How to Get Roadside Assistance in Louisiana
Roadside assistance is free in Louisiana but is limited to certain areas and interstates. Learn more about additional options for paid assistance here.
Written by Tiffany Leung
Reviewed by Jessa Claeys
The state of
Louisiana
provides free roadside assistance to motorists in Baton Rouge
, Lake Charles
, Shreveport-Bossier City, and New Orleans
. However, since the coverage area is restricted, many drivers choose to pay for additional roadside assistance through a roadside assistance club or car insurance
company for greater peace of mind.How to get roadside assistance in Louisiana
The best way to get roadside assistance quickly is to be prepared before you get stranded. In other words, have a roadside assistance membership in place and their contact information at the ready.
Roadside assistance is relatively inexpensive whether you get help from clubs like AAA, your insurance company, your vehicle’s automaker, or your credit card. The plus? You’ll be covered even outside of the MAP patrol areas.
Roadside assistance clubs in Louisiana
One of the most notable roadside assistance clubs is the one and only
AAA
, but it is also your most expensive option. On average, AAA roadside assistance will cost $60 to $165 per year, depending on the membership type. However, the
higher price of a AAA membership is probably worth it
considering the number of benefits that come with it. An AAA Classic/Basic membership includes the following benefits: - 24/7 roadside assistance
- Towing service up to three miles a year
- Fuel delivery service
- Car lockout service
On the other hand, if you splurge on the AAA Premier membership, you can get a 200-mile tow and three 100-mile tows, and one-day free car rental with a tow! Getting a membership with a roadside assistance club is a great choice for peace of mind—especially if you mainly drive outside the MAP patrol area or if your vehicle tends to have mechanical issues often.
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Manufacturers that offer roadside assistance
If you recently purchased a new vehicle, you will likely already have roadside assistance coverage through your car’s manufacturer. Many automakers will offer roadside assistance services with new car purchases up to a certain period or mileage.
Below are a few examples:
Credit card companies that offer roadside assistance
This may come as a surprise to some, but your credit card company may already have roadside assistance benefits available to you! Many major credit card companies offer this benefit, including:
- Bank of America
- Capital One
- Chase
- Citibank
- Wells Fargo
- U.S. Bank
Additionally, all Visa cards offer Roadside Dispatch for a flat fee. Mastercard Roadside Assist is offered with select Mastercard Platinum, World, and World Elite cards but the fees vary depending on the service you use. Unfortunately, American Express cardholders no longer have roadside assistance—this benefit was dropped on January 1, 2020.
Be sure to look over your credit card terms to find out if roadside assistance benefits are available and how you can use them!
Insurance companies that offer roadside assistance
If you’re looking for inexpensive and efficient roadside assistance, your car insurance provider is likely your best bet—especially for those who have an older or used car.
Major car insurance companies, including
Allstate
, Progressive
, and Nationwide
, have roadside assistance that customers can add to their policies. On average, this benefit will cost drivers an extra $10 to $20 per year. Insurance companies often refer to roadside assistance as
towing and labor coverage
, but it includes the same benefits—from fuel delivery
and jumpstarts to lockout service and tire changes. Along with checking if your insurance company has this add-on, you should also take time to
compare quotes from several insurance providers
. Chances are you’ll be able to find a better rate for your current coverage and roadside assistance.How to find free roadside assistance in Louisiana
The Louisiana Motorist Assistance Patrol is a program provided by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to assist motorists and reduce congestion caused by stalled vehicles. The patrol areas include Baton Rouge (I-10, I-12, and I-110), Lake Charles (I-10), Shreveport-Bossier City (I-20), and New Orleans (I-10).
All drivers in Louisiana can access this free service by contacting local law enforcement at 911.
MAP provides the following basic services for free:
- Provide one gallon of fuel
- Change a flat tire
- Jumpstart your car
- Fill the radiator with water
- Provide cellular phone use for additional assistance if needed
If you ever need help on a Louisiana interstate after an emergency, such as an accident or a flat tire, MAP can come to your rescue. MAP operators are qualified first responders and can act quickly to dispatch emergency medical services, tow trucks, law enforcement, and other service providers promptly.
However, keep in mind that the main goal of MAP is to improve traffic flow and provide safety and comfort to stranded drivers. This means that more extensive services from other roadside assistance providers will not be available.
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FAQs
What is the phone number for AAA?
To contact AAA’s roadside assistance, dial 1-800-222-4357. The service is available 24/7 for AAA members.
Does Louisiana have free roadside assistance?
Yes—but it’s only available within designated patrol areas and only provides basic services. More extensive services are not available.
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