What is your plan if your vehicle is disabled while traveling?
Roadside assistance options come in many shapes and sizes.
Knowing your options and having a plan saves valuable time, money and frustration.
My Story
Last weekend our oldest daughter wound up with a flat tire while visiting a state park.
Fortunately for her, she carries a portable air compressor and was able to repair it without calling for help.
However, that incident made me question my lack of a plan for a time when I would be stranded with a disabled vehicle.
Calling my husband is always my first choice, but what would I do if he were unavailable?
Recalling a conversation regarding a roadside assistance package when I purchased my car sent me down a rabbit hole.
It turns out that roadside assistance options come in many shapes and sizes, and it’s not a one size fits all.
Know your options, make a choice, and have a plan in place in the event your vehicle is disabled while traveling.
Roadside Assistance Options
Auto Club Memberships
Roadside assistance auto club memberships are the option with which most of us are familiar.
There are different packages, depending on your own personal needs.
Some membership options are attached to the person, and some to the vehicle.
If you’re stranded with someone that doesn’t have roadside assistance, and your membership is associated with you and not the vehicle, you will be able to cash in on your own membership.
Some companies require you to use an in-network service, and others allow you to use your company of choice.
There are many variables between companies, and I have not researched them extensively.
My point is simply to make you aware they exist.
There are multiple companies from which to choose and each one has their own guidelines of use.
If you decide an auto club membership is right for you, do your research and familiarize yourself with all the perks of the one you choose.
Vehicle Purchase Add-On
When you purchase a vehicle, there is so much paperwork that it’s easy to forget the small details.
Often the purchase price, or extended warranty, includes roadside assistance.
The last two vehicles I’ve purchased have both included a roadside assistance package.
The services included are similar to what’s included with auto club memberships. However, the coverage is definitely associated with the vehicle and not for any other car I may be driving.
While other options typically include towing to the nearest repair facility, my contract states towing is to the nearest dealer. If your vehicle is under warranty, this may be a better option.
As with membership options, I am tied to using a company with whom there is a contract in place.
There are exceptions, depending on the circumstances.
Call the dealer from whom you purchased your vehicle and look at your contract to determine if this option was included when you purchased your vehicle.
Credit Card Perks
Many credit cards offer roadside assistance as a perk for carrying their card.
The services available vary from card to card but it’s worth looking into to see if your credit card offers a roadside assistance perk.
Confirm the details.
Auto Insurance Add On
I knew my auto insurance included a towing option. What I didn’t realize was that towing was part of a roadside assistance package add-on.
One phone call to State Farm confirmed that my current coverage included roadside assistance.
I have the option of calling my towing company of choice, and requesting reimbursement after the fact, or I can call the toll-free number and request service.
The cost for this add-on is nominal.
With such a wide variety of options, how do you choose what’s right for you?
Consider the following factors.
Cost
The annual cost is one of the biggest considerations.
Compare the options, and the price of each, to determine what option best fits your budget.
Flexibility
Do you want the option to use your company of choice and seek reimbursement later?
Or would you prefer to call a toll-free number and let someone else make the arrangements and handle billing?
It’s a personal choice based on what works best for you.
Service Needs
Under what circumstances would you need to call for service?
I’m guessing that the biggest reason that someone calls for assistance is a flat tire or a breakdown requiring a tow.
Whatever service needs you anticipate, make sure they are included.
Read the Fine Print
Ask if there are situations where you won’t be covered.
My coworker tells of the time she went over the hill. It wasn’t covered because it wasn’t “roadside”. The tow truck driver drove off, leaving her stranded.
Apparently, her coverage was literally “roadside”.
Finally, Be Prepared
Make the best decision you can based on the information you have.
Honestly, you won’t know for sure until after you need to use it and see how it pans out.
Write down the basic information on an index card and keep a copy in your glove box, and in your purse or wallet.
What is your plan if your vehicle is disabled while traveling?
Know your options and be prepared.
In the event you need to call for roadside assistance you will save time, money, and frustration.
Happy Travels!
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WHAT IS MICKI’S LITTLE LETTER?
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