AARP Roadside information is a membership benefit that sends help when your car breaks down

AARP members can add roadside information to their membership for a yearly fee. The service dispatches a tow truck, locksmith, or mechanic to your location when you have a flat tire, dead battery, lockout, or mechanical failure. You call a phone number, give your location, and wait for help — the service pays the provider directly, not you.

The benefit is optional and costs extra beyond your AARP membership dues. It covers you in all 50 states and Canada, and works whether you own your car or are driving a rental or borrowed vehicle. Coverage is per membership, not per vehicle, so one membership covers you in any car you drive.

This is different from roadside information built into your car insurance or auto club membership. If you already have roadside coverage through your insurance or a separate auto club, you may not need this benefit. If you do not, it can be worth comparing to standalone roadside plans from other providers.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP Roadside information is an optional add-on to AARP membership that costs a yearly fee separate from your membership dues.
  • The service covers towing, lockouts, jump-starts, fuel delivery, and minor mechanical help at no additional cost per call.
  • You can use the benefit in any vehicle you drive, not just one car, as long as you are an AARP member.
  • Coverage works in all 50 states and Canada, and the service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What the service covers and what it does not

AARP Roadside information covers towing up to a set distance (usually 100 miles, though this varies by plan level), lockouts, jump-starts for dead batteries, fuel delivery if you run out of gas, and minor roadside repairs like changing a flat tire or replacing a windshield wiper. You do not pay per service call — once you have the benefit, each call is covered.

The service does not cover mechanical repairs at a shop, parts, or labor beyond what a roadside technician can do on the spot. If your transmission fails or your engine needs work, the tow truck takes you to a repair shop, but the shop bill is your responsibility. The benefit also does not cover towing for accidents involving another vehicle or towing related to traffic violations.

Towing distance limits matter. If you need a tow longer than the covered distance, you pay the difference. Some AARP plans offer longer towing distances than others, so check your specific plan documents before you sign up.

How to use the benefit when you need it

When your car breaks down or you get locked out, call the roadside information number on your AARP membership card or in your member materials. Have your membership number, location, and a description of the problem ready. The dispatcher will ask what kind of help you need and where you are, then dispatch the nearest available provider.

Wait time varies by location and how busy the service is. In cities, help often arrives within 30 to 60 minutes. In rural areas, it can take longer. The dispatcher will give you an estimate when you call. You do not need to pay the provider — AARP handles the bill.

If you are in an unsafe location, tell the dispatcher. They may advise you to move to a safer spot or wait inside a nearby business. If you are stranded at night or in bad weather, the service can sometimes arrange a ride to a hotel or safe location, though this varies by plan.

Cost and how it compares to other roadside options

AARP Roadside information costs vary depending on which membership level you choose and which plan option you select. The yearly fee is separate from your AARP membership dues. You can add it when you join or at any time during your membership.

To decide whether it is worth the cost, compare it to what you already have. If your car insurance includes roadside information, check what it covers and whether the towing distance is enough for your needs. If you belong to an auto club like AAA, you may already have roadside coverage included. If you drive rarely or have a newer car still under warranty, roadside information may be less important than if you drive an older vehicle or rely on your car daily.

Some credit cards also include roadside information as a cardholder benefit, so check your card benefits before paying for a separate service. The decision comes down to whether the coverage fills a gap in what you already have.

Membership requirements and how to add the benefit

You must be an AARP member to purchase AARP Roadside information. AARP membership is open to people age 50 and older. If you are already an AARP member, you can add roadside information through your AARP account online, by phone, or by mail.

When you add the benefit, you choose which plan level you want — options usually include different towing distances and coverage areas. You will receive a membership card or digital card that shows your roadside information number. Keep this number handy or save it in your phone.

If you are not yet an AARP member, you can join and add roadside information at the same time. AARP membership itself has a yearly fee, and roadside information is an additional cost on top of that.

What to do if you have a problem with a service call

If a provider does not show up, shows up late, or provides poor service, contact AARP roadside information customer service with the details of your call — the date, time, location, and what happened. Have your membership number ready. AARP can investigate the claim and may credit your account or refund the service fee if there was a failure on the provider's part.

If you were charged a fee you believe should have been covered, report it the same way. Keep any receipts or documentation the provider gave you. Response times for complaints vary, but AARP typically investigates within a few business days.

If you are unhappy with the benefit overall, you can cancel it at any time. You will not be refunded for the portion of the year you have not used, but you can stop paying for future years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AARP Roadside information work if I am driving someone else's car?

Yes. The benefit covers you as a driver, not a specific vehicle. You can use it in a rental car, a friend's car, or a borrowed vehicle as long as you are the one calling for help and you have your AARP membership card or number.

What if I need a tow longer than the covered distance?

The service will still tow you, but you pay the cost for the distance beyond what your plan covers. Ask the dispatcher for an estimate of the extra charge before the tow begins so you know what to expect.

Can I use this benefit if I have roadside information through my car insurance?

You can have both, but you will only use one. Call whichever service you prefer first. If your insurance coverage is better or closer, use that. Having two does not mean you get paid twice or get faster service.

Is there a limit to how many times I can use the benefit in a year?

AARP Roadside information does not limit the number of calls you can make in a year. However, if you call repeatedly for the same problem without fixing it, the service may investigate whether the calls are legitimate.

What happens if I let my AARP membership lapse?

Roadside information coverage ends when your AARP membership ends. If you renew your membership, you can renew the roadside benefit at the same time, but there is no grace period.