As your car limps over to the highway shoulder with a flat tire thumping, will you wonder, “What is roadside assistance and should I have bought it?” Or will you confidently call the car service professionals who will meet you wherever your car breaks down, ready to provide fuel, change your tire, replace your battery, or tow you to an auto service shop?
Getting stuck on the side of the road is undeniably stressful. Getting stuck with no one to call is far worse. So, let’s make sure it doesn’t happen to you. Let’s explore the details of roadside assistance, answering important questions like “What is roadside assistance?” and “What does roadside assistance cover?” so you can make the informed choice to protect yourself while driving.
What is Roadside Assistance?
Roadside assistance is an optional service designed to help drivers with car trouble while driving. If your car breaks down on the side of the road, roadside assistance will send a trained professional to get you and your vehicle to safety 24/7. They will respond at any time of the day or night, in any weather, to come to your aid wherever you are. They drive a well-equipped tow truck to perform minor repairs on-site or tow you to a repair shop.
Perhaps the best answer to the question, “What is roadside assistance?” is simply peace of mind. Roadside assistance coverage is available through your auto insurance policy.
Who Needs Roadside Assistance?
Anyone who drives or owns a vehicle can benefit from having roadside assistance coverage. While older cars are more likely to break down, any vehicle can experience a flat tire, an empty gas tank, a dead battery, or other situational emergency.
While any driver can benefit from roadside assistance coverage, here are some reasons it could be particularly valuable to you:
- You have a long commute
- You’re on the road frequently
- Your work takes you to unfamiliar areas
- You often drive at times when roads are quiet
- You have an older car
- You don't feel comfortable leaving your car to change a tire
- You have limited mobility
- You live in an area known for tricky roads
- You want peace of mind and protection for your new teen driver
The fact that most of us have phones these days can create the illusion that roadside assistance coverage isn't necessary. A phone is great for alerting family or friends to the fact that you're stuck on the side of the road. However, it's not always possible for people you know to get to you quickly – and they may not have the right tools or skills to provide the help you need.
The stress of being stranded can also make it difficult to know how to contact nearby mechanics or towing services. Instead of getting stuck desperately hunting for a service that’s open and available to help you wherever you wind up, roadside assistance coverage lets you relax, knowing that arrangements are being made for professionals to show up quickly to help you out.
Top Things to Know About Car Insurance With Roadside Assistance Coverage
Roadside assistance coverage as an add-on to your drivers insurance is more affordable than you think.
- Costs less than you think: Adding roadside assistance could cost as low as $10-$20 per year.
- Pays for itself: Using the service just once recoups the cost of the coverage.
- Saves you money: Paying out of pocket for the same services will cost many times more than the coverage – especially if you break down after hours.
What Does Roadside Assistance Cover?
Now that you understand what roadside assistance is, you might wonder, “Is roadside assistance worth it?” The best way to answer this question is to list some of the different services typically provided by the coverage:
- Emergency Towing: Have your undrivable vehicle towed to a local mechanic or auto repair shop.
- Flat Tire Change: Roadside assistance will show up to use the spare in your car to get you back on the road again.
- Battery Jump-Start Services: If you’re dealing with a dead battery, roadside assistance will send a pro to jump-start your car's battery.
- Battery Replacement: If your battery can’t be revived, they’ll replace it with a new one for an additional fee.
- Fuel Delivery: If you cut it too close and end up with an empty gas tank, roadside assistance will deliver enough fuel to get you to the nearest gas station.
- Fluids Delivery: Get the necessary fluids to reach a repair shop, such as oil, coolant, or water.
- Winching Service: If you ever slide off the road into a wet, muddy ditch while driving in the rain, a pro will work to get your stuck vehicle onto the road again.
- Locksmith Services: Don’t break a car window out of desperation. Simply call roadside assistance to have a locksmith deployed to retrieve your keys.
- Broken Key Service: Did your key break off in the door lock or ignition? Roadside assistance will remove the broken key.
- Mechanical First Aid: Roadside assistance coverage can perform minor repairs like reconnecting loose parts or belts, replacing fuses, adjusting brakes, and temporarily fixing water leaks.
When you’re stuck on the side of the road with an undrivable car, roadside assistance coverage ensures a skilled professional is ready to come to your aid with the tools and know-how to get you and your vehicle to safety.
Why Is Roadside Assistance Important?
Imagine you’re driving in unfamiliar surroundings when the car breaks down. Steam is pouring out from under the hood, and you don’t know what to do. You pull over to the side and wonder what steps to take next. You’re miles from anywhere. Should you call your best friend? Maybe your dad?
Roadside assistance coverage is the concerned dad’s best friend. It’s available 24/7 to rescue any driver stuck with an undrivable car and provides the following essential benefits:
- Safety and Security: Vehicle breakdowns can leave you stuck in sketchy areas or dangerous conditions on the side of the road. Roadside assistance coverage ensures qualified help is on the way.
- Peace of Mind: Around-the-clock access to professional help offers valuable peace of mind to drivers and those who love them, particularly when driving in bad weather or on long trips.
- Cost Savings: Roadside assistance helps save you money by providing the help you need whenever and wherever you need it, at a fraction of the cost you’d pay for the services out of pocket.
- Help with Minor Repairs: Are you up to changing a tire at midnight in freezing rain? Stay safe (and dry), waiting for professional assistance to get you and your vehicle on the road again.
- Support Anywhere: Whether in your neighborhood or driving in a remote area, roadside assistance puts a qualified professional at your service to get you safely on your way.
- Less Stress: Having your car break down is stressful, especially if you don’t know how to fix the problem. Having skilled professionals on-call to respond to your needs can reduce your stress levels.
- Coverage for Various Drivers: Roadside assistance coverage can help even if you’re driving someone else’s car or riding as a passenger. This is particularly helpful if you frequently drive multiple vehicles or borrow a family member’s car.
It’s vital to remain calm when an emergency leaves you unable to drive away. Quick, courteous help makes all the difference. Wawanesa offers roadside assistance coverage to make you safer when the unexpected strikes. Call 800-640-2920 to speak with one of our helpful agents today to learn about the types of roadside assistance you can add to your policy. Or get your free quote online now.
Advertisement: Have a question? Wawanesa’s agents are here to help. Click to contact an agent.