How to get roadside assistance with a credit card
Quick insights
- Roadside assistance is a service that helps with certain automobile emergencies.
- Before paying for auto club membership, you may want to review whether your credit card offers roadside assistance.
- Several Chase credit cards offer this benefit to cardmembers.
The last thing you want on your next car trip is an emergency like a flat tire or running out of a gas. Credit cards that offer roadside assistance give you access to certain emergency services when you need them, giving you peace of mind.
Read on to learn the ins and outs of credit card roadside assistance.
What roadside assistance is
Even if you've prepared for roadside emergencies, certain events can happen that require additional assistance. That's where roadside assistance comes in. This on-call service can help you with vehicular emergencies, such as:
- Flat tire
- Mechanical problems
- Running out of gas
- Dead battery
- Getting stuck in a ditch
- Locked keys in car
When an emergency occurs, you can call your roadside dispatch hotline. Note that coverage may not apply to infrequently traveled areas, certain emergencies or certain motorized vehicles, so it's key to know what's included.
You'll find a range of providers who offer this service, from your personal automobile insurance to motor clubs. The service may even be offered as one of many credit card benefits.
How roadside assistance with a credit card works
Your credit card issuer will provide you with a dedicated phone number for when roadside emergencies occur. You may need to activate your membership or enroll in the program to use this benefit, but some credit cards will allow you to become eligible for the service the day you become a cardmember.
While you may find that these services are complimentary with some credit cards—usually premium cards with an annual fee—others may charge a flat fee per service.
How Chase roadside assistance works
Chase offers roadside assistance as a complimentary or pay-per-use service to cardmembers in the U.S. and Canada and provides these services:
- Towing
- Tire changing
- Jump starting
- Lockout service
- Fuel delivery
- Standard winching
Check your credit card's guide to benefits to see if this complimentary or pay-per-use service is available for you and if so what the full details of coverage are. Roadside service fees will be provided when you call for assistance.
The difference between roadside assistance with a credit card and AAA
Automobile clubs like AAA also offer roadside assistance. So, how does membership in a motor club differ from credit cards that offer roadside assistance?
One key difference is that motor clubs typically offer several tiers or membership options to meet a range of roadside assistance needs. Credit card roadside assistance, however, is designed to cover the certain needs.
You may want to consider a premium membership in a motor club if your credit card roadside assistance doesn't cover your vehicle type, areas where you commonly travel or any other emergency roadside needs you may want to have coverage for.
In summary
Credit card roadside assistance is a benefit that offers cardmembers a dedicated hotline to call for vehicular emergencies. Please note that not all credit cards offer this beneft. This travel benefit is available with some Chase credit cards as a complimentary or pay-per-use service.