U.S. Auto Insurance: Unraveling The Roadside Assistance Factor

USAA offers roadside assistance to its auto insurance customers, which includes services like towing, fuel delivery, jumpstarts, and unlocking your vehicle. The cost of this service is between $12 and $24 per year, or between $1 to $2 per month, and it is only available to military members, veterans, and their families. The response time for USAA roadside assistance is around 60 to 90 minutes, and there are three ways to request assistance: through the website, the mobile app, or by calling their customer service number.

USAA roadside assistance costs

USAA roadside assistance includes services like towing, fuel delivery, and changing your tire. However, there are limits to what is covered. For example, there is a 50-mile towing limit, and you will have to pay for the gas that is delivered and the cost of any repair parts.

USAA roadside assistance can be added to your new or existing USAA car insurance policy. You can request assistance through the USAA website, mobile app, or by calling their customer service line.

What is covered by USAA roadside assistance

USAA roadside assistance is available to drivers with USAA auto insurance who are either active or veteran military personnel or their family members. It costs between $12 and $20 per year or between $1 to $2 per month, depending on your state and your car.

USAA roadside assistance covers:

• Towing to the nearest repair facility or gas station within 50 miles.
• Jump-starting your vehicle.
• Unlocking your vehicle.
• Winching your vehicle if it's stuck in mud, sand, snow, water or another terrain.
• Flat-tire changes, but you will need to supply the spare tire yourself.
• Gasoline delivery, but you will have to pay for the fuel.
• Locksmith services if you need keys retrieved from a locked car.

USAA roadside assistance does not cover the cost of fuel or the cost of a replacement battery. There is also a cap on how many claims you can file within the policy period, and you will not be covered for roadside services once you exceed this threshold.

How to request USAA roadside assistance

USAA offers roadside assistance for its members, which includes services like towing, fuel delivery, and changing your tire. The cost of adding roadside assistance to your USAA auto policy depends on your policy and location, but it is generally between $12 and $24 per year.

You can request roadside assistance from USAA in the following ways:

Call 800-531-8722

Call the USAA roadside assistance phone number and speak with an insurance agent. Representatives are available 24/7.

Submit an online claim

You can submit a request for roadside assistance through the USAA website.

Submit a claim through the mobile app

You can also submit a claim through the USAA mobile app. The app can even track your location to send help.

It is important to note that USAA roadside assistance has a limit of up to 50 miles for towing services and there may be other restrictions on certain services. Additionally, USAA roadside coverage is only available to military personnel, veterans, and their family members.

Who is eligible for USAA roadside assistance

USAA is a financial services company that provides auto insurance and roadside assistance to eligible customers. To be eligible for USAA roadside assistance, you must be an active or retired member of the U.S. military, or an immediate family member of someone who is. This includes veterans and their families.

USAA roadside assistance is an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy, costing between $12 and $20 per year, or between $1 and $2 per month. It covers services such as towing, battery jumpstarts, flat-tire changes, lockout assistance, and fuel delivery.

It's important to note that USAA's roadside assistance is provided through Cross Country Motor Club, Inc. in most states, and Cross Country Motor Club of California, Inc. in a few others. This means that they partner with local providers to offer these services, which has led to varying experiences among customers.

While USAA roadside assistance can be a great value for those who are eligible, it's important to use it sparingly as excessive claims may flag your policy for review and potentially impact your rates or lead to non-renewal.

USAA roadside assistance vs AAA

USAA and AAA are two of the most popular options for insurance in the United States. However, they differ in several ways, especially in terms of their roadside assistance offerings. Here is a detailed comparison of USAA and AAA's roadside assistance programs:

USAA Roadside Assistance:

USAA offers roadside assistance starting at \$12 to \$20 per year. This includes services such as jump-starting, fuel delivery, tire changes, and lockout assistance, with a limit of four rescues per year. USAA's towing service covers up to 50 miles, and their roadside assistance is available to members online, through their mobile app, or by calling their hotline. USAA's roadside assistance is exclusive to individuals in the armed forces and certain family members.

AAA Roadside Assistance:

AAA, also known as the American Automobile Association, offers three levels of membership for roadside assistance: Classic, Plus, and Premier. Their prices range from $38 to $171 per year, depending on the chosen plan and state. AAA's Classic plan includes services such as extrication and winching, flat tire assistance, and a tow of up to 5 miles. The Plus and Premier plans offer additional benefits, such as coverage for boats and trailers, trip interruption insurance, and longer towing distances of up to 100 miles. AAA's roadside assistance is available to members through their mobile app or by calling for assistance. AAA membership is open to anyone who pays the annual fee and is not restricted to military personnel.

Comparison:

Both USAA and AAA offer similar basic services, including towing, fuel delivery, tire changes, and lockout assistance. However, AAA offers more comprehensive coverage and benefits with its Plus and Premier plans. While USAA's towing limit is 50 miles, AAA's plans offer longer towing distances, with the Premier plan providing up to 200 miles of towing. Additionally, AAA's roadside assistance covers the individual rather than the vehicle, meaning members can use it for any car they are driving or riding in. In contrast, USAA's roadside assistance is limited to the member's vehicle.

In terms of customer satisfaction, opinions vary. Some users report positive experiences with USAA's roadside assistance, praising their timely service and lack of rate increases after using the service. On the other hand, some users have expressed frustration with USAA's outsourcing of roadside assistance to local providers, resulting in inconsistent quality and availability. AAA, being primarily known for its roadside assistance, generally receives positive feedback for its reliable and efficient service.

Both USAA and AAA have their advantages. USAA's roadside assistance is more affordable and suitable for those with a connection to the military. In contrast, AAA offers more comprehensive coverage and benefits, particularly with its higher-tier plans, and is available to a wider range of customers. When choosing between the two, consider your specific needs, eligibility, and the value you place on additional membership perks.

Frequently asked questions