AARP Roadside information costs $59 per year for a single membership or $99 per year if you add it to a household membership

AARP offers roadside information as an add-on to your membership, not as a standalone product. The annual cost depends on which membership tier you already have. If you belong to AARP as an individual member, you pay $59 extra per year for roadside coverage. If you have a household membership (which covers two people at the same address), the roadside add-on costs $99 per year.

The service covers towing up to 100 miles, lockout service, fuel delivery, battery service, and minor mechanical help. You can call the roadside information line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no deductible and no per-incident fee — once you pay the annual cost, the service is included for the year.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP Roadside information costs $59 per year for individual members or $99 per year for household members.
  • You must already be an AARP member to purchase roadside information; it is not sold separately.
  • The service includes towing up to 100 miles, lockout service, fuel delivery, battery service, and minor roadside repairs.
  • There are no per-call fees or deductibles once you have paid the annual cost.
  • You can reach roadside information any time of day or night by calling the number on your membership card.

What the Service Covers

AARP Roadside information covers several common roadside emergencies. Towing is included up to 100 miles to a repair facility of your choice. Lockout service covers the cost if you lock your keys in your car. Fuel delivery means someone will bring you gasoline if you run out. Battery service includes a jump start or battery replacement if your battery dies.

The service also covers minor mechanical help — a technician can perform straightforward roadside repairs like changing a tire, replacing a belt, or topping off fluids. If the problem requires a full repair, the towing benefit takes you to a shop. The service does not cover parts or labor for repairs done at a garage; it covers only the roadside information itself.

How to Add Roadside information to Your Membership

You add roadside information through your AARP account online or by calling AARP member services. Go to aarp.org, sign in with your membership number, and look for the roadside information option under membership benefits. You can also call 1-888-687-2277 to speak with someone who can add it to your account over the phone.

When you add the service, it becomes active when ready. You will receive a new membership card or a separate card with the roadside information phone number. Keep this number in your car or in your phone. Some members take a photo of the card and store it in their phone contacts so they have it if their wallet is not accessible during an emergency.

Comparing AARP Roadside information to Other Options

Other roadside information programs exist outside AARP. Some auto insurance policies include roadside information at no extra cost or for a small annual fee — check your policy documents or call your insurer to see what you have. Motor clubs like AAA charge membership fees that range from about $50 to $150 per year depending on the coverage level and your location.

The main difference is that AARP roadside information is only for AARP members, so you are paying for both the membership and the roadside add-on. If you already belong to AARP for other benefits — discounts on hotels, insurance, or prescriptions — adding roadside information for $59 or $99 per year may be simpler than joining a separate motor club. If you do not belong to AARP, you would need to pay the membership fee first, which is $16 per year for those 50 and older.

What Happens When You Call for Help

When you have a roadside emergency, call the number on your AARP roadside information card. A dispatcher will ask what kind of help you need, where you are, and what vehicle you drive. They will confirm your membership and send a service provider to your location. The dispatcher will give you an estimated arrival time.

You stay with your vehicle unless it is unsafe to do so. The service provider will handle the roadside work — towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, or minor repair. If towing is needed, you tell the provider which repair shop you want to go to, and they take your car there. You are responsible for any repair costs at the shop; roadside information covers only the towing and roadside services.

Membership Renewal and Cancellation

AARP roadside information renews automatically each year on the anniversary of the date you added it. You will receive a renewal notice before the charge goes through. If you want to cancel, you can do so through your online account or by calling member services. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current membership year; you cannot get a refund for the unused portion of the year.

If you cancel your AARP membership itself, roadside information ends at the same time. If you drop roadside information but keep your AARP membership, your regular membership continues and you can add roadside information back later if you change your mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to get this roadside information?

Yes. AARP Roadside information is only for people who hold an active AARP membership. You cannot purchase it separately. If you are not yet a member, you would need to join AARP first, which costs $16 per year for those 50 and older.

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

AARP does not publish a limit on the number of calls you can make. The service is meant for genuine roadside emergencies. If you call repeatedly for non-emergency reasons, AARP may review your account, but normal use — a few calls per year — is covered under the annual fee.

What if I need towing longer than 100 miles?

The standard benefit covers towing up to 100 miles. If you need towing beyond that distance, you would pay the additional cost out of pocket. Some members ask the dispatcher about this before the tow begins so they know what to expect.

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

Yes. The benefit is tied to you as an AARP member, not to a specific vehicle. You can use it in any car you are driving. Just have your membership information ready when you call.

Does roadside information cover rental cars?

Yes, AARP Roadside information covers rental cars and other vehicles you are driving. The service follows you, not the car.