AARP does not offer free towing directly, but members can access discounted towing through partner programs
AARP membership itself does not include a towing benefit. However, AARP members can join AARP Roadside information, a separate paid service that covers towing up to 100 miles to a repair facility of your choice. The service also includes lockout help, fuel delivery, jump starts, and tire changes. You pay an annual membership fee for this service — it is not included in your AARP membership dues.
If you already have roadside information through your car insurance or a roadside club like AAA, check what you have before paying for another service. Many auto insurance policies include some form of towing coverage, and some credit cards offer roadside benefits as a cardholder perk.
Key Takeaways
- AARP Roadside information is a paid add-on service separate from AARP membership that covers towing up to 100 miles.
- The service includes lockouts, fuel delivery, jump starts, and tire changes in addition to towing.
- You should check your auto insurance policy and credit card benefits first, as many already include roadside information.
- AARP members may also receive discounts on roadside services through other partner companies, though these vary by region.
How AARP Roadside information works
When you join AARP Roadside information, you receive a membership card and a phone number to call when you need help. You call the number, describe your situation, and dispatch sends a tow truck or service provider to your location. The service covers the cost of towing up to 100 miles to a repair shop you choose — you do not pay out of pocket at the time of service.
The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Response times vary depending on your location and how busy the local service network is, but you should expect a truck to arrive within a reasonable timeframe for your area. If you are stranded far from home, the service can also arrange for fuel delivery or a tow to a facility near your destination.
What is covered and what is not
AARP Roadside information covers towing up to 100 miles, lockouts, fuel delivery, jump starts, and tire changes. If your car needs a repair that costs more than the tow, you pay the repair shop directly — the roadside service only covers getting your car to the shop. If you need a tow longer than 100 miles, you pay the additional mileage cost.
The service does not cover mechanical repairs, parts, or labor at a repair facility. It also does not cover towing for accidents involving another vehicle, though you should contact your insurance company in those cases anyway. Some exclusions may explore based on the specific plan you choose, so review the terms when you sign up.
Cost and how to join
AARP Roadside information charges an annual fee, though the exact amount varies. You can join through the AARP website or by calling AARP directly. When you join, you choose whether you want individual coverage or family coverage that extends to household members.
Before you join, compare the cost to what you already have. If your auto insurance includes roadside information, adding another service may be unnecessary. If you drive an older car or travel frequently in remote areas, the extra coverage might be worth the cost.
Other ways AARP members save on roadside services
Beyond the dedicated roadside information program, AARP negotiates discounts with other service providers. These discounts vary by state and region, so what is available to you depends on where you live. Check the AARP website or call your local AARP office to see what roadside discounts are currently available in your area.
Some AARP members also use the service as a backup. For example, if your insurance roadside benefit has a limit on how many calls you can make per year, AARP Roadside information can cover additional calls beyond that limit. This is especially useful if you have an older vehicle that breaks down more often.
Comparing roadside information options
You have several ways to get roadside help. Your auto insurance may include it at no extra cost. AAA and other roadside clubs offer similar services for an annual fee. Credit cards sometimes include roadside benefits for cardholders. And AARP Roadside information is another option if you are an AARP member.
The best choice depends on what you already have, how often you drive, and how far from home you usually travel. If you rarely drive or stay close to home, the roadside information built into your insurance may be enough. If you drive long distances or have an unreliable vehicle, a dedicated service with a higher mileage limit might be worth the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AARP Roadside information the same as my car insurance roadside benefit?
No. Your insurance roadside benefit is separate from AARP Roadside information. Insurance benefits are usually limited in how many times you can use them per year, while AARP Roadside information typically has no call limit. You can have both and use whichever one is more convenient for your situation.
Can I use AARP Roadside information if I am not an AARP member?
No. AARP Roadside information is only for AARP members. You must have an active AARP membership to join the roadside service. If you are not an AARP member, you can explore other roadside clubs or check whether your auto insurance includes roadside coverage.
What happens if I need a tow longer than 100 miles?
You pay the additional mileage cost beyond 100 miles. The service will still dispatch a tow truck and get you to a repair facility, but you are responsible for the extra distance charge. Ask the dispatcher about the cost before the tow begins so you know what to expect.
Does AARP Roadside information cover towing after an accident?
AARP Roadside information does not cover towing related to accidents involving another vehicle. Your auto insurance should cover that. However, if your car breaks down on its own and needs a tow, AARP Roadside information will cover it.