“Good Sam provides a more flexible edge for modern travelers. By offering unlimited towing to the nearest shop and including spouses and children under 25 at no extra cost, Good Sam delivers premium, family-friendly value that often surpasses AAA’s tiered mileage and call limits.”
Not all auto travelers are the same, and neither are roadside assistance plans. Whether you're a daily commuter navigating urban traffic, a snowbird driving cross-country each winter, or someone who just wants backup during the school carpool run, having reliable roadside assistance can be the difference between a quick fix and a day-ruining hassle.
More drivers are choosing to keep their vehicles for extended periods, rather than replacing them frequently and are opting to take the road for leisure instead of flying. That makes auto roadside assistance more essential than ever. But with so many providers promising help when you need it most, how do you pick one that actually delivers?
Two of the biggest names in the space are Good Sam and AAA. AAA has been around for over a century and has strong brand recognition, especially in traditional markets. Good Sam, on the other hand, is a favorite among road warriors and travel enthusiasts who value affordability, flexible towing options, and transparent coverage limits.
So, how do they really compare when it comes to auto roadside assistance, not just for RVs or travel discounts, but for cars, SUVs, and everyday driving? Let's break it down.
Comprehensive Auto Coverage Comparison
Choosing a roadside plan isn’t just about price but about what happens when you're stuck on the side of the road. Here’s a side-by-side look at what Good Sam and AAA offer in their auto coverage plans:
Good Sam Platinum Complete Auto
Family Coverage: Includes spouse and dependent children under 25 at no extra cost.
Towing: Unlimited towing to the nearest service facility.
Flat Tire Service: Tire change or tow to nearest service center if needed.
Fuel Delivery: Delivery of up to 5 gallons; member pays for fuel.
Lockout Service: Service provided; member pays for parts and labor if needed.
Jump Start: Battery jumpstart service included.
Extrication/Winching: Service provided for vehicles stuck in difficult situations.
Area Coverage: Consistent coverage across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.
Service Limit: Unlimited service calls. *
Additional Benefits: Includes tire & wheel hazard coverage, emergency medical & travel assistance, and discounts on repairs, rentals, and hotels.
Eligible Vehicles: Cars, vans, pickups, SUVs, motorcycles, and sports trailers.
Cost (New Members): $89.95/year
AAA Colorado Plus Membership
Family Coverage: Coverage extends to the member; additional members can be added for a fee.
Towing: Up to 100 miles per tow, 4 times per year.
Flat Tire Service: Tire change using member's spare.
Fuel Delivery: Free delivery and fuel.
Lockout Service: Coverage up to $100 for locksmith services.
Jump Start: Battery jumpstart service included.
Extrication/Winching: Extrication with up to 2 service vehicles.
Area Coverage: U.S. and Canada. (Coverage and perks may vary by region)
Service Limit: Up to 4 service calls per year.
Additional Benefits: Discounts on travel, entertainment, and retail; trip interruption coverage.
Eligible Vehicles: Cars, SUVs, and light trucks.
Cost (New Members): $79.50/year.
*While there is no stated limit on service calls, Good Sam monitors usage to prevent excessive use or service abuse.
Plan Tier Breakdown
Both providers offer multiple plan tiers, but the way they structure benefits and costs differs quite a bit.
Good Sam Auto Roadside Assistance Plans
Good Sam offers three tiers of roadside assistance tailored for auto coverage. All plans focus on nationwide coverage with a strong emphasis on flexibility and family inclusion.
AAA Colorado provides a more traditional tiered membership structure, offering benefits as you move up.
1) Classic Membership – $81.50/year
Basic roadside assistance including:
Towing up to 7 miles.
Battery jump starts and lockout service.
Flat tire replacement.
Fuel delivery (member pays for fuel).
A good option for light, local drivers with minimal travel needs.
2) Plus Membership – $115/year
All Classic benefits, plus:
Towing up to 100 miles.
Free fuel delivery (fuel cost included).
Extended locksmith coverage.
Travel discounts and enhanced member perks.
Ideal for those who travel more frequently or longer distances.
3) Premier Membership – $142/year
All Plus benefits, with the highest tier of coverage, including:
One tow up to 200 miles per year.
Home lockout service.
Trip interruption coverage (meals, lodging, etc.)
One-day complimentary rental car with a tow.
Best suited for frequent travelers or those looking for maximum support during breakdowns.
How Roadside Assistance Works - What Happens When You Call for Help
Here’s what typically happens when you request service from either Good Sam or AAA, and where the two providers diverge.
Step 1: Requesting help
Both Good Sam and AAA offer 24/7 roadside assistance. You can reach Good Sam through a dedicated phone number or request help from AAA through a phone call or mobile app. This ensures help can be dispatched quickly, which is especially useful if you're stuck somewhere unfamiliar.
