Yes, AARP offers roadside information through its membership

AARP members can access roadside information as part of their membership benefits. The service is provided through a partnership with a roadside information company and covers common breakdowns like lockouts, dead batteries, fuel delivery, and towing. You do not have to purchase it separately — it comes with your AARP membership at no additional cost.

The roadside information benefit is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you need help, you call a dedicated phone number, provide your AARP membership number, and dispatch sends a service provider to your location. The service covers your vehicle anywhere in the United States, including on highways and in remote areas.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP roadside information is included with your membership and covers towing, lockouts, dead batteries, fuel delivery, and jump-starts at no extra charge.
  • You access the service by calling the roadside information number on the back of your AARP membership card or through the AARP mobile app.
  • Coverage is available 24/7 across the United States and typically includes up to 100 miles of towing per incident.
  • The service works for your primary vehicle, and some plans extend coverage to household members driving other vehicles.

What roadside information covers

AARP roadside information includes several common services. Towing is the main benefit — the service will tow your vehicle to a repair shop or location of your choice, usually up to 100 miles per incident. Lockout service covers the cost if you lock your keys in your car. Battery service includes jump-starts if your battery is dead, and the technician can also replace the battery if needed (though you may pay for the battery itself).

Fuel delivery sends a service provider to bring you fuel if you run out of gas. Tire service covers changing a flat tire or delivering a spare if you do not have one. The service also covers minor mechanical issues like replacing a serpentine belt or hose if the problem prevents you from driving safely.

What the service does not cover includes major repairs, parts replacement beyond emergency fixes, or towing to a dealership if you choose one outside the service area. If your vehicle needs extensive work, the roadside information gets you to a repair facility — the repairs themselves are your responsibility.

How to request roadside information

When you need help, the fastest way is to call the roadside information number printed on the back of your AARP membership card. Have your membership number ready and be prepared to describe your location and the problem with your vehicle. The dispatcher will ask where you want the vehicle towed and confirm your contact information.

You can also request information through the AARP mobile app if you have it installed. The app lets you request service, track the arrival of the service provider, and communicate directly with dispatch. Response times vary by location and demand — in urban areas, help typically arrives within 30 to 60 minutes, while rural areas may take longer.

Tell the dispatcher if you need to stay with your vehicle or if you prefer to wait somewhere safe. Many service providers can pick you up from a nearby location if you do not want to remain on the roadside, especially on highways.

Coverage limits and what you pay

AARP roadside information covers up to 100 miles of towing per incident at no cost to you. If your vehicle needs to be towed farther than 100 miles, you pay the additional mileage charges. The service covers your primary vehicle — the one registered in your name — and in most cases extends to household members driving that same vehicle.

You do not pay a dispatch fee, call fee, or service fee for any of the covered services. If you choose to have your vehicle towed to a specific repair shop, the towing is covered. If you need parts replaced during roadside service — such as a new battery or tire — you pay for the part itself, but the labor to install it is covered.

There is no limit to how many times you can use the service during your membership year. If you need roadside information three times in one year, each call is covered the same way.

How AARP roadside information compares to other options

Many people already have roadside information through their auto insurance or credit card company. Before using AARP's service, check what your insurance or card offers — you may have overlapping coverage. Some insurance policies include roadside information as a standard benefit or a low-cost add-on, and some credit cards (particularly premium travel cards) include it automatically.

AARP roadside information is valuable if you do not have coverage elsewhere or if your existing coverage has limits. For example, if your insurance covers only 50 miles of towing, AARP's 100-mile benefit fills the gap. If you have multiple vehicles and only one is covered by insurance, AARP covers all vehicles you own.

Standalone roadside information memberships like AAA offer similar services but require a separate membership fee. AARP's benefit is included in your membership cost, so if you already pay for AARP membership, you are not paying extra for roadside information.

Roadside information for household members

AARP roadside information typically covers your spouse or household members when they are driving your vehicle. However, coverage for vehicles they own separately depends on your specific membership plan. Some AARP membership tiers extend roadside information to household members' vehicles; others cover only the primary member's vehicle.

Check your membership documents or call AARP directly to confirm whether your plan covers household members driving their own vehicles. If it does not, they would need their own AARP membership to receive roadside information in their vehicle.

What to do if you have a problem with roadside information

If a service provider does not arrive within a reasonable time, call the roadside information number again and ask for an update. Dispatch can contact the provider or send a second provider if the first one is delayed. Keep the incident number from your first call so you can reference it.

If you believe a service was not covered correctly or you were charged unexpectedly, contact AARP's member services department. You can reach them through your membership card or the AARP website. Explain what happened, provide the incident number, and describe the charge. AARP will review the claim and correct it if the service should have been covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does roadside information cover towing to any repair shop I choose?

Yes, you can choose where your vehicle is towed. The service covers towing to a repair shop, dealership, or your home. If you do not have a preferred shop, the dispatcher can suggest nearby options. You are responsible for any repairs once the vehicle arrives at the shop.

What if I am traveling out of the country?

AARP roadside information covers the United States only. If you are traveling in Canada or Mexico, the service does not explore. Check whether your auto insurance extends coverage to those countries, or purchase temporary roadside information before you travel.

Can I use roadside information if my vehicle is not insured?

Yes. Roadside information does not require your vehicle to be insured — it is a separate benefit tied to your AARP membership. You can use it even if your insurance has lapsed, though you will still need insurance to legally drive.

Is there a deductible or copay for roadside information?

No. There is no deductible, copay, or service fee for any covered roadside information service. You pay only for parts if they are replaced (like a new battery) and any towing beyond 100 miles.

How do I know if my membership includes roadside information?

All standard AARP memberships include roadside information. Check the back of your membership card for the roadside information phone number. If you do not see it or are unsure whether your membership tier includes it, contact AARP member services to confirm.