Roadside Assistance in Illinois: Help when you need it

When your car breaks down, you require help that's timely, local, and reliable. With roadside assistance coverage, drivers can add a layer of convenience to their policy. Illinois Vehicle Insurance Agency, LLC. (Illinois Vehicle) offers different options so that you can choose the right roadside assistance coverage for your budget. This may help you get roadside service across the state if you are ever stranded. 

What is roadside assistance in Illinois? 

Roadside assistance could be purchased as an optional coverage added to your car insurance policy. It typically includes help for common roadside breakdowns due to mechanical or electrical issues. 

This coverage may help pay for the following: 

• Towing assistance: If you are stranded, your covered vehicle may be towed to a repair facility of our choice or other location you specify. 
• Flat tire assistance: This service consists of switching out an accidental flat tire with your vehicle’s spare tire. 
• Fuel/fluid delivery service: An emergency supply of fuel or fluid will be delivered when in immediate need (with an approximation of up to three gallons). Please note: You are responsible for the cost of the fuel/fluid itself. 
• Battery assistance: Battery assistance or a “jump start” may be provided in immediate need, so you aren’t stranded when your vehicle doesn’t start. 
• Lock-out assistance: A trained professional will assist in opening your car door if the keys are lost or locked inside. 
• Winching assistance: This may aid with extricating covered vehicles when stuck in a ditch, or other inaccessible areas, provided the location is within 50 feet of a paved, maintained road or highway. (Additional fees may apply which the vehicle owner is responsible for.) 

Valuable added benefits 

Roadside assistance is more than just a tow! Depending on your insurer, the coverage may also include these benefits: 

• $5,000 auto theft reward benefit: This benefit helps to pay a reward to the person who provides information to a law enforcement agency that leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone who steals your vehicle. 
• $5,000 hit-and-run reward benefit: This benefit helps to pay a reward to the person who provides information to a law enforcement agency that leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone who steals your vehicle. 
• Benefit hub: This highly valuable benefit provides access to great savings and cash-back offers on a wide variety of products and services customers use often. These include discounts on travel, food, and apparel.  

Important exclusions and limits 

Roadside assistance is a great option for unexpected breakdowns, but it does have specific limits to keep in mind: 

• Claims limit: Most insurers offer a maximum of three roadside claims per six-month policy term. 
• Waiting period: You may have to wait three days after adding roadside assistance to your policy before you can use it. 
• Collision and comprehensive: Roadside assistance will not cover the repair of your vehicle if you are in a crash or if the vehicle is stolen. For that kind of protection, you need to add collision and comprehensive coverage. 

Roadside assistance is an optional coverage added to your policy, it is not required under the Illinois’ minimum insurance requirements. To understand what is legally required, read about liability car insurance in Illinois. 

How much is roadside assistance? 

Getting roadside assistance insurance in Illinois is often one of the most affordable ways to offset the high cost of a single, unexpected tow or lockout service use. 

How much you’ll pay for roadside assistance depends on a few key factors, but it’s important to remember that for this coverage, no discounts may apply.  

Factors that may influence your rate: 

• Your policy term: The price is based on a six-month auto insurance policy and varies by insurance carrier. 
• The specific level of coverage: Insurers often offer an affordable straightforward add-on option to your auto insurance policy. Some non-insurance, separate roadside assistance plans might have tiered options (like “Plus” or “Premium”) that come with a higher price tag. Our goal is to offer you simple affordable options within your budget.  
• Frequency of use: When added to your auto insurance policy, there is typically a three-claim limit. Some non-insurance roadside assistance plans may increase prices based on frequent usage. 

Roadside assistance coverage can be a valuable add-on, especially when paired with insurance policies that help to pay for injuries and damage caused by an underinsured driver. Learn more about uninsured motorist coverage in Illinois. 

Call us today at 630-581-4805 and speak with one of our Spanish-bilingual agents to get a quote for Roadside Assistance as an add-on to your policy today!   

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Will using roadside assistance raise my rate? 

Generally, using roadside assistance for minor services like a jump-start or a lock-out is viewed much differently than filing a major claim for a covered accident. 

