Geico's Roadside Assistance Services
When you're on the road, even a quick errand can turn stressful if the car won’t start, a tire blows, or you lock the keys inside. Geico’s roadside assistance is a low-cost add-on that gives you 24/7 backup for many of these situations. With the app or a single phone call, you can request help for towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery, and more—often for far less than paying a tow truck out of pocket.
This guide gives you a practical overview of what Geico roadside typically covers, how to request help the smart way, and which limitations to keep in mind. Use it as a quick checklist so you know what to expect before you’re stuck on the shoulder or in a parking lot late at night.
Comprehensive Overview of Geico's Roadside Assistance Coverage
Geico’s roadside assistance is usually offered as an optional add-on to your auto policy. It commonly includes towing to a nearby repair facility, tire changes using your usable spare, fuel delivery, jump-starts for a dead battery, and basic lockout service (help getting into the car — replacement keys or fobs are usually extra). Exact services, mileage limits, and pricing vary by state and policy, so it’s important to review your declarations page when you add the option.
If you’re re-shopping your policy or building a new one from scratch, compare roadside packages as part of your quote, not after the fact. You can review options inside detailed Geico insurance quotes for auto coverage and make sure roadside assistance is included from day one instead of adding it only after a breakdown.
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Step-by-Step: Requesting Geico Roadside Help
Using the app is usually the fastest way to get a truck dispatched to your location. Having a simple routine in mind can shave minutes off the response time and reduce back-and-forth calls.
Fast-track way to request help:
- Move the vehicle to a safe spot if possible, switch on hazard lights, and make sure everyone is away from traffic.
- Open the Geico app, choose Roadside, and allow location sharing so the provider sees where you are.
- Select the issue type (tire, battery, no-start, fuel, lockout, tow) and confirm the vehicle that needs help.
- Double-check your contact number; unknown calls shortly after the request are often the driver or dispatch.
- If you’re on a blind curve, narrow shoulder, or high-speed roadway, call 911 first, then request roadside once it is safe.
- Towing: typically to the nearest qualified shop within the mileage limit on your policy. You can request another shop, but if it’s farther, you may pay the extra distance yourself.
- Tire service: providers usually install your usable spare tire. Buying a new tire or repairing a damaged one is often a separate cost.
- Jump-starts: standard coverage is for the 12V battery. For hybrids and EVs, tell the dispatcher your vehicle type so the provider follows the correct procedure.
- Lockout help: unlocking the door is normally covered; replacement keys, fobs, or reprogramming are usually not.
- Fuel delivery: the delivery trip is commonly covered; the fuel itself may be billed to you at local market prices.
Key Limits, Exclusions, and Reimbursement Tips
Roadside assistance is meant for sudden breakdowns, not ongoing maintenance. Knowing the boundaries ahead of time helps you avoid surprises when the truck arrives.
Common limitations to keep in mind:
- Impound lots usually require release paperwork and fees that roadside assistance does not handle.
- Winching is often limited to a single extraction within a certain distance from a passable roadway.
- Multiple calls for the same incident (for example, repeated tows without repair) can be declined.
- Specialty parts, certain performance or oversized tires, and dealer-only keys are outside normal roadside coverage.
If you must arrange your own tow or service—for instance in a remote area—keep itemized receipts. Many auto policies allow reimbursement for qualifying roadside events up to a set limit per incident, as long as you submit the documents within the required time frame.
Example: How a Single Tow Can Pay for Roadside Assistance
To get a sense of value, it helps to compare a typical roadside add-on cost with the price of arranging a tow or lockout on your own. The figures below are simplified examples, but they show why one or two events can easily cover a full year of roadside fees.
| Scenario | Typical One-Time Local Provider | With Geico Roadside Add-On* |
|---|---|---|
| Standard tow (10–15 miles) | ≈ $90–$140 per event | Included, after small annual fee |
| Lockout service (keys in car) | ≈ $70–$120 per call | Included; you pay only for new key/fob if needed |
| Fuel delivery (out of gas) | ≈ $50–$90 plus fuel cost | Trip usually covered; you may pay for fuel only |
| Annual roadside plan add-on | N/A — pay per incident | Often ≈ $15–$30 per year, added to your policy |
*Illustrative ranges only. Actual Geico roadside pricing and coverage depend on your state, vehicle, and policy details.
When Roadside Assistance Becomes an Insurance Claim
Not every breakdown is just a tow and a jump-start. If the incident involves a crash, storm damage, or another covered peril, your roadside visit may only be the first step in a larger claim. In that case, you’ll want to document the scene with photos, gather contact details, and report the loss to the claims team, not just the roadside line.
When a breakdown turns into a full claim, follow the detailed checklist in our guide how to file a Geico auto claim. It walks you through what to record, which documents to keep, and how to track your claim until payment.
If you also drive for rideshare or delivery platforms, remember that coverage and roadside rules can change depending on whether the app is off, on and waiting, or you’re on an active trip. For those situations, review Geico rideshare insurance quotes and coverage options so you know which calls are covered as personal use and which fall under your rideshare endorsement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are short answers to the questions drivers most often ask about Geico’s roadside assistance—what to do first, how the add-on appears on your policy, and whether it follows you into rental or temporary vehicles. Use this section as a quick reference before you pick up the phone or open the app.
What should I do first if I need roadside help?
Safety comes first: move the vehicle out of traffic if you can, turn on hazard lights, and keep passengers away from the roadway. Once you are safe, request assistance through the Geico app (or hotline if you don’t have data), share your exact location, and clearly describe the issue so the right truck and equipment are dispatched.
Is roadside assistance included automatically?
No. Roadside assistance is usually an optional add-on, not a default feature. Check your declarations page for a roadside or towing and labor line item. If you don’t see it listed, contact Geico or add the option when you next review your auto quote.
Does it cover rental cars or borrowed vehicles?
Many policies extend roadside assistance to temporary substitute vehicles, such as rentals while your car is in the shop, but this is not guaranteed. Review your policy language or ask an agent before assuming a rental or borrowed car is covered under your roadside benefit.
Final Thoughts on Geico's Roadside Assistance
Geico’s roadside assistance is a small line on the bill that can make a big difference the day your car won’t cooperate. Knowing what’s included, how to request help quickly, and where the limits are makes the whole experience less stressful and more predictable.
Take a few minutes now to confirm whether roadside is active on your policy, store key numbers in your phone, and review your coverage alongside your next auto quote. The first tow, jump-start, or lockout usually pays for the add-on—and the peace of mind starts long before the truck arrives.