monthly roadside assistance plans that protect your budget

You want reliability without overpaying, and so do I. It's not about penny-pinching - actually, it is, a little - because small fees hurt less than a surprise tow.

What matters

• Response time, 24/7 access.
• Towing miles before per-mile charges start.
• Flat tire, jump start, lockout, and fuel delivery included.
• Nationwide network and clear dispatch limits.

A quick real-world moment

11:40 p.m. outside Dayton, my tire shredded; the app pinged a truck in 3 minutes, help in 28. That month's $7 plan spared a $150 tow - and a long wait.

Choosing a fit

1. Bare-bones: cheapest; good for short, familiar routes.
2. Standard: balanced price, 5 - 10 mile tows, common roadside fixes.
3. Premium: longer tows and trip interruption; great for road trips.

Trips are smooth. Actually, that's the point: it's risk smoothing. One or two assists a year can equal the annual cost without the budget shock.

Buyer cues

• Vehicle age and mileage.
• Commute length and weekend travel.
• Weather risks and nighttime driving.
• Multiple drivers on one plan.

Compare options from insurer, automaker, credit card, or member club, and scan exclusions, caps, add-on fees. Safety first: hazards on, share your location - the plan handles the rest.