What would you do if your vehicle were to break down on the side of the road? You could call a friend or family member and take them away from work or wake them up in the middle of the night. Or you could start calling tow companies and pay a premium for services with long wait times. Your best option though is to purchase roadside assistance coverage to help you in case of emergencies like this.
Some auto insurance plans include roadside assistance coverage at an additional cost. It is also possible to purchase a separate policy that only covers this type of service. But be warned, your insurance provider will use every roadside call to raise your premiums. Roadside coverage providers work to build relationships with service vendors in a wide coverage area, as well as vendors that provide a variety of services. In the event of a breakdown, all you have to do is contact a toll-free emergency number and your provider will dispatch nearby service vendors. Emergency service providers come to your location and either perform repairs so you can be on your way or tow your car to an auto repair shop.
Service providers are dispatched as soon as you make a call. While service response time can vary, the purpose of roadside assistance is to provide you with the help you need as quickly as possible. Roadside assistance providers are available to offer help when your car needs a tow due to mechanical breakdown or crash damage. Additionally, roadside assistance providers can perform small repairs such as changing a tire or jump-starting a battery.
Roadside coverage protects you from more than just breakdowns. A roadside assistance provider can help if your vehicle gets stuck in a ditch, in the snow, or in the mud. Winching services are offered by most roadside assistance providers, but you will need to let the dispatcher know that your vehicle is stuck since more equipment might be required to get your vehicle out. Additionally, roadside coverage can help you if you lock your keys in the car or bring you some gas if you run out.
You will probably need roadside emergency services sooner or later. It is best to be prepared and to purchase roadside assistance coverage in case of emergencies. By preparing in advance, and knowing how your roadside coverage works, you can prevent a difficult situation from becoming even more stressful.