AARP does offer roadside information, but only to members who buy it as an add-on to their auto insurance or join a separate membership program
AARP itself does not automatically include roadside information. Instead, the organization partners with insurance companies and roadside service providers to make these services available to members who want them. You have to choose to purchase it — it is not bundled into your AARP membership. The most common way to get AARP roadside information is through AARP auto insurance (underwritten by The Hartford), where you can add it to your policy for an extra monthly cost. AARP also partners with Better World Club, a roadside information provider, which members can join separately.
The roadside information you get depends on which route you choose. If you add it to The Hartford policy, you pay a monthly rider fee and get coverage for towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, and battery service up to the limits in your plan. If you join Better World Club instead, you pay a separate membership fee and get similar services without needing AARP auto insurance at all. Neither option is automatic — you have to actively select and pay for it.
Key Takeaways
- AARP roadside information is not automatic; you must add it to an AARP auto insurance policy or join a separate roadside service provider that AARP recommends.
- Through AARP auto insurance with The Hartford, roadside information typically covers towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, and battery service, with specific limits on towing distance and service calls per year.
- Better World Club is an AARP-partnered roadside information option that operates independently and may have different coverage and pricing than the insurance add-on.
- The cost of adding roadside information to an AARP auto insurance policy varies by state and your specific coverage choices, so you should compare quotes before deciding.
- If you already have roadside information through another source — your credit card, employer, or existing auto insurance — you may not need to purchase it again through AARP.
How roadside information works through AARP auto insurance
When you purchase AARP auto insurance from The Hartford, you can add roadside information as an optional rider to your policy. This means it is a separate line item on your bill, and you pay extra for it each month. The coverage typically includes towing to a repair facility (usually up to a certain mileage limit, often 100 miles), lockout service if you lock your keys in the car, fuel delivery if you run out of gas, battery service, and tire changes.
The exact services and limits depend on the specific plan you choose and your state's regulations. When you need help, you call the roadside information number on your insurance card, and a dispatcher sends help to your location. You do not pay out of pocket at the time of service — the cost is already built into your monthly premium. Some plans limit the number of service calls you can make per year, so read your policy documents to understand those caps.
What Better World Club offers as an AARP partner
Better World Club is a roadside information company that AARP members can join through a partnership. Unlike the insurance add-on, Better World Club operates as a standalone membership — you do not need AARP auto insurance to use it. The service covers towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, and other roadside needs, and members typically receive a discount on the membership fee because of the AARP partnership.
Better World Club also emphasizes environmental responsibility and donates a portion of membership fees to environmental causes. If you already have auto insurance through another company and do not want to switch to AARP insurance, Better World Club is an option to consider. You would contact AARP directly or visit Better World Club's website to learn about current membership costs and coverage details specific to your region.
Comparing roadside information options
Before you purchase roadside information through AARP, check what coverage you may already have. Many credit card companies offer roadside information to cardholders at no extra cost. Some employers provide it as an employee benefit. If you already have auto insurance, your current policy may include roadside information as a standard feature or a low-cost add-on — switching to AARP insurance just for roadside help may not save you money.
If you do not have roadside information anywhere else, the AARP options are worth comparing. Get a quote for AARP auto insurance with the roadside rider added, and separately research Better World Club's current membership fee. Consider how far you typically drive from home, whether you have reliable family or friends who could help in an emergency, and how much peace of mind is worth to you. Some people find that the cost is not justified if they rarely drive long distances or live close to repair shops.
How to add roadside information to an AARP auto insurance policy
If you already have AARP auto insurance, you can contact The Hartford directly to ask about adding roadside information to your existing policy. You can usually do this by phone, online through your policy account, or through an AARP insurance agent. The company will quote you the additional monthly cost and explain the specific coverage limits in your state.
If you do not yet have AARP auto insurance, you can request a quote that includes roadside information as an option. When you get the quote, make sure the roadside rider is listed as a separate line item so you can see exactly what it costs. You are not required to add it — you can purchase auto insurance without it — but the quote will show you both prices so you can decide. Once you choose to add it, it becomes part of your policy and renews each year unless you remove it.
What roadside information does not cover
Roadside information is designed for breakdowns and emergencies on the road, not for major repairs or accidents. It typically does not cover the cost of parts, labor at a repair shop, or towing if you have been in a collision (that would fall under your collision coverage). It also does not cover towing to a shop of your choice if the distance exceeds the policy limit — you may be towed to the nearest facility instead.
If your car breaks down at home in your driveway, roadside information may not explore, depending on the policy language. Some plans exclude service calls for routine maintenance or problems that happened before you purchased the coverage. Read the full policy document or ask The Hartford directly about what is and is not covered before you buy, so you understand the real limits of what you are paying for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is roadside information included in my AARP membership?
No. AARP membership itself does not include roadside information. You must purchase it separately, either by adding it to an AARP auto insurance policy or by joining a roadside service provider like Better World Club that AARP recommends.
How much does it cost to add roadside information to AARP auto insurance?
The cost varies by state and your specific coverage choices. Contact The Hartford for a quote on your policy. It is typically a small monthly add-on, but the exact amount depends on where you live and what towing distance and service limits you choose.
Can I use AARP roadside information if I do not have AARP auto insurance?
If you join Better World Club through the AARP partnership, yes — you do not need AARP auto insurance. However, if you want roadside information through The Hartford, you must have an AARP auto insurance policy first.
What happens if I need a tow longer than the mileage limit?
Most policies cover towing up to a set distance, often 100 miles. If you need a longer tow, you typically pay the difference out of pocket. Some policies allow you to request an exception, but that is not may provide. Check your specific policy limits before you need help.
Does roadside information cover accidents or collisions?
No. Roadside information covers breakdowns and emergencies like lockouts or dead batteries. Towing after an accident is covered under your collision insurance, not your roadside information rider.