Few things ruin a day faster than a dead battery, flat tire, locked car, or breakdown on the side of the road. That’s why many Florida drivers add roadside assistance and towing coverage to their auto insurance policy. It’s inexpensive, easy to use, and can save you hundreds of dollars from a single tow bill alone.
But do you really need roadside assistance through your insurance company if you already have something like AAA? And what exactly does roadside coverage include?
Here’s what Florida drivers should know before deciding whether roadside assistance coverage is worth adding to their auto insurance policy.
What Is Roadside Assistance Coverage?
Roadside assistance coverage is an optional add-on available through many major auto insurance companies like Progressive and Travelers.
It helps pay for emergency roadside services when your vehicle becomes disabled or unusable. Depending on the policy and carrier, roadside assistance may include:
- Towing services
- Flat tire changes
- Jump starts for dead batteries
- Fuel delivery
- Lockout assistance
- Winching or pulling a stuck vehicle
- Minor roadside mechanical help
Most insurance companies offer this coverage for only a few dollars per month, making it one of the cheapest optional coverages you can add to a car insurance policy.
Does Auto Insurance Cover Towing?
Not automatically.
Standard auto insurance policies usually do not include towing coverage unless you specifically add roadside assistance or towing and labor coverage to your policy.
Without it, you would pay out of pocket for:
- Tow trucks
- Emergency roadside calls
- Battery service
- Locksmith assistance
- Tire changes
And in Florida, towing costs can get expensive quickly — especially after hours, during storms, or on busy highways.
A single tow can easily cost more than several years of roadside assistance premiums combined.
What’s the Difference Between Insurance Roadside Assistance and AAA?
Many drivers compare insurance roadside assistance to memberships like AAA.
Both can help when your car breaks down, but they work differently.
Insurance Company Roadside Assistance
Roadside coverage through your auto insurance:
- Is usually cheaper
- Gets added directly to your policy
- Covers the insured vehicle
- Works well for occasional emergencies
- Often includes towing to the nearest repair shop
This option is ideal for many drivers who want basic protection at a low cost.
AAA Membership
AAA memberships:
- Typically cost more annually
- Follow the driver instead of the vehicle
- Often include longer towing distances
- May include travel discounts and other perks
- Can sometimes offer faster service in certain areas
AAA may make sense for:
- Frequent travelers
- Families with multiple drivers
- Older vehicles prone to breakdowns
- Drivers who regularly take long road trips
Is Roadside Assistance Worth It?
For most Florida drivers, yes.
Roadside assistance is usually one of the best values in auto insurance because the cost is low compared to the potential expense of:
- Emergency towing
- Highway breakdowns
- Lockouts
- Dead batteries
- Flat tires
Modern vehicles are more reliable than ever, but breakdowns still happen — especially in Florida heat, where batteries wear out faster and tire blowouts are common during long summer drives.
If you:
- Drive an older vehicle
- Commute daily
- Travel long distances
- Have teenage drivers
- Frequently drive at night
- Want peace of mind during hurricane season
…roadside assistance coverage is often worth considering.
If you already have AAA, you may not need additional towing coverage through your insurance company. But if you don’t currently have roadside protection, adding it to your auto insurance policy is often affordable and practical.
Will Using Roadside Assistance Raise My Insurance Rates?
Usually, roadside assistance claims do not impact your insurance rates the same way accident claims do. However, frequent usage could potentially become a concern depending on the insurance company.
Every carrier handles roadside claims differently, which is why it’s smart to discuss how coverage works before adding it to your policy.
Need Help Reviewing Your Auto Insurance Coverage?
Roadside assistance is just one part of building the right auto insurance policy. Whether you’re comparing towing coverage, comprehensive coverage, deductibles, or uninsured motorist protection, it helps to review your options with someone who can explain what you’re actually paying for.
At Smith & Thomas Insurance, we help Florida drivers compare auto insurance options from trusted carriers and understand which coverages actually make sense for their needs.
Give us a call today at 863-688-1141 or stop by our office in Lakeland, Florida.