Roadside Assistance Auto Insurance: What You Need To Know

Getting stuck on the side of the road is never fun, and it can be challenging to find the right company to call, especially in an unfamiliar location. This is where roadside assistance auto insurance comes in. Roadside assistance coverage is designed to assist and pay for expenses incurred from a broken-down or disabled vehicle. When you experience vehicle trouble, you can contact your roadside assistance provider via an app or a phone call. They will then dispatch someone to help you with your car troubles.

Towing

The cost of towing insurance varies depending on the insurance company and the terms of the coverage. Some companies offer towing insurance for as little as $10 to $20 per year, while others charge upwards of $150 per year. It's important to note that most policies have service limitations, such as a limited number of tows per year or a maximum towing mileage.

In addition to purchasing towing insurance from an insurance company, you may also be able to obtain towing services through a roadside assistance membership program, such as AAA, or from your vehicle manufacturer, credit card company, or extended car warranty.

Jump-starting a dead battery

Prepare the necessary items:

• Jumper cables: Ensure you have a good pair of jumper cables that are not rusted, frayed, or damaged. They typically come in lengths of 10-20 feet.
• A car with a working battery: The car providing assistance, also known as the "booster" or "donor" vehicle, must have a working battery with the same voltage as the dead battery. Most car batteries are 12 volts or above.
• Rag or paper towel (optional): If your battery terminals are dirty, use this to wipe them clean before jumping.

Park the vehicles:

• Position the booster vehicle close to the car with the dead battery. The vehicles can be parked beside each other or bumper-to-bumper, ensuring the jumper cables can comfortably reach both batteries.
• Turn off the ignition and remove the keys from both cars.
• Engage the parking brake and ensure both vehicles are in park or neutral.
• Open the bonnets of both cars to access the batteries.

Connect the jumper cables:

• Attach one of the red clamps (positive) to the positive terminal (+) of the dead battery. It may be labelled "POS" or have a red cover.
• Attach the other red clamp to the positive terminal (+) of the working battery in the booster vehicle.
• Connect one of the black clamps (negative) to the negative terminal (-) of the working battery in the booster vehicle.
• Attach the remaining black clamp to an unpainted metal surface, such as a bolt or bracket, in the car with the dead battery. This grounding step helps prevent sparking and reduces the risk of explosion.

Start the vehicles:

• Start the engine of the booster vehicle and let it run for a few minutes. If the dead battery is completely discharged, you may need to wait longer to allow it to build a sufficient charge.
• Attempt to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it doesn't start immediately, try again after a few minutes.

Disconnect the jumper cables:

• If the vehicle with the dead battery starts, do not turn it off. Remove the jumper cables in the reverse order of connection. Disconnect the black clamp from the dead battery, then the black clamp from the booster battery, followed by the red clamp from the booster battery, and finally, the red clamp from the dead battery.
• Ensure you keep the metal clamps from touching each other during the entire process of connecting and disconnecting them.

Drive the jumped vehicle:

After removing the jumper cables, drive the jumped vehicle for at least 15-30 minutes to ensure the battery gets charged. If it won't start the next time, you may have a battery problem and should consider getting it checked by a professional.

Safety precautions:

• Before attempting to jump-start, ensure the battery is not leaking, damaged, frozen, or corroded. Do not proceed if the battery is cracked or leaking, as it could lead to an explosion.
• Remove any rings or metal jewellery before starting the process.
• Ensure there are no open flames or metal objects (e.g., cigarettes, phones, keys) near the batteries during the jump-starting process.
• Consult the owner's manual for specific instructions related to your vehicle.

Flat tire

A flat tire can be a stressful and dangerous situation, but roadside assistance provided by your auto insurance can help. Here's what you need to do:

Get to a Safe Area

If you're driving when you get a flat, it's important to remain calm and slowly reduce your speed. Avoid slamming on the brakes; instead, slow down to 15-20 mph and carefully pull off the road to a safe spot. If you're on a highway, aim to reach the nearest exit. If you're in a busy area, try to get to a side street or a less congested location. Your priority should be finding a place where you can safely address the issue without putting yourself or other drivers at risk.

Assess the Situation

Once you're in a safe location, take a moment to assess the situation. If you have a spare tire and feel comfortable changing it yourself, you can proceed to the next section. However, if you don't have a spare or feel uneasy about the process, that's where roadside assistance comes in.

Contact Roadside Assistance

Many auto insurance companies offer roadside assistance as an optional add-on to your policy. This service typically includes flat tire changes and towing services. Contact your insurance provider to see if you have roadside assistance coverage and how to access it. They will likely have a 24/7 toll-free number or a mobile app where you can initiate a claim. Provide them with your location, and they will dispatch a technician to help you.

Wait for Assistance

After contacting roadside assistance, a technician will be dispatched to your location. They will bring a spare tire if you don't have one and will change your flat tire for you. This service is usually included in your roadside assistance coverage, but it's important to clarify with your insurance provider beforehand.

Drive to a Service Station

After your flat tire has been changed, it's important to get your vehicle to a service station or a tire store as soon as possible. If you've installed a compact spare, it's only meant to be a temporary solution, and you'll need to replace it with a full-size tire. Even if you've installed a full-size spare, it's a good idea to have a professional inspect your tires and ensure your car is safe to drive.

Prevent Future Flat Tires

Lockout services

Roadside assistance plans often cover lockout services up to a certain amount, such as $100. This means that if the cost of the locksmith service exceeds the specified amount, you will be responsible for paying the difference. It's important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your roadside assistance plan to understand the specific coverage limits for lockout services.

In addition to auto insurance companies and auto clubs, credit card companies also offer roadside assistance benefits to their cardholders. For example, certain Visa-branded Bank of America cards provide pay-per-use roadside dispatch, which includes lockout services along with other benefits. Similarly, select Chase Visa credit cards offer roadside dispatch, and cardholders pay a flat rate for each call, which includes lockout services among other emergency services.

It's worth noting that lockout services may vary depending on the provider and the specific roadside assistance plan chosen. Some plans may offer more comprehensive coverage for lockout services, while others may have certain restrictions or limitations. It's always a good idea to carefully review the details of the plan before making a purchase decision to ensure that lockout services are adequately covered.

Overall, lockout services are an integral part of roadside assistance, providing drivers with the reassurance that help is just a phone call away in the event they lock themselves out of their vehicle. By including lockout services in their roadside assistance plans, insurance companies, auto clubs, and credit card providers offer valuable protection and peace of mind to their customers.

Fuel delivery

The amount of fuel delivered varies, with AAA providing three gallons of gas to members, and five gallons of fuel being delivered by Wells Fargo consumer credit cards. Basic members of auto clubs usually pay the pump price for the fuel, while higher-tier memberships may include free fuel delivery. Diesel fuel may also be available, but it is not always guaranteed and must be requested when calling for assistance.

Payment methods for fuel delivery vary. Some services may require payment in advance or in cash, while others allow the use of credit or debit cards. It is always a good idea to clarify payment methods with the service provider before dispatching assistance.

In addition to fuel delivery, roadside assistance services typically offer a range of other benefits, such as towing, flat tire repair, lockout assistance, battery charging, and mechanical repairs. These services provide peace of mind for drivers, ensuring that they are not stranded in the event of a breakdown or an empty fuel tank.

Frequently asked questions