The Importance of Roadside Assistance.
Has your car ever broken down, with no way for you to fix it? It can be a very scary and frustrating feeling of roadside, especially if you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere. This nightmare scenario can happen to anyone at any time.
Despite the advancement of automotive technology, cars will always malfunction from time to time. And when they do, it is important to be prepared for it! Roadside assistance can help you in a lot of situations. Without it, however, you may find yourself stranded and stuck with a broken car, potentially ruining your whole day.
What is roadside assistance, and what does it cover?
Roadside assistance is an extra service, often offered by your car’s manufacturer, which can assist you in a range of unexpected and inconvenient situations. The roadside assistance service may contact you to inform you that there is a problem with your vehicle, or it may just send someone if they notice that something is wrong.
Either way, their goal is to help you get back on the road as safely and quickly as possible. Depending on your car’s manufacturer, they may cover things like flat tires, running out of fuel, dead batteries, or even being locked out of your car with no keys!
How do I arrange roadside assistance?
Before you leave for any trip in your vehicle – whether it’s a road trip or just running errands around town – be sure to ask your car dealer about the roadside assistance plan they have available for your vehicle. If it is not offered, consider buying another service that may help you with an emergency.
How much does roadside assistance cost?
The price of roadside service varies by provider. Many offer it for free with your auto insurance policy, while others charge a small fee on top of the costs. These charges are typically per year, so they are not very expensive in the long run. Some do have contracts that can be extreme depending on when you buy them, so it is important to understand what these contracts entail before signing.
How does roadside assistance work?
Some roadside service providers will help you at all hours of the day or night, no matter how remote the location is. They typically send a local mechanic to your car immediately who can assess what is wrong and get it fixed within an hour. This allows for very little downtime when you are stranded.
If your car needs a tow truck, the service helps get you to a mechanic and depending on your plan, may pay for any costs that may occur. Some providers do charge for towing, but they typically only apply the fee if it is over ten miles or over twenty minutes away from where you were when you called them.
How to choose the best roadside assistance plan for your needs
Before signing up for roadside assistance, it is recommended that you read the fine print and be aware of the fees and other details. Most providers offer options such as towing, fuel delivery, jump-starting vehicles, flat tire fixes and locksmith services. Knowing what potential do-it-yourself tasks you’re capable of should help determine which plan you need.
If you’re a person who travels long distances and spends hours behind the wheel, opting for a plan with unlimited service calls is probably the best bet. This will provide you peace-of-mind which can be invaluable when driving in an area where no help is available or on long road trips.
It’s also recommended that you review your insurance policy to see if they have reciprocal agreements with roadside assistance providers. If this is the case, you can sign up for a plan with your insurance company, which will allow you to receive priority assistance during an emergency call out.
What to do if you need roadside assistance
If you’ve become stranded, try to remain calm and remember your roadside assistance provider’s phone number.
Call them up and report the problem by giving as much information as you can, including where you are located, so they can quickly send out help. If it’s dark or nighttime, turn on your car’s interior light so that help can spot you more easily.
What happens when help arrives?
When help does arrive, they will check to see what the problem is with your car by checking your engine oil levels, tire pressure, etc. If it’s nighttime or dark outside, they’ll also turn on their flashing hazard lights so that others can see them while they work on your car.
Conclusion
Roadside assistance can be a real lifesaver for motorists, and it is definitely worth the money. Ensure that you know what your options are in case something goes wrong with your car, and check to see if any companies in your area offer free services like this.
