Yes, AARP offers roadside information through its membership programs
AARP does not run its own roadside information service, but it partners with roadside information providers and includes coverage in some of its membership packages. The most common option is through AARP Plus, which bundles roadside information with other benefits. AARP also offers standalone roadside information plans through third-party providers, and members can purchase additional coverage separately.
The roadside information you get depends on which AARP membership level you choose and whether you add extra coverage. Basic AARP membership does not include roadside information—you have to either upgrade to AARP Plus or buy it as an add-on. Understanding what each option covers, what it costs, and how to use it will help you decide whether it fits your needs.
Key Takeaways
- AARP Plus membership includes roadside information as part of a bundled package, while basic AARP membership does not.
- Roadside information through AARP typically covers towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, and battery service, though the exact services and distance limits vary by plan.
- You can also purchase standalone roadside information through AARP's partner providers if you do not want a full membership upgrade.
- To use the service, you call a dedicated number, provide your membership information, and dispatch sends help to your location.
What AARP Plus roadside information covers
AARP Plus includes roadside information from a partner provider, typically covering towing up to a certain distance (often 100 miles), lockout service, fuel delivery, battery service, and winch-out information. The exact coverage depends on your specific plan and the provider AARP partners with in your region, as these partnerships can vary.
Most plans cover one incident per membership year, though some offer multiple incidents depending on the tier you choose. The service is usually available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not pay per use once you are covered—the cost is included in your AARP Plus membership fee, which runs roughly $16 per month (though pricing changes and may vary by region).
Before you sign up, check the specific plan details on AARP's website or by calling their membership line, because coverage limits and what counts as a covered service can differ. For example, some plans cover fuel delivery only up to a certain dollar amount, or towing only to the nearest repair facility rather than your preferred mechanic.
Standalone roadside information options for AARP members
If you do not want to upgrade to AARP Plus, you can purchase roadside information separately through providers that AARP has partnered with. These standalone plans are often cheaper than upgrading your entire membership, and you can choose coverage that matches your actual needs.
AARP members typically receive a discount on these standalone plans compared to non-members. The cost and coverage vary widely depending on the provider and plan level you choose—some plans cost $50 to $100 per year, while others run higher. You will need to compare what each provider covers (towing distance, number of incidents per year, what services are included) to find the right fit.
How to use AARP roadside information 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 membership materials. Have your membership number and vehicle information ready. Dispatch will ask where you are, what the problem is, and where you want the service to take you.
Response time varies depending on your location and how busy the service is in your area, but most dispatchers aim to send help within 30 to 60 minutes. If you are in a remote area or during peak times, it may take longer. The service will send a tow truck or service vehicle to your location at no additional cost to you (as long as the service is covered under your plan).
Keep your membership card or the roadside information phone number in your car or phone so you can access it quickly. Some AARP members also read the provider's mobile app, which lets you request service and track the arrival of help in real time.
AARP roadside information versus other options
Your car insurance may already include roadside information, so check your policy before paying for AARP coverage. Many auto insurance companies offer it as a standard benefit or a low-cost add-on. If you have roadside information through insurance, you may not need to pay for it again through AARP.
Other standalone roadside information providers like AAA, Better World Club, and individual insurance company programs offer similar services at varying prices and coverage levels. AAA, for example, is a membership organization focused entirely on roadside information and travel benefits, while AARP bundles it with other senior-focused services. The choice depends on what other benefits matter to you and which provider offers the coverage and price that works best.
If you drive rarely or only short distances, you might not need roadside information at all. If you drive long distances regularly or have an older vehicle, coverage becomes more valuable. Think about your actual driving patterns and how much a tow would cost out of pocket before deciding.
Cost and membership tiers
AARP Plus membership, which includes roadside information, costs roughly $16 per month when paid monthly, or about $150 to $160 per year if you pay annually. This price can vary by region and changes periodically, so confirm the current rate on AARP's website or by phone.
Basic AARP membership costs less (around $12 per month or $120 per year) but does not include roadside information. The difference between basic and Plus membership is roughly $4 to $5 per month, which covers the roadside information plus a few other added benefits.
If you already have roadside information through your car insurance or another source, upgrading to AARP Plus just for that benefit may not make financial sense. But if you value AARP's other membership perks—discounts on prescriptions, travel, dining, and entertainment—the Plus tier might be worth the extra cost.
Limitations and what is not covered
Roadside information does not cover mechanical repairs themselves, only the towing or service call to get you to a repair facility. If your engine fails, the service will tow you, but you pay the mechanic for the actual repair work.
Most plans limit towing distance—often to the nearest repair shop or up to 100 miles, whichever comes first. If you need to be towed farther, you may have to pay the difference out of pocket. Some plans also exclude certain types of vehicles (like motorcycles or RVs) or have limits on how many times per year you can use the service.
Coverage typically applies only to your primary vehicle, not to rental cars or vehicles you are borrowing. If you frequently rent cars or drive different vehicles, check whether the plan covers you as a driver in other people's cars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does basic AARP membership include roadside information?
No. Basic AARP membership does not include roadside information. You need to upgrade to AARP Plus or purchase a standalone roadside information plan to get that coverage.
Can I use AARP roadside information if I am not the one driving?
It depends on the plan. Some plans cover you as a driver in any vehicle, while others cover only your specific vehicle regardless of who is driving. Check your plan details or call AARP to confirm whether coverage follows you or the car.
What happens if I need to be towed farther than my plan covers?
You will have to pay the towing company directly for the distance beyond what your plan covers. Before you sign up, confirm the towing distance limit and whether it applies to the nearest repair facility or a facility of your choice.
Is AARP roadside information worth it if I already have it through my car insurance?
Probably not. Check your insurance policy first—most auto insurance includes roadside information as a standard benefit or low-cost add-on. If you already have coverage, paying for AARP Plus just for roadside information is redundant.
How quickly does help arrive when I call?
Response time typically ranges from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your location and how busy the service is. In remote areas or during peak times, it may take longer. The dispatcher will give you an estimate when you call.