Progressive’s roadside assistance covers towing within a 15-mile radius, jump-starts, fuel delivery, spare tire installation, lockout service, winching and up to one hour of labor at the scene. It’s an optional coverage you add to your auto policy. You still pay for any fuel, parts, repairs and replacement keys.
One detail to know before you call: Progressive says using roadside assistance counts as a claim.
Key Takeaways
- Roadside assistance is an optional add-on. Progressive says most of its auto policyholders are eligible, and you can add it online or by calling 1-800-776-4737.
- Towing covers up to 15 miles, or the trip to the nearest qualified repair shop if none is within 15 miles. Electric vehicles that run out of charge can be towed to a charging facility.
- The coverage pays for the service call and up to one hour of labor. Fuel, parts, repairs and replacement keys are on you.
- Progressive treats roadside use as a claim. In states where it’s offered, a trip interruption add-on can pay up to $500 when you break down more than 100 miles from home.
What Progressive Roadside Assistance Covers
Here’s what Progressive’s roadside assistance page lists, and what you’d still pay for:
| Service | What Progressive covers | What you pay for |
|---|---|---|
| Towing | A tow anywhere within a 15-mile radius, or to the nearest qualified repair shop if none is within 15 miles | Parts and repairs |
| Electric vehicle charge | A tow within 15 miles, or to the nearest qualified charging facility | The charge itself |
| Jump-start | Service to start a dead battery | A replacement battery, if you need one |
| Fuel delivery | Delivering fuel to your car | The fuel |
| Flat tire | Installing your spare at the scene, if you have one | Tire repair or a new tire |
| Lockout | Sending a provider to get you back in the car | Replacement keys |
| Winching | Pulling your car out of mud, snow, water or sand within 100 feet of a road | Nothing extra for the winching itself |
| On-scene labor | Up to one hour if your car is disabled | Parts and any labor beyond that |
Progressive also says, “You’re responsible for the cost of any parts and/or repairs made to your vehicle.” Impound and storage lot fees aren’t covered either. Progressive notes that your auto insurer “won’t cover impound or lot fees.”
How to Request Roadside Help From Progressive
You can use the Progressive app, request help online or call 1-800-776-4737. Progressive says you can text APP to 99354 to get a link to download the app. Its claims page also lists a roadside help line at 1-877-537-7878.
To add the coverage before you need it, Progressive says to log in to your policy online or call 1-800-776-4737. Roadside assistance applies to the vehicles you buy it for, so check that each car on your policy has it.
Does Using Roadside Assistance Count as a Claim?
Yes. Progressive’s towing FAQ asks, “Is roadside assistance considered a claim?” and answers that if your car breaks down and you have the coverage, “you’ll file a claim to use your coverage.” Progressive doesn’t say on its website how roadside claims affect your rate. If you expect to use the service often, ask how those claims are recorded.
Trip Interruption Coverage
In states where it’s available, you can add trip interruption coverage to Progressive’s roadside assistance. According to Progressive’s coverage page, if your car breaks down more than 100 miles from home, it can pay up to $500 toward lodging, transportation and food, with daily limits of $100 for lodging, $50 for transportation and $50 for food. It isn’t available for off-road vehicles.
Limits in Progressive’s Policy Wording
Progressive’s web pages don’t list usage caps, but its policy forms can. A Progressive auto policy form filed in Nevada, for example, excludes more than three covered emergencies for any one car in a six-month period, labor beyond 60 minutes per breakdown, impound and storage charges, and use of the car for ridesharing. Your policy may differ by state, so check your own policy documents.
How Progressive Compares With Other Roadside Options
Progressive’s 15-mile towing radius is similar to GEICO’s, which tows up to 15 miles to the nearest qualified repair facility in most states. State Farm’s Emergency Road Service tows to the nearest repair location. Motor clubs like AAA can offer longer tows on higher membership tiers, but they cost more. RateFrog’s roadside assistance guide compares these options, and our articles on GEICO roadside assistance and Allstate roadside assistance cover those companies in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does Progressive Roadside Assistance Cost?
Progressive doesn’t publish a price, so you’ll need a quote. For comparison, GEICO advertises its roadside coverage from $14 a year per car, and State Farm says its average cost is $10 to $20 a year.
Does Progressive Roadside Assistance Cover Towing After an Accident?
Roadside assistance is designed for breakdowns. After a crash, towing may be covered under your collision or comprehensive coverage, and Progressive notes that the at-fault driver’s liability coverage may pay for the tow.
Does Progressive Tow My Car to Any Shop I Choose?
Within the 15-mile radius, yes. If no repair shop is within 15 miles, Progressive tows to the nearest qualified one. If you want the car taken farther, expect to pay for the extra distance.
Can I Use Progressive Roadside Assistance for Someone Else’s Car?
The coverage applies to the covered vehicle on your policy, not to every car you drive. If you want help that follows you from car to car, a motor club membership may be a better fit.