You need roadside assistance if you have an older car, commute or travel long distances, or simply want peace of mind. Vehicles that are at least 10 years old are four times as likely to need a tow, according to research by AAA. Plus, 1 in 3 Americans experience a vehicle breakdown every year, according to … read full answerAgero—the largest provider of wholesale roadside assistance in the U.S.
On the other hand, if your car is relatively new or still covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, roadside assistance is probably unnecessary.
Why Most Drivers Need Roadside Assistance
1. Roadside assistance covers a lot of different services
Common examples include:
- Mechanical repairs
- Towing services
- Fuel-delivery services
- Flat tire service
- Locksmith services
- Battery jump-starts
- Winching services
Your specific number of tows, miles of towing, and coverage costs will depend on the provider and assistance plan that you select.
2. Roadside assistance can be very affordable.
Insurers usually offer the cheapest roadside assistance coverage—around $20 per year. It costs a bit more if you buy roadside assistance through an auto club. However, clubs often offer additional coverage options and discounts at affiliated businesses.
3. Roadside assistance is available from a variety of sources.
You can get roadside assistance from:
To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide to the best roadside assistance.
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