Fix Auto Interbay

Should I Buy a Roadside Assistance Plan?

Roadside assistance plans that are optional add-ons to your normal vehicle insurance coverage, and purchasing roadside assistance insurance can save you considerable money and make your life much easier and hopefully safer.

At Fix Auto Interbay in Seattle, WA we want to offer you this helpful information, because not everyone needs or wants one of these roadside assistance plans.

Most auto insurance companies feature roadside assistance plans, and companies like credit cards and the American Automobile Association (AAA) provide roadside assistance services that are separate from car insurance packages.

While each plan is completely different, all policies will normally cover a similar list of emergency roadside services that include towing, dead battery services and assistance with vehicle lockouts.  

Types of Roadside Assistance Companies and Plans

Car insurance companies will often provide roadside assistance to their customers as an add-on aftermarket program to its other vehicle insurance coverage. The insurance company will then work in conjunction with roadside assistance service companies that provide the actual on-site assistance services to drivers.

Whenever you call for assistance, the dispatcher will typically contact the nearest roadside assistance company with the services you require that also has a contract with your insurance provider.

Other types of organizations will also provide several roadside assistance plans. AAA is a privately owned nationwide member association and federation of automobile clubs within North America, that provides roadside assistance insurance, comprehensive car insurance and roadmaps, with an annual fee of roughly a hundred dollars.

Many credit cards, such as American Express, include a roadside assistance plan as part its membership benefits package, and newer vehicles are often covered for roadside emergencies by the auto manufacturer for a period of time after the purchase.

Not everybody needs or wants a roadside assistance plan, so here are some major points to consider when finding a plan that is ideal for you:

The Age of Your Vehicle: Older vehicles are more likely to break down and require towing. New vehicle owners are less likely to use roadside service for things such as towing.

Mileage and Traveling Distances: If you commute or travel any distance for work or pleasure, you're more likely to require roadside assistance at some point.

Your Personal Needs: Some people have no issues changing a flat tire or flagging down a car owner for a jump start while people need or prefer assistance in case of these types of roadside emergencies.

Overall Cost: Roadside assistance insurance is customarily not usually expensive, but it does cost something, so shop around for the best deal and make sure that you're comparing oranges and oranges.

Ultimately, the decision to whether or acquire a roadside assistance plan is based and your budget.

Fix Auto Interbay in Seattle, WA 98119 

Sources: AAA and Car and Driver