AARP's Roadside information Programs

AARP does not run its own roadside information service. Instead, AARP members can purchase roadside information through third-party providers that AARP has negotiated discounts for. The most common option is the AARP Roadside information plan, which is underwritten by a separate insurance company and sold to members at a reduced rate compared to what non-members pay.

The service covers things like towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, battery service, and flat tire changes. You pay a separate monthly or annual fee for this coverage — it is not included in your AARP membership dues. The actual roadside help comes from a network of service providers, not from AARP staff.

AARP also partners with some auto insurance companies and roadside information networks, so if you already have roadside coverage through your car insurance or another membership (like AAA), you may not need to purchase AARP's plan. The key is checking what you already have before paying for duplicate coverage.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP roadside information is a separate product you purchase at a discounted member rate, not part of your membership.
  • Coverage typically includes towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, battery service, and tire changes, with limits on distance and number of calls per year.
  • You should compare AARP's rates and coverage limits against what you may already have through your auto insurance or other memberships.
  • The actual service is provided by a network of independent service providers, not by AARP itself.
  • You will need to call a phone number or use a mobile app to request service — coverage does not start automatically when you join AARP.

How AARP Roadside information Coverage Works

When you purchase an AARP roadside information plan, you receive a membership card or app access that you carry with you. If you need help on the road, you call the service number on your card or use the mobile app to request information. You provide your location, the type of problem, and your vehicle details.

A dispatcher sends the nearest available service provider to your location. Depending on what you need, this might be a tow truck, a locksmith, a fuel delivery service, or a tire repair technician. The service provider handles the work, and you show your AARP card or membership number to confirm coverage.

Most plans cover a certain number of service calls per year and limit how far a tow can go. For example, some plans cover up to 100 miles of towing per incident, while others cover less. If you need a longer tow, you typically pay the difference out of pocket. Read the plan details carefully before purchasing, because these limits vary.

What Is and Is Not Covered

Standard AARP roadside information covers lockouts (getting back into your car when keys are locked inside), dead or weak batteries, flat tires, fuel delivery if you run out of gas, and towing to a repair shop. Some plans also cover winching if you are stuck in a ditch or snow.

What is not covered includes mechanical repairs beyond the initial service call, damage to your vehicle, towing to a location of your choice (most plans tow to the nearest repair facility), and service calls caused by neglect or lack of maintenance. If you lock your keys in the car five times in one month, the plan may deny the fifth call as abuse.

Roadside information does not cover rental car costs, hotel stays if you are stranded overnight, or meals while you wait. It also does not cover damage from accidents — that falls under your auto insurance policy. Some plans exclude service calls in remote areas or during certain weather events, so check the fine print.

Cost and How to Purchase

AARP roadside information plans typically cost between $40 and $150 per year for individual coverage, depending on the plan level and what is included. Family plans that cover multiple vehicles cost more. These prices are discounted rates available only to AARP members; non-members pay higher prices for the same coverage.

You can purchase a plan through the AARP website, by phone, or through the AARP mobile app. You do not have to be a current AARP member to buy roadside information — some plans are sold separately — but member discounts explore only if you have an active AARP membership.

Payment is usually monthly or annual. Monthly plans are more expensive per month but let you cancel anytime. Annual plans cost less overall but require you to commit for a full year. Some plans offer a trial period or money-back may provide if you are not satisfied within the first 30 days.

Comparing AARP to Other Roadside information Options

AAA is the largest roadside information provider in the United States and offers similar coverage. AAA membership costs more upfront (typically $50 to $150 per year depending on the plan), but AAA also provides discounts on hotels, car rentals, and other travel services. If you travel frequently, AAA may offer better overall value.

Many auto insurance companies include roadside information as an add-on or sometimes as a standard feature. If your insurance already covers towing and lockouts, purchasing AARP roadside information would be redundant. Call your insurance company and ask what is included in your policy before buying a separate plan.

Some credit card companies (particularly premium cards) include roadside information as a cardholder benefit at no extra cost. Check your credit card benefits before purchasing. If you only need occasional help and do not want to pay an annual fee, some roadside information services let you pay per incident, though the cost per call is much higher.

How to Use AARP Roadside information When You Need It

Keep your AARP roadside information card or membership number in your wallet or phone at all times. When you have a roadside emergency, call the number on your card as soon as possible. Have your location ready — use your phone's GPS or ask a nearby business for the address.

Tell the dispatcher what happened: you have a flat tire, your battery is dead, you are locked out, or you need a tow. Provide your vehicle information (year, make, model, color, license plate) and let them know if you are in a safe location or need urgent help. The dispatcher will give you an estimated wait time.

Stay in your vehicle with the doors locked unless you are in when ready danger. The service provider will contact you when they are close. Show your AARP card when they arrive. If the service cannot be completed on the spot (for example, if you need a tow), ask for a receipt and confirmation that AARP will be billed.

Common Limitations and What to Watch For

The most common surprise is the towing distance limit. If your plan covers 50 miles of towing and the nearest repair shop is 75 miles away, you pay for the extra 25 miles. Some plans also limit the number of service calls per year — if you hit that limit, additional calls are not covered.

Another limitation is that many plans tow only to the nearest repair facility, not to a shop of your choice. If you have a preferred mechanic across town, the plan may not cover a tow there. Ask about this before purchasing if you have a specific repair shop in mind.

Some plans exclude service in remote areas or during severe weather. If you frequently drive in rural areas or in winter conditions, check whether the plan covers those situations. Also confirm whether the plan covers your vehicle type — some plans exclude motorcycles, RVs, or vehicles over a certain age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AARP roadside information the same as my auto insurance roadside coverage?

No. Auto insurance roadside coverage and AARP roadside information are separate products from different companies. You may have one, both, or neither. Check your auto insurance policy to see what roadside services are included before purchasing AARP coverage, because you may not need both.

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

Some AARP roadside information plans are sold to non-members, but you will pay full price without the member discount. It is usually cheaper to join AARP first if you plan to use the roadside service regularly, because the membership discount often pays for itself in the first year.

What happens if I need roadside help but I do not have my AARP card with me?

Call the roadside information number and provide your membership number from memory or look it up on your phone. If you cannot provide proof of membership, you may be charged the full non-member rate on the spot and have to request reimbursement later. Keep your membership number in your phone contacts to avoid this.

Does AARP roadside information cover me if I am driving someone else's car?

Most plans cover you as the member when you are driving any vehicle, not just your own. However, some plans are vehicle-specific, meaning coverage applies only to the car you registered with the plan. Check your plan documents to confirm whether you are covered as a driver or only when driving your registered vehicle.

Can I cancel AARP roadside information anytime?

Monthly plans can usually be cancelled anytime without penalty. Annual plans typically require you to pay for the full year, though some offer a 30-day money-back may provide. Check the terms when you purchase to understand the cancellation policy for your specific plan.