Roadside assistance is help for your car in the event of a breakdown or other incident that doesn’t involve a crash. It can include services like changing a flat tire, jump-starting a dead battery or fuel delivery. It might also include services like mobile locksmith services or even towing. Some plans might even reimburse you for costs related to a trip interruption, though the exact details vary between providers. For example, a century-old institution called AAA offers roadside assistance hayward services that cover a wide range of situations, including towing, jump starts and lockout service, and a free membership for new drivers.
You can get a roadside assistance plan from car manufacturers, credit card companies, car insurance companies or other clubs and organizations that specialize in providing these services. Some of these programs require a yearly fee, and others might cost per use. Those that charge an annual fee typically have multiple tiers of service, with higher-priced tiers offering more extensive coverage.
Many people get roadside assistance through their auto insurance provider. This often requires paying a monthly or yearly premium for the coverage, and you might be able to add it on to your existing policy or purchase it as an added supplemental rider. The coverage may also differ from plan to plan, but most offer similar services such as towing, jump-starting a dead battery, changing a flat tire or delivering fuel.
If you choose to get roadside assistance through your car insurance company, excess claims may affect your premiums. However, this isn’t usually the case for those who use these services through a third party, such as a roadside assistance service provider or a club such as AAA.
Most of these services work on a geographic basis, meaning they have a network of tow truck providers and mechanics in the areas they serve. You can call the provider to get help with a breakdown, and they will dispatch someone near you as quickly as possible. Some services might have an app you can download to report an issue and request help, as well.
It’s important to understand the different features of a roadside assistance program before you decide which one to buy. You should look for things like how many service calls you can get in a year, what is included in the basic plan and whether there are additional perks available for higher-priced tiers of service. You should also ask if the service is limited to cars only or covers motorcycles, boats and other types of vehicles. And be sure to ask about whether the plan includes help with other kinds of emergencies, such as being locked out of your home or getting an arrested for a traffic violation.