When reviewing your auto insurance policy, you’ll notice optional add-ons like rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance. These coverages might seem like unnecessary extras, but for many drivers, they provide valuable peace of mind at a surprisingly low cost.
Before dismissing these add-ons, consider what it would cost you out of pocket if your car was in the shop for two weeks or if you got stranded on the highway at midnight.
Rental Car Reimbursement Coverage
Rental car reimbursement coverage pays for a rental vehicle while your car is being repaired after a covered claim. Without this coverage, you’d be responsible for the full cost of a rental car out of pocket, which can add up quickly.
This coverage typically pays between $30 and $50 per day for a rental car, with a maximum total benefit of $900 to $1,500 per claim. At an average rental car cost of $40 per day, that covers three to five weeks of rental — enough time for most repairs to be completed.
The cost of rental car reimbursement coverage is remarkably low, typically between $2 and $5 per month. Compare that to the cost of renting a car for even one week ($280 or more), and the value becomes clear.
When Rental Car Coverage Is Most Valuable
This coverage is especially important if you rely on your car for your daily commute and don’t have access to public transportation. It’s also valuable if you can’t afford to pay for a rental car out of pocket, or if you live in a rural area where alternative transportation is limited.
If you have a second vehicle that other family members can share, or if you work from home and rarely need a car, rental reimbursement coverage might be less essential.
Roadside Assistance Coverage
Roadside assistance coverage provides help when your car breaks down or you encounter certain common road problems. Services typically include towing to the nearest repair shop, usually up to a set distance like 25 miles. It includes battery jump-starts when your battery dies, flat tire changes using your spare tire, lockout service if you lock your keys in the car, fuel delivery if you run out of gas, and winching if your vehicle gets stuck in mud, snow, or a ditch.
Roadside Assistance: Insurance vs. AAA vs. Manufacturer
Before adding roadside assistance to your auto policy, check if you already have it through another source. Many new car manufacturers include roadside assistance for the first few years. Credit card companies sometimes offer roadside assistance as a cardholder benefit. AAA memberships start at around $60 per year and include roadside assistance plus other benefits.
Insurance-based roadside assistance typically costs $2 to $4 per month per vehicle — less than AAA membership but without the additional member benefits. The best choice depends on whether you value the extra perks of AAA membership or prefer the simplicity of having everything on one insurance policy.
Making the Decision
Both rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance are inexpensive add-ons that can provide significant value in the right circumstances. For a combined cost of roughly $5 to $10 per month, you get protection against two of the most common car-related inconveniences. For most drivers, adding both to your policy is money well spent.
