SoFi

High school is a pivotal time for students, filled with academic and personal growth. Among the four years, junior year is often considered the most challenging.

Many students find junior year particularly tough due to increased academic demands, the pressure to score high on standardized tests, and the time needed to spend researching and applying to college.

Keep reading to learn more about why junior year is often considered the hardest year in high school.

Why Every Year Matters

While many say junior year is the hardest year of high school, that’s not an excuse to cruise through the other three years.

Freshman and sophomore year are building opportunities. In these two years, many students will take prerequisite courses and join extracurricular activities they’ll carry out the rest of their high school career.

As a freshman, students will have to adjust to high school and its academic rigor. Getting good grades and getting involved in activities during the first two years of high school can help set the pattern for the next two years.

Many students may claim that senior year is the time to sit back and take it easy, but letting your grades slide can spell trouble for plans post-graduation. Admission to college, even if already granted, could be rescinded if a senior underperforms in their final year.

Recommended: 11 Ways to Prepare for High School Graduation

Why Junior Year Can Be the Most Challenging

A student’s junior year has its own set of unique challenges and hardships. Here’s what can make junior year tougher than the rest:

Course Load

Junior year is the time to shine before students apply to college. It’s the last full academic year of grades a university will receive before deciding to accept or reject a student. Students may elect to take their most challenging course load during their junior year to show colleges that they’re capable of academic rigor.

Some students may enroll in AP courses. These classes give high school students the chance to prepare for college by tackling college-level material while still in high school. At the end of an AP course, students can choose to take the AP exams. Scores from those tests may grant students college credits so they can skip basic courses in their first years on campus.

Junior year can be an academic step-up for high school students if they decide to take AP classes. In addition to the classes being more difficult, there’s more pressure to achieve good grades because they indicate academic capability to colleges.

Tests

On top of AP tests, juniors have more key tests to prepare for. Each test comes with its own strategies and approaches, which require specialized study and prep. A junior might prepare for and take the following tests during the year:

•   AP tests: As mentioned above, if a student decides to take an AP course, they can choose to take the corresponding AP test, as well.

•   PSAT/NMSQT: Students can take the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) as early as their sophomore year of school, but many take it during junior year. The PSAT/NMSQT has two sections: math and reading/writing. Scores for each section fall between 160 and 760. Offered in October each year, the PSAT doesn’t impact college admissions like the SAT, but it can help students qualify for National Merit Scholarships if they receive a certain score. Students are not required to take the PSAT test, but it can be one way to prepare for the SATs and potentially qualify for scholarships.

•   SAT/ACT: Scores from either the SAT or ACT test are required by many colleges for admission. However, even if they’re not required by a college, a strong SAT or ACT score can help give a student a leg up in the application process.

Most high school students choose to take the SAT or ACT tests in the spring of their junior year or the fall of senior year. Both tests have certain quirks and strategies associated with them, so the key to getting a great score may mean months of preparation.

College Prep

Juniors not only face greater academic pressure due to tests, but many also begin preparing for college. Whether that means spending weekends touring campuses or researching schools at night, finding a school that’s the right fit can take up a considerable amount of time.

Choosing a college can be difficult, as there’s no one way to ensure the right fit for all students. Some may choose a campus based on their desired degree, whereas others choose a campus for proximity to home or budget. No matter the motivator, finding the right school can take time.

Exploring Financial Aid

Taking time to learn about the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) and student loans can help give juniors a better sense of what lies ahead of them. Even with financial aid, they might need to evaluate additional options to pay for their tuition. That could mean saving for college by picking up a part-time or summer job or researching scholarships and grants that can help pay tuition.

It’s important that a student understands what options are available to help them pay for school before committing to any single strategy. Using a student loan calculator can help you estimate your college costs.

Recommended: College vs University

The Takeaway

Junior year challenges students to juggle their extracurricular activities, rigorous academic classes, and standardized testing on top of applying for college. Figuring out a way to pay for college shouldn’t be another challenge. As early as junior year, students can start considering the cost of college and how to pay for it.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

What is the most crucial year in high school?

