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Good Sam
“How far a roadside assistance provider will tow your vehicle depends on the plan level: basic plans usually tow 5 to 15 miles, mid-tier plans up to 100 miles, and premium plans often provide unlimited towing to the nearest qualified facility.”
You hear the engine sputter, the dashboard lights flicker, and suddenly you’re stuck on the shoulder. Help is on the way, but where it takes you depends on your roadside assistance plan. Some only tow a few miles. Others offer more generous coverage.
This guide breaks down how towing coverage really works, including what different providers offer and how to avoid surprise costs, whether you drive a commuter car or a fully loaded RV.
Towing coverage varies by provider and plan level, but most follow a consistent structure:
These mileage caps can have a big impact on convenience and cost. For example, if the nearest shop is 25 miles away but your plan only covers 10, you’ll likely need to pay for the remaining 15 miles out of pocket. Extra mileage charges usually range between $3 and $7 per mile.
Choosing the right plan helps reduce stress when you’re far from home, especially during road trips or rural travel.
Not all roadside assistance plans follow the same rules. Towing limits depend on who provides your plan, what vehicle you're driving, and where you need to be towed after a breakdown.
Plans from membership-based services like AAA or Good Sam may differ from coverage bundled with auto insurance or credit cards.
Basic plans generally have lower mileage caps, while premium plans offer more generous towing distances and destination flexibility.
Some providers only tow to the nearest repair facility. Others may let you choose a location within a specific mileage radius.
RVs and travel trailers often require specialized towing equipment, which may not be included in general vehicle plans.
Understanding how these factors work together helps you make an informed decision. It also sets the stage for comparing provider-specific rules and benefits in the next section.
Each provider establishes its own towing limits, which can vary based on the plan level, membership type, and vehicle category. Here's a side-by-side comparison of what to expect from major providers:
Some plans, like Good Sam’s, offer unlimited towing to the nearest qualified service center, supported by an expansive provider network of over 40,000 service locations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Explore Good Sam’s plan benefits for full details.
Breaking down far from home often adds cost and complexity. If your plan includes a mileage cap, anything beyond that is billed separately by the towing provider.
For RV drivers or anyone in a hard-to-reach location, a mobile repair service can be a smart alternative. These services often diagnose and resolve the issue on site, helping you avoid shop visits and reducing both downtime and cost.
Roadside assistance can be a game-changer during emergencies, but many drivers misunderstand what their plan actually includes. Let’s clear up a few of the most common towing myths.
Most basic plans include limited towing — for example, AAA’s Classic plan covers just 5 miles per call. Anything beyond that usually incurs per-mile charges. In contrast, Good Sam offers unlimited towing to the nearest service center, ensuring you won't face additional per-mile fees like with some other providers.
Some providers will only tow to the nearest approved facility. Plans that offer destination flexibility, like Good Sam’s RV Platinum+, are ideal for RV owners and long-distance travelers, but they are the exception, not the rule.
Even when towing is described as “unlimited,” it typically applies only to the nearest qualified service center, not a location of your choosing or across state lines.
These rules vary by provider and plan level, so it’s always worth checking the specifics before you find yourself relying on coverage that doesn’t stretch as far as you thought.
Towing coverage only becomes real when something goes wrong. These example situations show how plan limits, provider rules, and vehicle type can shape the outcome.
These real-world examples highlight why towing distance matters and how your plan can either protect you or leave you paying out of pocket.
Choosing the right roadside plan helps you avoid unexpected costs and delays when breakdowns happen. A few practical steps can help you select coverage that fits the way you travel.
Pro Tip: A reliable roadside assistance plan can turn a stressful breakdown into a manageable delay. Explore Good Sam’s roadside assistance plans to find coverage that fits your vehicle, travel style, and peace of mind.
When trouble strikes on the road, the last thing you want is uncertainty about your towing coverage. Understanding what your plan actually includes can make the difference between a smooth rescue and a stressful scramble.
From towing limits to destination rules and RV-specific support, having the right protection means fewer surprises when it matters most.
Whether you're commuting locally or hitting the road in an RV, a dependable roadside assistance plan helps you move forward with confidence. Good Sam’s roadside assistance plans are built for real travel needs: from local errands to cross-country RV trips.
A: It depends on your provider and the plan tier you’ve selected. Some plans only cover towing to the nearest repair facility, while others allow you to choose a destination within a specific mileage range. If your home falls within that range, you may be able to request towing there. If your home falls outside of the covered range, you can still request a tow there but be prepared to pay an additional fee.
A: If your towing distance exceeds what your plan covers, you’ll likely need to pay the difference out of pocket. Rates typically range from $3 to $7 per additional mile. Some providers may offer discounted rates, but costs can increase quickly.
A: Not always. Many standard roadside assistance plans focus on passenger vehicles and may exclude RVs, trailers, or large motorhomes. RV-specific coverage is often available as an upgrade or through dedicated RV plans.
A: In most cases, towing after an accident is handled by your auto insurance rather than your roadside assistance plan. Roadside plans generally cover mechanical breakdowns, not collision-related recovery. Always check your policy to understand how towing is handled in different situations.