AARP's Roadside information Programs

AARP does offer roadside information, but it comes through a partnership with a third-party provider rather than directly from AARP itself. The main program is called AARP Roadside information, and it is available to AARP members as an add-on service. You pay a separate annual fee — typically around $60 to $80 per year, though this varies — and in return you get towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, and battery service when you need it.

The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you have a breakdown or lockout, you call a dedicated number, and a dispatcher sends help to your location. The towing distance covered depends on which plan you choose, but most plans include towing up to 100 miles to a repair facility of your choice.

It is important to know that this is not the same as roadside information bundled into an auto insurance policy. AARP's program is standalone, which means you can use it whether or not you have comprehensive or collision coverage. You can also use it on rental cars, which many insurance-based programs do not cover.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP Roadside information is a membership add-on that costs roughly $60 to $80 per year and covers towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, and battery service.
  • You must be an AARP member to purchase the program, and you pay the fee separately from your AARP membership dues.
  • The service is available 24/7 and typically covers towing up to 100 miles, though the exact distance depends on your plan tier.
  • Unlike insurance-based roadside information, AARP's program works on rental cars and does not require you to carry comprehensive coverage.

How to Sign Up for AARP Roadside information

To sign up, you must already be an AARP member. If you are not, you will need to join AARP first — membership costs around $16 per year for the basic level. Once you are a member, you can add roadside information through AARP's website, by phone, or by mail.

The online route is fastest. Log into your AARP account, navigate to the insurance and services section, and look for roadside information. You will see the plan options, pricing, and coverage details. You can enroll in minutes and receive your membership card and emergency contact information by email right away.

If you prefer to enroll by phone, call AARP's member services line. A representative can walk you through the plan options and answer questions about coverage limits and exclusions. By mail, you can request an enrollment form and send it back with payment, though this takes longer.

What AARP Roadside information Covers

The standard coverage includes towing (usually up to 100 miles), lockout service (getting into your car if you lock your keys inside), fuel delivery (if you run out of gas), battery service (jump-start or replacement), and tire service (changing a flat or delivering a spare). Some plans also cover winching and extrication if your car is stuck.

Coverage applies to your primary vehicle, though you can add additional vehicles for an extra fee. The service also works on rental cars, which is a significant advantage over many insurance-based programs. There is typically no deductible — you pay the annual fee and then the service is free when you use it.

One limit to know: the program covers mechanical breakdowns and lockouts, but not accidents or damage from collisions. If you are in a crash, your auto insurance handles that claim. AARP Roadside information is for the smaller, more common problems — a dead battery, a flat tire, running out of gas, or locking yourself out.

Cost and Plan Options

AARP typically offers two or three tiers of roadside information, with the main difference being towing distance. A basic plan might cover towing up to 50 miles and cost around $60 per year. A standard plan covers up to 100 miles for roughly $75 per year. A premium plan might extend to 150 miles or more and cost $80 or higher annually.

These prices are approximate and change year to year. When you enroll, you will see the exact current rates for your state and the specific coverage limits of each tier. Some AARP members also receive discounts if they bundle roadside information with other AARP insurance products, such as auto or home insurance.

There are no per-use fees. Once you pay the annual premium, every service call is covered at no additional cost. You do not pay the service provider directly — AARP handles the billing.

How to Use AARP Roadside information When You Need It

When you have a breakdown or lockout, call the roadside information number on your membership card or in your welcome materials. Have your membership number and vehicle information ready. The dispatcher will ask where you are, what the problem is, and where you want the vehicle towed.

A service provider will be dispatched to your location. Response times vary depending on where you are — in a city, help may arrive within 30 minutes; in a rural area, it could take longer. The dispatcher will give you an estimate when you call.

Once the service provider arrives, they will handle the repair or tow. If your car is towed, you can choose which repair shop it goes to, or you can have it towed to your home. You do not pay anything at the scene — the service is covered by your membership.

AARP Roadside information vs. Insurance-Based Programs

Many auto insurance policies include roadside information as an add-on or as part of comprehensive coverage. The main differences between AARP's standalone program and insurance-based roadside information are coverage scope and flexibility.

Insurance-based programs often limit coverage to your primary vehicle and may not cover rental cars. AARP's program covers rentals, which is useful if you travel or rent frequently. AARP's program also does not require you to carry comprehensive or collision coverage — you can use it with liability-only insurance.

On the other hand, insurance-based programs are sometimes cheaper if you already pay for comprehensive coverage, because the roadside component is bundled in. If you are comparing costs, check what your auto insurance already includes before paying for AARP's separate program.

What Happens If You Cancel Your AARP Membership

If you cancel your AARP membership, your roadside information coverage ends. AARP does not offer roadside information to non-members. If you are thinking about canceling your membership, contact AARP to confirm the effective date of cancellation and when your roadside coverage will stop.

Some members pause their membership rather than cancel it, which keeps their roadside coverage active during the pause period. Others downgrade to a lower membership tier. Ask AARP's member services what options are available in your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AARP Roadside information if I am not an AARP member?

No. Roadside information is only for AARP members. You must join AARP first, which costs around $16 per year for basic membership. Once you are a member, you can add roadside information as a separate service.

Does AARP Roadside information work outside the United States?

Coverage is limited to the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. If you travel internationally, you would need a separate roadside information program that covers those countries. Check with AARP about coverage in specific regions before traveling.

What if my car breaks down and I am not a member yet?

You cannot use AARP Roadside information if you are not a member at the time of the breakdown. You would need to call your auto insurance company's roadside information line, a towing service directly, or a general roadside information program like AAA. Membership must be active when you use the service.

Can I add roadside information to my AARP membership at any time?

Yes. You can add roadside information to your membership whenever you want — there is no enrollment window. You can enroll online, by phone, or by mail. Coverage typically begins within a few days of enrollment.

Is there a limit to how many times I can use roadside information in a year?

AARP does not publish a specific limit on the number of service calls per year. However, if you use the service excessively or for non-emergency purposes, AARP reserves the right to review your account. For normal, occasional use — a few times per year — there is no issue.