Junior year (11th grade) is often considered the most crucial year in high school. It’s when students take standardized tests, maintain grades for college applications, and start researching and visiting colleges. Strong academic performance during this year significantly impacts college admissions decisions.

Why is junior year the hardest year in high school?

Junior year is often the hardest in high school due to increased academic demands, including advanced courses and standardized testing such as the SAT or ACT. Students face pressure to maintain high grades for college applications while balancing extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and planning for their future.

What is the easiest year in high school?

Freshman year is generally considered the easiest year in high school because students are adjusting to the new environment and typically take introductory-level courses. The academic and extracurricular pressures are usually lighter compared to later years, allowing students to gradually acclimate to the increased expectations of high school life.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Not all repayment options may be available for all loans. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is current as of 3/2/2026 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOISL-Q126-046

All college students are required to declare a major, but what about a minor? This is a question many students find themselves asking halfway through their college curriculum.

Knowing what a minor is, what it entails, and if it can bolster your career can help determine if it’s really right for you.

Keep reading to learn more about what a college minor is, how it differs from a major, and its pros and cons.

Defining a College Minor

A college minor, sometimes referred to as a “mini major,” is a group of courses you take in a certain discipline. Minors in college can complement your chosen college major or be totally unrelated.

While most colleges don’t require a student to declare a minor, some do. Schools may have a definitive criterion for your choice of minor. For instance, you may not be able to pursue a minor in the same department as your major.

For the most part, a college minor is voluntary, and a student may not feel it’s important enough to take on the additional coursework alongside their main area of study. Instead, they may want to have complete freedom to use those class credits for electives that may not be as labor-intensive.

Differences Between a Major and Minor

Your major is the main area of specialty that determines the type of bachelor’s degree you’ll earn. It’s the field of study you’ve chosen based on your professional aspirations. One way to think of it is that your major is your primary job, and your minor is more of a side gig.

When you finally earn your college diploma, it will be for your major, not your minor. That’s because a college minor is typically considered optional and not a requirement for your core curriculum. Even if your school does require you to choose a minor, it won’t be reflected on your degree unless your school is one of the exceptions to that rule. However, it will most likely appear on your college transcript.

Another key distinction between a college major and a minor is the amount of coursework you have to complete and how much it counts toward your final credits. Depending on your school, a major will make up one-third to one-half of the school’s credits needed to graduate, which is typically 120 credits for a four-year program.

In general, a college major will require you to complete at least 10 courses compared to five to seven classes for a minor. A minor typically requires 16 to 30 credits.

Recommended: Credit Hours: What Are They & Why They Matter

Benefits of Pursuing a College Minor

There are many upsides to tacking on a college minor. If you’re wondering whether or not it’s worth pursuing, consider these pros:

Explore Complementary Interests

A college minor related to your major allows you to expand your expertise in that related field. For instance, if you’re a biology major and decide to minor in chemistry, you’re already familiar with the basics of science and look at things from a scientific perspective. There are similar analytical skills you can apply.

But even if your minor is in a different area, it can still positively impact your major. For example, if you’re majoring in political science, you may want to minor in public speaking, which can be helpful if you have ambitions to run for elected office. You may even find your minor more exciting and decide to change your major to that field.

However, before making any big changes, such as combining the two disciplines and pursuing a double major, it’s a good idea to talk to your academic advisor.

Depending on when you decide to make a change, it could add extra time toward getting your degree. This can translate into additional costs and more student debt.

Develop Secondary Skill Sets

Regardless of whether your minor directly corresponds to your major, you’re acquiring and polishing both hard and soft skills. You can apply these more technical hard skills directly to the type of work your career requires. Soft skills, on the other hand, are more social and interpersonal in nature. Both are important to employers and offer skills they want their prospective employees to have under their belt.

Enhance Marketability and Job Prospects

Homing in on a subject offers you the opportunity to develop more in-depth knowledge and expertise. A minor shows your well-roundedness, flexibility, and the ability to take on different roles. For example, a marketing major who minors in communications can be an asset in the areas of advertising, journalism, and public relations.

