A Guide to Motorcycle Roadside Assistance and Towing

Motorcycle roadside assistance provides coverage for services and minor repairs needed to get your bike back on the road after a malfunction. Also known as motorbike roadside assistance, you can purchase it directly from your insurance company or as a stand-alone service.

Motorcycle roadside assistance programs are inexpensive, typically costing less than $20 per year. However, riders should consider how a motorcycle roadside assistance claim might impact their insurance rates. Some companies track claims and use them when determining motorcycle insurance rates, while others don't.

What does motorcycle roadside assistance cover?

Motorcycle roadside assistance provides services and minor mechanical repairs to your motorcycle to make it operable again after a breakdown. It's typically available 24/7. The exact coverage available to you will depend on your plan, but most motorcycle roadside assistance plans provide the following:

Battery Service: If your battery won't start, you would contact your motorcycle roadside assistance plan administrator and a worker would drive to you to assist with a jump-start. If your battery still won't work, your motorcycle would be towed to a location of your choice. Typically, your roadside assistance plan will limit the number of miles your motorcycle can be towed.

Flat Tire: The flat-tire service within motorcycle roadside assistance covers towing to the nearest mechanic, where your motorcycle's tire will be plugged. If your tire is damaged beyond repair, motorcycle roadside assistance will not cover the cost of a replacement. It will, however, still tow you to the nearest mechanic.

Fluid Delivery: If you are stranded on the road because your motorcycle needs gasoline or oil, your motorcycle roadside assistance service can deliver these fluids. Typically, you will be responsible for the cost of the fluid.

Towing (Motorcycle Towing Insurance): If your bike is inoperable and you need to move it, your motorcycle roadside assistance service will cover the towing, up to a stated distance. This coverage is sometimes referred to as motorcycle or motorbike towing insurance. Distance limits vary by motorcycle roadside assistance service provider, so be sure to ask before purchasing coverage.

Best motorcycle roadside assistance plans

Which motorcycle roadside assistance plan is best for you depends in part on whether you want to get it through a motorcycle insurance company or as a stand-alone service. We provide recommendations for some of the best motorcycle roadside assistance programs below.

Geico motorcycle roadside assistance: Best from an insurance company

Most roadside assistance plans from insurance companies are similar, but what sets Geico's motorcycle roadside assistance apart is the convenience it offers through technology. With Geico, motorcycle riders have the option to use the company's mobile app to request roadside assistance, eliminating the need to make a phone call and suffer through call wait times. Your phone's GPS relays your location to the service provider, which is especially helpful if you're stranded in an unfamiliar area.

Note that to get Geico's motorcycle roadside assistance plan, you have to have collision or comprehensive coverage. If you don't have them, we recommend you consider Progressive's motorcycle roadside assistance plan, which provides comparable coverage at a slightly higher price point.

AAA motorcycle roadside assistance: Best as stand-alone service

AAA is one of the best-known roadside assistance service providers—with good reason, as the company offers some of the broadest coverage. AAA's motorcycle plan is perfect for road trips as it provides coverage across the U.S. and Canada. AAA has three tiers of membership, each providing different limits and coverage. Even the most basic plan offers discounts on things such as rental vehicles and hotels. Ultimately, this is one of the better roadside assistance plans for those who enjoy traveling on motorcycles.

How much does roadside assistance for motorcycles cost?

Motorcycle roadside assistance is typically inexpensive. You can expect to pay less than $20 per year if you opt for coverage through a motorcycle insurance company, based on our sample quotes. But price is just one point of consideration. We recommend opting for the coverage that better suits your needs, given the small price difference between roadside assistance plans. For instance, if you value the convenience of mobile apps, consider choosing Geico's motorcycle roadside assistance.

Price plays a bigger factor when you purchase a stand-alone motorcycle roadside assistance plan, from a company like AAA. That's because you must consider membership costs. AAA's motorcycle roadside assistance plan is only $35 per year, but you'll also have to pay an AAA membership fee. If you opt for a stand-alone service, be sure the benefits outweigh the membership fees.

Keep in mind that there are other ways to get motorcycle roadside assistance, such as through a credit card or through a dealership. However, these programs are more restrictive, in the sense that you need a specific kind of motorcycle or credit card.

Does requesting motorbike roadside assistance count as a claim?

Anytime you request coverage from your insurance company, including motorbike roadside assistance, it's considered a claim. However, not all claims increase your motorcycle insurance rates. Some insurance companies track roadside emergency claims, but they only impact a person's insurance rates if multiple claims are made. Therefore, we recommend using these services sparingly and only in true emergencies.

Not all companies look at roadside assistance claims when determining rates. If you'd like to avoid the possibility of a rate increase due to the use of a motorcycle roadside assistance plan, opt for a stand-alone service such as the one offered by AAA.