How Much Towing Can I Get Through My Assistance Plan?

How Much Towing Can I Get Through My Assistance Plan?

As a driver, there’s always a sense of peace of mind knowing that if my car breaks down, I have a towing assistance plan to rely on. Whether it’s a flat tire, engine failure, or a dead battery, having the assurance that help is just a phone call away makes all the difference. However, one question that often pops up is: How much towing am I entitled to through my roadside assistance plan? This question is important because the coverage and limitations can vary greatly from one provider to another, and understanding these terms is key to avoiding unexpected out-of-pocket costs. Let me share my experiences and knowledge about towing assistance, and how you can make the most of your plan when things go wrong on the road.

united towing
United Towing Service Inc.

26170 Adams Ave, Murrieta, CA 92562, USA

1. Understanding Roadside Assistance Plans

Roadside assistance is a service offered by most auto insurance companies, vehicle manufacturers, and specialized roadside providers. It's designed to help drivers in case of a breakdown, accident, or other road-related emergencies. For me, the service has been a lifesaver more than once, especially when I’ve had issues like getting a flat tire in the middle of nowhere or running out of gas far from the nearest service station. Most of these plans offer a variety of benefits, but towing assistance is one of the most sought-after services.

j and j towing
J & J Towing

4560 N Webster Ave, Perris, CA 92571, USA

1.1 Types of Towing Coverage

When it comes to towing, the coverage offered by roadside assistance plans generally falls into different categories. I’ve found that it’s crucial to understand these categories to avoid unpleasant surprises. In my experience, the most common types of towing coverage include:

• Standard Towing: This typically covers the cost of towing your car to the nearest repair shop or safe location within a specific distance, usually between 10 to 50 miles. For example, if my car breaks down a few miles away from home, this coverage is enough to tow it to my preferred mechanic.
• Extended Towing: This is an add-on feature available with some premium plans. It allows for towing over longer distances, sometimes up to 100 miles or more. I’ve had to use this service once when my car broke down on a long road trip, and it was comforting to know the extended distance was available.
• Towing to a Specific Location: Some plans offer towing to a specific destination, such as a dealership or a body shop, instead of just the nearest repair shop. This option has been especially helpful for me when my car broke down near a dealership where I wanted to take it for repairs.

2. The Limits of Towing Assistance Plans

While roadside assistance plans seem like a great deal, it’s important to note that they do have limits. Many of the plans I’ve come across, including my own, cover towing up to a specific mileage limit. For example, if the towing coverage is capped at 25 miles, and my car breaks down 30 miles away from the nearest service station, I might be required to pay the difference for the additional 5 miles. It’s always best to check the details of your plan and make sure you understand its limitations.

2.1 Additional Charges and Fees

Another factor to keep in mind is the potential for additional charges. Some plans, especially the more basic ones, may charge extra for things like nighttime towing, towing on holidays, or towing for non-mechanical issues like locking your keys in your car. I once found myself locked out of my car late at night during a road trip, and although my plan covered roadside assistance, I was charged an additional fee for the after-hours service. It's always good to ask about these possible fees when signing up for a plan.

3. How to Maximize Your Towing Benefits

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make the most out of my towing assistance plan, ensuring I don’t get caught off guard. One of the most important tips I can share is to keep your plan updated. Life changes, and so do your driving habits. If you’ve moved further away from your usual mechanic or you’ve started driving longer distances regularly, upgrading your plan to include longer towing distances or add more comprehensive coverage might be worth the investment. I've upgraded my plan a couple of times, and each time it has given me more peace of mind knowing that I’m covered for those unexpected breakdowns.

3.1 Check for Towing Restrictions

Before you call for towing assistance, it’s important to check your plan for any restrictions on the type of towing you can use. Some plans, for example, might only cover the towing of passenger vehicles but not motorcycles or RVs. If you're unsure about the details, it’s always worth reaching out to the customer service department of your provider to clarify these points. I made sure to check this with my insurance provider when I upgraded my car, as my newer vehicle required a different type of coverage than my older car.

4. What Happens When Towing Assistance Isn’t Enough?

In some cases, even the most comprehensive towing plans may not be sufficient to cover everything. A friend of mine once had her car break down due to severe engine damage, and while her towing assistance plan covered getting the car to the nearest shop, it didn’t cover the cost of the repairs. In situations like this, additional costs can arise, so it's a good idea to be aware of what’s covered in terms of repairs and not just towing.

4.1 Additional Services to Consider

For instances where towing alone won’t suffice, it’s good to look into plans that offer additional services like rental car coverage, trip interruption coverage, or mechanical repairs. Some of the more premium plans I’ve seen provide these kinds of services, and they can be incredibly helpful. For example, a rental car for the duration of the repairs or reimbursement for expenses incurred while waiting for repairs can ease a lot of stress when dealing with a breakdown. The more comprehensive the plan, the better off you'll be in the event of an emergency.

5. Real-life Example: When My Car Broke Down

Let me share a personal experience. Last year, while traveling across the country for a business trip, my car broke down unexpectedly. It was late in the evening, and the nearest town was miles away. I was traveling alone, and the breakdown happened in a remote area. Fortunately, my roadside assistance plan covered both the towing and a temporary rental car. The towing service arrived promptly and took my car to a nearby shop. I was relieved to have that safety net, and the rental car allowed me to continue my journey without any major delays. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome in such a stressful situation.

6. How to Choose the Best Towing Assistance Plan for You

Choosing the right towing assistance plan depends on your individual driving habits and needs. If you’re someone who drives long distances regularly, I highly recommend opting for a plan with extended towing coverage. For those who mainly drive within city limits, a standard plan might suffice. When in doubt, consult with your insurance provider or road assistance service and discuss your driving patterns to find the most cost-effective plan for your lifestyle. I personally found that upgrading my plan gave me peace of mind during long road trips, and I felt more secure knowing I was covered if something went wrong on the road.