A complementary minor can also give you a more solid base and a deeper understanding of some issues you may deal with in your occupation. If a nursing major chooses to minor in psychology, it can help them better understand patient behavior.

Overall, a minor shows a level of seriousness and willingness to challenge oneself. These are qualities that can go a long way and put you at an advantage when applying for your first job out of school or graduate school.

That edge can also help when you’re competing for a college internship.

Recommended: 6 Ways to Save Money for Grad School

Popular College Minor Options

Certain college minors attract more students than others. Here are some popular ones:

STEM Minors

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) consists of natural, physical, and life sciences; computers; electronics and other types of tech; all kinds of engineering; mathematics; and areas that rely on the principles of math. Examples of STEM minors include computer science, kinesiology or exercise science, civil engineering, and statistics.

Deciding on a STEM subject for your minor can give you a leg up in the job market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities in the STEM field are expected to grow 8.1% by 2034, compared to 3.1% for all occupations.

Business Minors

With a business minor, you can take classes in accounting, marketing, human resources, and e-commerce. Choosing business as a minor allows you to learn the fundamentals of business, which can be extremely valuable and practical in the real world and may help you stay on top of paying for college.

Knowing more about how business is conducted and becoming more savvy about finance benefits you both professionally and personally. Career-wise, it can come in handy if you’re applying for a job that may require a deeper understanding of certain business practices. In your own life, you may even get a better handle on your own financial situation when it comes to managing private student loans.

Recommended: 4 Student Loan Repayment Options and How to Choose the Right One for You

Liberal Arts Minors

Liberal arts is a field with a broad range of disciplines, including creative arts, social sciences, humanities, and more. People who decide to minor in liberal arts may choose sub-studies in English, psychology, sociology, anthropology, philosophy, or communication.

For someone with a very demanding major, a liberal arts minor can offer a less taxing curriculum. Instead of being geared toward technical skills, liberal arts classes give students the opportunity to focus on critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and verbal and written communication skills.

Language and Cultural Minors

Minors specializing in different aspects of cultural heritage and language can expose students to different worldviews, beliefs, and practices.

A foreign language minor allows you to become bilingual or multilingual, which is a huge asset in the workforce where there’s an increasing demand for people who speak other languages. You may want to expand on your high school language classes or minor in a completely new one.

A language minor may also be one in linguistics, which is the study of language structure, including phonetics, syntax, semantics, and the history of how language has changed over time. Students may also find that their college offers a minor in American Sign Language.

Cultural studies minors are designed to study all types of cultures, their histories, and perspectives. These can include groups based on class, gender, ethnicity, race, religion, and geographical location. Classes in popular culture, women’s studies, world religions, and African-American or Asian studies are some examples of cultural studies minors.

Choosing a Complementary College Minor

Picking a minor in general adds extra knowledge and allows you to build more expertise in another subject. Minoring in a complementary course of study, however, shows you’re serious about exploring an area that closely aligns with your major.

Regardless of whether your minor directly corresponds to your major, you’ve decided to use a portion of your credits toward another group of required classes, which indicates a commendable level of focus and commitment.

Potential Drawbacks of a College Minor

There are some drawbacks to declaring a minor. First, a minor can take up a lot of time, so you’ll want to make sure it’s an area you’re genuinely curious about and have a real interest in. Consider the amount of work you’ll have to do, such as writing papers, studying, and taking exams. These additional classes could end up adding unnecessary stress to your major’s workload.

A minor could also end up costing you more money, especially if you declare a minor late in the game. You may not be able to get all the necessary classes before graduation, which means you may have to extend your education by a semester or more.

The Takeaway

A minor, in most cases, is an optional supplementary course of study that can broaden your knowledge, expand your skill set, and open up more career options after graduation. Having a college minor can also make your undergraduate studies a lot more fun, especially if it’s a topic where you have a strong personal interest.

