Roadside Assistance Companies | Okey DoKey Locksmith

Roadside assistance companies provide help when a vehicle becomes disabled or you encounter an unexpected problem on the road. Depending on the provider and plan, services may include towing, battery jump-starts, flat-tire assistance, emergency fuel delivery, and car lockout service.

Before purchasing a separate roadside plan, check whether you already have coverage. Roadside assistance may be included with an eligible new vehicle, auto insurance policy, credit card, or another membership. Manufacturer coverage can also expire after a specified period or mileage, making a separate roadside plan useful for some drivers.

Plans vary considerably in price, towing limits, service-call allowances, covered vehicles, and other benefits. The companies below offer or have offered roadside and motor-club services. Check each provider's current terms before enrolling.

Roadside Assistance Companies

Common Roadside Assistance Services

Roadside-assistance plans are designed to help with problems that leave a vehicle disabled or a driver stranded. Although coverage differs by company, commonly available services can include:

• Vehicle towing
• Battery jump-starts
• Flat-tire changes
• Emergency fuel delivery
• Vehicle lockout assistance
• Basic roadside mechanical assistance

Do not assume that every service is unlimited. A plan may restrict towing distance, number of annual service calls, reimbursement amounts, eligible vehicles, or the circumstances under which assistance is provided.

How to Choose a Roadside Assistance Company

The best roadside-assistance company depends on how you drive and what type of coverage you need. Someone who primarily drives locally may have different requirements from a driver who frequently takes long-distance trips or owns an RV.

When comparing plans, consider the total cost and actual benefits rather than the membership price alone. A less expensive plan may provide a shorter towing distance or fewer service calls, while another plan may include benefits you are unlikely to use.

Important factors to compare include:

• Annual or monthly membership cost
• Towing distance and destination restrictions
• Number of roadside calls allowed
• Battery jump-start coverage
• Flat-tire assistance
• Emergency fuel delivery
• Car lockout coverage
• Coverage for additional household members
• Coverage for motorcycles, RVs, or other vehicles
• Geographic service area

Roadside Assistance for Car Lockouts

Many roadside plans provide assistance when a working key has been accidentally locked inside the vehicle. In that situation, a service provider may be dispatched to perform a basic car lockout.

A lockout is different from losing the key completely. If no working key is available, roadside assistance may not cover making a replacement. You may instead need an automotive locksmith for a car key replacement.

This distinction is particularly important with modern vehicles using transponder keys, remote-head keys, flip keys, laser-cut keys, or smart keys, because replacing the key may involve both key cutting and electronic programming.

Compare Coverage Before Enrolling

Before purchasing a roadside-assistance membership, determine whether you already have similar coverage elsewhere. Your vehicle manufacturer, auto insurance company, credit card, cellphone carrier, dealership, or another membership program may already provide roadside benefits.

Having more than one roadside plan does not necessarily provide additional value. Compare the benefits you already have with the coverage offered by a separate roadside company before paying another membership fee.

Also verify current terms directly with the provider. Roadside plans can change, including prices, towing allowances, service-call limits, and eligibility requirements.

Roadside Assistance Companies FAQ

What does a roadside assistance company do?

A roadside-assistance company arranges help when a vehicle becomes disabled or the driver encounters certain roadside problems. Services can include towing, jump-starts, tire changes, fuel delivery, and vehicle lockout assistance.

Is roadside assistance the same as auto insurance?

No. Roadside assistance is designed primarily to provide help with breakdowns and other roadside problems. Auto insurance covers different risks, although some insurers offer roadside assistance as an optional part of an insurance policy.

Do I need roadside assistance if I bought a new car?

Maybe not immediately. Some new vehicles include manufacturer roadside assistance for a limited period or mileage. Check your vehicle's current coverage before purchasing a separate plan.

Does roadside assistance cover towing?

Towing is commonly included, but the amount of covered towing can vary. Some plans limit the number of miles or specify where the vehicle can be taken before additional charges apply.

Does roadside assistance cover a dead battery?

Many plans include battery jump-start service. Battery replacement itself may be treated differently, so check the particular plan if a new battery is required.

Will roadside assistance unlock my car?

Many roadside plans include basic lockout assistance when the keys are inside the vehicle. Service limits and charges vary by provider.

Will roadside assistance replace a lost car key?

Not necessarily. Basic lockout assistance and manufacturing a replacement automotive key are different services. Lost keys can require cutting, transponder programming, or smart-key programming that may not be included in the roadside plan.

Which roadside assistance company is best?

There is no single provider that is best for every driver. Compare current prices, towing limits, service-call allowances, vehicle coverage, lockout benefits, geographic coverage, and any additional membership benefits before choosing a plan.