Roadside assistance plans can vary depending on whether you're going with a national provider, have coverage through your insurance company, or are dealing with a local operator. Most assistance programs include basic towing, along with courtesy services such as jump-starts or fuel delivery. Not every service comes with the basic plan, however.
As nice as it can be to save some money, paying for those upgraded services can make your motoring significantly more pleasant. Before you decide on a plan, discuss possible upgrades with your provider and consider signing up for these three added services if they are available.
1. Enhanced Towing
Most roadside assistance plans include towing limits based either on distance or cost. Depending on which service you go with, you may have a per-event towing limit, annual towing limit, or both. If possible, it's usually a good idea to upgrade these limits to whatever maximum is available. Increasing your towing limits adds significant flexibility so that you can bring your car to a shop of your choice.
In addition to helping you get your car home or to a preferred mechanic, enhanced towing limits can also be a life-saver when taking long road trips. For example, limited towing service can be an issue if you break down in a rural area. You may too far from a shop for your limit, or you may prefer to have the driver take your car to a more populated place. Either way, increased towing limits can help.
2. Traction or Recovery Towing
Some plans may only include towing from relatively accessible locations, such as parking lots or the side of the road. This service covers most of the situations you might find yourself in, but it may not help if your car becomes stuck. Winching a vehicle from a snowdrift or a muddy area along the side of the road typically requires specialized equipment that's pricier to operate.
If possible, discuss this issue with your roadside assistance provider. If they have an upgraded service covering winching or recovery, it's worthwhile to consider this feature. Recovery coverage may be especially critical if you take your vehicle offroad with any regularity.
3. Rental Coverage
Higher-end assistance programs may offer some amount of rental coverage (usually for one or two days) in the event of a breakdown. Rental coverage is a valuable feature to have if you often travel long distances since some breakdowns may take more than a few hours to repair. In these cases, a rental car can help you get around without relying on taxis or ride-sharing services.
Roadside assistance programs are invaluable for many motorists, but many providers offer more features than you may realize. Discussing upgrade options can be an excellent way to improve your coverage and get more value from your plan. Contact a roadside assistance company for more information.
Share11 June 2021
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