3 minute readAuto
It is inexpensive and useful if you do not already have it through a motor club, a credit card, or a new-vehicle warranty. Where it matters most is tow distance and the number of allowed uses per year — details that differ more than the price does.
What you need to know
Check for duplication first
Many drivers pay for roadside twice without realizing it.
Read the tow limits
Coverage may cap mileage or tow only to the nearest facility rather than your preferred shop.
Usage frequency
Repeated roadside calls can, with some carriers, be treated as claims activity.
Common mistakes
- Carrying California's minimum limits, which a single injury accident can exhaust.
- Declining or under-buying uninsured motorist coverage.
- Leaving a household driver off the policy.
- Filing small physical-damage claims near the deductible.
- Never updating mileage, garaging address or commute after a change.
When to talk to an agent
Talk to an agent before adding a teen driver, after buying a vehicle, after an accident or ticket, or any time you are not sure whether your liability limits would survive a serious at-fault crash.
Frequently asked
This article is general information, not a policy or a promise of coverage. What your policy pays depends on its specific terms, limits and exclusions. Ask us to review your actual policy before making a decision.