Which offers better roadside assistance: AAA or AARP?

AARP and AAA provide two of the most popular roadside assistance programs. AARP’s program is provided via Allstate while AAA has its own affiliate network across the US. The organizations' tiered membership offers similar roadside assistance packages. Which roadside assistance program is best for you? Let’s compare AARP's and AAA's services and prices.

AARP is not only a car insurance provider. It is a non-profit and non-partisan organization designed to help people aged 50 years and older. Included in AARP's services are vehicle- and car insurance-related features. If you’re an AARP member, you can subscribe to the Allstate-backed roadside assistance program. Unlike other roadside assistance programs — including Allstate's standard offering — AARP provides a wide variety of services. The below chart shows what is covered by AARP.

AARP’s roadside assistance service provides much more than the roadside assistance offered by traditional car insurance companies. Below are AARP's non-emergency service options. Below the chart, find a brief explanation of the perks.

NON-EMERGENCY BENEFITS PROVIDED BY AARP

AARP coverage options explained

Pathfinder Trip Routing Service: Tips and maps on destinations in the US, Mexico, and Canada.

Trip Interruption: If your vehicle is disabled as a result of an accident, you will be reimbursed up to $1,500 for travel expenses. You must be more than 100 miles away from home to be eligible.

Auto Theft Reward: This will provide a monetary reward for information leading to the arrest of the thief if your vehicle is stolen.

Legal Defense Reimbursement: Provides litigation defend in the event you are taken to court over a traffic violation. Certain restrictions apply.

Hospital Emergency Bond: If you're injured more than 100 miles away from home and are required to present evidence of financial responsibility at a hospital, this will provide support.

Arrest Bond Certificate: An AARP edition of a get out of a "get out of jail free card." If you're arrested for a driving-related offense (cannot be DUI/DWI related), you can use this coverage as a jail bond.

RV Roadside Coverage: You can add this coverage for $24 per year to receive two additional service calls.

How much does AAA cost?

The cost of AAA's services depends on your membership tier as well as the individuals listed on your policy. The below prices reflect one individual. If you cover more than one person, expect a surcharge.

AAA MEMBERSHIP COSTS

Which is better: AAA or AARP roadside assistance?

In terms of roadside assistance coverage, the two options are fairly similar. AAA and AARP each provides roadside assistance basics like towing, fuel delivery, and lock-out services, but differ in their minor coverage details, including the number of service calls covered and towing range.

How much does AARP roadside assistance cost?

Pricing depends on your membership tier and the number of members. AARP's premier service tier is the most expensive option.

What is covered by AAA?

AAA's roadside assistance program provides much more than does a typical car insurance company. Unlike AARP, which offers car insurance through The Hartford and roadside assistance via Allstate, AAA provides its own coverage through regional “clubs” or “federations.” Each of these clubs covers a particular area of the United States.

See below what is covered by AAA's roadside assistance program. Like AARP, AAA's tier system ranges from basic to best.

Like AARP, AAA has some additional perks outside the roadside assistance umbrella. Below are some of AAA's non-roadside assistance benefits.

TOP TIER MEMBERSHIP

AAA or AARP: which is better?

If you’re looking for a basic roadside assistance program, most insurance companies offer roadside assistance at a lower cost than AAA or AARP. If you’re in the market for extra perks and service levels, weigh the additional cost of AAA and AARP against the added services you'll receive.