Ways to finance your minor include cash savings, scholarships, grants, and both federal and private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

What’s the difference between a minor and a concentration?

A minor can be a secondary course of study in any area, while a concentration is a subgroup of structured classes that directly relate to your major. For example, if you’re an English major, your concentration may be in creative writing, made up of poetry, fiction, nonfiction prose, and dramatic writing classes.

Do minors appear on your diploma or transcript?

Minors will appear on your transcript, but the vast majority of colleges and universities don’t include them on your diploma. The standard practice is to list only the student’s major on their bachelor’s degree.

How late in your college career can you add a minor?

Most colleges ask students to choose their major by the end of their sophomore year or the beginning of their junior year, which can also be an ideal time to choose a minor. You could declare it before you start your senior year, but it’s important to consider the fact that you’ll have to cram all of that minor’s classes into one year. This could impact your graduation date if you need to carry your studies over to another semester to fulfill your minor’s requirements.

Do minors impact financial aid eligibility?

It depends. Federal financial aid rules mandate that only courses required for your major and degree program are eligible. However, classes required for a minor may be eligible for financial aid if they also satisfy major, core, or elective requirements for your degree. Otherwise, financial aid will be reconfigured or removed to reflect eligibility based on qualifying courses.

Photo credit: iStock/Drazen Zigic

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Not all repayment options may be available for all loans. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is current as of 3/2/2026 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOISL-Q126-047

Think of 24-hour roadside assistance coverage for your truck or car as having an extra tool in your emergency kit. Roadside assistance can provide the services you need to get you back behind the wheel ASAP. Services usually include changing flat tires, fuel delivery, jump-starts, and lockout assistance. The cost for roadside assistance when added on to an auto insurance policy is around $15 to $60 a year, although it can be more expensive, depending on the plan level you choose.

Before you sign up for roadside assistance, it can be useful to know some basics. In this guide, we’ll look at what you can expect when you enroll in a roadside assistance program.

What Is 24-Hour Roadside Assistance?

Roadside assistance plans cover a range of problems that commonly affect motorists. Whether you’re stuck on a busy highway or a lonely roadside, in a mall parking lot or your own driveway, you can ask for help with a dead battery, flat tire, being locked out, and more.

Since problems can happen at any time, roadside assistance programs make their services available around the clock. Service calls don’t usually require a deductible, and depending on your plan, costs you incur in an emergency may even be reimbursed.

Recommended: Ways to Save on Car Maintenance

What Are Some Benefits of 24-Hour Roadside Assistance?

Roadside assistance is designed to protect all drivers, but it can be especially useful for parents of young children, new drivers, and people with physical limitations. Probably the top benefit of having 24-hour roadside assistance coverage is that you can call any time you’re in need. You can keep the number programmed in your phone, or put it in your wallet or glove compartment — your provider may even offer an app.

You can call for advice or hands-on assistance, and someone will help you get what you need. Some plans may even provide legal assistance if you’re charged with a traffic violation or reimburse you if you need to stay in a hotel overnight because your car broke down. Some plans also include benefits such as travel discounts and rewards points.

Recommended: How to Get Car Insurance

What Does 24-Hour Roadside Assistance Cover?

Assistance programs vary significantly depending on the service provider, the coverage level, and what you’re willing to pay. So, when you’re comparing roadside assistance for cars and trucks, it’s important to understand the details of what each plan covers. Roadside assistance is not intended for use after an accident. In that case, 911 will arrange for help to arrive.

Most companies that offer roadside assistance programs set limits on what they will and won’t pay for. Some plans may include free fuel delivery, for example, but charge extra for the gas you receive. Similarly, providers who include free lockout assistance may charge you to have a new key made. If your car needs a tow, there may be a limit on how many miles you can go for free. There may also be a limit on how many service calls you can make in a year.

Plans have different rules on whether a particular driver or vehicle qualifies for a service call. With some plans, you must be driving your own car when you call for assistance. Other plans will cover you even if you’re the passenger or driver in someone else’s car.

