Roadside information pays for help when your car breaks down or you're stranded on the road
Roadside information is a service that sends a tow truck, mechanic, or other help to you when your car won't start, you have a flat tire, you run out of gas, or you're locked out of your vehicle. The service dispatches help to your location, and depending on your plan, either fixes the problem on the spot or tows your car to a repair shop. Most plans cover a set distance for towing — often 5 to 100 miles — and some include additional services like fuel delivery or locksmith help.
You can get roadside information through AARP membership, your auto insurance company, your car manufacturer's warranty, or a standalone roadside service plan. Each source has different coverage limits, costs, and response times. Knowing what you already have and what gaps exist can save you money and stress if you break down.
Key Takeaways
- AARP members receive roadside information through their membership at no extra cost, with coverage for towing up to 100 miles and services like lockouts and fuel delivery.
- Your auto insurance may already include roadside information as an add-on, so check your policy before buying a separate plan.
- New cars often come with manufacturer roadside information for a set period — usually three to five years — so review your warranty documents.
- When you call for help, have your location, vehicle information, and membership or policy number ready to speed up dispatch.
- Response times vary by location and time of day, with rural areas typically taking longer than cities.
What AARP roadside information covers
AARP members receive roadside information as part of their membership at no additional charge. The service covers towing up to 100 miles to a repair shop of your choice, lockout service if you've locked your keys in the car, fuel delivery if you run out of gas, jump-starts for a dead battery, and tire changes for a flat. The plan also includes winch-out service if your car is stuck in a ditch or snow.
You can call AARP's roadside information line 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is available in all 50 states. There is no deductible and no limit on the number of calls you can make during your membership year. If you need a service not covered — such as mechanical repair on the roadside — the dispatcher can refer you to a nearby repair shop, but you would pay for that work separately.
Other sources of roadside information you may already have
Before purchasing a separate roadside plan, check whether you already have coverage through another source. Many auto insurance policies include roadside information as an optional add-on, usually for $3 to $10 per month. If you have this coverage, your insurance company's roadside network may differ from AARP's, and towing distance limits may be shorter — often 25 to 50 miles instead of 100.
New and used cars purchased within the last few years may come with manufacturer roadside information. Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, and other makers typically include this service for three to five years from the purchase date. Check your warranty booklet or call your car's manufacturer to confirm what you have and how long it lasts. Some credit card companies also offer roadside information to cardholders at no extra cost, so review your card benefits.
If you have multiple sources of coverage, you do not need to buy another plan. You can use whichever service is most convenient in the moment. If you have no coverage through insurance, manufacturer warranty, or credit card, AARP membership or a standalone roadside plan fills that gap.
How to use AARP roadside information when you need it
When your car breaks down, call the AARP roadside information number on the back of your membership card or look it up on the AARP website if you do not have your card with you. Have ready your membership number, your location (street address or mile marker), your vehicle's year and make, and a description of the problem. The dispatcher will ask whether you are safe and whether you need police or medical help first.
The dispatcher will then send a service provider to your location. Response time depends on where you are — in a city, help may arrive in 30 to 60 minutes, while in a rural area it may take two to three hours or longer. You can ask the dispatcher for an estimated arrival time. Stay in your car with the doors locked if you are on a highway, and turn on your hazard lights so the service provider can find you.
When the service provider arrives, they will handle the repair or towing. If your car is towed, you can ask for it to go to a specific repair shop, or the driver can take it to a nearby facility. You are responsible for any repair costs at the shop — roadside information covers only the dispatch and towing, not the repair itself.
Towing distance limits and what happens if you need longer towing
AARP roadside information covers towing up to 100 miles at no cost to you. If your car needs to go farther — for example, if you break down far from home and want it towed all the way back — you will pay for the distance beyond 100 miles. The service provider can give you a quote for the extra distance before they tow, so you can decide whether to proceed or choose a closer repair shop.
Some members choose to have their car towed to the nearest shop for a quick repair, then drive home. Others prefer to pay for longer towing to reach their regular mechanic or a dealership they trust. The choice is yours, and the dispatcher and tow driver can help you weigh the options based on the problem and the distance involved.
Comparing AARP roadside information to other plans
AARP roadside information is included in membership, which costs $16 per year for those 50 and older. If you are already an AARP member for other reasons — discounts, magazine, or advocacy — the roadside service adds no extra cost. If you are not a member, the membership fee covers not only roadside information but also other member benefits, so the roadside service is essentially a bonus.
Standalone roadside plans like AAA or Better World Club cost $50 to $150 per year, depending on the level of coverage. These plans often offer shorter towing distances (25 to 75 miles) than AARP, but some include additional services like hotel reimbursement if you are stranded overnight or fuel delivery at a higher limit. If your auto insurance already includes roadside information, adding another plan is usually unnecessary unless you want backup coverage or prefer a different service network.
The table below shows how common roadside plans compare on key features:
| Plan | Annual Cost | Towing Distance | Lockout Service | Fuel Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AARP Roadside information | Included in $16 membership | 100 miles | Yes | Yes |
| Insurance add-on (typical) | $3–$10/month | 25–50 miles | Yes | Yes |
| AAA Basic | $54–$70 | 7 miles | Yes | Yes |
| AAA Plus | $120–$150 | 100 miles | Yes | Yes |
What roadside information does not cover
Roadside information covers dispatch and towing, but not repairs. If the service provider fixes your flat tire or jump-starts your battery on the roadside, that is covered. If your engine needs work, your transmission is damaged, or your car needs parts, you pay the repair shop directly. Roadside information also does not cover damage to your car caused by an accident — that is a claim for your collision insurance.
The service does not cover towing for vehicles used for commercial purposes, such as delivery trucks or rideshare cars used for business. It also does not cover towing if your car was impounded by police or if you need a tow because of a traffic violation. If you are unsure whether a situation is covered, call the roadside information line and ask before authorizing any work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use AARP roadside information if I am not an AARP member?
No, roadside information is a member benefit. You must have an active AARP membership to use the service. If you are 50 or older and do not have a membership, you can join online or by phone. Membership begins when ready, and you can use roadside information right away.
What if I break down in a remote area and help takes a very long time to arrive?
Response times vary by location. In remote areas, dispatch may take several hours. Stay in your car with doors locked, turn on hazard lights, and keep your phone charged. If you feel unsafe or have a medical emergency, call 911 first. The roadside dispatcher can also help you contact local authorities if needed.
Do I have to use the repair shop the tow driver recommends?
No. You can ask the tow driver to take your car to any repair shop you choose — your regular mechanic, a dealership, or a shop near your home. Tell the dispatcher your preference when you call, and they will relay it to the driver. If the shop is beyond the 100-mile towing limit, you pay the extra distance.
Can I call roadside information for someone else's car?
Only if you are listed on their roadside plan or membership. AARP roadside information is tied to your membership number. If a family member breaks down, they can call from their own AARP membership, or you can call on their behalf if you have their membership number and permission.
What happens if my car is towed but I am not there?
The tow driver will take your car to the repair shop you specified or to a nearby facility. You will need to contact the shop to discuss repairs and payment. If you are not present, make sure you have left your keys with someone or that the driver has a way to contact you. Always ask the dispatcher for the name and phone number of the repair shop before the tow begins.