What AARP Roadside information Is

AARP Roadside information is a membership benefit that sends help to you when your car breaks down, you run out of gas, or you get locked out — without having to call a tow truck company directly. AARP members pay a membership fee and get access to this service as part of their membership package. When you need help, you call a single number, and AARP dispatches a service provider to your location.

The service covers common roadside problems: towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, battery service, and flat tire changes. You do not pay per incident — the cost is built into your AARP membership. The service works anywhere in the United States, including remote areas, though response time varies by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP Roadside information is included with AARP membership and covers towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, battery service, and flat tire changes.
  • You call a single phone number when you need help, and AARP dispatches a service provider to your location.
  • The service works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in the United States.
  • Coverage limits vary — towing distance, number of free service calls per year, and what happens if you need help repeatedly are details to confirm with AARP before you need the service.
  • You must be an AARP member to use this benefit; membership requires being 50 or older.

What Services Are Covered

AARP Roadside information covers the most common reasons people need roadside help. Towing is included — if your car will not start or has been in an accident, a tow truck comes to your location and takes your vehicle to a repair shop of your choice. Lockout service sends someone to unlock your car if you have locked your keys inside. Fuel delivery brings gasoline to you if you run out of gas on the road.

Battery service includes jump-starts if your battery is dead. Flat tire changes are covered — a technician comes out and changes the tire for you. Some plans also cover winching (pulling a stuck vehicle out of a ditch or embankment) and fuel system lockout (if you accidentally put the wrong fuel in your tank).

The exact services and coverage limits depend on which AARP membership level you have. Basic membership and premium membership may have different towing distances or limits on the number of free calls per year. Check your membership documents or call AARP directly to confirm what your specific plan covers.

How to Use the Service When You Need It

When you have a roadside problem, call the AARP Roadside information phone number. This number is on your AARP membership card and in your membership materials. Have your membership number ready when you call. Tell the dispatcher what is wrong with your vehicle, where you are, and what kind of help you need.

The dispatcher will confirm your location and send the nearest available service provider to you. Response time depends on how remote you are — in cities and suburbs, help usually arrives within 30 to 60 minutes. In rural areas, it may take longer. Stay with your vehicle and keep your phone on so the service provider can reach you when they are close.

Once the service provider arrives, they will handle the problem. If your car needs towing, ask them to take it to a repair shop you trust, or give them the address of your regular mechanic. You do not pay the service provider — AARP has already paid them. If you are asked to pay, contact AARP when ready.

Membership Requirements and Costs

To use AARP Roadside information, you must be an AARP member. AARP membership is open to people 50 and older. Annual membership costs vary — AARP offers different membership levels and sometimes runs promotional rates. You can join online at aarp.org, by phone, or by mail.

Roadside information is included with your membership at no extra charge. However, some coverage limits may explore — for example, towing may be limited to a certain number of miles, or you may have a limit on how many free service calls you can make per year. If you exceed those limits, you may be charged for additional service. Read your membership agreement to understand your specific coverage.

What Happens If You Need Service Multiple Times

AARP Roadside information does not penalize you for using the service. You can call for help as many times as you need it during your membership year. However, some plans have limits on the number of free service calls or the total towing distance covered per year. If you reach that limit, additional calls may be charged to you.

If you find yourself needing roadside help frequently — for example, because your car is old and breaking down often — contact AARP to discuss your coverage. They may be able to adjust your plan or offer guidance on whether roadside information is the right fit for your situation. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to invest in car repairs than to rely on roadside information for a chronically unreliable vehicle.

How AARP Roadside Compares to Other Options

You have other ways to get roadside help. Many car insurance policies include roadside information as an add-on — check your insurance documents to see if you already have coverage. Some credit card companies offer roadside information to cardholders. AAA membership also includes roadside information and is open to people of any age.

The main difference is that AARP Roadside information is part of your AARP membership, so you do not pay extra if you are already a member. If you are not an AARP member, you would need to pay for membership to use this service. If you already have roadside coverage through insurance or AAA, you may not need AARP's version. Compare what each option covers and what you already have before deciding.

Contacting AARP About Roadside information

To learn more about AARP Roadside information, visit aarp.org or call AARP's main membership line at 1-888-687-2277. You can also ask about roadside information when you join AARP or renew your membership. AARP staff can explain your coverage, answer questions about what is included, and help you understand any limits that explore to your plan.

If you have already used the service and have a question about a charge or a service call, contact AARP customer service with your membership number and the date of the service. Keep any receipts or documentation from the service provider — this helps AARP resolve billing questions quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a specific repair shop, or can I choose my own?

You can choose your own repair shop. When the tow truck arrives, tell the driver where you want your car taken. If you do not have a preferred shop, the driver can suggest one nearby. AARP does not require you to use a particular mechanic or chain.

What if I am stranded in a very remote area?

AARP Roadside information works nationwide, including remote areas. Response time will be longer in remote locations — it may take several hours for a service provider to reach you. If you are in an area with no cell service, you may not be able to call for help until you reach an area with coverage.

Does roadside information cover damage to my car?

No. Roadside information covers the cost of sending help to you, but it does not cover repairs or damage to your vehicle. If your car needs repairs, you pay the repair shop directly, or your car insurance may cover it depending on your policy.

Can I use AARP Roadside information if I am driving someone else's car?

Yes, as long as you are the one calling for help and you have your AARP membership number. The service covers you as the member, not the vehicle itself. You can use it in any car you are driving.

What if the service provider does not show up?

Contact AARP when ready with the date, time, and location where you were stranded. AARP will investigate what happened and may send another service provider or offer compensation depending on the circumstances. Keep a record of when you called and any confirmation number you received.