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Good Sam
“When you need roadside assistance it's important to stay calm, find out what's wrong if you can, call your roadside provider, and prioritize your safety. If you're in a dangerous situation like along a busy highway at night or your vehicle is leaking fluid, you should call 911.”
A breakdown can happen when you least expect it, on a quiet back road, in heavy highway traffic, or even right outside your driveway. Whether it’s a flat tire, a dead battery, or your RV suddenly sputtering to a stop, a vehicle breakdown is always inconvenient. In these moments, knowing what to do if your car breaks down and how emergency roadside assistance can help makes all the difference.
This guide walks you through every step you need to take when you need emergency roadside assistance. From staying safe and assessing your situation to finding help and planning ahead, you’ll receive clear, practical advice to help keep stress low and get moving again quickly.
The first few moments after a breakdown can be stressful, but staying calm helps you think clearly and act safely. If your vehicle is still running, gently steer it to the shoulder, a nearby parking lot, or the safest spot you can reach without crossing traffic.
Turn on your hazard lights right away to alert others on the road. If you have reflective triangles or road flares, place them at a safe distance behind your vehicle to increase visibility, especially in low-light conditions or at night.
Unless there’s an immediate danger, it’s usually safest to stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt on. Standing too close to traffic, especially on a highway, can be far riskier than waiting inside. If you must exit due to smoke, leaking fluids, or other hazards, do so carefully and move to a safe location.
Your safety comes first. Everything else can wait.
Once you’re safe, take a moment to figure out what’s wrong. Are you dealing with a flat tire, a dead battery, or something more serious, like engine trouble or a strange noise under the hood? You don’t need to diagnose the exact issue, but having a general idea will help when you call for help.
Next, consider where you are. Are you in a city with services nearby or in a more remote area? This can affect how quickly help can reach you.
Finally, pinpoint your location. Look for mile markers, exit signs, gas stations, or any nearby landmarks. If you have GPS on your phone, drop a pin or take a screenshot of your coordinates. The more precise you are, the faster roadside assistance can find you.
A little awareness here can save a lot of time and confusion later.
With your safety secured and the issue roughly identified, it’s time to call for help. Use a trusted roadside assistance provider that offers 24/7 support.
Good Sam Roadside Assistance connects you with help quickly, whether you’re dealing with a dead battery, a lockout, or a blown tire, and provides 24/7 emergency roadside support across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Before you call or submit a request online, gather a few key details to speed things up:
Having this information ready helps the dispatcher send the right technician with the right tools. It also means fewer delays and less time waiting on the side of the road.
If you’re already a Good Sam member, your benefits may cover most services. Your membership covers towing, tire changes, lockouts, jump starts, winching, and fuel delivery – at no extra cost, depending on your plan level.
If you don’t have a roadside assistance plan or can’t get through to a provider quickly, your next best option may be a local tow truck or repair shop. A nearby gas station, tire center, or auto parts store might be able to recommend a reputable service in the area.
Before you commit, ask a few key questions:
Clear, upfront pricing is important, especially when you’re stranded and short on options. Avoid companies that are vague about costs or rush you into booking. A little due diligence here can help you avoid unexpected charges and ensure help arrives as quickly as possible.
If you’re not enrolled in a roadside assistance program, you’ll likely pay out of pocket, and those costs can add up quickly. Here’s what you might expect to pay for different services:
The average cost of towing an automobile is around $109. If you need RV emergency road service, a professional service provider may charge:
The actual price will depend on the type of vehicle, type of tow, distance traveled, location, and time of the day.
Expect to pay $60-$100 for smaller vehicles and $300 or more for RVs and larger vehicles, depending on how far the provider has to travel and whether you’re in a remote area.
The average cost to repair a flat tire is $20-$50, with specialized repairs costing $100+ depending on the level of damage, tire type and age, and the provider.
Inflating a tire can cost $1-$3 for five minutes of compressed air and $5-$10 for premium air or nitrogen inflation.
If your car battery needs to be replaced, expect to pay $60 to $200+ for the battery alone. Labor may be extra, and prices depend on brand, size, and availability.
If you need to replace the tire, expect to pay about $200 for an auto tire, while an RV tire can cost about $500. Plus, you may need to pay extra for tire mounting, balancing, and road hazard warranty.
Pay-per-use may be fine for rare emergencies, but it offers no cost predictability or ongoing support. Roadside assistance memberships, like Good Sam’s Platinum Complete, typically cover these services for a single annual fee, often with added benefits such as trip interruption coverage, mobile mechanic dispatch, discounts on repairs, and more.
If you travel frequently or drive an older vehicle, a membership can save time, money, and stress—especially during unexpected breakdowns.
Getting stranded once is more than enough to realize how valuable a roadside assistance plan can be. A reliable membership takes the guesswork and high out-of-pocket costs out of future vehicle breakdowns. Instead of scrambling for help, you’ll have a trusted service just a call away if your car breaks down.
When comparing plans, look for essentials like 24/7 coverage, fast response times, nationwide availability, and services such as towing, battery jump-starts, flat tire changes, and lockout assistance. Some plans even offer trip interruption benefits and discounts on travel.
Planning ahead means fewer surprises on the road and more confidence behind the wheel.
Don’t wait for another roadside emergency to catch you off guard. Compare Auto Roadside Assistance Plans or RV Plans to find the right Good Sam roadside assistance membership for your needs.
Not every roadside emergency can be handled with a simple service call. In certain situations, calling 911 is the safest and most responsible choice.
Trust your instincts. If something feels urgent or life-threatening, it’s better to get help right away. Roadside assistance can wait, but your safety can’t.
Roadside emergencies are never convenient, but knowing what to do makes a stressful moment more manageable. By staying calm, assessing the situation, and getting the right help, you can turn a tough spot into a minor detour.
The best peace of mind comes from being prepared before trouble strikes. A roadside assistance plan can make all the difference, offering 24/7 support, predictable costs, and faster service when you need it most.
Don’t wait until you’re stranded to think about coverage. Compare Good Sam’s Auto Roadside Assistance Plans and RV Plans today and drive with confidence tomorrow.
A: Without roadside assistance, you’ll need to find and pay for help on your own. That could mean higher costs for towing, tire changes, or jump-starts, especially after hours or in remote areas. Service may also take longer if you’re not a member of a roadside assistance plan.
A: Yes, you can still request help, but the costs are typically higher, and you may have to wait longer. With membership, you get access to faster service, more coverage, and lower out-of-pocket costs over time.
A: Response times vary by location, time of day, and demand. In urban areas, help may arrive more quickly, whereas in remote spots or during high-traffic times, it may take longer. Some providers offer live tracking, while others offer updates via text so you can see when help is on the way.
A: Most providers give an estimate before dispatching help . Always ask for the full breakdown of costs, including mileage and service fees, to avoid surprises.
Good Sam members don’t pay for covered services at the scene. Any out-of-pocket costs are communicated in advance – including how and when payment will be collected – so there are no surprises.
A: That’s okay. Just describe the symptoms, such as a flat tire, a dead battery, or the car not starting. The technician will come prepared for common issues and can troubleshoot or tow your vehicle if needed. Being honest and clear helps speed things up.
A: Yes, most roadside assistance services operate 24/7 and cover rural and remote areas. Response time may be longer in hard-to-reach places, but help is still available. A good membership plan ensures you’re covered no matter where or when you need it.
A: Yes. It offers peace of mind, predictable costs, and quick help when you’re stuck. If you travel often, drive an older vehicle, or just want backup in emergencies, a roadside assistance plan is worth it because it can save money and stress over time.