If you’re driving a rental car and something goes wrong—flat tire, dead battery, locked keys—one question naturally comes to mind:
Does roadside assistance cover car rental situations?
What Does Roadside Assistance Cover for Rental Cars?
The coverage for rental cars depends on who provides the roadside assistance and what’s included in your rental agreement.
That means not all rental cars automatically come with free or built-in roadside help. Some do. Some don’t. And many drivers don’t realize this until they’re stranded.
There are three common possibilities:
- Included in your rental contract – Some companies, like Enterprise or Hertz, offer limited roadside coverage baked into the deal.
- Offered as an optional add-on – Often priced at \$4 to \$12 per day.
- Not included at all – You’re expected to call third-party help if something happens.
So, if you’ve rented a car, it’s your job to check the fine print. Coverage isn’t always guaranteed.
Why Doesn’t Roadside Assistance Automatically Include Rentals?
Because rental cars fall into a different service category than personally owned vehicles.
Rental agencies operate under unique policies. Some offer emergency help, but only for specific issues—like breakdowns or manufacturer faults. Others charge for everything.
Roadside assistance coverage for car rental is often separate, because:
- Rentals have higher turnover and more unpredictable users.
- Agencies want to limit risk and maintenance costs.
- Drivers might be traveling in unfamiliar regions, increasing the likelihood of miscommunication.
This is why relying on rental company support alone can be risky.
How Do You Know If Your Rental Car Has Roadside Assistance?
To figure it out, you have to look at the rental agreement or ask directly at the counter.
Start by checking these three things:
- Rental Agreement Fine Print – Look for phrases like Roadside Assistance Protection or RAP.
- Emergency Numbers Provided – If they give you a 24/7 hotline, it’s a clue—but it doesn’t always mean free coverage.
- Add-Ons in Your Booking Confirmation – If you added a package, it may be included.
If none of these show clear coverage, you likely don’t have it.
When Does Roadside Assistance for Rentals Actually Help?
Roadside assistance coverage for car rental helps only in specific conditions. These include:
- Flat tires
- Battery failure
- Key lockouts
- Engine stalls
- Empty fuel tank
But here’s the catch—rental coverage might come with limits. Some companies will tow you, but only to the nearest rental location. Others may leave you to pay up front and deal with the paperwork later.
If your rental car breaks down in Austin, Pensacola, or Los Angeles, you need help fast. And if your contract excludes assistance, you’ll need a roadside assistance provider like Five Star Roadside.
Can You Use Your Own Roadside Coverage with a Rental Car?
Yes, in many cases you can.
If you have roadside coverage through your credit card, insurance provider, or a service like Five Star Roadside, it may apply—even when driving a rental car.
But read the terms carefully. Many personal plans require:
- That the renter is the primary policyholder
- That the call for assistance comes directly from the covered person
- That the issue is non-accident-related
So, you can’t assume, but in many situations, yes—your own roadside service may work.
Roadside Assistance Coverage for Car Rental Isn’t Universal
Let’s be clear:
Not every roadside assistance plan covers every rental car.
And not every rental car includes roadside help. These are two separate things, and mixing them up can leave you stranded.
If you break down near Slidell, LA or Phenix City, AL, and don’t have coverage, it’s already too late to negotiate. That’s why knowing your plan ahead of time matters.
Real-Time Help: What Happens If Your Rental Breaks Down?
Let’s say your rental car battery dies near Covington, LA. You call the rental company’s hotline. They say:
- “We’ll send someone in 90 minutes.”
- “This issue isn’t covered. You’ll need to call a local provider.”
Now what?
This is where a service like Five Star Roadside’s battery replacement comes in—no membership, no hassle.
Same applies for:
Final Verdict
Roadside assistance coverage for car rentals is not automatic, not universal, and not guaranteed.
It depends on:
- The rental company
- The agreement
- The service requested
- Whether you added optional protection
Five Star Roadside does not discriminate based on ownership. Whether you’re in your personal car or driving a rental across Tyler, TX, New Orleans, or Phoenix, we provide help. That’s it.
FAQ
Does roadside assistance cover car rental issues like flat tires or battery failure?
Roadside assistance coverage for rental vehicles may include basic services such as flat tire changes, jump starts, or battery help, but only if it’s part of the rental contract or purchased as an add-on.
Can I use a roadside assistance company like Five Star Roadside while driving a rental car?
Yes, roadside assistance services from trusted providers like Five Star Roadside can be used regardless of vehicle ownership, including while driving a rental car.
What happens if my rental car breaks down and I don’t have roadside coverage from the rental agency?
If no coverage is included, you can contact a reliable roadside assistance service provider such as Five Star Roadside for emergency help without needing a membership.
Why is roadside assistance coverage not always included with car rentals?
Because rental companies often offer coverage as an optional protection plan, and including it in every agreement increases costs they prefer to keep separate.
Does car rental roadside assistance include towing services?
Towing may be included, but it usually comes with limits such as distance caps or only towing to the nearest rental office, not any destination of your choice.
Is there a difference between insurance coverage and roadside assistance for rental cars?
Yes, insurance generally covers accidents and damages, while roadside assistance handles mechanical issues, flat tires, lockouts, and breakdowns.
Can I decline roadside assistance from the rental agency and still get help if needed?
Yes, if you decline the agency’s plan, you can still call a roadside assistance company like Five Star Roadside for quick and professional help.
How do I know if roadside assistance is part of my rental agreement?
The rental agreement will specify if roadside protection is included; look for sections titled “Roadside Assistance,” “Emergency Services,” or similar terms.
When should I consider using a roadside assistance company instead of the rental agency?
If the rental company is delayed, unavailable, or charges extra, using a dependable roadside assistance provider like Five Star Roadside ensures faster, more flexible help.
Is roadside assistance automatically covered by credit card companies for rental cars?
Some credit cards offer limited roadside coverage for rental cars, but it’s essential to confirm the terms, restrictions, and activation requirements before relying on it.
Which rental companies include roadside assistance by default?
Some large rental companies include limited roadside help, but the scope varies, so always verify whether coverage includes towing, fuel delivery, or battery jump services.
If my rental car runs out of gas, will roadside assistance be available?
If gas delivery is part of the roadside coverage included with the rental, help is available; otherwise, you can request emergency fuel delivery from providers like Five Star Roadside.
What is the best way to handle a breakdown in a rental car without built-in roadside support?
The safest approach is to contact a responsive roadside assistance company like Five Star Roadside that serves rental drivers without requiring a pre-arranged contract.
Are there ways to get roadside assistance for rentals without paying extra fees?
Some rental agreements, credit cards, or memberships may include complimentary roadside help, but if not, affordable options are available from roadside companies like Five Star Roadside.