When you're on the road, you never know when you might encounter a problem with your vehicle. Whether it is a flat tire, a dead battery, or a lockout, you need someone to help you get back on track.
Roadside emergencies create uncertainty and stress, especially when you're far from home or traveling with family. You worry about finding reliable help quickly, managing unexpected costs, and keeping everyone safe while stranded. That's why many drivers consider adding roadside assistance to their car insurance.
Roadside assistance is a service that may provide gas or oil delivery, emergency jumpstarts, towing, or other automotive support in case of a breakdown or emergency.
At the Horan insurance agency, we work with multiple carriers to help Central New York drivers explore roadside assistance options that may fit their coverage requirements.
This article explores what roadside assistance coverage includes, how it compares to membership services like AAA, and factors to consider when deciding if this coverage fits your situation.
AAA and Insurance Carrier Roadside Assistance: Understanding Your Options
There are two main types of roadside assistance: AAA and insurance carrier roadside assistance.
AAA Roadside Assistance
AAA roadside assistance is a service offered by the American Automobile Association to its members. It provides travel planning and a range of emergency services for drivers who experience issues with their vehicles while on the road.
These services, which are available 24/7, may include
- battery jump-starts
- flat tire changes
- towing to a nearby repair facility
- vehicle lockout assistance, and
- fuel delivery in case of an empty tank
The purpose of AAA roadside assistance is to help drivers get back on the road as quickly and safely as possible.
Overall, it's a service option that may save you time and money if you ever need it. AAA membership costs vary depending on the level of service you choose, but it’s typically a good investment for most drivers.
Insurance Carrier Roadside Assistance
Alternatively, many people choose to add roadside assistance coverage to their car insurance policies. Insurance carrier roadside assistance is a service provided by some auto insurance carriers as part of their insurance policies or as an optional add-on.
This service provides assistance to policyholders in case of a roadside emergency or vehicle breakdown, similar to AAA. Some of the common coverage provided under insurance carrier roadside assistance include
- towing
- flat tire repair
- jump-starting a dead battery
- fuel delivery
- lockout assistance, and
- minor mechanical repairs
Roadside assistance provided by insurance carriers may help you manage costs, as you won't need to pay for a separate roadside assistance membership or individual services. Furthermore, it often works in conjunction with your insurance, which simplifies the claims process if an accident or damage occurs during a roadside event. Some plans include emergency medical assistance.
By opting for roadside assistance as part of your car insurance plan, you gain access to valuable support when needed. However, it's important to understand that this coverage doesn't cover the cost of repairs or parts but focuses on providing assistance.
Below are five common situations and how this coverage can be beneficial. We include a few issues to be cautious of.
1. You Drained Your Battery
If your car battery is drained from an inside light or headlights being on too long, roadside assistance may be able to jump-start it and help you get you going again.
Keep in mind: they only cover the jump-start, not a new battery if you need one.
2. You Run Out of Gas
If you’ve run out of gas, roadside assistance may swing by and bring you enough fuel to make it to the nearest gas station.
Keep in mind: insurance typically won’t cover the gas cost.
3. You Get a Flat Tire
If you’ve got a flat tire, if you have a spare, roadside assistance may send someone to swap it out.
Keep in mind: the cost of a new tire or fixing the damaged one isn’t included.
4. Your Keys Are Locked in the Car
If your car doesn’t have an app to unlock the doors or a feature that prevents locking with the key inside, roadside assistance may send a locksmith to your location to help you regain access.
Keep in mind: while they may not cover the cost of a new key fob or lock change, they may cover the locksmith's visit.
5. You Need a Tow
If your car isn’t starting, and it doesn’t seem to be the battery, gas, flat tires, or locked doors, you may need a tow to a repair facility. Roadside assistance may send a tow truck for your vehicle.
Keep in mind: your insurance company typically has a limit on towing distance coverage. It could be 15, 50, or some other number of miles. If you need towing beyond that limit, you'll likely need to cover the extra cost yourself.
Consider Your Coverage Options Carefully
Adding roadside assistance to your car insurance policy may be a suitable and affordable choice for some drivers. It may provide additional support when you face a problem with your vehicle on the road, such as the five issues we highlighted above. However, you should also understand the possible consequences of using this coverage frequently.
Every time you use your roadside assistance coverage, you're effectively making a claim on your insurance policy. Making one or two claims typically isn't concerning, but making several claims in a short period can raise concerns for your carrier. They may view you as a high-risk customer and increase your rates or consider policy changes.
To help manage this situation, consider having another option for roadside assistance, such as AAA or a similar service. That way, you may use them for minor issues and save your insurance coverage for emergencies. This may help you keep your insurance costs stable and avoid potential problems with your policy.
We can discuss this strategy with you when exploring insurance options.
Explore Your Roadside Assistance Options
If you choose to not include roadside assistance coverage, you may face various challenges and inconveniences when encountering a vehicle problem on the road. You could spend time and money trying to find help, adding potential stress and frustration to your situation.
Rather than face these challenges alone, consider adding roadside assistance coverage to your car insurance plan.
With this coverage, you may benefit from additional support during roadside emergencies. From jump-starting a dead battery to towing your vehicle when breakdowns occur, having roadside assistance may help reduce unnecessary stress and costs.
Additionally, combining roadside assistance with a service such as AAA may help you effectively manage your coverage usage and potentially minimize claims on your insurance policy, which may help keep your insurance costs stable and reduce policy risks.
Roadside assistance coverage may provide additional support and could prove valuable for your situation.
Adding roadside assistance to your auto policy is a simple process. Just reach out to us by phone at 315-635-2095 or fill out our contact form. We can discuss adding it to your coverage.
Please note that you typically need comprehensive coverage for for the vehicle to be eligible for roadside assistance. This may apply to any car you want to add this service to.
If you're not yet a car insurance client, we'd be happy to discuss your options. Simply click the Get a Quote button below to get started.
If you want to learn more about obtaining a suitable auto policy, read our auto insurance overview.
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