What is roadside assistance and What does it cover?

What exactly is roadside assistance and what does it include?

A flat tyre, flat battery, or engine failure can keep you from getting where you need to go. Fortunately, that's exactly what roadside assistance is for. Roadside assistance can be a good purchase for certain drivers, whether they are unable to replace their own tires or simply want peace of mind. Our Website has the answers to your roadside assistance inquiries. Our insurance editorial team has compiled the definitive roadside assistance guide to aid you in purchasing an insurance policy with confidence.

What is roadside assistance?

Roadside assistance is a service provided to assist drivers physically and financially, when their vehicle breaks down. This service or subscription is usually offered for a fee.

This provides two main advantages:

Policyholders get access to roadside emergency services if their car breaks down. Services may include fuel delivery, a flat tire change, or towing to a service center if the problem is not resolved immediately.

Roadside assistance helps reduce the cost of unexpected downtime. Like car insurance, roadside assistance policyholders pay a fee (or premium) to the service provider. When a breakdown occurs, the driver generally will not have to pay out of pocket for these emergency services, as long as they are within the limits of the policy.

To put that in perspective, if your car breaks down and needs to be towed and your roadside assistance plan covers towing, you can save a lot of money. c. According to Power, the average cost to tow is about $109, or between $2.50 and $7 per mile.

What is covered roadside assistance?

When you pick roadside assistance, you may receive the following coverage:

Stretch

Transport assistance for stranded drivers and passengers

Battery start

Gas delivery

lock service

Tire replacement

Pick to remove stuck vehicle

This is not an exhaustive list. Services vary by company.

What makes roadside assistance different from other coverage?

Roadside assistance is different from other types of coverage you might get from a car insurance policy or manufacturer's warranty. Basic car insurance usually only covers the cost of repairing accident damage, and emergency response is not a built-in feature. Warranties will repair or replace damaged parts on your new car, but flat tires and empty gas tanks are not covered, except in a few rare cases.

Note that you can often purchase a roadside assistance plan from your insurance provider or your car manufacturer as an addition to the service you currently have. Just be sure to shop around before committing to a plan to see if you're getting the best price and service.

Why is roadside assistance important?

Picture this: You are driving in an unfamiliar place at night and suddenly you hear the screeching and squealing of your tire as it explodes. Without roadside assistance, you might be stuck on the side of the road trying to change a tire yourself in the dark. But if you have emergency roadside assistance, help is just a phone call away. A specialist will be dispatched to your location to rescue you and your vehicle.

Everyone should consider roadside assistance, but it's an even more important service for the following people:

• Drivers who may not be familiar with changing tires.

• Drivers who may find it difficult to move away from their vehicle.

• Drivers who are at high risk of car damage.

• Drivers who are often in their cars.

Where can I get roadside assistance?

There are various locations where you may seek roadside assistance:

Auto Insurance Companies: One of the easiest ways to get roadside assistance is through an auto insurance company. This can be added to your monthly premium. Some carriers may also include roadside assistance as part of their full coverage car insurance package.

Member Organizations: Roadside help is provided by organizations such as AAA and Good Sam's. AAA alone has 61 million members. Membership may also include travel discounts and other special privileges.

Car Manufacturers: If you're planning to buy a new or certified used car, you can get free roadside assistance for the life of the warranty. Honda Roadside Assistance lasts for three years or 36,000 miles. Kia three years from the date of sale.

Credit card companies: There are credit cards with roadside assistance, but what you get varies from card to card. For example, some cards may only offer roadside assistance in exchange for roadside assistance. This usually means you can call a private hotline to dispatch someone, but you still have to pay for roadside service.

How to decide which roadside assistance program is right for you

With so many roadside assistance programs available, it can fall apart. Cost is an important factor, but it shouldn't be the only thing you consider. Roadside assistance programs offer different levels of coverage and additional features that you can take advantage of.

Check towing and call limits: Roadside assistance plans aren't unlimited. Your Service Provider may set a cap on the number of times you may use the Service or how far your vehicle may be driven before additional charges are incurred.

See if a plan follows the driver or the car: Roadside assistance plans follow the car, which means anyone who drives that car can use the plan. Roadside assistance packages track the driver, which means they can be used to assist in any vehicle in which the driver plans to travel.

Consider Other Perks: Roadside assistance plans, such as those offered by AAA, can come with a number of perks and discounts. While AAA roadside assistance can be more expensive than other plans, some members find that the added benefits make the cost worth it.

Find a travel hitch: If your car has a major breakdown away from home, you may need to spend the night in a hotel. Travel interruption coverage can help cover the cost of accommodation and meals while you wait for your car to be repaired.

See if you can extend coverage: A roadside assistance package may apply even if you are traveling, or you can extend coverage for family members.

Check if you have a spare key: Roadside assistance is almost always useful if you lock your keys in your car - but what if you misplace them? In this case, replacing the switch might be worth it, though you'll likely need to pay for a new set.

Many drivers purchase roadside assistance through their auto insurance company. As helpful as it may be, utilizing roadside assistance legally counts as submitting a claim, which can raise the cost of your auto insurance.

What is not included in roadside assistance?

Roadside assistance is not a substitute for a serious medical emergency. If you are in an accident, contact 911 right away. Additionally, your roadside assistance coverage is not the same as an auto insurance policy.

Before committing to a roadside assistance policy, it's important to understand where your benefits end. Roadside assistance plans will only cover your vehicle for a certain number of miles. Roadside assistance will not cover any major repairs. Depending on the car insurance coverage you carry and the cause of the damage, you can pay for the repairs yourself.