What exactly is roadside assistance?

With so many coverage options, determining how much car insurance you require can be difficult. You don't want to get too little and be unprotected, nor do you want to get too much and pay for coverage you don't need. Once you've satisfied your state's minimum car insurance requirements (most states require liability insurance, and some also require uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage), it's time to consider which other coverage add-ons are right for you.

Roadside aid, also known as road emergency or towing services and labour, is an option and, if it is not already part of the policy, many drivers will be able to buy it wisely. It is a good option.

Roadside assistance is available from most carriers and covers a wide range of roadside emergencies. Let's go over what roadside assistance does and does not cover, as well as how much it will cost you.

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What exactly does roadside assistance entail?

Roadside assistance takes care of car problems that may leave you stranded on the side of the road. The specifics vary depending on your carrier, but most roadside assistance packages typically include:

A flat tire replacement

Starts with a bang

Gas, oil, or a new battery delivered to your vehicle

If you've locked yourself out of your car or if your key has been lost or stolen, call a locksmith.

Towing a vehicle (this is usually only covered up to a specified distance)

Some auto insurance companies provide different levels of roadside assistance coverage. Travelers, for example, can choose between basic and premium roadside assistance.

Their basic roadside assistance covers up to 15 miles of towing, while their premier option covers up to 100 miles of towing as well as reimbursement for meals and lodging if your vehicle breaks down far from home. Another major carrier that provides various levels of roadside assistance coverage is Nationwide. Furthermore, Allstate gives drivers the option of adding roadside assistance to their policy, joining the Allstate Motor Club (a separate roadside assistance service), or paying for roadside assistance per incident through its Good Hands Rescue programme.

What is the cost of roadside assistance?

If you only have liability coverage, your car insurance policy most likely does not include roadside assistance. However, if you have collision and comprehensive coverage, your policy may include roadside assistance.

Collision coverage covers damage to your car caused by an accident, regardless of who was at fault, whereas comprehensive, or “comp” coverage covers damage to your car that occurs when it is not being driven, such as fire, vandalism, or extreme weather.

If your auto policy does not already include roadside assistance, it is relatively simple to add it. In most cases, you can get an endorsement — a rider to your base policy — for $5 to $15 per vehicle. Contact your provider if you are unsure whether your car insurance policy already includes roadside assistance. If you're unsure whether you should include roadside assistance as part of your policy, a Insurezio.com expert can assist you in determining how much coverage is appropriate for you.

Third-party roadside assistance is available.

Another option for roadside assistance is to obtain it from a third-party source rather than your insurance company. Roadside assistance providers such as AAA, National General Motor Club, Allstate Motor Club, and Better World Club provide roadside assistance plans for around $40 to $60 for the first year.

These plans provide the same services as the roadside assistance coverage available as part of your car insurance, but some provide additional benefits. Being a member of AAA, for example, entitles you to a variety of discounts.

If you just bought a new car, the manufacturer may provide roadside assistance, which is usually free for a limited time or number of miles driven. Car dealerships also provide roadside assistance, which is usually included as part of a warranty.