Programs generally include some amount of coverage for the following.

Vehicle Towing

If your vehicle can’t be safely repaired or restarted on-site, roadside assistance can tow it to a nearby repair shop.

Battery Jump-Start or Replacement

Roadside assistance can give your dead battery a jump and, if that doesn’t work, install a new battery on-site or give you a tow.

Changing a Flat Tire

If you have a usable spare tire, your service provider will likely change a flat or blown-out tire on-site.

Lockout Assistance

If you’ve locked your keys in your car, roadside assistance can get a locksmith to help. Even if you’ve lost your keys, the service may be able to get you back in your vehicle and back on the road.

Winching Service

Stuck in snow, mud, sand, or water? Your service provider may bring in a winch to extricate your car or truck.

Fuel Delivery

If you run out of gas, your provider can deliver fuel to your location. And if the battery in your electric car needs a charge, you can ask for a tow to the nearest charging station.

Quick Fix Vehicular First Aid

If you have a minor mechanical problem that can be fixed quickly, it may be possible to do so on-site. If not, the service can tow your car to a nearby repair shop.

What Are Some Ways Drivers Can Get 24-Hour Roadside Protection?

There are several different ways you can get roadside assistance coverage for yourself and your family members. If you’ve set aside time for personal insurance planning, such as applying for life insurance, you might also consider adding roadside assistance to your list.

Auto Club Membership

Probably the best-known way to get 24-hour roadside assistance is through an auto club like AAA (pronounced “triple A”). The company will issue you a membership card with numbers to call for service. You may also be able to download an app or send a text.

Plans range from $64.99 to $124.99 per year, plus extra costs for add-ons. Your price will depend on how many family members are covered, your location, and the services you’ve selected.

Credit Card Company Benefits

You may be able to access roadside assistance through one of your credit cards. Again, the cost of overall coverage or a specific service will vary depending on the plan you choose. For example, some credit cards may provide the service for free to their members but with a cap on each claim or on the number of claims a cardmember can make. Others may offer a pay-per-use service or prenegotiated discounts on certain services.

Vehicle Manufacturer

Many car and truck manufacturers also offer roadside assistance as a perk for new car buyers. Your vehicle may include protection that lasts for a few years or the length of your limited warranty. Your sales agreement should provide details on what your plan covers, or you can ask the dealership.

Car Insurance Company

Many car insurance companies have some type of roadside assistance coverage available for their customers. Some plans provide only the basics, while others may offer two or three levels of coverage. Costs generally range from around $15 to $60 or more a year.

When you’re considering cost, keep in mind that you may be able to lower your car insurance cost by bundling it with other types of insurance coverage.

Which Insurance Companies Offer 24-Hour Roadside Assistance?

Insurance companies that provide 24-hour roadside assistance typically offer the service as an add-on to an auto policy. However, some companies may provide a roadside protection membership to non-policyholders.

If you’re not sure whether you already have roadside protection, contact your agent or log in to your account on your insurer’s website to get information about your coverage. You may also find the information on your insurance card. If all else fails, you can also check out the benefits of each provider via online insurance comparison sites.

Here are a few companies that offer roadside assistance:

Allstate

Allstate offers 24-hour roadside assistance programs to both policyholders and non-policyholders. Costs and limitations will vary based on the plan you choose.

GEICO

GEICO’s roadside assistance program is available to policyholders as an add-on, and it covers most of the basics other plans offer. The cost is determined by the number of vehicles you want to cover.

Liberty Mutual

To access Liberty Mutual’s 24-hour assistance program, which offers basic roadside services, you must purchase optional towing and labor coverage as an add-on to your policy.

Nationwide

Nationwide offers 24-hour roadside assistance as an optional add-on for policyholders. The basic plan covers the same services offered by other insurers, but optional features and program details vary by state.

Progressive

Emergency roadside assistance is available as an optional add-on for Progressive auto insurance policyholders. Progressive’s program covers service basics, such as towing, jump-starts, and lockout assistance.

