2024 USAA Roadside Assistance Review

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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

  • Adding roadside assistance to your USAA auto policy will only cost about $18 to $24 per year depending on your policy and location.
  • USAA roadside assistance includes the most common emergency services, including tows, battery jumpstarts, flat tire replacements and winching.
  • You cannot purchase USAA roadside coverage (or auto policy) unless you are a member of a military family.

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 does roadside assistance cover

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.

Considering the range of services available to you — towing, winching, lockout services and more — spending just $24 per year is a low cost that buys tons of value when you’re in a roadside pinch.

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:

  1. Call 800-531-8722 and speak with an agent.
  2. Submit an online claim.
  3. 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

USAA

$18-$24

Varies

Yes

N/A

Liberty Mutual

$7-$35

6

Yes

$200

Farmers

$20

Varies

Fuel delivery not covered

N/A

Travelers (Basic)

$10

8

Yes

15 miles

Nationwide (Basic)

$22-$24

4-6

Yes

15 miles

Esurance

Varies*

3-6

Winching not covered

$75

AAA (Classic)

$52.50

4

Yes

7 miles

*Free if you purchased collision and comprehensive coverage

Get a Free Quote for Auto Insurance With Roadside Assistance

FAQs

Does USAA offer 24/7 roadside assistance?

Yes, USAA offers 24/7 roadside assistance, even on holidays.[1]

Does USAA offer roadside assistance when I’m traveling?

You are covered for roadside services while driving throughout the United States, U.S. territories, Canada and in Mexico within 75 miles of the U.S. and Mexico border.[1]

Is USAA roadside assistance free?

No, USAA roadside assistance is an optional coverage you can buy — typically for $18 to $24 per year but this can vary based on your location.

Sources

  1. USAA. “24/7 Roadside Assistance.” Accessed Feb. 27, 2024.
  2. J.D. Power. “How Much Does It Cost To Tow A Car?” Accessed Feb. 27, 2024.
  3. USAA. “Schedule of Coverages,” Page 3. Accessed Feb. 27, 2024.
  4. USAA. “Roadside Assistance FAQ.” Accessed Feb. 27, 2024.

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