The Benefits of Roadside Assistance Coverage

Have you ever experienced a car breakdown or a flat tire on the road? If so, you know how frustrating and stressful it can be, especially if you don’t have anyone to help you. You may end up wasting your time and money on finding a tow truck, a mechanic, or a locksmith. You may also put yourself and others in danger if you are stranded in a remote or unsafe area.

That’s why having roadside assistance coverage can be a lifesaver. Roadside assistance coverage is a type of service that can pay for or provide emergency assistance when your car malfunctions or breaks down on the road. It can help you with services such as towing, gas or oil delivery, battery jump start, flat tire change, lockout service, and more.

Roadside assistance coverage can save you time, money, and hassle in case of a car emergency. It can also give you peace of mind and confidence on the road. In this article, we will show you the benefits of roadside assistance coverage and how to get it. We will explain what roadside assistance covers, how to get roadside assistance coverage, and how to use roadside assistance coverage.

What Does Roadside Assistance Cover?

Roadside assistance coverage can cover a variety of services and benefits that can help you when you have a car emergency on the road. While each plan may have different features and limits, here are some of the common services and benefits that roadside assistance covers:

• Towing: If your car breaks down and cannot be fixed on the spot, roadside assistance can arrange and pay for towing your car to the nearest repair shop or another location of your choice within a certain distance limit. The distance limit may vary by plan, but it is usually between 5 to 20 miles. If you need to tow your car beyond the limit, you may have to pay extra fees.
• Gas delivery: If your car runs out of gas on the road, roadside assistance can deliver gas to your location. Depending on your plan, you may have to pay for the cost of gas or get it for free up to a certain amount.
• Battery jump start: If your car battery dies and you need a jump start, roadside assistance can send someone to help you start your car with jumper cables or a portable battery pack.
• Flat tire change: If your car gets a flat tire on the road, roadside assistance can send someone to help you change it with your spare tire. If you don’t have a spare tire or if your spare tire is also flat, roadside assistance can arrange and pay for towing your car to the nearest repair shop or another location of your choice within the distance limit.
• Lockout service: If you lose your keys or lock them inside your car, roadside assistance can send a locksmith to help you unlock your car. Depending on your plan, you may have to pay for the cost of the locksmith service or get it for free up to a certain amount.

Some plans may also offer some extra benefits that can enhance your roadside assistance experience. Some of these extra benefits are:

• Trip interruption coverage: If your car breaks down while you are on a road trip more than 100 miles away from home, this coverage can reimburse you for certain expenses related to lodging, food, transportation, and other necessities up to a certain limit per day and per incident.
• Legal defense reimbursement: If you need an attorney to defend you in court against a traffic violation or citation, this coverage can reimburse you for legal fees up to a certain limit per incident.
• Guaranteed arrest bond: If you are charged with a traffic violation or citation that requires posting bond, this coverage can post bond for you up to a certain limit per incident.

These services and benefits can help you deal with different types of car emergencies on the road. They can also save you from paying out-of-pocket expenses that can be costly and unexpected.

How to Get Roadside Assistance Coverage?

There are different ways to get roadside assistance coverage. You can get it as an add-on option from your auto insurance company, as a benefit from your credit card company or membership in an organization, as a standalone service from a motor club or a specialized provider, or as a pay-per-use service when needed.

Each option has its pros and cons, and you need to compare them carefully before choosing the best one for your needs and budget. Here are some factors to consider when comparing different options:

