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Roadside Assistance Tips for Your Next Road Trip

  • Million Mile Secrets

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    Update: One or more card offers in this post are no longer available. Check our Hot Deals for the latest offers.

    Road Trip!  Besides “ice” and “cream,” these might be the 2 most fun words to put together.

    And to ensure a smooth trip full of laughs and upbeat tunes, take note of these quick tips.  Because nobody wants to be stranded on the side of a dark road without emergency beef jerky.

    Now if you DO have car trouble, I’ll show you credit cards that grant you complimentary roadside assistance.  This can save you money if you need a tow or a tire replaced.

    If You’re Stuck Because of Car Trouble, You’ll Be OK If You Follow These Easy Steps and Don’t Actually Stick Your Feet Out the Window

    Road Trip Safety

    Your Pre-Trip To-Do List

    Before you hit the road, be sure:

    Road Trip Emergency Kit Essentials (and Extras!)

    Credit Cards That Give You Complimentary Roadside Assistance

    The Platinum Card® from American Express

    The Business Platinum® Card from American Express

    Chase Sapphire Reserve

    Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card

    Chase United MileagePlus Club Card

    Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard®

    Citi Prestige® Card

    Note:   The premium credit cards listed here have higher annual fees than ordinary cards.  The roadside assistance perk alone won’t make them worthwhile for you.  BUT… some of these credit cards also have highly-lucrative intro bonuses worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars towards travel.  And their other benefits can also make them worth it.

    For example, I have the Citi Prestige because I use it to save big at hotels and airport lounges.  Others on the Million Mile Secrets team really love their Chase Sapphire Reserve and AMEX Business Platinum cards.

    Check out the table below to see which roadside assistance services will cost you nothing!

    AMEX Cards With Premium Roadside AssistanceChase Sapphire ReserveChase Ritz-CarltonChase United MileagePlus Club Citi Prestige & Citi AAdvantage Executive
    Services include:• 24 hour towing and lockout assistance

    • Battery boost, flat tire service, and fuel delivery    		• 24 hour towing and lockout assistance

    • Battery boost, flat tire service, and fuel delivery    		• 24 hour towing and lockout assistance

    • Battery boost, flat tire service, and fuel delivery    		• 24 hour towing and lockout assistance

    • Battery boost, flat tire service, and fuel delivery    		• 24 hour towing and lockout assistance

    • Battery boost, flat tire service, and fuel delivery
    Where are you covered?US, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin IslandsUS and CanadaUS and CanadaUS and CanadaUS, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands
    Required distance from primary residence (miles)00 (but terms say "while traveling away from home")0 (but terms say "while traveling away from home")500
    Limit per calendar year4444No limit
    You'll pay: Nothing for included services

    Note: Towing service includes 10 free miles. Then, you'll pay $3 per mile    		Charges above $50Charges above $50Charges above $50Nothing for included services

    Note: Towing service includes 10 free miles.
    Are you covered with a rental car? NoYesYesYesYes
    Contact Information & Additional Benefits Guide See AMEX Roadside Assistance for more details

    		See Chase Sapphire Reserve Guide to Benefits for more details

    		See Chase Ritz-Carlton Guide to Benefits for more detailsSee Chase United MileagePlus Club Guide to Benefits for more detailsSee Citi Roadside Assistance for more details

    These benefits work for the primary cardholder.  But it’s possible to use them on a vehicle that you don’t personally own or lease.  For example, if you’re driving in a friend or family member’s vehicle and need help, you could contact the credit card company for assistance.

    The American Express cards with premium roadside assistance benefits described above include:

    Roadside Assistance for a Fee

    Many other credit cards also provide some type of roadside assistance.

    For example, on most American Express personal cards, there is a 24-hour phone number to call to coordinate basic services like a tow or jump start.  But you’ll have to pay for any services.

    And Visa Signature cards have a similar benefit.  You’ll pay a flat fee of ~$70 for basic services like:

    Bottom Line

    Prepare for your road trip by making sure your vehicle is working well, planning out your trip, stocking your emergency kit, and bringing a credit card that includes roadside assistance.

    With the American Express, Chase, and Citi credit cards we’ve listed here, you’ll get premium roadside assistance.  This saves you money.  Because you won’t have to pay for a jump start, fuel delivery, or tow service!

    Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)