Rental Reimbursement and Roadside Assistance: Are They Worth It?
Two inexpensive add-ons that can save a bad week: what rental reimbursement and roadside assistance cover, their limits, and when you can skip them.
Updated October 7, 2026 · 4 min read
Key takeaways
- Rental reimbursement pays for a rental car while yours is being repaired after a covered claim, up to a daily and total limit.
- Roadside assistance covers towing, jump-starts, flat tires, lockouts and fuel delivery.
- Both are usually low-cost add-ons, but you may already have similar coverage through your car, credit card or a motor club.
- Rental reimbursement typically requires collision or comprehensive on the same car.
Rental reimbursement
Rental reimbursement (sometimes called transportation expense coverage) pays for a rental car or rideshare while your car is in the shop after a covered claim, like a crash or a theft. It's usually sold with a daily limit, such as $40 or $50 a day, and a maximum per claim. If rental cars cost more in your area, choose a higher daily limit.
It only applies when the repair is for a covered claim, so it doesn't pay for a rental during routine maintenance or a mechanical breakdown. Most insurers require collision or comprehensive on the car before you can add it.
If another driver caused the crash, their liability insurance should pay for your rental. Rental reimbursement helps when you're at fault, when the other driver is uninsured, or when you'd rather not wait for their insurer to accept fault.
Free, no obligation, about two minutes. Or call: Insured 1-888-773-7558 · Uninsured 1-844-900-2302
Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance helps when your car won't go:
- Towing to a repair shop, usually up to a set distance
- Jump-starting a dead battery
- Changing a flat tire
- Lockout help
- Fuel delivery (you typically pay for the fuel)
Some insurers count roadside calls as claims or limit how many you can use a year. Read the terms.
When you can skip them
- Your new car's manufacturer warranty may include roadside assistance.
- Many credit cards and motor clubs offer roadside help.
- If your household has a second car you could use, rental reimbursement matters less.
Avoid paying twice for the same service. Otherwise, these add-ons are among the cheapest ways to avoid a stressful, expensive week.
Frequently asked questions
Does rental reimbursement cover a rental after a breakdown?
No. It only applies when your car is being repaired for a covered claim, such as a crash or theft.
Will a roadside assistance call raise my rates?
Usually not, but some insurers count roadside calls and limit how many you can make. Check your insurer's rules.
How much rental coverage do I need?
Pick a daily limit close to what a comparable rental costs where you live, and enough total days to cover a typical repair.
Sources
How this guide was made: researched and drafted with AI assistance (Wren AI), and checked against the government and industry sources listed above. Wren AI is an AI tool, not a person or a licensed insurance agent.
This guide is general information, not insurance, legal or tax advice. Coverage, rules and prices vary by state, insurer and policy. Confirm details with a licensed agent before you buy. Read our editorial policy.