Make Sure You Understand Your Roadside Assistance Plan Before You Need To Use It

Whether you have roadside assistance through your insurance company, your wireless service provider, or join an auto club, you need to understand the plan before you need to use it. In fact, it is best if you do a bit of research before getting the plan, so you can be sure to pay for the one that will work best for you. Here are a few things to look for when reading through the different plan details.

Services

Most plans will include towing, a battery jump, gas, changing a tire, and pulling you when stuck in mud or snow. Make sure that the plan you go with offers these services at a minimum. In addition, other services may be offered. They may be able to diagnose a problem with the car and perhaps the truck will carry some parts for a quick fix, like belts.

Service Limits

While looking over the services offered, check any limitations on them. If you have a long drive to work, make sure the towing distance that is included in the plan will be able to get your vehicle home or to a local shop. When you have run out of gas, make sure they will provide you with enough to get to your destination or the nearest gas station. Sometimes a single gallon is not going to be enough. It is also important to know if there is a limitation on the number of times you may use the plan before you are charged extra.

Extra Fees

Knowing what you will be charged for keeps you from a surprise when you pay your next installment on the plan. Some plans will charge you for any gas they bring you and others may charge only after a specified amount. The plan will include a tire change, but you may have to pay for any repair to the tire.  If you are having your vehicle towed, find out if they will provide transportation for you free of charge or if you will have to find your own way home or to work.

Having some type of roadside assistance plan is always a good idea. Being stranded on the side of the road because of a car problem is frustrating and can be very scary. This is why most insurance companies offer it. However, you do not need to blindly accept the insurance company's plan. Decide what you need, and find a plan that will provide for those needs.