Ever been stranded with a flat tire or dead battery in your Hyundai? You’re probably wondering if that roadside assistance coverage will save your wallet along with your day. Let’s cut to the chase: yes, Hyundai roadside assistance is free for new vehicles, but there’s more to the story than that simple answer.
Hyundai’s Standard Roadside Assistance for New Vehicles
When you drive off the lot in a new Hyundai, you’re automatically covered by complimentary roadside assistance for a specific period. But what exactly do you get?
Coverage Duration by Region
Hyundai’s free roadside assistance varies significantly depending on where you live:
- United States and Canada: You’ll enjoy 5 years of coverage with unlimited mileage starting from your vehicle’s in-service date
- United Kingdom: Initial coverage lasts 12 months, but electric vehicles like the IONIQ 5/6 and KONA EV get extended to 24 months when serviced at authorized dealers
- Australia: 12 months of Premium Roadside Support, which you can renew annually by servicing at Hyundai centers
What Services Are Included in Free Coverage?
Hyundai’s standard roadside assistance program is surprisingly comprehensive:
- Towing to the nearest Hyundai dealership
- Battery jump-starts
- Flat tire changes
- Lockout assistance
- Fuel delivery (you pay for the fuel, but delivery is free)
- Trip interruption benefits for breakdowns more than 150 miles from home
In Canada, you’ll also receive mechanical first aid and winching/extrication services if your vehicle gets stuck.
Special Coverage for Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles
Buying a used Hyundai? You might still get free roadside assistance.
If you purchase a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Hyundai in the United States, you’ll receive an impressive 10 years of roadside assistance from the original in-service date. This extended coverage includes:
- Accident assistance
- Lockout services
- Trip interruption benefits
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing without cost caps
This makes CPO Hyundais particularly attractive for budget-conscious buyers who still want peace of mind.
Enhanced Roadside Features with Bluelink®
Hyundai’s Bluelink® Connected Care system takes roadside assistance to the next level with:
- One-touch assistance via buttons in your rearview mirror
- Automatic collision notification
- Emergency SOS services
The good news: Bluelink® subscriptions typically come free for the first 3-5 years (depending on your market). After that, you’ll need to pay to maintain these premium features.
What Hyundai Roadside Assistance Won’t Cover
Before you count on that free coverage, be aware of these important exclusions:
- Off-road recoveries
- Accidents resulting from racing or vandalism
- Fines from impound towing
- Snow tire repairs
- Assistance in extremely remote areas
Additionally, in the U.S., services are administered by AAA, which means during high-demand periods (like major storms), non-AAA members might be prioritized over Hyundai customers.
What Happens When Your Free Coverage Expires?
Once your complimentary period ends, you have several options:
Extended Warranty Options
Hyundai’s Protection Plan in the U.S. costs between $2,500-$5,000 and includes roadside assistance as part of the package. This is one of the more expensive options but provides comprehensive coverage.
Third-Party Alternatives
Many Hyundai owners on Reddit recommend AAA or insurance-based roadside assistance plans after their free coverage expires. The main advantage is flexibility—these services will tow your vehicle wherever you want, not just to a Hyundai dealership.
Region-Specific Benefits Worth Knowing
United States and Canada Perks
The 5-year unlimited mileage program in North America includes trip interruption reimbursement, covering meals and lodging if your breakdown occurs far from home.
| Benefit | Coverage Amount |
|---|---|
| Trip Interruption | Up to $100 per day, maximum $300 per occurrence |
| Towing | To nearest Hyundai dealership (unlimited distance) |
| Lockout Service | Included |
United Kingdom Special Features
UK Hyundai owners enjoy some unique benefits:
- Home Start: Covers breakdowns within a quarter mile of your home
- Onward Travel: Provides replacement vehicles or accommodation when needed
- EV Extensions: Electric vehicle owners get longer coverage periods
Australia’s Lifetime Support Model
Australia uses roadside assistance as a customer retention tool, with Premium Roadside Support that renews annually when you service your vehicle at Hyundai centers.
How to Access Your Free Hyundai Roadside Assistance
When you need help, you have several ways to request service:
- Phone: Call the dedicated Hyundai Roadside Assistance number (typically found in your owner’s manual)
- Bluelink®: Press the roadside assistance button in your rearview mirror (if equipped)
- Hyundai App: Some regions allow you to request assistance directly through the Hyundai mobile app
Be prepared to provide:
- Your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- Current location
- Nature of your breakdown
- Contact phone number
Real Value of Hyundai’s Roadside Assistance Program
When comparing Hyundai’s program to competitors, it stands out in several ways:
| Brand | Standard Coverage | Towing Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai | 5 years/unlimited miles (US) | To nearest dealership |
| Toyota | 2 years/25,000 miles | To nearest dealership |
| Honda | 3 years/36,000 miles | To nearest dealership |
| Kia | 5 years/60,000 miles | To nearest dealership |
The 5-year unlimited mileage coverage in the U.S. is particularly generous compared to many competitors.
Maximizing Your Free Roadside Assistance
To get the most from your Hyundai roadside assistance:
- Save the number in your phone before you need it
- Understand your coverage limits (especially regarding towing destinations)
- Consider a backup option like AAA for high-demand periods
- Maintain service records at authorized dealers to extend coverage where possible
- Check your specific model’s coverage as electric vehicles often receive enhanced benefits
Limitations to Be Aware Of
The biggest limitation of Hyundai’s roadside assistance is its restriction on towing destinations. In most cases, your vehicle must be towed to the nearest Hyundai dealership, which might not be your preferred service location.
Additionally, the program relies on third-party providers (like AAA in the U.S.), which can lead to delays during peak demand periods or in remote areas.
Is Hyundai’s Free Roadside Assistance Worth It?
Since it comes included with your new or CPO Hyundai purchase, the free roadside assistance is absolutely worth having. It provides excellent basic coverage for common emergencies like dead batteries, flat tires, and lockouts.
However, for complete peace of mind, especially after your free coverage expires, consider supplementing with a service like AAA or an insurance-based roadside program that offers more flexibility in towing destinations and potentially faster service during high-demand periods.
Remember that for some drivers, especially those with EVs or those in regions like Australia where servicing at dealerships extends coverage, Hyundai’s roadside assistance can provide continuous support throughout your ownership experience.
