Everything You Need To Know About Nationwide Roadside Assistance

If you’re a Nationwide customer without roadside assistance, consider adding this coverage to your existing auto policy. Nationwide’s roadside coverage starts at $22 per year and provides coverage for tows, jumpstarts, flat tire changes and other roadside emergency services.

With every one in three drivers experiencing a vehicle breakdown each year according to Agero, roadside coverage can come in handy. Our Nationwide Roadside Assistance review will help you determine if this policy add-on is worth the cost.

On This Page

• 

  Our Thoughts on Nationwide Roadside Assistance

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  Nationwide Roadside Assistance Cost

• 

  What's Included and What's Not Included?

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  How To Request Roadside Assistance

• 

  How To Add Roadside Assistance

• 

  Pros and Cons of Nationwide's Roadside Assistance Plans

• 

  Nationwide vs. the Competition

• 

  FAQs

Our Thoughts on Nationwide Roadside Assistance

Nationwide offers two roadside plans: Basic ($22 to $24 per year) or you can upgrade to Plus ($42 per year) at an additional cost. With the cheapest plan potentially starting at least than $2 per month, roadside coverage through Nationwide is an affordable option.

Considering the national average cost of a single tow is $109, Nationwide roadside assistance is definitely the cheaper option.

With Nationwide, you’re covered for three to six service calls depending on your location. Each plan covers basic roadside services. Plus offers wider coverage, such as a 100-mile towing radius and a trip interruption benefit.

Nationwide Roadside Assistance Cost

SmartFinancial contacted Nationwide agents in several states and found that the cost of a Basic plan can range from $22 to $24. Upgrading your plan to Plus increases this cost to $42. This price will include coverage for three to six service calls — cost and coverage can vary by state.

It's simple to add a roadside endorsement to your existing policy by logging into your account on the website, mobile app or by calling (877) 669-6877. Your coverage may not take effect immediately.

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What's Included and What's Not Included?

What's Included?

Nationwide roadside assistance will include all your basic roadside emergency services plus trip interruption coverage if you upgrade your plan.

• Three to six service calls per year: Nationwide's roadside assistance may cover three to six service calls per year depending on your state. After reaching your service call cap, you can still call in for service but you will need to pay out of pocket. Fortunately, you may receive a discounted rate.
• Towing: A Nationwide roadside plan covers up to 15 miles of towing mileage or up to 100 miles if you upgrade to the Plus plan. If your towing destination exceeds the covered mileage, you are responsible for paying the difference.
• Flat tire changes: A contractor will travel to your location to change out your flat tire with a spare.
• Fuel delivery: Nationwide's roadside service will come to the rescue if you ever run out of gas. You'll receive two gallons of gas if your tank runs empty, plus emergency oil refills.
• Battery service: A service provider will jump-start your battery if it needs a recharge under its basic and plus plans.
• Winching service: A Nationwide contractor will help free your vehicle if it gets stuck in a ditch, snowbank or off-road.
• Lockout service: You can contact the car insurer's 24-hour road assistance if you accidentally lock your keys inside your vehicle.
• Trip interruption coverage: Nationwide offers $500 in trip interruption coverage under its roadside assistance plus plan, which covers hotel costs and overnight stays.

What's Not Included?

Nationwide roadside assistance offers several services but there are some exclusions to keep in mind.

• Fixes for underlying issues: Nationwide's roadside assistance program doesn't fix underlying mechanical problems that caused your vehicle breakdown. For instance, your plan will only cover towing to a repair shop, not the actual repairs.
• Services that exceed claim limit: There is a limit of six service calls per year under your Nationwide roadside assistance plan. Additionally, Nationwide may not pay for costs that exceed your coverage. For more details, read your car insurance policy.
• Roadside services for uncovered vehicles: Nationwide's roadside coverage follows the vehicle, not the driver. You can't use your roadside assistance plan to cover another person's vehicle.

How To Request Roadside Assistance

Nationwide's roadside assistance is available 24/7. Whenever you're stranded on the road, you can contact the carrier's service at 1 (800) 421-3535 or using Nationwide's mobile app.

How To Add Roadside Assistance

Adding roadside assistance to your Nationwide auto policy is simple. You can either call a Nationwide insurance agent or log into your online portal or mobile app to add it yourself. Remember: adding this coverage will increase your policy premium.

Pros and Cons of Nationwide's Roadside Assistance Plans

Pros

• Affordable: Nationwide's roadside assistance plans are lower than those offered by other companies. For instance, auto clubs, like AAA memberships may start as high as $59. Nationwide sells its basic plan for $23 and a plus plan for $42 per year.
• Includes all basic services: The car insurer's roadside assistance plans offer services that can help drivers in any emergency, including locksmith services, towing, fuel deliveries, battery jump-starts and more.
• Six service calls covered in some states: In some locations, a roadside plan may cover you for up to six service calls per year. Other companies may only cover up to three service calls.
• No exclusions based on your policy: Nationwide doesn't require you to buy collision or comprehensive coverage to get roadside assistance.
• Fair towing mileage: Nationwide's basic plan offers a 15-mile radius towing service, which can help you get to the nearest repair shop or gas station. The plus plan provides a towing radius of 100 miles. To compare, an AAA membership may only cover three to five miles in their cheapest plan.
• Available in 50 states: Nationwide's roadside assistance program is available in all 50 states.
• Trip interruption coverage: The Nationwide Plus plan includes a $500 trip interruption benefit, which will pay for your hotel costs and meals if you have an overnight stay in a town due to a mechanical breakdown.

Cons

• Plans are only available to current customers: Roadside assistance is only available to Nationwide insurance customers.

Nationwide vs. the Competition

Our table below shows how the Nationwide Basic plan measures up to other roadside assistance providers.

Get Personalized Car Insurance Quotes Here

Roadside assistance can provide you with peace of mind if your vehicle breaks down, but you'll also need a great car insurance plan to fully protect yourself. If you're not satisfied with your current car insurance policy, SmartFinancial can help you get a free car insurance quote from local carriers offering the lowest prices. Enter your zip code below and answer a few quick questions to get a free car insurance quote.

Sources:

• Agero. “Vehicle Breakdowns Cost US Economy $41B Per Year. Accessed Dec. 2, 2022.
• Nationwide. “Roadside Assistance and Rental Coverage.” Accessed Dec. 2, 2022.
• JD Power. “How Much Does It Cost To Tow A Car?” Accessed Dec. 2, 2022.
• Nationwide. “24 Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance.” Accessed Dec. 2, 2022.