Roadside support services are there to help you financially and physically when you break down. These services typically require an annual fee in return for the services they offer. There are two main benefits drivers enjoy with this type of coverage. First, the emergency breakdown support covers common roadside problems such as changing a flat tire, delivering fuel, or towing your vehicle to a mechanic’s shop if the issue can’t be resolved. It also helps you save money. In exchange for the annual fee, you won’t pay out of pocket for services that fall within the policy limits.
What Does Roadside Support Cover?
Roadside assistance covers a variety of problems you may face. A professional will be sent to your location to jump-start your vehicle when you experience a dead battery. They can help you change a flat tire, even if you are sitting along the side of a busy road. If your car is stuck, they are capable of offering wenching services to pull it out, and when you run out of gas, they will bring fuel to you. They even assist in something as simple as locking your keys in the car. If your car breaks down and cannot be repaired by the professionals that are sent to help, they will tow your car to a mechanic who can fix your vehicle. They won’t leave you stranded at this point. Transportation assistance to the driver and all passengers is included in most policies.
How is Roadside Support Different from Other Coverage?
Roadside support service is different from your auto insurance policy or your vehicle’s manufacturer’s warranty. Your insurance policy only covers damages that are a result of an accident. The manufacturer’s warranty covers repairing or replacing malfunctioning parts on your vehicle. Neither of these will send professionals to your location to help with smaller issues. A roadside assist policy can be purchased from your insurance provider or as an add-on to a manufacturer’s warranty. You’ll get the best deals when it is bundled with multiple other services from the same provider, but many roadside support services are offered from independent companies as well.
Why is Roadside Support Important?
With these services, you’ll never find yourself stuck along the side of the road, changing a tire after dark. Not only is this a hassle, but it can also be dangerous. Instead, help is only a phone call away. You’ll be given a membership card with an emergency phone number on it. A professional is immediately sent to where you are to rescue you and your vehicle. Some of the most common reasons drivers call for assistance include a flat tire, a dead battery, and lockouts. When the vehicle is no longer operable, roadside support services cover part or all of the towing expense to the nearest mechanic shop. This service alone will often cover the cost of the annual fee.
Who Can Benefit from Roadside Support?
While any driver can take advantage of the coverage offered by a roadside support program, certain individuals benefit the most. The elderly can give peace of mind to their loved ones with this coverage, as well as young or inexperienced drivers. Those with a physical disability that limits what they can do when it comes to fixing a vehicle’s small issues are ideal candidates for coverage. Parents with small children find the coverage comforting, and those living in remote areas find it convenient. If your car is older, this coverage can be an excellent safety net, and those who take long-distance road trips often find that it can save a vacation when any of these issues arise. Commuters that travel 20 miles or more will also find roadside support helpful, especially on busy highways going into bigger cities.
Roadside support services are there for you 24/7, 365 days a year. You will never be stranded along the side of the road again. With most policies, the individual is covered rather than the car. This means that you can take advantage of what they offer even if you are traveling in someone else’s vehicle. It is peace of mind in exchange for a reasonable annual fee.