Is USAA Roadside Assistance Worth It?
The USAA roadside assistance program offers towing, fuel delivery, and locksmithing services at an unbeatable price.
Written by Jasmine Kanter
Reviewed by R.E. Fulton
For $12-$20 per year, you can add roadside assistance to your USAA
car insurance
policy. It includes gas delivery, locksmithing services, and tows to the nearest garage.- USAA’s roadside assistance coverage is comparable to a basic AAA membership.
- The cost of roadside assistance from USAA ranges from $12 to $20 per year.
- Only military members and their families are eligible for coverage through USAA.
- USAA’s roadside assistance coverage is comparable to a basic AAA membership.
- The cost of roadside assistance from USAA ranges from $12 to $20 per year.
- Only military members and their families are eligible for coverage through USAA.
What does USAA roadside assistance cover?
USAA’s
roadside assistance plan covers emergency services like battery boosts, fuel delivery, basic mechanical adjustments, and—should all else fail—a tow to the nearest mechanic. Here’s the complete list of benefits:- Battery jumpstarts
- Flat tire changes (spare not included)
- Basic mechanical adjustments
- Locksmithing services (if you’ve locked your key in the cab)
- Winching vehicles back onto the road
- Fuel deliveries (cost of fuel not included)
- Towing services to the nearest garage (up to 50 miles included, extra mileage available at cost)
Any services not included are available at a special rate for USAA members. Even members without a roadside assistance plan can take advantage; just follow the steps below to request help and pay the service provider when they arrive.
How to use the USAA roadside assistance program
You can contact the USAA roadside assistance program in three ways: by calling 800-531-8555,
filing a request online
, or downloading the app for iOS or Android. If you’re caught outside the US or in a US territory, select an international contact number
from the list.The USAA roadside assistance program is available 24/7. After you’ve spoken to a representative, a service provider will be dispatched to your location and will typically arrive in 60 to 90 minutes. Most basic services can be completed within 60 minutes.
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How much does USAA roadside assistance cost?
USAA roadside assistance coverage ranges from $12 to $20 per year.
Compared to the rest of the industry, USAA’s roadside assistance rates are excellent. For example, buying a plan from
Travelers
will set you back up to $30, while coverage from GEICO
starts at $14. Membership in AAA
, arguably the most famous roadside assistance provider in the country, costs at least $59.99 per year.How to get USAA roadside assistance coverage
Unfortunately, it’s not as easy to buy car insurance from USAA as it is from other major insurance providers. Only military service members, veterans, and military family members can take advantage of the company’s rates.
You can add roadside assistance to your car insurance policy at the moment of purchase or after the fact. Contact USAA to speak to an agent or log onto your account online to add a plan. If you paid for roadside services already but you have coverage, you can ask for reimbursement online.
Without a branch of service, a rank, or service dates, you may want to consider whether a
AAA membership is worth it
instead. USAA roadside assistance vs. AAA
The American Automobile Association operates across North America and provides towing and labor services to over 60 million members. Unlike USAA, you don’t need an existing car insurance policy or military service to join.
AAA offers three levels of membership starting at $59.99 per year: AAA Basic, AAA Plus and Plus RV, and AAA Premier. The biggest difference between the three is the amount of towing mileage, locksmithing services, and delivered fuel included. In addition to providing roadside assistance, membership also offers discounts across the country.
However, if you qualify for USAA car insurance and roadside assistance coverage, you should take advantage. While it offers more benefits, AAA membership is much more expensive. And considering that USAA offers many of the same essential services, it’s a better buy.
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FAQs
Is USAA the same as AAA?
No, USAA and AAA are two separate insurance providers. USAA is primarily known for offering coverage to military service members, while AAA’s most famous product is its roadside assistance membership. While USAA offers roadside assistance as an add-on to its car insurance plans, AAA doesn’t provide its own car insurance; instead, it offers liability coverage through partner companies.
Does the USAA credit card have roadside assistance?
No,
the USAA Rewards credit card doesn’t include roadside assistance
. Instead, it offers travel assistance, trip cancellation benefits, and fraud protection. Use it to pay for a rental car and you might qualify for limited rental car insurance
. For the complete roadside assistance package, you’ll have to become a car insurance member and then add it to your policy. 
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