How to Know You Need a Roadside Assistance Plan

According to AAA, running out of gas has increased more than 18 percent in recent years. Whether you’ve run out of fuel on the freeway, had a flat tire, a dead battery, or have been locked out of your car, roadside assistance can help.

If you can relate to any of these five traits, roadside assistance will be well worth your money.

1. Known for Running Out of Gas

Some people are diligent about filling up the gas tank when the needle drops to a quarter of a tank. Then there are the rest of us. You can’t keep a full can of gas in your car (it’s not very safe), but you can have fuel delivered to you on the road if you run out. A roadside assistance plan may allow for you to call and have someone bring you gas. You’re still responsible for paying for the fuel, but at least you won’t have to walk to the nearest service station.

2. Can’t Remember How to Change a Flat

Or maybe you can remember, but it’s been years since you’ve had to change a flat tire. Your car probably has a spare tire and a jack, but changing your flat tire yourself isn’t always the safest (or most convenient) thing to do. And if you’ve never changed a flat tire before, doing it for the first time on the side of the highway isn’t your best option. Flat tires are one of the most common reason people call roadside assistance.

3. Money Savvy

If your car suddenly starts heaving a heavy sigh or you are in an accident, you’re going to need to get your car off the road and into a repair shop. Unfortunately, calling a tow truck isn’t usually covered by car insurance. Have you ever gotten a towing bill? They’re not cheap. If you need a tow, even if someone else calls the tow truck for you, you’ll be charged the fee. Your roadside assistance plan will call a trustworthy company to come help you out and may even reimburse you for the tow.

4. Road Tripper

Whether you simply hit the open road to escape the everyday grind or you plan intricate adventures that require hours of driving, being a road tripper is a great way to explore.
When on the open road exploring new places, you’ll want the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are protected, no matter where you travel. Your roadside assistance plan will be there if you accidentally lock your keys in the car or if you are hopelessly lost on a random back road. Many road assistance offerings come with flat-tire changing, tow service, lost-key replacement, and even hotel and travel discounts.

5. Don’t Carry Jumper Cables

It can happen at any time. You go to start your car and it just won’t start. You’ve got a dead battery. You’re going to need a charge or a new battery. If you don’t have jumper cables, if you aren’t somewhere that you can ask someone for help, or if you need a new battery, you could be stuck for a while. Thankfully, your roadside assistance will help you get a new battery in no time, without messing with the black and red lines on your jumper cables.

Most full-service roadside assistance plans will offer services to help you out in a bind. Your plan may include tire changes, unlocking doors, towing, or gas delivery. Do yourself a favor, and sign up for Roadside Assistance now, before you need it desperately. Give us a call today at [mapi-phone /] and we can make sure you have an auto insurance plan that gives you the coverage that you need.