• Variability: Occasional use of roadside assistance is generally minor, because these services are non-fault and inexpensive (relative to a collision claim). However, the impact on your rate can vary by carrier and state. 
• Best practice: The goal of roadside assistance is to provide immediate, safe service during a breakdown. This may help prevent a small incident from turning into a covered accident, such as being rear-ended while you attempt a dangerous tire change on the side of a highway. You can learn how different roadside claims are viewed by carriers and what can count as an insurance claim. 

The best way to know if using roadside assistance will affect your rate is to call us. We strive to be transparent about how the insurers’ policies work. 

Options if you’re not a customer 

If you’d like to benefit from having roadside assistance coverage, but aren't currently our customer, here are your alternatives: 

• Membership services: As mentioned above, separate roadside assistance plans (which may include membership) often have tiered pricing and can be more expensive annually. They are completely separate from the auto policy you carry. 
• Credit card benefits: Many premium credit cards (i.e., Visa, Mastercard) may offer basic services. However, these often require you to pay upfront and submit for reimbursement later, which can be a hassle during a breakdown. 
• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) services: Many new vehicles include roadside assistance for the warranty period. This is a temporary benefit that expires with the manufacturer’s warranty. 

It is important not to confuse roadside assistance with rental reimbursement coverage, which helps pay for a rental car after your vehicle has been taken to a shop following a covered loss. 

Illinois roadside help & safety  

Even with the best coverage, it helps to know local resources for quick and safe assistance on Illinois roads. 

• Illinois Tollway *999: If you are on an Illinois Tollway, you can dial *999 for emergency assistance. 
• H.E.L.P Truck Tracker: The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) runs the Highway Emergency Local Patrol (H.E.L.P) during high-traffic hours in the Chicago area to assist stranded motorists for free. You can view H.E.L.P. Truck Tracker and general travel information.  
• Move Over Law: In Illinois, the “Move Over Law” (Scott’s Law) helps when dealing with any roadside situation. If you see a stationary emergency vehicle (including tow trucks) or any other disabled vehicle with flashing lights, you must change lanes if possible or slow down and proceed with caution. 

Remember that having roadside assistance as an optional coverage added to your auto policy is not sufficient proof of the required liability coverage. Drivers should avoid driving without insurance in Illinois. 

Why Illinois Vehicle? 

When you choose Illinois Vehicle, you’re choosing local support that is dedicated to helping drivers across the state, whether you’re commuting in Cicero or taking a trip downstate. 

• Local and focused support: We are an Illinois-based business, so we understand local roads, weather, and legal requirements. 
• Bilingual service: Our team may assist you in English or Spanish, giving clear communication when you need help. 
• Transparent limits: Our agents will help explain available coverages and limits so you understand what your coverage may help pay for. 
• Quick setup: Add roadside assistance to your existing policy fast over the phone or in person at one of our offices. 
• Meet your budget: We offer multiple options to help you secure coverage and find a policy that meets your budget without unnecessary complications. 

Roadside Assistance 

Ready to be prepared with simple, easy-to-use breakdown assistance? 

Call us for quick assistance: 630-581-4805 | Hours: Mon-Fri 9 AM – 6 PM, Sat 9 AM – 2 PM 

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Prefer to meet with a local agent? Find a location near you. 

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FAQs 

What does roadside assistance cover in Illinois? 

It may help pay for towing, flat tire changes, fuel delivery (you pay for the fuel), jump-starts, and lock-out service. See the above sections for more details. 

How much is roadside assistance per year in Illinois? 

The cost varies by policy and provider, but this add-on is typically very affordable. 

Does using roadside assistance affect my insurance rate? 

Usage for simple services like jump-starts is generally minor, but frequent claims may cause your carrier to review your rate. We recommend contacting your agent if you have questions about your specific usage. 

Can I get roadside assistance without an auto insurance policy? 

Yes. Alternatives include third-party membership services, credit card benefits, or services provided by the vehicle manufacturer. 

How do I get proof of my roadside assistance coverage today? 

You can easily access digital ID cards and documents through our Manage My Policy portal. 

Disclaimer: 
This blog post is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a complete description of all terms, conditions, and exclusions applicable to the products and services offered by Illinois Vehicle Insurance Agency, Inc. (BIA). All statements are subject to the provisions, terms, and conditions of the insurance policy itself. In all instances, the policy language prevails. This post should not be construed as professional advice; please consult with one of our licensed agents to review your policy and determine what coverage is right for you.