• Cost: The cost of roadside assistance coverage can vary depending on the provider, the plan features and limits, and other factors. Generally speaking, adding roadside assistance coverage to your auto insurance policy is usually cheaper than buying it from a motor club or a specialized provider. However, you may also have to pay a deductible or a co-pay for each service call, which can add up over time. On the other hand, getting roadside assistance coverage as a benefit from your credit card company or membership in an organization is usually free or included in your annual fee. However, you may have to pay for the cost of the services or get limited coverage. Paying per use for roadside assistance services when needed is usually the most expensive option, but it can be convenient if you rarely need them.
• Coverage: The coverage of roadside assistance plans can vary depending on the provider, the plan features and limits, and other factors. Generally speaking, adding roadside assistance coverage to your auto insurance policy gives you more comprehensive coverage than getting it from a credit card company or membership in an organization. However, you may also have to deal with more restrictions and exclusions, such as service call limits, distance limits, vehicle eligibility, etc. On the other hand, getting roadside assistance coverage from a motor club or a specialized provider gives you more flexibility and options than adding it to your auto insurance policy. However, you may also have to pay more for the premium or membership fee. Paying per use for roadside assistance services when needed gives you the most freedom and choice, but it can also be risky and unpredictable.
• Quality: The quality of roadside assistance services can vary depending on the provider, the plan features and limits, and other factors. Generally speaking, adding roadside assistance coverage to your auto insurance policy gives you access to a large network of service providers that are vetted and contracted by your insurance company. However, you may also have to deal with longer wait times, lower priority, and less customer service. On the other hand, getting roadside assistance coverage from a motor club or a specialized provider gives you access to a dedicated network of service providers that are trained and certified by the club or provider. However, you may also have to deal with higher fees, limited availability, and less flexibility. Paying per use for roadside assistance services when needed gives you access to any service provider that is available and willing to help you. However, you may also have to deal with higher prices, lower quality, and less reliability.

To choose the best option for getting roadside assistance coverage, you need to weigh the pros and cons of each option and compare them based on your needs and budget. You also need to do some research and shop around for the best deals and offers from different providers.

How to Use Roadside Assistance Coverage?

If you have roadside assistance coverage and you have a car emergency on the road, here are some steps on how to use it:

• Contact your roadside assistance provider via phone or app and request the service you need. Provide your name, location, vehicle information, and membership or policy number if applicable.
• Wait for the assistance to arrive at your location. Follow the instructions from your provider and stay safe while waiting. If possible, move your car to a safe spot away from traffic and turn on your hazard lights. If not possible, stay inside your car with your seatbelt on and lock your doors.
• Receive the service from the assistance provider and sign any necessary paperwork. If you have to pay for any fees or costs that are not covered by your plan, do so directly to the service provider.
• Review your service experience and provide feedback to your provider if needed.

To make the most of your roadside assistance coverage, here are some tips on how to use it effectively:

• Check your policy details and limits before using your roadside assistance coverage. Know what services and benefits are covered and what are not. Know how many service calls you can make per year and how far they can tow your car. Know if there are any deductibles or co-pays for each service call.
• Keep your membership card or number handy in case you need to use your roadside assistance coverage. Store it in your wallet, glove box, or phone for easy access.
• Follow safety precautions while waiting for help on the road. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions and impairments while driving. Don’t leave your car unattended unless necessary.
• Review your roadside assistance coverage regularly and update it if needed. Check if there are any changes in your personal or vehicle details that may affect your coverage or rates. Check if there are any new offers or discounts that you can take advantage of.

By following these steps and tips, you can use your roadside assistance coverage efficiently and effectively.

Conclusion

Roadside assistance coverage is a valuable service that can help you when you have a car emergency on the road. It can cover services such as towing, gas delivery, battery jump start, flat tire change, lockout service, and more. It can also offer extra benefits such as trip interruption coverage, legal defense reimbursement, guaranteed arrest bond, and more.

You can get roadside assistance coverage from different sources, such as adding it to your auto insurance policy, receiving it as a benefit from a credit card company or membership in an organization, purchasing it from a motor club or a specialized provider, or paying per use when needed. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and you need to compare them carefully before choosing the best one for your needs and budget.

Roadside assistance coverage can save you time, money, and hassle in case of a car emergency. It can also give you peace of mind and confidence on the road. If you want to learn more about the benefits of roadside assistance coverage and how to get it, contact us today for a free quote. We will help you find the best roadside assistance plan that suits your needs and budget.