Roadside Assistance: Using Your Auto Insurance Coverage Wisely

Getting stuck on the side of the road is never fun, but having roadside assistance included in your auto insurance can give you peace of mind. Roadside assistance typically covers emergency services such as battery jump-starts, lockout assistance, fuel delivery, towing, and flat tire changes. While the specific services covered and the reimbursement limits vary depending on your insurance company and plan, having this coverage can help you get back on the road and save you money in the event of a breakdown. It's important to note that using roadside assistance through your auto insurance company may result in higher insurance premiums, so carefully review the terms and conditions before utilizing this service.

How to request roadside assistance

Requesting roadside assistance is a straightforward process. The first step is to choose a provider and purchase a roadside assistance plan. This could be through your auto insurance company, an auto club like AAA, or even your credit card company. Once you have a plan, you'll be given a phone number to call in case of an emergency. Some companies also offer apps or online portals through which you can request assistance.

When you find yourself stranded on the side of the road, simply call the number provided by your roadside assistance company. They will ask you for some information, such as your location, the type of service you need, and a description of your vehicle. You may also need to provide your membership or policy number, depending on your provider.

After you've made the call, a tow truck or mechanic from the company's network will be dispatched to your location to help get your vehicle back up and running. This usually includes services such as towing, jump-starting a dead battery, changing a flat tire, and lockout assistance.

It's important to note that the specific steps for requesting roadside assistance may vary depending on your provider, so be sure to review the information provided by your chosen company.

What to do if you run out of fuel

If you run out of fuel, the first thing to do is to get yourself out of harm's way. If you are driving, pull over to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. If your car has stalled in the middle of the road, put your gear into neutral and try to coast to the side of the road. If you can't move the car, turn on your hazard lights and stay in the vehicle. Call the police for help if you are in a dangerous situation.

Once you are safely off the road, determine your location so that you can receive assistance. If you have roadside assistance coverage through your car insurance company or another service, contact them for help. They will be able to bring you fuel or tow your car. If you don't have roadside assistance, you can call a towing company or mechanic, but this can be expensive. Alternatively, you can try to flag down another driver and ask them to bring you fuel or call for assistance.

While you are waiting for help, it is important to stay with your vehicle. Do not try to walk to a gas station, especially if you are in a remote location. It is also a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car, including a hazard triangle, a high-visibility jacket, an empty fuel can, a mobile phone, spare clothes, food, and water.

To prevent running out of fuel in the future, try to refuel when your tank is still around a quarter full. Driving conditions can affect your fuel consumption, and it is better to be safe than stranded on the side of the road.

What to do if you lock yourself out of your car

If you lock yourself out of your car, the first thing to do is stay calm and think clearly. Panicking will only make the situation more stressful and could cloud your judgment.

Next, you should call a locksmith or roadside assistance service. If you have auto insurance, check whether your policy covers lockouts. If you're in an emergency or high-risk scenario—for example, if a child or animal is locked inside the car—call the police or emergency services. They will arrive more quickly than a locksmith or roadside assistance service and will not charge for their help, but you will have to pay to repair any damage they cause to your car.

If you don't have insurance or can't contact a locksmith or roadside assistance service, there are several methods you can try to unlock your car yourself. These include:

• Using a shoelace or piece of string with a slipknot to manoeuvre the lock mechanism
• Using a wire coat hanger to reach the lock mechanism
• Using a windshield wiper blade to reach the lock mechanism
• Using an inflatable wedge to create a gap in the window, then reaching in to unlock the door
• Using a bobby pin to manipulate the lock mechanism
• Using a cell phone app to unlock your car—many new vehicles offer free Apple and Android apps that allow drivers to control their cars remotely

What to do if you need a jump start

If your car won't start, you may need a jump start. Here's what to do:

Position the Booster Vehicle

Park a vehicle with a full battery close to the car with the discharged battery. The vehicles can be side by side or bumper-to-bumper, but they must be close enough for the jumper cables to reach the batteries. Turn off the ignition on both cars and remove the keys. Apply the parking brake and turn off all accessories in both vehicles.

Locate the Battery Terminals

Open the hood of both cars to access the batteries. Car batteries have two terminals: positive (+) and negative (-). The positive terminal is often marked with a red cap. If you can't find the terminals, refer to the vehicle manual. Make sure the terminals are free from corrosion and remove any coating with a wire brush, foil, or similar—do not use your hands as it can irritate the skin. Do not attempt to jump the battery if it is cracked or leaking.

Connect the Jumper Cables

Jumper cables have a pair of clamps at each end, typically one red and one black. Connect the red clamp to the positive terminal (+) of the dead battery. Then, connect the red clamp from the other end of the cables to the positive terminal (+) of the booster battery. After that, attach the black clamp to the negative terminal (-) of the booster battery. Finally, attach the remaining black clamp to an unpainted metal part on the engine of the car with the dead battery, such as a bolt or bracket. Ensure the clamps do not touch each other or any metal parts during this process.

Jump-Start the Car

Double-check that the connected booster cables are away from moving engine parts. Start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery first and let it run for a few minutes. Then, start the car with the weak battery. If the engine doesn't turn over right away, wait a few minutes to allow the battery to charge. You can also try increasing the idle speed of the booster vehicle.

Disconnect the Jumper Cables

Once the car with the weak battery is running, leave it running and disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order they were attached. First, remove the black clamp from the dead car, then the black clamp from the booster car, followed by the red clamp from the booster car, and finally, the red clamp from the dead car. Ensure the clamps do not touch each other or the car during this process.

Drive the Jumped Car

Return the jumper cables to your emergency kit and close the hood. Drive the jumped car for at least 20 minutes to allow the alternator to charge the battery. Park the vehicle in an open and safe location in case you need to jump-start it again. If the car continues to have issues starting, you may need to replace the battery or check the charging system.

What to do if you need a tow

If you need a tow, the first thing to do is figure out your location so that towing services can find you. If you have roadside assistance and a cell phone, they may be able to track your location for you. If not, look for signs, houses, or buildings to help you figure out a nearby address.

Call for assistance as soon as possible. If you have roadside assistance, call your provider, and they will take your location and match you with a towing service near you. If you don't have roadside assistance, you can search for towing services near you and find the number for a service close to your location.

The sooner you call, the sooner you will be able to get towed to your chosen destination. Towing services are often busy, especially during the winter, and may take a while to get to you. Getting your tow request in right away will shorten your wait time.

Once you've placed your call for a tow service to get you, you should be okay to wait in your vehicle until help arrives.

If your vehicle has a minor issue that can be fixed on the spot, such as a flat tire or a dead battery, roadside assistance may be sufficient, and a tow won't be necessary. However, if your vehicle is not drivable or requires extensive repairs, a tow is likely necessary.

When calling for a tow, you should provide your location, the type of vehicle you have, a brief description of the problem, and any specific instructions to help locate you easily. In most cases, you can choose the destination for the towed vehicle, but certain circumstances may limit your options, such as if the vehicle is being towed to a specific repair shop recommended by your insurance provider.

Frequently asked questions