Everything You Need To Know About Nationwide Roadside Assistance

Every year, nearly one in three U.S. drivers experiences a roadside emergency. If you're considering buying a roadside assistance plan, Nationwide has two options, which cover most roadside emergencies, such as vehicle lockouts, flat tire changes and extrication services. 

Our Nationwide Roadside Assistance review will help you learn about these two coverage plans so you can make wise insurance-buying decisions.

Table of Contents:

• Overview
• Our Thoughts
• What's Included and Not Included
• How To Request Nationwide Roadside Assistance
• How To Add Roadside Assistance
• Pros and Cons
• Nationwide vs. the Competition
• FAQs

Nationwide Roadside Assistance Overview

Source: Nationwide Insurance Company

Our Thoughts on Nationwide Roadside Assistance

Nationwide offers basic and plus roadside assistance plans. Both cover services, such as towing, battery jump-starts or flat-tire changes. The basic plan offers a 15-mile towing radius and the plus plan has a 100-mile towing radius and a trip interruption benefit. 

Nationwide's plans are cheaper than services provided by local towing companies that cost between $2.50 to $ 7 per mile. Its roadside service plans range from $1.90 - $3.50 per month in addition to your car insurance premium.

Nationwide offers basic and plus roadside assistance plans that cover towing, battery jump-starts or flat-tire changes.

Nationwide Roadside Assistance Cost

Source: SmartFinancial

Nationwide's offers its basic plan for $23 per year ($1.91 each month). This plan is best for low-mileage drivers and people with shorter commutes.  

You can purchase Nationwide's plus plan for $42 annually ($3.50 each month). This choice is better for high-mileage drivers.

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.

What's Included and What's Not Included?

What's Included?

• Six service calls per year: Nationwide's roadside assistance covers six service calls per year. After six incidents, you may request roadside assistance on a per-event basis.

• Towing: Under Nationwide's basic plan, you'll receive up to 15 miles of towing. You'll receive an expanded 100-mile towing radius under its plus plan.

• Flat tire changes: A contractor will travel to your location to change out your flat tire with a spare. 

• Emergency gas/oil 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 services: A Nationwide contractor will help free your vehicle if it gets stuck in a ditch, snowbank or off-road.

• Lockout services: 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. 

Car Insurance with Roadside Assistance Plan

What's Not Included?

• 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

You can easily add roadside assistance to your Nationwide car insurance policy. Simply call  (877) 669-6877 and speak with a Nationwide insurance agent. You can also log into your Nationwide account or mobile app to add roadside assistance. You'll have to wait for your coverage to take effect.

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, charge up to $75 per plan. Nationwide sells its basic plan for $23 and a plus plan for $42 per year. The difference between the basic and plus plan are the towing radiuses. 

• 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.

• Covers more claims per year: This roadside assistance plan covers six service calls  per year. Others typically cover three service calls.

• No exclusions based on your policy: Nationwide doesn't require you to buy collision or comprehensive coverage to get roadside assistance.

• Good towing services: 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.  In comparison, AAA's basic plan only offers a seven-mile towing radius.

• Available in 50 states: Nationwide's roadside assistance program is available in all 50 states.

• Trip interruption coverage: Under Nationwide's plus plan, you'll receive a $500 trip interruption reimbursement. This benefit will pay for your hotel costs and meals if you have an overnight stay in a town due to a mechanical breakdown. 

Cons

• No onsite mechanical fixes: Nationwide's roadside assistance plans don't offer onsite mechanical repairs for vehicles.

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

Nationwide vs. the Competition

Nationwide Roadside Assistance FAQs

How much does Nationwide roadside assistance cost?

Nationwide's roadside assistance plans are highly affordable options customers can add to their car insurance policies. Its basic endorsement is available for $23 per year ($1.91 each month), and its plus plan costs $42 annually ($3.50 each month). These prices are cheaper than  AAA's Classic Roadside Assistance plan which costs $68 in Georgia.

Can I use my roadside assistance plan for someone else?

No, you can't use your Nationwide roadside assistance plan for another person. These plans follow the vehicle, not the driver. For instance, Nationwide won't offer roadside assistance to your friend's vehicle if it's not covered by your plan.  

Do I have a Nationwide roadside assistance plan?

You can check whether you have a roadside assistance plan logging into your Nationwide account online, or by using its mobile app. You can also contact your local Nationwide insurance  agent. 

How often can I use Nationwide roadside assistance?

Nationwide limits the roadside assistance claims you can file to six per year. You may get charged higher premiums if you file excessive claims. Speak with your insurance agent to learn more about your policy limits. 

How can I get reimbursed for towing? 

Nationwide customers may use four methods to get reimbursed for towing. The car insurer requires you to attach the following information to your roadside service bill: 

• Your name
• Vehicle year
• Home address
• Phone number 
• Policy number

You can submit this information to the Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company using the following methods.

• Home Office: Nationwide Claims Services, P.O. Box 182068, Columbus, OH 43218-2068

• Email: tow@nationwide.com

• Fax: 1 (866) 201-2423

• Phone: 1-800-421-3535

Shop for Car Insurance Plans that Can Provide Full Coverage 

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. Don't forget other coverages that can pay for repairs after an accident, such as liability, collision and comprehensive insurance. 

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.