The Benefits of Adding Roadside Assistance to Your Policy

Roadside assistance is one of the most valuable and often underappreciated services included in many car insurance policies. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or a new car owner, adding roadside assistance to your policy can provide significant peace of mind, convenience, and security. In this article, we’ll explore the many benefits of adding roadside assistance to your car insurance policy, including how it works, what it covers, and why it’s worth the investment.

1. What Is Roadside Assistance?

Roadside assistance is a service provided by many auto insurance companies that offers help when your vehicle breaks down or encounters other common road-related problems. This coverage can provide you with emergency support, ensuring that you’re not stranded or left without help in inconvenient or dangerous situations.

Roadside assistance services typically include a variety of services such as:

Towing: If your car breaks down and cannot be repaired on the spot, the service will tow it to a nearby mechanic, auto shop, or your home.
Battery Jumpstart: If your battery dies, roadside assistance can send a technician to jumpstart your car, so you can continue your journey without needing to wait for a tow.
Flat Tire Assistance: In the event of a flat tire, the service will help you change it, either by replacing the tire with your spare or by bringing you a new tire.
Lockout Assistance: If you lock your keys inside your car, roadside assistance can send someone to unlock your vehicle.
Fuel Delivery: If you run out of gas while on the road, roadside assistance can deliver enough fuel to get you to the nearest gas station.
Winching: If your vehicle is stuck in mud, snow, or a ditch, winching services can help pull your vehicle out safely.

While some of these services may be available as stand-alone products, adding them to your auto insurance policy as a bundled package can often be more affordable and convenient.

2. Peace of Mind for Drivers

One of the primary benefits of roadside assistance is the peace of mind it offers to drivers. When you add roadside assistance to your car insurance policy, you can rest easy knowing that you have a support network available to help you in case of an emergency. Whether you’re on a long road trip or just running errands around town, you’ll never have to worry about being stranded in the event of a breakdown or another common car issue.

24/7 Support: Roadside assistance is typically available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which means you can get help any time, day or night. Having this coverage ensures that you can count on support no matter where you are or what time it is, making it a vital service for drivers who travel frequently or those in remote locations.
Instant Access to Help: Roadside assistance can usually be accessed quickly through a simple phone call to your insurance provider. With just a few details about your situation and location, help will be dispatched to your location, minimizing the stress of dealing with car troubles.

3. Cost-Effective and Convenient

For many drivers, the cost of adding roadside assistance to their auto insurance policy is relatively low, especially when compared to the cost of paying for these services individually. Many auto insurers offer roadside assistance as an add-on or as part of a premium package, and it can often be added to your policy for as little as $10 to $30 per year. This makes it an affordable way to add a layer of protection and convenience to your insurance coverage.

Avoiding Expensive Towing Fees: Towing services, in particular, can be expensive, with costs often ranging from $50 to $150 or more per tow, depending on distance and location. Adding roadside assistance to your policy can prevent you from paying high out-of-pocket fees when you need a tow.
Pay-Per-Use Cost of Individual Services: If you need a battery jumpstart, tire change, or lockout assistance, the cost of these services can also add up quickly when paid on a per-use basis. Having roadside assistance as part of your policy means you won’t have to pay separately for each service, saving you money over time.

4. Helps Prevent Further Damage to Your Vehicle

When your car breaks down or encounters another issue on the road, it’s tempting to try to fix the problem yourself or wait for a friend or family member to help. However, attempting DIY repairs or driving with a malfunctioning vehicle can cause more damage in the long run. Roadside assistance can prevent this by sending trained professionals to assess the problem and, if necessary, transport your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.

Safe and Professional Assistance: Roadside assistance professionals are trained to handle common breakdowns and issues safely. They know how to handle the situation properly to prevent additional damage to your vehicle and can offer a quick solution that allows you to avoid further problems down the road.
No Need for DIY Fixes: For drivers who are unfamiliar with car repairs or don’t have the right tools, attempting a roadside fix can lead to mistakes that worsen the situation. With roadside assistance, you don’t have to worry about this – help will arrive and handle the problem professionally.

5. Convenience for Long Road Trips

Road trips can be one of life’s greatest adventures, but they also come with their own set of risks. You’re often driving long distances, sometimes in unfamiliar areas, which increases the likelihood of an issue such as running out of fuel, getting a flat tire, or having a mechanical failure. Roadside assistance adds an extra layer of convenience and support when you’re far from home.

Peace of Mind on the Road: Knowing that roadside assistance is only a phone call away can make long road trips less stressful. Whether you’re driving through remote areas or taking an unfamiliar route, having coverage ensures that if something goes wrong, help will be there to resolve the situation quickly.
Avoid Delays and Cancellations: Car problems during road trips can lead to significant delays or even cause the trip to be canceled. Roadside assistance minimizes these disruptions, allowing you to get back on the road as quickly as possible.

6. Beneficial for Older or High-Mileage Cars

If you drive an older vehicle or one with higher mileage, the likelihood of experiencing a breakdown increases. Mechanical issues, tire problems, and battery failures are more common in older cars, making roadside assistance a valuable add-on for drivers in these situations.

Proactive Coverage: Older vehicles are more likely to experience issues, and having roadside assistance ensures that if anything goes wrong, you don’t have to worry about being stranded without help.
Cost of Repairs: For cars that are out of warranty or no longer under manufacturer coverage, roadside assistance can save you money by offering services like towing and tire changes, potentially preventing larger repair bills down the road.

7. Convenient for New Drivers and Families

New drivers or families with young children often benefit from the added security and convenience of roadside assistance. New drivers may not have the experience to deal with car trouble on their own, and families may not want to risk being stranded with young children in the car.

Peace of Mind for Parents: Parents can rest easy knowing that if their car breaks down, their children will be safe and that a professional will handle the situation quickly.
Assistance for New Drivers: New drivers may be nervous about handling breakdowns or accidents on their own. Roadside assistance offers reassurance and guidance, ensuring that they have the help they need when they need it most.

8. Additional Benefits

In addition to the primary benefits of roadside assistance, many insurers offer additional perks as part of the service, including:

Trip Interruption Coverage: Some insurers offer compensation for meals, lodging, or other expenses if your trip is interrupted due to a breakdown.
Rental Car Assistance: If your car is towed to a repair shop and requires several days to fix, roadside assistance may help you arrange for a rental car, so you’re not without transportation.

Conclusion

Adding roadside assistance to your car insurance policy is a simple, cost-effective way to gain peace of mind, especially for those who spend a lot of time on the road. Whether you’re on a road trip, dealing with a flat tire, or in need of emergency towing, roadside assistance ensures that you are never left stranded in a stressful situation. The convenience, safety, and affordability make it an invaluable service for drivers of all types, providing not only immediate help but also long-term savings. If you haven’t already, consider adding roadside assistance to your policy to enjoy these benefits and drive with confidence.