need to spend another dollar on roadside.

Next step: Open your cell carrier’s app right now and look for “Perks” or “Benefits” to see if roadside is already included in your plan. Get a same-day quote that works for your situation →