What to look for in lockout coverage
Evaluating roadside assistance programs for lockout coverage requires asking three questions before comparing specific programs.\n\nHow many lockout calls are covered per year? Some programs limit coverage to one or two lockout incidents per year. Programs with unlimited lockout calls are more valuable for drivers who have experienced repeated lockouts.\n\nWhat is the network density in your area? A program with strong national branding but poor local operator coverage produces long response times. Reading reviews from users in your specific market gives more useful information than national averages.\n\nDoes the program cover all vehicle types you drive? Some programs cover only the primary registered vehicle. Programs that cover the member regardless of which vehicle they are driving — or which vehicle they are locked out of — are more versatile.
AAA: best overall for lockout coverage
AAA is the strongest overall lockout coverage program for most drivers based on network density, coverage terms, and call limits.\n\nAll AAA tiers include lockout service with no per-incident charge. Classic, Plus, and Premier members all get unlimited lockout calls per year — there is no annual limit that cuts off coverage after a certain number of incidents.\n\nAAA network density is the highest of any consumer roadside program, which translates to faster response times in most markets. The program covers the member rather than the vehicle, so AAA covers you regardless of which vehicle you are locked out of.\n\nCost: AAA Classic runs $60-80 per year depending on your state club. Plus runs $80-110. Premier runs $110-130. For drivers who use lockout service more than once per year, any AAA tier pays for itself on lockout service alone.
Insurance-based roadside riders: best value
Adding a roadside assistance rider to your existing auto insurance policy is the best value option for drivers who want basic lockout coverage at minimum cost.\n\nMost major insurers including GEICO, Progressive, State Farm, and Allstate offer roadside riders for $15-30 per year. Lockout service is a standard covered benefit. The per-incident cost is zero beyond the annual rider premium.\n\nThe limitation is call frequency — most insurance-based riders limit coverage to a defined number of service calls per year, often three to five. For drivers who are rarely locked out and rarely need other roadside services, this limit is unlikely to be reached. For drivers with a pattern of lockout incidents, an unlimited program like AAA is more reliable.
Manufacturer roadside programs: best for newer vehicles
Most vehicle manufacturers include a roadside assistance program with new vehicle purchase — typically for the duration of the new car warranty, usually three to five years.\n\nManufacturer programs include lockout service and, for vehicles with connected car features, may provide remote unlock as an alternative to dispatching a technician. A remote unlock resolves the situation in minutes rather than the 20-40 minutes a technician dispatch requires.\n\nThe limitation of manufacturer programs is the coverage term — they expire with the warranty period. Drivers who rely on manufacturer coverage and do not transition to another program when it expires may find themselves without coverage at the worst moment. See lockout service response times to understand what program coverage means in practice for how quickly help arrives. See the complete car lockout service guide. See what lockout service costs without coverage.