A Guide to Motorcycle Roadside Assistance and Towing

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

Plans are inexpensive — typically less than $20 a year. However, you should consider how a claim might affect your insurance rates. Some companies track claims and use them when determining premiums, but others don't.

What does motorcycle roadside assistance cover?

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

Battery service: If your battery won't start, you'd contact your motorcycle roadside assistance plan administrator. 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. Often, your 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. There, your tire will be plugged. If your tire is damaged beyond repair, roadside assistance will not pay for a replacement. It will, however, still tow you to the nearest mechanic.

Fluid delivery: If you're stranded on the road because your motorcycle needs gas or oil, your roadside assistance service can deliver these fluids. Expect to pay for the cost of the fluid.

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

Best motorcycle roadside assistance plans

Which plan is best for you depends in part on whether you get it through a motorcycle insurance company or as a stand-alone service. Recommendations for some of the best motorcycle roadside assistance plans are below.

Geico motorcycle roadside assistance: Best from an insurance company

Most roadside assistance plans from insurance companies are similar, but what sets Geico's apart is the convenience of technology. With Geico, you have the option to use the company's mobile app to request assistance, instead of needing to make a phone call. Your phone's GPS relays your location to the company, which is especially helpful if you're stranded in an unfamiliar area.

Note that you need to have collision or comprehensive coverage with Geico to get their motorcycle roadside assistance plan.. If you don't, it's worth considering Progressive's plan. It provides comparable coverage at a slightly higher price.

AAA motorcycle roadside assistance: Best as a stand-alone service

AAA is one of the best-known roadside assistance service providers — with good reason. The company offers some of the broadest coverage. AAA's motorcycle plan is perfect for road trips, as it provides coverage across the US and Canada. AAA has three tiers of membership, each with different limits and coverage. Even the most basic plan offers discounts on things such as rental vehicles and hotels. Ultimately, this is a good roadside assistance plan if you travel long distances.

How much does roadside assistance for motorcycles cost?

Roadside assistance is typically inexpensive. You can expect to pay less than $20 per year if you go with a motorcycle insurance company, based on sample quotes. But price is just one thing to consider. Look for the coverage that best suits your needs, given the small price differences between plans. For instance, if you value the convenience of mobile apps, consider 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 plan is only $35 per year, but you'll also have to pay a 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. Credit cards and dealerships sometimes offer plans. But these programs are more restrictive, because you'd need a particular 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 affect rates if multiple claims are made. So it's best to use 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 a rate increase due to using a motorcycle roadside assistance plan, opt for a stand-alone service, such as the one offered by AAA.