How to Choose the Best Insurance to Lower Your Roadside Assistance Costs
There’s nothing more frustrating than being stranded on the side of the road, especially when you’re not prepared for the inevitable expenses that come with it. I learned this the hard way during a trip a few years ago when I broke down in a remote area. Not only was it an inconvenience, but the costs associated with roadside assistance and towing were surprisingly high. Since then, I’ve made it a priority to better understand the insurance policies that can help lower those costs. Let me share what I've learned so far and how you can protect yourself with the right insurance policy.
AM AUTO REPAIR
17429 Clark Ave, Bellflower, CA 90706, USA
1. Understand the Basics of Roadside Assistance Coverage
The first time I faced a roadside emergency, I didn’t know what insurance covered what. I figured my standard car insurance would take care of everything, but it turns out that wasn't the case. Roadside assistance isn't always included in the standard car insurance policy. For me, it was a wake-up call. So, I spent time understanding how roadside assistance coverage works and how it can save you money.
Roadside assistance coverage typically includes services such as towing, battery jump-starts, tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockout assistance. In some cases, it may even cover trip interruption expenses, like hotel accommodations or rental car costs if your vehicle is being repaired. However, the coverage can vary greatly depending on your insurer and the specific policy options. After my breakdown incident, I quickly realized how important it is to know exactly what’s covered under your policy before you find yourself needing it.
AM AUTO REPAIR
17429 Clark Ave, Bellflower, CA 90706, USA
2. Compare Roadside Assistance Add-Ons with Your Current Policy
One of the best pieces of advice I received was to review and compare the available add-ons with my current policy. Roadside assistance can often be added as a rider or add-on to your existing car insurance policy. When I started shopping for insurance with roadside assistance coverage, I found that many companies offered this feature for a very reasonable cost. It was an easy decision after factoring in how much money I could save on potential towing and labor costs.
Some of the add-ons I found most valuable include unlimited towing mileage, tire changes, fuel delivery, and locksmith services. I personally went for a plan that also covered the cost of trip interruption. This was particularly important to me, as I travel frequently for work, and I wanted to avoid the added expense of a hotel if my car broke down far from home.
3. Evaluate the Towing Limits and Distance
One thing I learned from my experience is that not all towing coverage is created equal. Some insurance policies offer limited towing mileage, which can lead to additional costs if you break down in a more remote area. I found this out when I needed a tow to a mechanic 40 miles away from where I broke down. My policy only covered up to 15 miles, and I ended up paying for the remaining distance out of pocket.
When choosing a policy, make sure you understand how far your insurance will tow your vehicle. For frequent travelers or those living in rural areas, it’s worth paying a little extra for a policy that offers longer towing distances. It might seem like a small detail, but it can save you a lot in the long run, especially when you're stranded far from home.
4. Review the Costs of Roadside Assistance Coverage
When I first started looking into roadside assistance insurance, I thought the cost would be too high to justify. However, I soon discovered that many providers offer this coverage for a surprisingly low monthly fee. For a small addition to my car insurance premium, I could have peace of mind knowing that I wouldn't face huge out-of-pocket expenses if I needed a tow or other roadside services.
The cost varies depending on the insurance company and the type of plan you choose, but typically, adding roadside assistance to your insurance policy will cost between $5 and $15 a month. Some insurers even offer this service for free as part of their full coverage plans. I ended up choosing a plan that was around $8 a month, which is more than worth it for the services I now have access to.
5. Consider Third-Party Roadside Assistance Providers
In my quest to lower roadside assistance costs, I also looked into third-party providers. Some companies, like AAA, offer specialized roadside assistance packages that are available independently of your car insurance. These services usually come with additional benefits such as discounts at partner shops or even concierge services that help with trip planning. While I eventually chose to add roadside assistance to my insurance, some people may find that third-party options are better for their needs, especially if they don't want to change their current car insurance policy.
When deciding between adding roadside assistance to your car insurance or going with a third-party provider, it’s essential to evaluate the cost, coverage, and services offered by each. In my case, I found that adding it to my insurance was the most cost-effective and hassle-free option, but it’s not the same for everyone.
6. Check for Discounts on Roadside Assistance
One of the most overlooked ways to reduce roadside costs is by asking for discounts. Many insurance companies offer discounts for bundling roadside assistance with other services, such as auto insurance, home insurance, or even life insurance. I took advantage of a bundle deal that saved me around 15% on my monthly premium. It was a small change, but the savings really added up over time.
Another discount to look out for is loyalty discounts. Some insurers reward long-term customers with reduced rates for additional coverage, including roadside assistance. I’ve been with the same insurance company for years, and when I added roadside assistance, I was surprised to find out that my loyalty earned me a discount. Always ask about available discounts or promotions when speaking with an agent.
7. Understand the Terms and Limitations of Your Roadside Assistance Coverage
Before finalizing my decision, I made sure to read through the fine print of my insurance policy to fully understand the terms and limitations of my roadside assistance coverage. Some policies, while seemingly comprehensive, have hidden restrictions, such as only covering certain types of vehicles or limiting the number of times you can use the service each year. For instance, I found that my plan only covers three towing incidents per year, which I felt was fair considering the price. However, I made sure to double-check these details to avoid any surprises.
It's always a good idea to read your insurance policy carefully to ensure that you're not signing up for unnecessary limitations. Be sure to ask your insurer about any restrictions on things like towing distance, types of services covered, or exclusions for pre-existing conditions, like certain types of mechanical breakdowns.
