Roadside assistance is a service offered by auto insurance companies to help drivers physically and financially when their vehicle breaks down. This service is usually offered for a small fee, ranging from $10 to $20 per year, and can be extremely useful in emergency situations. For example, if your car breaks down, roadside assistance can help arrange a tow, change a flat tire, or jump-start a dead battery. It also covers some or all of the costs of emergency roadside services, which can be very expensive without a plan.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
What it covers | Battery jump-starts, lockout assistance, fuel delivery, towing, spare tire installation, mechanical labor, winching, trip interruption coverage |
How to get it | Add it to your auto insurance policy, pay per use, purchase an auto club membership, receive it as a benefit from a company |
Cost | $10-$20 per year as an insurance add-on, $60-$150 per year for an auto club membership, $4.99 per month for Verizon Wireless customers, $66 per year for AARP members |
What You'll Learn
Towing to a repair location
Road service, or roadside assistance, is an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy that can help you out if your car breaks down. This includes towing your car to a repair location if it's not drivable.
Roadside assistance is an optional coverage add-on that helps you get back on the road if your vehicle breaks down. It usually costs between $10 and $20 per year when purchased as an add-on to your auto insurance policy, but can also be obtained through a credit card company, a car manufacturer, or an auto club.
If your vehicle breaks down and is not drivable, roadside assistance can help by towing your car to the nearest repair location. Some plans will only cover towing to the nearest mechanic, while others will tow your vehicle to a mechanic of your choice.
For example, AAA will tow your vehicle to your regular repair shop, a AAA-approved repair facility, a gas station, or another destination of your choice, depending on your membership type and local club rules.
Other Roadside Services
In addition to towing, roadside assistance plans typically offer a range of other services, including:
- Jump-starting your vehicle in case of a dead battery
- Changing a flat tire
- Fuel delivery
- Locksmith services if you lose your keys or lock them in your vehicle
- Minor mechanical repairs
- Winching services if your vehicle gets stuck in mud, snow, or water
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Flat-tire replacement
A flat tire can be a real headache, leaving you stranded by the side of the road. While car insurance typically won't cover the cost of a flat tire, roadside assistance can be a real lifesaver in these situations. Roadside assistance is an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy, and it can help you get back on the road quickly and easily.
So, what does roadside assistance cover when it comes to flat tires? Well, it typically includes a tire change service, but with a caveat. Most providers will only perform a tire change if you have a functioning spare tire in your vehicle. They will send a professional to swap out your flat tire with your spare, getting you back on the road in no time. This service is especially useful if you're stuck in an unsafe location, like on the side of a busy highway or in an unfamiliar area.
It's important to note that the cost of the new tire itself is usually not covered by roadside assistance. You will likely need to pay for the tire, but the service of changing the tire is included with roadside assistance. Additionally, some providers may offer to tow your vehicle to the nearest repair facility if you don't have a spare tire or if the issue is more complex and requires further attention.
Some insurance companies, like GEICO, offer convenient mobile apps that allow you to request roadside assistance quickly and easily. With just a few taps on your phone, you can get help on the way, and you can even track the service's progress to know exactly when they'll arrive. This can be a huge relief when you're stranded and need assistance as soon as possible.
While flat tires are a common issue, it's always a good idea to be prepared. Make sure you understand what your auto insurance policy covers and consider adding roadside assistance for peace of mind. That way, if you ever find yourself with a flat, you'll know exactly what to do and can get back on the road safely and efficiently.
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Jump-starting a dead battery
Roadside assistance is a service that can be added to your auto insurance policy to help you in the event of a breakdown. It covers some or all of the costs of emergency services, such as jump-starting a dead battery, changing a flat tire, and towing your vehicle.
Prepare the Necessary Tools and Park the Vehicles
Firstly, ensure you have a set of jumper cables, also known as booster cables, in your car. Park the vehicle with the working battery close to the car with the dead battery. The vehicles can be side by side or bumper to bumper, but they must be close enough for the cables to reach both batteries. Turn off the ignition and set the parking brake in both vehicles.
Locate the Battery Terminals
Open the hood of both cars to access the batteries. A car battery typically has two terminals: positive (+) and negative (-). The positive terminal is often identified by a red cap. If the terminals are coated with corrosion, use a wire brush, aluminum foil, or a similar tool to clean them. Do not touch the corrosion with your bare hands.