State Farm

State Farm’s roadside assistance program is an add-on for policyholders. If you have this coverage and need assistance, State Farm will mostly be billed directly for any basic services you receive, in which case, you won’t have to worry about waiting to be reimbursed.

(The above coverages are accurate as of the writing of this article but may differ in the future.)

What Is the Average Cost of 24-Hour Roadside Assistance for Cars?

When added to your car insurance policy, roadside assistance coverage costs anywhere between $15 and $60 per year on average. The price of a roadside assistance plan can vary based on how many vehicles you want to cover, where you live, whether your coverage is through your auto insurance or some other source, and the level of coverage you choose.

It’s a good idea to compare several plans and choose the best one for your individual needs and budget.

What Is the Average Cost of 24-Hour Roadside Assistance for Trucks?

The cost of roadside assistance for a pickup truck can be the same or similar to the cost for a car. However, most insurance companies offer separate coverage for RVs, boats, and motorcycles, which often need specialized services.

How Much Does 24-Hour Roadside Assistance Cost Without Insurance?

The national average cost of a local tow without roadside assistance coverage is between $75 and $125, or between $2 and $4 per mile.

What Makes 24-Hour Roadside Assistance Different From Other Coverage?

Standard car insurance is designed to protect car owners against financial losses when they’re in an accident or if their car is damaged, stolen, or vandalized. But a standard auto policy doesn’t typically include roadside assistance for situations such as a flat tire or running out of gas. That’s a different kind of coverage, and it usually costs extra to add it to a car insurance policy.

Another difference is that in most states, you are required to carry a minimum level of car insurance. However, you aren’t required to carry roadside assistance coverage. It’s your choice.

How Do You Choose a 24-Hour Roadside Assistance Program?

There are a few points you should consider when you’re shopping for a roadside assistance program.

Do You Already Have Protection?

If you aren’t sure, check your car warranty, credit cards, and your car insurance policy. Even if you are covered, it can be a good idea to compare your coverage to what’s available to make sure you have everything you need.

What Are the Coverage Limits?

Read the fine print for details and coverage limits before you sign up for a plan. Be sure you’re getting the services you expect and need most.

What Will It Cost?

Plans are generally low cost, ranging from $15 to $60, perhaps more, per year. It’s a good idea to compare prices of different plans to determine which one works best for your budget.

Does the Provider Get Good Reviews?

Don’t forget to check the provider’s reputation. Reliability is important when you’re stuck on the side of the road waiting for a tow or a jump-start. An important part of researching different plans includes reading customer reviews.

The Takeaway

A 24-hour roadside assistance plan is designed to provide drivers with the help they need to get back on the road as soon as possible. Drivers typically get roadside assistance through their auto insurance, but you can also find it via credit card benefits, car manufacturers, and auto clubs, such as AAA. Prices vary from around $15 to $60 per year as an auto insurance add-on to $125 or more per year through an auto club. Considering that a single tow without coverage can cost as much as $125, paying for a roadside-assistance plan can prove well worth the investment.

If you’d like to check out roadside assistance options, start by going online to compare your current auto insurance plan and benefits with those of other major companies.

When you’re ready to shop for auto insurance, SoFi can help. Our online auto insurance comparison tool lets you see quotes from a network of top insurance providers within minutes, saving you time and hassle.

FAQ

Does using roadside assistance increase your premium?

If you make only one or two claims a year, utilizing roadside assistance is unlikely to affect your insurance premium. But if roadside assistance claims are frequent or excessive, they may contribute to rate increases.

What does roadside assistance cover?

Every plan is different, but most include basic coverage for lockout assistance, changing a flat tire, jump-starting a battery, fuel delivery, minor engine fixes, and towing. Some providers also have premium plans that include extra services, such as more towing miles and trip interruption coverage.

How many times can I use roadside assistance?

Most policies limit the number of service calls you can make to three to five per year. It’s in your best interest to stay within these numbers to keep your premiums stable.

Photo credit: iStock/nopponpat

SOPRO-Q126-055