2024 USAA Roadside Assistance Review
SmartFinancial Offers Unbiased, Fact-based Information. Our fact-checked articles are intended to educate insurance shoppers so they can make the right buying decisions. Learn More
If you’re part of a military family, USAA has a car insurance and roadside assistance solution for you. For around $18 to $24 per year, you can add roadside coverage to your USAA auto policy. Coverage will include tows, fuel delivery, tire replacement and other roadside emergency services.
We talked to USAA representatives to answer your questions about this optional benefit, including how much it costs, what coverages are included and how to add it to your auto policy. Continue reading this USAA roadside assistance review to learn more.
Key Takeaways
|
Overview
Availability |
50 states[1] |
Annual Pricing |
$18-24 |
Service Calls Per Year |
Varies |
Tow Truck |
Yes |
Winching |
Yes |
Battery Jumpstart |
Yes |
Lockout |
Yes |
Flat Tire |
Yes |
Fuel Delivery |
Yes |
Contact |
|
Our Thoughts on USAA Roadside Assistance
USAA is available only to drivers who are active or veteran military personnel and their family members. USAA roadside coverage — and their auto insurance — will not cover drivers unaffiliated with the military.
We spoke with a USAA representative on the phone and adding roadside coverage to your USAA auto policy will set you back only about $1.50 to $2.00 per month. At an annual cost of about $24, this beats the price of calling a tow truck yourself and potentially spending, on average, $109.[2]
Bottom line: If you qualify for USAA auto insurance, then the low cost of roadside coverage can be of benefit to you and your family.
How Does USAA Roadside Assistance Work?
If you’ve added roadside assistance to your USAA auto policy and you experience a mechanical breakdown, USAA will dispatch a professional to service your vehicle, which can be a locksmith if you’re locked out, a tow truck if your vehicle is stuck and more.
Keep in mind that roadside assistance services are provided through Cross Country Motor Club, Inc. in all states except for Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Wisconsin and Wyoming. In these states, services are provided by Cross Country Motor Club of California, Inc.[1]
How Often Can I Use USAA Roadside Assistance?
There is a cap on how many claims you can file within the policy period and you will not be covered for roadside services once you exceed this threshold. That said, The USAA representative we spoke with on the phone did not mention a specific number but if you’re found filing claims “excessively,” your roadside coverage may be canceled or barred from renewal.
Can I Use My USAA Roadside Assistance for Someone Else?
USAA roadside coverage will not be available if you are in a vehicle that is not listed in your auto policy (e.g., you’re the driver or passenger in a friend’s vehicle).[1] However, coverage does extend to a rental car according to our phone call with a USAA representative.
How Long Does USAA Roadside Assistance Take?
It will generally take around 60 to 90 minutes after requesting roadside assistance for a professional to arrive. After arrival, the service job is typically completed within 60 minutes.[1]
What Does USAA Roadside Assistance Include?
At an affordable cost, USAA roadside coverage will provide access to most types of emergency services, including tows to your nearest repair shop, jumpstarts and lockouts.[1]
- $100 in towing costs[3]
- Winches if your vehicle is stuck in mud, sand, snow, water or another terrain
- Battery jumpstarts
- Fuel delivery
- Lockout services
- Flat tire changes
What Isn’t Included With USAA Roadside Assistance?
USAA roadside assistance will not cover the cost of fuel if you need fuel delivered to your location. In addition, while the labor to change your flat tire will be covered, you will need to supply the spare tire yourself.
How Much Does USAA Roadside Assistance Cost?
The cost to add USAA roadside assistance to your auto insurance policy will typically increase your premium by $1.50 to $2.00 per month, according to our phone call with a USAA representative.
How Do I Request USAA Roadside Assistance?
USAA roadside assistance includes 24/7 service across the country. When you need help, there are a couple of ways to receive service:
- Call 800-531-8722 and speak with an agent.
- Submit an online claim.
- Submit a claim through the mobile app.
If you’ve already paid for roadside services outside your policy, you can get reimbursed for any “reasonable fees and charges” by filing a claim online.[4]
How Do I Add USAA Roadside Assistance to My Existing Policy?
If you’re an existing USAA policyholder, you can get roadside assistance through your online account. When you access your online portal, you can review and edit your existing coverages. You can also call the USAA roadside assistance phone number at 800-531-8722 to speak with an insurance agent.
Pros & Cons of USAA Roadside Assistance
Pros |
Cons |
---|---|
Affordable |
Coverage available to military families only |
Rental car coverage |
|
Discounted rates if you don’t buy roadside coverage |
|
Coverage in Canada and part of Mexico |
Pros
- Affordable: At only about $1.50 to $2.00 per month, USAA roadside assistance towing, lockout services and more are available without needing to break the bank.
- Rental car coverage: Unlike some carriers that strictly cover only vehicles listed in your car insurance policy, USAA roadside coverage is available even while driving a rental vehicle.
- Discounted rates if you don’t buy roadside coverage: Adding roadside coverage to your auto policy is not a prerequisite for requesting service. Even without buying this policy add-on, you can still call in for help. You will still need to pay out of pocket for service but at a discounted rate.[1]
- Coverage in Canada and part of Mexico: You are covered for emergency breakdowns while driving through Canada and 75 miles of the U.S. and Mexico border.[1]
Cons
- Coverage available to military families only: USAA policies are only available to military families, which excludes a large percentage of U.S. drivers.
USAA vs. The Competition
Annual Cost |
Service Calls |
All Basic Services Covered? |
Towing Coverage |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
$18-$24 |
Varies |
Yes |
N/A |
|
$7-$35 |
6 |
Yes |
$200 |
|
$20 |
Varies |
Fuel delivery not covered |
N/A |
|
Travelers (Basic) |
$10 |
8 |
Yes |
15 miles |
Nationwide (Basic) |
$22-$24 |
4-6 |
Yes |
15 miles |
Varies* |
3-6 |
Winching not covered |
$75 |
|
AAA (Classic) |
$52.50 |
4 |
Yes |
7 miles |
*Free if you purchased collision and comprehensive coverage
- Insurance quotes /
- Auto /
- Usaa Roadside Assistance