Step 2: Dispatching a local provider
Once your request is received, the company connects you with a nearby service provider. This is where the difference in network structure becomes more noticeable:
Good Sam uses a national network of independent providers, giving it a broader reach, particularly in rural and remote areas.
AAA operates through regional clubs, which can be great in metro areas but occasionally result in inconsistent service availability outside major cities.
Step 3: Diagnosis and on-the-spot fixes
A technician arrives and inspects your vehicle. For common issues like a dead battery, lockout, flat tire, or empty fuel tank, most providers will attempt an on-the-spot repair.
This step is largely the same across both providers, but the follow-through can vary.
Good Sam plans are built with auto travelers in mind, meaning fewer restrictions on service types and clear, upfront limits. You’re not second-guessing what's covered when help arrives.
Step 4: Towing (if needed
If the problem can’t be fixed on-site, your vehicle will be towed to a nearby repair shop.
Here’s where plan tiers matter:
Good Sam Roadside Assistance provides unlimited distance towing to the nearest independent professional service center capable of repairing your vehicle, with no mileage restrictions on their auto plans.
AAA’s Classic membership includes towing up to 5 miles per service call. With Plus, members get 100 miles of towing, while Premier includes one 200-mile tow per year and 100 miles for the remaining calls.
For drivers who travel longer distances, or want to avoid per-mile towing fees, Good Sam offers more generous and predictable towing terms.
Step 5: After-service support
Some plans include extras like trip interruption coverage, hotel discounts, or mechanical advice over the phone.
Both providers offer these perks at higher tiers.
Good Sam offers trip interruption benefits, with clear reimbursement terms, typically applicable for collisions occurring more than 100 miles from home.
AAA’s extras vary by regional club, and may differ in availability depending on your ZIP code.
Good Sam’s benefits are nationwide and consistent, so you’re not playing a game of “what’s covered where” depending on your location.
Choosing the Right Roadside Plan for How You Travel
Daily Commuter
What You Need - Fast response, short tow radius
Recommended Features - Lockout, jump start, fuel delivery
Family Driver
What You Need - Coverage for spouse/kids, unlimited calls
Recommended Features - Family plan, high call limits
Road Tripper
What You Need - Long-distance towing, national coverage
Recommended Features - Towing 100+ miles, hotel discounts
Urban Driver
What You Need - Lockout & battery service
Recommended Features - Quick dispatch, app tracking
EV Owner
What You Need - Specialized tow trucks, charging support
Recommended Features - Modern service provider network
So, Which Is Better, Good Sam or AAA?
The right provider can make all the difference when things go south. While both Good Sam and AAA offer solid auto coverage, they don’t serve the same kind of driver equally well. From pricing to towing limits and nationwide reach, the differences start to show when you look closely at the fine print and real-world performance.
So, which one delivers more value when you're stuck on the shoulder or need help fast? Here’s the bottom line:
If you want the most robust value for the price, Good Sam edges ahead with generous towing, multi-vehicle support, and no cap listed on service calls—just smart monitoring to maintain fair access.
If you're already in a region with a very responsive AAA club and don’t mind the 4-call-per-year cap, AAA can still be a solid option.
For most people who drive a lot, share vehicles with family, or just want a "set it and forget it" level of coverage, Good Sam offers a better bang for your buck. It’s a more inclusive, traveler-friendly alternative to AAA’s tiered structure and per-call limitations.
If you're looking for a cost-effective, flexible, and family-friendly roadside assistance plan that doesn't nickel-and-dime you with service caps, Good Sam Auto Roadside Assistance is worth a serious look. Compare plans, read the fine print, and choose the one that fits how you drive, whether you're commuting, exploring, or just want peaceful trips.
Ready to Get the Auto Roadside Coverage That Actually Works for You?
Can you get roadside assistance without a membership?
Yes, for some services like towing, companies offer on-demand help, but the costs can be steep. Membership plans are more cost-effective if you need help more than once a year.
How can I get roadside assistance immediately?
While AAA allows you to request roadside assistance the same day you join (often with a same‑day service fee and basic-level service while higher tiers take effect later), Good Sam memberships activate 48 hours after payment and do not cover pre-existing disablements.
What companies are better than AAA?
Good Sam is a strong AAA alternative, especially for families and road trippers. Other options like Allstate or Better World Club exist but may lack the national reach or features of the big two.
Are roadside assistance plans worth it?
Roadside assistance plans are absolutely worth it, especially if you drive older vehicles, take long trips, or live in an area where help might not be close by. A single tow can cost more than an entire year of coverage.
How does Good Sam’s towing differ from AAA?
Good Sam offers unlimited towing to the nearest qualified service center, while AAA limits tows to 5-7 miles unless you pay for higher tiers.
How reliable is Good Sam’s customer service?
Good Sam generally scores well for responsiveness and clarity. Reviews often highlight helpful, patient agents and clear claim handling.
