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How To Avoid Towing Bills With Roadside Assistance Coverage
September 3rd, 2010
No driver enjoys a car breakdown. There are very few things worse than getting stuck on the side of the road. Unfortunately, mechanical problems can occur with any vehicle. The costs of a breakdown can be extensive. Towing services often charge $100 or more, depending on where your vehicle is located. Roadside assistance programs from your car insurance company can greatly alleviate the stress and expenses of a breakdown, provided that you take the time to add this special coverage and follow your insurance company's instructions.
Most car insurance companies offer 24/7 roadside assistance coverage, although the specifics and costs of this add-on coverage can change from one insurance company to the next. Roadside assistance is usually extremely affordable. Many insurers charge less than $5 per month for roadside assistance, regardless of the vehicle being insured. However, you'll need to enroll in roadside assistance coverage before you're involved in an incident. Call your insurance agent to discuss adding roadside assistance to your policy, and be sure to ask questions about how the coverage works if your car breaks down and needs towing. As towing is usually the most expensive part of having a car break down, you'll definitely want to make sure that it's covered by your policy.
You should also make sure to follow the correct procedures when your car breaks down. Don't just pull out your phone and call a car towing company; most insurance companies will want to be contacted, as they may only support towing from registered and licensed businesses. The roadside assistance phone number will be different than the phone number you call to speak to an agent. Many car insurance programs will give drivers free information cards or pamphlets to keep in their vehicles with information on whom to call when roadside assistance is necessary. Make sure that you know who to call; if your insurer sends you a contact info card for roadside assistance, put it in your car in an easy-to-remember place and keep it there. Follow the instructions of the roadside assistance service to the letter. There's nothing worse than paying for towing coverage, only to find out that you're not having a claim paid because you called the wrong towing company.
Drivers who frequently travel should carry roadside assistance coverage, and it's an inexpensive enough add on that all drivers should really consider purchasing it. Car breakdowns aren't any fun, but paying a tow truck driver is much worse. If your insurance company offers the option, pay for roadside assistance and let the company cover the cost of towing for you.
