AARP Roadside information costs $59 to $149 per year, depending on which membership level you choose

AARP offers roadside information as part of its membership benefits, not as a separate purchase. The cost depends on your membership tier. Standard AARP membership is $16 per year and includes basic roadside information. AARP Premium membership is $27 per year and includes the same roadside benefits. If you want roadside information without joining AARP, you cannot buy it separately through AARP — you must be a member first.

The roadside information benefit covers towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, battery service, and flat tire changes when you call AARP's partner network. You do not pay per use. Once you are a member, these services are included at no additional charge beyond your membership fee.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP roadside information comes with membership at $16 per year for standard membership or $27 per year for premium membership.
  • The service covers towing up to a certain distance, lockouts, fuel delivery, battery service, and tire changes with no per-use fees.
  • You must be an AARP member to use roadside information; it cannot be purchased separately.
  • The actual distance towing covers and any mileage limits vary, so confirm the exact coverage with AARP before you need it.

What the membership fee includes

When you pay for AARP membership, you get access to roadside information as one of several member benefits. The roadside service itself does not cost extra. You call a toll-free number when you need help, and AARP dispatches a service provider from its network to your location.

The roadside information covers several common emergencies: towing your vehicle to a repair facility, unlocking your car if you are locked out, delivering fuel if you run out of gas, replacing a dead battery, and changing a flat tire. You do not pay the service provider directly — AARP covers the cost as part of your membership.

How towing distance limits work

AARP roadside information includes towing, but the distance covered varies. Some plans cover towing to the nearest repair shop within a certain radius, while others may cover longer distances. The exact mileage limit is not the same across all AARP membership plans, so you need to check your specific membership documents or call AARP directly to learn how far your towing benefit extends.

If your vehicle breaks down far from home, ask the AARP dispatcher before they tow whether the destination you want is within your coverage area. This prevents a surprise bill if you need to go to a shop beyond the covered distance.

When roadside information does and does not explore

AARP roadside information covers breakdowns and emergencies on the road. It applies when your car will not start, you have a flat tire, you run out of fuel, your battery is dead, or you are locked out of your vehicle. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The service does not cover damage from accidents, mechanical repairs beyond a tire change, or towing for vehicles that are not registered to you. If you are towing a trailer or a second vehicle, check whether that is covered under your plan. Some situations — like being stuck in a ditch or needing a winch — may not be included, so describe your exact situation when you call.

Comparing AARP roadside information to standalone services

Other roadside information programs exist outside AARP. AAA membership includes roadside information and costs between $54 and $270 per year depending on the membership level. Some auto insurance policies include roadside information at no extra cost, while others offer it as an add-on for $5 to $15 per year. Credit card companies sometimes include roadside information as a cardholder benefit.

If you are already an AARP member for other benefits — like discounts on health insurance, travel, or entertainment — the roadside information is included at no extra charge. If roadside information is your only reason to join, compare the $16 or $27 annual cost to what you would pay for AAA or a standalone roadside service to see which makes sense for your situation.

How to use your AARP roadside information

When you need roadside help, call the AARP roadside information number on the back of your membership card. Have your membership number, vehicle information, and location ready. The dispatcher will ask what kind of help you need and send a service provider to you. Most services arrive within 30 to 60 minutes, though this varies by location and how busy the network is.

You do not need to pay the service provider. AARP handles the payment. Keep any receipt or documentation the provider gives you in case you need it for your records or insurance claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AARP roadside information work everywhere in the United States?

AARP roadside information is available in all 50 states through a network of service providers. However, response times and available services may vary in rural areas. If you live or travel frequently in a remote area, call AARP to confirm that coverage is available where you need it.

Can I use AARP roadside information if someone else is driving my car?

Yes. The benefit covers your vehicle, not just you as the driver. Anyone driving your car can call and use the roadside information benefit as long as they have your membership number or can provide your vehicle information.

What happens if I need towing beyond the covered distance?

If your destination is outside the covered towing distance, you will likely be responsible for the extra cost. Ask the dispatcher before they tow whether your destination is covered. Some service providers can negotiate a discounted rate for the additional distance, but this is not may provide.

Is roadside information included in both AARP membership levels?

Yes. Both standard AARP membership ($16 per year) and AARP Premium membership ($27 per year) include the same roadside information benefits. The difference between the two membership levels is in other benefits, not in roadside coverage.

Can I add roadside information to AARP membership after I join?

Roadside information is automatically included with AARP membership — you do not need to add it separately. Once your membership is active, you can use the benefit when ready by calling the number on your membership card.