Getting stuck on the side of the road isn’t fun, the car owner has an idea that this is the most frustrating situation they face. But in this situation, the roadside will cover you and help you. There are a number of companies that offer roadside assistance plans to give you a service whenever you need it.
But before getting there are the things related to roadside assistance that you have to know. Sit back and read the article to get to know about these things:
What Is Roadside Assistance?
Roadside assistance is the service that exists to help you out if your car gets stuck on the side of the road, like the way you use the coverage of towing service if your engine breaks down. The roadside assistance covers services like battery jumpstart, flat tire changing, fuel delivery, lockout assistance, and more.
Especially in deserted areas, roadside assistance services work like a lifesaver, when there is no one to help they will protect you from being stranded helplessly. Often people also get roadside assistance coverage from their car insurance company. Your manufacturer or extended car warranty may also come with roadside coverage. The services mostly apply to cars and trucks but some companies also provide services for RVs, motorcycles, and bicycles depending on the provider.
What Do Popular Roadside Assistance Programs Cover?
Today roadside assistance is a single thing that covers multiple services. Let’s take a closer look at what roadside assistance typically offers or covers:
Towing
Getting stuck and finding a reliable towing service in an unfamiliar area is completely challenging. In this situation, all you need is roadside assistance plans; they also offer towing services for this situation. Just give them a call on the given number, and they will send a tow to your location to tow to the nearest mechanic shop or to the destination location.
Battery Jumpstart
In a situation like when you need a battery jumpstart, there is no one trustworthy to help you out. Then roadside assistance services can help by jump-starting your dead battery to get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
Fuel Delivery
Running out of fuel and can’t find a gas station near you. Roadside assistance will be there to help you because some plans provide a certain amount of fuel for free while others charge you for the fuel.
Car Lockout Service
It’s a big hassle when you lock the keys inside the car or misplace them somewhere. Instead of rushing to the car locksmith in your area, you can call your roadside assistance number and get one dispatched to your location.
Flat Tire Changing
Facing a flat tire in the middle of the journey is not a big issue for those who have tools and spare tires, and also know how to change it. But what if the driver is new and doesn’t have any idea about how to fix it? The roadside assistance will fix this problem as well if you have a spare tire because the roadside company won’t provide a spare for you to use.
Mechanical Labour
Sometimes roadside assistance plans cover one or two hours of mechanical labor at the scene if you need a quick fix. So, you may be able to get this service as well.
Winching
Some roadside assistance plans cover winching services as well, this is useful if you run off the road and get stuck in the mud or brush.
Trip Interruption
Your roadside coverage may also include trip interruption benefits which means it covers the cost of food and lodging up to a limit if your car breaks down far from home.
Battery Replacement
If the battery of your car is dead then some companies offer you to buy the new one. Then it’s beneficial to avoid towing your vehicle to a repair shop, the installation charge will be included in your membership fee but you’ll pay for the battery itself.
What Extra Services Can Be Part Of Roadside Assistance Plans?
Roadside assistance programs often provide additional services that are immediately helpful when dealing with a breakdown or a flat tire. Some companies allow expansion to include additional drivers or family members living at the same address on the policy, whereas the rest can add motorcycle and recreational vehicle coverage. But sometimes each of these protections typically comes with an additional fee. It depends on the company you choose, each has its own policies.
There are some companies that will provide discounted pricing through partnerships with rental car companies, hotels, notaries, credit card companies, travel agencies, and vehicle-history providers.
Do Car Companies Offer Roadside Assistance?
Not all 24/7 roadside assistance is provided by independent organizations or car companies. Many car companies offer similar support services with the purchase of a brand-new or certified pre-owned vehicle that lasts only for limited miles. Usually to the warranty protection associated with that particular model.
Do Insurance Companies Offer Roadside Assistance?
A range of insurance companies offer roadside assistance. The programs provided by automobile manufacturers that require a vehicle purchase, don’t usually need to hold a policy with that particular insurer to take advantage of their services.
Do Credit Card Companies Offer Roadside Assistance?
Few banks offer roadside assistance for holders of certain credit cards — services include towing, jump-starting, and fuel delivery, among others. The U.S. Bank has a credit card that includes roadside assistance benefits such as towing and fuel delivery.
Is Paying For A Roadside Assistance Membership Worth Or Not?
You may not need to add extra coverage in the form of a third-party roadside assistance program if you are already covered for roadside assistance by your vehicle’s warranty. The average cost of adding roadside assistance to an insurance policy varies between $10 and $23, while annual membership can range from about $40 to about $70, depending on location. The average cost of a single tow is more than $100 which illustrates the exact value of belonging to a roadside assistance program.
