Chase checking accounts do not include roadside assistance as a standard benefit
Most Chase checking products—including Chase Total Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, and Chase Sapphire Checking—do not come with roadside assistance coverage. If you need towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, or other roadside help, you will need to get it through a separate membership, your auto insurance policy, or your credit card.
Chase does offer roadside assistance through some of its credit cards, not checking accounts. The Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred credit cards include Trip Delay Reimbursement and other travel protections, but these are different from roadside assistance. If you carry a Chase credit card, check your card's benefits guide to see what roadside services, if any, are included.
Your auto insurance policy is often the most direct place to find roadside assistance. Most major insurers—State Farm, Geico, Progressive, Allstate—offer it as an add-on or sometimes include it automatically. AAA membership is another common source, covering towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, and battery service for an annual fee.
Key Takeaways
- Chase checking accounts do not bundle roadside assistance into any standard checking product.
- Some Chase credit cards include travel protections, but these are not the same as roadside assistance for breakdowns or lockouts.
- Your auto insurance policy is the most common place to find roadside assistance, often available as a low-cost add-on.
- AAA membership and roadside assistance apps like Better World Club offer roadside coverage independent of your bank or insurance.
Where to find roadside assistance if you bank with Chase
Start with your auto insurance policy. Call your agent or log into your policy online and look for "roadside assistance" or "roadside service." If it is not listed, ask whether it can be added. Most insurers charge between $5 and $15 per month for this coverage.
If you do not have auto insurance or prefer not to add it there, AAA membership includes roadside assistance for members. AAA Basic membership covers towing up to 7 miles, lockout service, fuel delivery, and battery service. AAA Plus extends towing to 100 miles. Membership costs vary by region but typically run $50 to $150 per year.
Some employers and credit unions offer roadside assistance as a member benefit. Check your employee benefits portal or contact your credit union directly. A few roadside assistance apps—Better World Club, GasBuddy Roadside Assistance—also sell standalone coverage for $50 to $100 per year.
What roadside assistance actually covers
Roadside assistance typically covers towing (usually up to a set mileage, like 7 or 100 miles), lockout service (getting into your car if you lock your keys inside), fuel delivery (bringing you gas if you run out), battery service (jump-start or replacement), and flat tire changes. Some plans also cover winching, jump-starts, and referrals to repair shops.
Coverage limits vary. A basic plan might tow you 7 miles to the nearest shop; a premium plan might cover 100 miles. Some plans limit how many service calls you can make per year (often 4 to 6), while others are unlimited. Read the fine print of whatever plan you choose to know what is and is not covered.
Roadside assistance does not cover the cost of repairs, parts, or fuel itself—only the cost of the service call. If you need a new battery, the service will jump-start you or deliver a battery, but you pay for the battery. If you need a tow, the service covers the tow cost, but you pay for the repair.
Chase credit cards and travel protections
Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders receive Trip Delay Reimbursement, which reimburses you if your trip is delayed more than 12 hours due to a covered reason (weather, mechanical breakdown, strike). This is not roadside assistance—it reimburses hotel or meal costs after a delay, not the cost of fixing your car.
These cards also include Emergency Medical and Dental Referral Services and Emergency Cash Advance, which help you find care or get money if you are stranded abroad. Again, these are travel protections, not roadside assistance for vehicle breakdowns in your home country.
If you want roadside assistance bundled with a credit card, look for cards from American Express or Visa Signature cards offered by other banks. Some premium cards include roadside assistance as a cardholder benefit, though this varies by card and issuer.
How to compare roadside assistance options
When choosing a roadside assistance plan, compare towing distance, service call limits, and cost. A plan that covers 100 miles of towing costs more than one that covers 7 miles, but if you live far from a repair shop, the extra distance may be worth it. If you rarely drive long distances, a basic 7-mile plan through your insurance may be enough.
Check whether the plan covers all the services you might need. If you have an older car prone to lockouts, make sure lockout service is included. If you drive an electric vehicle, confirm the plan can tow it (some tow trucks are not equipped for EVs). If you have a motorcycle or RV, check whether those are covered—many plans only cover standard passenger vehicles.
Ask about the claims process. Can you call a number and get help immediately, or do you have to file a claim and wait for reimbursement? The fastest plans dispatch help directly; slower plans reimburse you after you pay out of pocket. For roadside emergencies, direct dispatch is usually more convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chase offer roadside assistance through any of its products?
Chase checking accounts do not include roadside assistance. Some Chase credit cards include travel protections like trip delay reimbursement, but this is not the same as roadside assistance for vehicle breakdowns. Check your specific card's benefits guide to see what is included.
Can I get roadside assistance through my Chase credit card?
Most Chase credit cards do not include roadside assistance. Chase Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Preferred offer travel protections, but these reimburse you for delays and emergencies abroad, not for towing or lockout service. Other banks' premium credit cards may include roadside assistance—check the benefits guide for your specific card.
What is the cheapest way to get roadside assistance?
Adding roadside assistance to your auto insurance policy is usually the cheapest option, often $5 to $15 per month. AAA membership runs $50 to $150 per year depending on your region and membership level. Standalone roadside assistance apps cost $50 to $100 per year. Compare the cost against how often you think you will use it.
Does roadside assistance cover the cost of repairs?
No. Roadside assistance covers the cost of the service call—towing, lockout, fuel delivery, or battery service. You pay separately for any repairs, parts, or fuel. If you need a new battery, the service delivers it, but you pay for the battery itself.
Can I use roadside assistance if I do not have auto insurance?
Yes. AAA membership and standalone roadside assistance plans work independently of auto insurance. You can purchase roadside assistance through AAA, an app, or sometimes through your employer or credit union without having an auto insurance policy, though most states require auto insurance if you own a car.