Roadside Assistance Coverage: Why You Need It
Roadside assistance is an excellent option for anyone who owns a car. It provides many different services, from changing tires to auto repair and maintenance. Here are a few reasons why it is important to have this type of coverage.
Flat tires and fuel delivery
Two common services that are covered by roadside assistance are changing a flat tire and delivering fuel. You can get a flat tire anywhere, and a roadside service professional will come to you to change it. They will determine your exact location and replace the flat tire with the spare in your vehicle. If you have no spare, let them know so they can bring one.
If you run out of gas while driving and no station is nearby, a roadside service professional can help by bringing the gas to you. They will typically bring just enough so you can drive to a gas station to refuel.
Lockout and locksmith service
If you have locked your keys in the car, you can call roadside assistance to help you gain entry. Lockout service means the professional will help you open your car. They do this by using a long reach tool or pump wedge to unlock the car door.
In some cases, the roadside professional may not be able to open your car for you. When this happens, they will call in a locksmith to unlock the door. Depending on your policy, the cost of the locksmith may be covered.
Battery jumpstart and towing
If your vehicle can no longer start, one way to get it going again is by jumpstarting the battery. Depending on the type of car you have, you may be able to do this yourself, but you can also ask for help from a roadside professional. Some cars, such as electric cars, do need professionals who have been trained to jumpstart them. Hybrid cars rarely need a jumpstart, so if you have one and it is giving you trouble, there may be other issues that are causing it to break down.
If your car has more extensive damage and cannot be driven, even with a jumpstart, roadside assistance will tow your car to a nearby mechanic for auto repair and maintenance. Depending on your coverage, you may need to pay extra for outside a certain mile limit. However, your car will not be left on the road.
Check with your current car insurance policy to see if you are covered for roadside assistance. If not, call an agent to have it added.