Should You Invest in Roadside Assistance for Your RV Insurance?
When a car breaks down, a tow is an inconvenience. When a 30-foot RV breaks down on a back road, it can be a real problem. That's where RV roadside assistance comes in.
RV · Originally published July 21, 2016 · Updated November 2026
Even well-maintained RVs blow tires, lose batteries and have mechanical problems. The question isn't whether something will go wrong someday. It's who you'll call, and who will pay, when it does. Here's how to decide whether roadside assistance on your RV policy is worth adding.
Why RV breakdowns are different
A motorhome or a loaded fifth wheel is far heavier and longer than a car. That changes the rescue:
- Bigger tow trucks. Many RVs need a heavy-duty wrecker, which isn't available everywhere and can cost much more than a car tow.
- Longer distances. The nearest shop that can work on an RV chassis or trailer may be a long way off.
- Tire changes are harder. Changing a dual rear tire on a motorhome or a trailer tire on a highway shoulder is not a do-it-yourself job for most people.
- Car-focused plans may not apply. Some auto club memberships and car roadside plans don't cover RVs, or require an RV upgrade.
What RV roadside assistance typically includes
Plans vary by company, but many include:
- Towing to the nearest qualified repair facility, often within a set distance
- Mobile tire service, using your spare or helping arrange a replacement
- Jump starts and battery service
- Fuel, oil or water delivery (you usually pay for the fuel itself)
- Lockout service
- Winching if you're stuck off the pavement, within limits
Some plans also cover your tow vehicle, or the car you're towing behind a motorhome. Read the details to see whether the whole rig is protected.
What it usually doesn't cover
- The cost of repairs, parts or new tires
- Mechanical breakdown itself, which comprehensive and collision coverage don't cover either
- Towing beyond the plan's limits or to a shop you choose that's farther away
- Hotel, meals and travel costs while you wait, though some RV policies offer separate emergency expense coverage for covered losses
Roadside on your policy vs. other options
You have a few ways to get this protection:
- An endorsement on your RV policy. Simple, with one number to call and one company to deal with.
- A separate RV roadside membership. Some travelers like these for long trips. Compare what's covered.
- Coverage from a warranty or the manufacturer. Newer RVs may come with some roadside help for a period. Check what it includes and when it ends.
Avoid paying twice for the same thing. If you already have a plan, compare it before adding another.
How to decide
Roadside assistance tends to be most worth it if:
- Your RV is older, or the tires are getting up there in age
- You travel long distances or to areas you don't know
- You drive back roads where help is far away, like many of the winding routes around Table Rock Lake and the Ozarks, where cell service can be spotty
- You're not equipped to change an RV tire yourself
If you only take short trips close to home with a newer RV, you might decide it's less important, but compare the cost of the endorsement to the cost of even one heavy-duty tow.
Whatever you choose, keep the roadside number written down in the RV, not only saved on your phone. Our article on travel trailer insurance and towing covers how coverage works for towables, and Branson and Table Rock Lake has more on our local service area. If you live in your RV, see full-time RV insurance.
Talk to a local agent
Call us at 417.865.4800 or request a quote below, and we'll check whether your RV insurance includes roadside assistance and what it covers.
Common questions
Does my car's roadside assistance cover my RV?
Not always. Many car-focused plans exclude RVs or require an upgrade, so check the terms before you count on it.
Will roadside assistance pay for a new RV tire?
Usually not. It typically covers the service call to mount your spare or help arrange a replacement, while the tire itself is your cost.
More from the blog
All blog posts →
Written by Auto Insurance Express. Reviewed by Philip Edwards, founder. Philip has run independent insurance agencies in southwest Missouri since 1997. More about the agency.
General information, not advice about your specific policy. Coverage, exclusions and eligibility are determined by the policy forms and endorsements your insurer issues, and state rules change. Confirm details with us before you rely on them.
