For example, if having family members included is important to you, but costs a bit more, that might be a better fit than a cheaper roadside assistance plan that only covers you. “Roadside assistance can be obtained from credit card companies, auto manufacturers, insurance companies, and standalone roadside assistance plans,” says Andrew Lokenauth, founder of Fluent in Finance. If you have a comprehensive auto insurance policy on your car, you might be surprised to find out that you’re already paying for some roadside assistance services. You might also choose to use a free roadside assistance network instead.
Many dealerships offer free roadside assistance with their vehicles for a certain period of time, so this is an easy way to sign up without spending any additional money. Roadside assistance employees respond to calls for service to inspect the vehicle and attempt to render appropriate repairs. Roadside assistance may be provided by departments of transportation, automobile associations, vehicle insurance providers, or dedicated roadside assistance organizations.
Full-Service Roadside Assistance Plans
Roadside assistance coverage is different from standard auto insurance. Auto insurance is designed to protect you and your vehicle in case of accidents, theft, vandalism, or damage related to acts of nature. It can cover repairs to the vehicle, as well as medical expenses and personal liability for injuries to other people or their property. You may be able to get roadside assistance as part of your auto insurance policy, but they’re two separate things. Working with insurance companies is one of the potential downsides of becoming a roadside assistance contractor. While insurance companies can provide a significant amount of business for roadside assistance contractors, the relationship can also be complex and challenging at times. Insurance companies are looking to make a profit off of their roadside services.
Read more about roadside assistance san jose here.
Get Insurance Cards
Vehicle breakdowns on the side of the road create traffic obstruction and may endanger lives. It also ruins drivers (and passengers) day that spend hours waiting for tow trucks, losing precious time, and disrupting their schedule. Whatever method you choose, a service provider will be issued for service or towing. If a mobile app is used, you may be able to track your service provider through it. Roadside assistance is an emergency service designed to provide no-cost towing to a repair facility, as well as other services in the event of an emergency unrelated to a collision. Carefully consider your needs, vehicle, and driving habits to make the right decision.
The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the insurers that scored the most points topping the list. But before you apply for a card that provides roadside assistance, consider potential drawbacks. For example, some credit cards come with steep annual fees and high interest rates.
You’d need to explain the type of vehicle issue you’re having, and the roadside assistance company would quickly review your policy to make sure that it’s covered. Assuming it is, a partner company (such as a towing company) would be dispatched to wherever you are to help you out. You’d be responsible for paying any out-of-pocket costs not covered by your roadside assistance policy. And if the policy has a deductible, you’d be responsible for paying that, as well.
All roadside assistance plans offer towing services for this situation — just call the number for your company and they’ll send a tow to your location. Some plans cover towing only to the nearest mechanic while others will tow your vehicle to a mechanic of your choice. There are several ways to find the best roadside assistance company for your needs. You can find towing companies that offer roadside assistance online, ask friends and family, or your insurance company. You can also contact a local dealership before you purchase a new car.
AAA has three plans, including one that provides four assistance calls per year and up to 3 miles of towing, and one with four calls per year and up to 100 miles of towing. Usually, you must provide valid identification and/or your membership card to receive emergency roadside services. You could manage to lock your keys in your car, need a jumpstart for a dead battery or get a flat tire. Or you might test the limits of the “E” on your fuel gauge and run out of gas.
We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you make smart personal finance decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked to ensure accuracy.
No matter which roadside assistance program you go with, making sure you have access to roadside assistance when you need it can make you safer and more relaxed on the road. By being prepared for roadside emergencies ahead of time, you can focus on just enjoying the road when it’s time to drive. Dive more into understanding roadside assistance services to know the best when stuck in roadside assistance service. The additional benefits available in your roadside assistance program will vary from policy to policy.
