By Jordan Lair 10/4/2026
This is the part most people don’t know. A number of auto insurers handle roadside calls through their claims department, and some carriers report those calls to the CLUE database, the shared claims history insurers check when they quote you. Other carriers use a threshold, treating a second roadside call within a policy period as a claim.
That matters because claims history affects your eligibility for claims-free discounts, your renewal pricing, and what other carriers will offer you when you shop. A tow for a dead alternator isn’t your fault, but on some carriers’ records it can look like a claim anyway.
Not every carrier works this way, and the rules differ from company to company. If you already have roadside on your policy, ask your agent exactly how your carrier treats it.
The Case for Auto Club Memberships
In 2026, many drivers are better served by a dedicated roadside provider such as AAA, Good Sam, or Better World Club. Here’s why:
- It’s not an insurance claim. Calls to an auto club are handled by the club, not your insurance company, so they don’t show up on your claims history.
- Better service and faster response. Roadside assistance is the auto clubs’ core business. They tend to have larger provider networks and better dispatch than the outsourced vendors many insurers use.
- It follows you, not the car. Most memberships cover you as the member in whatever vehicle you’re in, including as a passenger. Insurance endorsements are typically tied to a specific vehicle on your policy.
- Extra benefits. Higher membership tiers often include longer tows (100 miles or more), trip interruption coverage, and travel discounts.
The tradeoff is price. Auto club memberships generally run from about $50 to well over $100 per year depending on the plan, and most limit you to around four service calls a year.
The Case for Adding It to Your Auto Policy
Roadside on your auto policy still has real advantages:
- It’s usually much cheaper. A roadside endorsement often costs a fraction of an auto club membership, sometimes just a few dollars per vehicle per year.
- It’s simpler. It’s an endorsement on a policy you already have, not a separate subscription to track, renew, and pay.
- One bill, one contact. Everything stays with your insurance carrier and your agent.
If you rarely need roadside help and your carrier does not count roadside calls as claims, the endorsement can still be a smart, low-cost choice.
How to Decide
Ask yourself a few questions:
- How often do you need roadside help? Older vehicles, long commutes, and teen drivers all raise the odds. Frequent users are better off with an auto club.
- How does your carrier treat roadside calls? If they count as claims, or if a second call counts, the cheap endorsement may cost you more in the long run.
- How far might you need a tow? Rural Missouri and Arkansas roads can put you a long way from a shop. Check the mileage limit on any plan you consider.
- Do you want coverage that follows you or the car? If you ride with others or drive multiple vehicles, a membership is usually more flexible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does roadside assistance count as a claim on my car insurance?
It depends on the carrier. Some insurers do not treat roadside calls as claims at all. Others process them through the claims department and report them to the CLUE database, and some count a second call within a policy period as a claim.
Before you use roadside through your auto policy, or before you add it, ask your agent how your specific carrier handles it. Get the answer in writing if you can.
Will using AAA or Good Sam affect my insurance rates?
No. Auto club memberships like AAA, Good Sam, and Better World Club are separate from your auto insurance. Your insurance company is not notified when you call your auto club for a tow or jump-start.
The only exception is if the roadside event is connected to an accident or other loss that you report to your insurer as a claim.
Is roadside assistance on my auto policy cheaper than AAA?
Usually, yes. A roadside endorsement on an auto policy typically costs far less than an auto club membership, and you don’t have a separate subscription to manage.
The lower price can come with tradeoffs, including shorter tow limits, coverage tied to the vehicle instead of the driver, and at some carriers, the risk of the call being treated as a claim.
Can I have both roadside on my policy and an auto club membership?
Yes, but most people don’t need both. If you have an auto club membership, removing the roadside endorsement from your policy can save a little money and remove any question of a roadside call showing up as a claim.
What doesn’t roadside assistance cover?
Roadside coverage helps when your vehicle is disabled. It does not pay for repairs, parts, or the cost of fuel in most plans. Towing beyond your plan’s mileage limit is typically your responsibility, and some plans exclude off-road locations.
Talk to an Independent Agent
As an independent agency, MBG Insurance works with many carriers, and each one handles roadside assistance differently. If you’re not sure how your current carrier treats roadside calls, or whether you’d be better off with an auto club, give us a call. We’ll give you a straight answer, even if that answer is to skip the endorsement.