Connect the Jumper Cables
Jumper cables have two pairs of spring-loaded clamps, one red and one black. Connect the red clamp to the positive terminal (+) of the dead battery. Then, connect the other red clamp to the positive terminal (+) of the working battery. After that, attach the black clamp to the negative terminal (-) of the working battery. Finally, attach the remaining black clamp to an unpainted metal surface under the hood of the car with the dead battery. This could be a bolt or bracket, and some models have a grounding bolt marked with a (-) specifically for this purpose.
Start the Vehicles and Attempt to Jump-Start
Double-check that the connected cables are not near any moving engine parts. Start the engine of the vehicle with the working battery first, and let it run for a few minutes. Then, try to start the engine of the vehicle with the dead battery. If it doesn't start right away, let the working vehicle run for a few more minutes, as the dead battery may need more time to charge.
Disconnect the Jumper Cables and Drive the Jumped Car
Once the jumped car's engine is running smoothly, turn off the engine of the working vehicle and carefully disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order that you connected them. Be sure to keep the metal clamps from touching each other during this process. Drive the jumped car for at least 15-20 minutes to ensure the battery gets fully charged. If the car doesn't start the next time, there may be a problem with the battery, and it's a good idea to get it checked by a professional.
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Locksmith services
If you've locked yourself out of your car, roadside assistance can help. This is a common occurrence and can be easily rectified with the right coverage.
Roadside assistance is an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy, which can be purchased for as little as \$10 to \$20 per year. It is also offered by auto clubs, credit card companies, and car manufacturers, and sometimes even comes free with a new car.
Roadside assistance covers a range of services, including locksmith services, lockout services, and rekeying. If you have roadside assistance, you can call your provider and they will send a technician to unlock your vehicle. If they are unable to do so, they will tow your car or reimburse you for hiring a locksmith.
Some providers, like AAA, do not provide locksmith services but offer reimbursement for locksmith expenses, depending on your membership level. It is important to check the specific requirements of each insurer, as some may reimburse you for new key-cutting but not for the locksmith's call-out fee.
In the event that you do not have roadside assistance, you may still have coverage through your new car manufacturer's warranty, credit card benefits, or membership in a motorist club.
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Fuel delivery
However, if you have a roadside assistance plan, fuel delivery is often included. Roadside assistance programs are available through auto insurance companies, auto clubs, credit card companies, and car manufacturers. They provide assistance in various scenarios, such as flat tires, dead batteries, and vehicle towing.
When it comes to fuel delivery, roadside assistance programs will bring you enough fuel to reach the nearest gas station. For example, AAA's emergency fuel delivery service is available to its members, and while there is no charge for the delivery, members may have to pay for the fuel itself, depending on their membership level. Other roadside assistance programs that offer fuel delivery include AARP, Allstate, American Family, Amica, Better World Club, Erie Insurance, Esurance, Farmers, Fred Loya, GEICO, Good Sam, Liberty Mutual, MetLife, Nationwide, OnStar, Progressive, Safeco, State Farm, Urgent.ly, USAA, and Verizon.
The cost of fuel delivery through a roadside assistance program typically includes the delivery fee, and you only pay for the cost of the fuel or fluids. This "white glove" delivery service provides peace of mind, especially when stranded in unfamiliar or unsafe locations.
In addition to fuel delivery, some roadside assistance programs offer additional perks, such as discounted oil changes, travel savings, and trip interruption coverage, which can help with lodging and meal expenses if your car breaks down during a road trip.
While the primary focus of auto insurance is on unforeseen events, roadside assistance programs provide valuable services for more common issues, like running out of fuel, and can be a worthwhile investment for peace of mind while on the road.
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Frequently asked questions
Roadside assistance is a service offered to help drivers, both physically and financially, when their vehicle breaks down. This service is usually offered for a fee.
Roadside assistance covers a range of services, including:
- Towing to a repair location or the nearest mechanic
- Flat-tire replacement
- Jump-starting a dead battery
- Fuel delivery
- Locksmith services
The cost of roadside assistance depends on where you purchase it. It can be added to your car insurance policy for $10 to $20 per year. Membership to an auto club like AAA costs around $60 to $150 per year.
There are several ways to get roadside assistance:
- Add it to your auto insurance policy
- Pay per use when you need it
- Purchase an auto club membership that includes roadside assistance
- Receive it as a benefit from a company (e.g. credit card company, car manufacturer)
Whether or not roadside assistance is worth it depends on your vehicle and driving habits. If you drive an older car or take frequent road trips, roadside assistance can provide peace of mind and help in case of emergencies.