When you find yourself stranded on the side of the road, whether due to a flat tire, an empty fuel tank, or a dead battery, having roadside assistance can be a lifesaver. But is this coverage automatically included in your car insurance policy?

Understanding Roadside Assistance Coverage

Roadside assistance is a service designed to help drivers in emergency situations on the road. It typically includes services such as towing, tire changes, battery jump-starts, fuel delivery, and lockout services. While incredibly beneficial, roadside assistance is not always a standard feature in every auto insurance policy.

Is roadside assistance included in your auto insurance policy?

It depends.

The inclusion of roadside assistance in auto insurance policies varies by provider. Some insurance companies offer it as part of their standard package, while others provide it as an optional add-on. It’s crucial to review your insurance policy documents or speak with your insurance agent to determine whether this service is included.

man in a yellow t-shirt waiting on roadside assistance

Adding Roadside Assistance to Your Policy

If your current auto insurance policy does not include roadside assistance, you can usually add it for an additional premium. The cost is often minimal compared to the peace of mind it provides. To add this coverage, simply contact your insurance provider and inquire about the options available.

Benefits

Having roadside assistance as part of your car insurance policy offers several significant advantages that can make a world of difference during unexpected car troubles. Let’s delve deeper into these benefits and explore some compelling reasons to consider adding this service.

Convenience

When faced with a vehicle breakdown, searching for a reliable local towing company or mechanic can be time-consuming and stressful. Roadside assistance eliminates this hassle by providing immediate access to a network of vetted professionals ready to assist you. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 69 million vehicle breakdowns occur annually in the United States, highlighting the importance of having a convenient solution readily available.

24/7 Availability

One of the most valuable aspects of roadside assistance is its around-the-clock availability. Car troubles don’t adhere to a schedule and can happen at any time of day or night. With roadside assistance, you can rest assured that help is just a phone call away, no matter when the issue arises. This 24/7 service ensures you’re never left stranded, which is particularly comforting if you frequently travel during odd hours or through remote areas.

Cost-Effectiveness

Adding roadside assistance to your car insurance policy is often a cost-effective decision. The relatively low premium can save you from significantly higher out-of-pocket expenses for emergency services like towing, which can cost up to $150 for a short distance alone. Moreover, a study by AAA found that nearly one in three U.S. drivers experience a vehicle breakdown each year, underscoring the potential financial impact of not having coverage.

Peace of Mind

In addition to tangible benefits, roadside assistance offers invaluable peace of mind. Knowing that you have support in place for emergencies relieves stress and allows you to focus on enjoying your journey rather than worrying about potential mishaps. This assurance is especially beneficial for families, young drivers, and those who frequently travel long distances.

Examples of When It Comes in Handy

  1. Flat Tire on a Busy Highway: Sarah was driving home during rush hour when she felt her car start to wobble. Realizing she had a flat tire, she pulled over to the shoulder of a bustling highway. With heavy traffic whizzing by and no tools to change the tire, Sarah felt overwhelmed. Roadside assistance could have dispatched a professional to swiftly change the tire, ensuring her safety and getting her back on the road in no time.
  2. Running Out of Fuel in a Remote Area: Jake was on his way to visit family in a rural town when he misjudged the distance to the next gas station. His car sputtered to a halt in the middle of nowhere, miles from any civilization. With roadside assistance, he could have received a fuel delivery, avoiding the long walk to find help and the anxiety of being stranded.
  3. Dead Battery in a Parking Lot: After a long day of Christmas shopping, Linda returned to her car, loaded her bags, and turned the key—nothing happened. Her battery was dead, and she was stuck in a crowded mall parking lot. Roadside assistance could have provided a quick jump-start, saving her from the hassle of finding a passerby willing to help.
  4. Locking Keys Inside the Car: Mark was in a rush to get to an important meeting when he accidentally locked his keys inside his car. With just minutes to spare, he was in a panic. Roadside assistance would have been a lifesaver, offering lockout services to quickly retrieve his keys and get him on his way without missing his appointment.
  5. Mechanical Breakdown During a Road Trip: Emily and her friends were halfway through a cross-country road trip when their car started making strange noises before breaking down entirely. Stuck on a desolate stretch of highway without any tools or knowledge to fix the problem, they felt stranded. Roadside assistance could have arranged for a tow to the nearest service station, providing them with the support they needed to continue their journey with minimal disruption.

Having roadside assistance as part of your auto insurance policy can provide invaluable support during unexpected car troubles. Whether it’s included in your existing coverage or you need to add it, this service ensures you’re never left stranded without help. Always check with your insurance provider to understand your policy details and make any necessary adjustments.