Stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire or dead battery? GEICO’s roadside assistance might be your ticket out of trouble. For just about $14 per year per vehicle, this affordable add-on to your auto insurance policy can save you from those unexpected roadside nightmares.
What Services Are Included in GEICO Roadside Assistance?
GEICO’s Emergency Roadside Service (ERS) provides 24/7 help for common vehicle breakdowns. Here’s exactly what you’ll get:
Towing Service
When your vehicle won’t budge, GEICO will arrange a tow to the nearest repair facility that can fix your problem. While there’s no official mileage limit, most tows stay within a 20-mile radius. Need to go farther? You’ll likely pay the difference.
In certain areas like New York City and Houston where towing is regulated, you’ll need to use authorized towing companies first, then seek reimbursement from GEICO afterward.
Jump-Start for Dead Batteries
That “click-click” sound when you turn the key is never good news. GEICO will send someone to jump-start your battery to get you back on the road. Remember though, this service only covers the jump-start itself—not a replacement battery or any repairs.
Worth noting: Electric vehicles (EVs) are excluded from battery-related services through GEICO’s roadside assistance program.
Flat Tire Changes
Got a flat? GEICO’s got your back. A technician will come and replace your flat with your spare tire—but here’s the catch: you must have a working spare tire available. The service doesn’t include repairing or replacing tires, just swapping them out.
| What’s Covered | What’s Not Covered |
|---|---|
| Removing flat tire | Cost of new tires |
| Installing your spare | Tire repairs |
| Labor | No spare? You’ll need a tow |
Lockout Service
Locked your keys in the car? GEICO will send a locksmith to help you get back into your vehicle. This service is capped at $100 per incident. Modern vehicles with advanced key fobs or security systems might cost more to unlock, leaving you to cover any charges above the $100 limit.
Winching Service
If your car gets stuck in mud, snow, or a ditch, GEICO will help pull you out—as long as you’re on or immediately adjacent to a publicly maintained road. Off-roaders be warned: if you’re stuck on a trail or private property, this service won’t apply.
Fuel Delivery
Run out of gas? GEICO will deliver enough fuel to get you to the nearest gas station. While the delivery service itself is covered, you’ll pay for the actual fuel. In areas with regulated fuel delivery, GEICO reimburses only up to $5 per incident for third-party deliveries.
How to Use GEICO Roadside Assistance
When trouble strikes, you have two easy ways to request help:
Through the GEICO Mobile App
The quickest and most efficient method is using the GEICO Mobile app. The app uses GPS to pinpoint your location, making it easier for service providers to find you. You’ll also get real-time updates on when help will arrive.
Benefits of using the app:
- Faster response times compared to phone calls
- No need to explain your location
- Real-time tracking of your service provider
- Digital management of your claim
By Phone
You can also call GEICO’s roadside assistance hotline directly. The process takes a bit longer as you’ll need to explain your situation and location to a representative.
Limitations of GEICO Roadside Assistance
Before you rely completely on this service, be aware of these important limitations:
Service Usage Caps
Using roadside assistance too frequently might raise red flags. GEICO typically warns customers who make five or more claims per vehicle annually. Excessive use could even result in the roadside assistance option not being renewed, though it won’t directly increase your insurance premiums.
Vehicle Restrictions
GEICO’s standard roadside assistance covers cars, trucks, and conventional passenger vehicles. If you have a motorcycle, RV, or boat, you’ll need separate policies with their own roadside coverage options.
Regional Differences
Coverage can vary by location. In areas with strict towing regulations like New York City, you might need to pay upfront and submit for reimbursement later. Always check the specific rules for your area by contacting GEICO directly or reviewing your policy details.
Is GEICO Roadside Assistance Worth It?
At around $14 per vehicle annually, GEICO’s roadside assistance is among the most affordable options available. To put this in perspective:
| Service | Without Roadside Coverage | With GEICO Roadside |
|---|---|---|
| Towing (5 miles) | $75-$125 | Covered |
| Locksmith services | $50-$250 | Covered up to $100 |
| Jump-start | $50-$120 | Covered |
| Tire change | $60-$120 | Covered |
| Fuel delivery | $50-$85 plus fuel | Service covered, you pay for fuel |
For most drivers, a single use more than pays for the annual fee. However, households with multiple vehicles should consider that each vehicle requires its own coverage. In these cases, a service like AAA might be more cost-effective.
How GEICO Compares to Other Roadside Assistance Options
GEICO’s roadside assistance stands out for its affordability, but it may not be as comprehensive as some alternatives:
- AAA: Offers more extensive coverage but costs more (starting around $60-$100 annually)
- Credit Card Benefits: Some premium credit cards include roadside assistance
- Car Manufacturer Programs: New vehicles often come with roadside assistance for 3-5 years
The main advantage of GEICO is simplicity—you’re adding coverage to an insurance policy you already have, eliminating the need to manage separate services.
Making the Most of Your GEICO Roadside Coverage
To ensure you get the most value from your roadside assistance:
- Download the app before you need it. Setting it up during an emergency isn’t ideal.
- Keep your spare tire properly inflated and in good condition.
- Understand your coverage limits, especially for services like lockouts and towing.
- In regulated areas, familiarize yourself with the reimbursement process in advance.
- Do basic car maintenance to reduce the chances you’ll need assistance in the first place.
If you travel frequently, drive an older vehicle, or often venture into remote areas, adding GEICO’s Emergency Roadside Service likely makes good financial sense. At just over a dollar per month, it provides valuable peace of mind for those inevitable automotive emergencies.
Remember that while roadside assistance is helpful in a pinch, proper vehicle maintenance remains your best defense against unexpected breakdowns.
