Roadside assistance: what it covers and how to get it
A-MAX Editorial Team
Reviewed by Rajesh Sankaran, Licensed Insurance Agent
Short answer
Roadside assistance helps when your car breaks down or you get stuck. It usually covers towing, jump-starts, flat tire changes, lockouts and fuel delivery. It is not required by law. You can add it to your auto policy or get it through a separate plan, and each plan sets its own limits.
A dead battery or a flat tire can wreck your whole day. At A-MAX, we can help you add roadside assistance so help is one call away.
1. What does roadside assistance cover?
| SERVICE | WHAT IT DOES |
|---|---|
| Towing | Tows your car to a repair shop, usually up to a set distance |
| Jump-start | Gets a dead battery going so you can drive |
| Flat tire | Swaps a flat for your spare |
| Lockout | Helps you get back into your car if your keys are locked inside |
| Fuel delivery | Brings enough gas to get you to a station (you may pay for the fuel) |
| Winch-out | Pulls your car out of a ditch, mud or snow near the road |
Most plans cover the service call and labor. Parts, repairs at the shop and the fuel itself are usually extra.
2. What are the usual limits?
A maximum towing distance, or a dollar limit per tow.
A set number of service calls per year.
Coverage only for the car listed on the plan, or only for you as a driver, depending on the plan.
Read the plan details or ask your agent so there are no surprises on the side of the road.
3. Roadside assistance vs. your auto policy: how do they fit?
Roadside assistance handles breakdowns. It does not pay for accident damage. If you crash, repairs are paid by collision coverage, and theft or weather damage by comprehensive coverage. A liability-only policy does not include roadside help, so it is worth adding if you drive an older car or commute long distances.
4. How do you use it?
Get to a safe spot, turn on your hazard lights and stay with your car if it is safe.
Call the roadside number on your ID card or plan, or use the app if your plan has one.
Share your location, your car and what happened.
Keep your receipt if you pay anything up front, in case it can be reimbursed.
5. How does A-MAX help?
We can add roadside assistance when you get your auto quote and explain what each option includes. Service in English and Spanish, online, by phone or at 240+ offices.
The bottom line
Roadside assistance is low-stress protection for breakdowns, not accidents. Check the towing distance and number of calls before you choose a plan. See our roadside assistance page for options.
Want help one call away? Get a quote, find an office or call 1-800-921-AMAX.
Related A-MAX guides
Sources
- Texas Department of Insurance. Auto insurance consumer information. tdi.texas.gov
- California Department of Insurance. Automobile insurance information guide. insurance.ca.gov
- Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. Auto insurance consumer guide. difi.az.gov
About A-MAX Insurance
A-MAX Insurance has helped drivers find auto coverage for more than 20 years, with 240+ offices across Texas, California and Arizona.
We specialize in non-standard auto coverage: drivers with tickets, at-fault accidents, SR-22 requirements, gaps in coverage, no current license, or a record that doesn't fit the standard market. More than 3 million drivers have trusted us. We shop. You choose. Hablamos español.
This article is general guidance based on Texas, California and Arizona insurance rules. Coverage rules vary by state, carrier and individual situation. For advice specific to your policy, call 1-800-921-AMAX or visit an A-MAX office.
About this page
Written by the A-MAX Editorial Team. Reviewed by Rajesh Sankaran, Licensed Insurance Agent. We review and update it as state rules and carrier availability change.
Last updated October 29, 2026
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
It usually covers towing, jump-starts, flat tire changes, lockouts, fuel delivery and winch-outs. Each plan sets its own limits.
No. It is optional in Texas, California and Arizona. State law only requires liability coverage.
No. Roadside assistance covers breakdown help. Accident repairs are paid by collision coverage, and theft or weather damage by comprehensive coverage.
Most plans pay for the service call and labor. The fuel, parts and shop repairs are usually extra.
Often yes, depending on the insurance company or plan. Ask an A-MAX agent to see your options.
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