With summer coming to a close, you need to start preparing yourself for winter driving. Begin by choosing a good roadside assistance plan.
Winter car crashes account for about 17% of all motor vehicle accidents. Do not leave yourself unprepared.
Read on to learn seven tips for choosing roadside assistance that works for you!
1. Who to Go Through
Before you can choose a plan, you need to know who offers them. You can go many different avenues to find a good plan.
Some options include:
- AAA
- Your car manufacturer
- Car insurance companies
- AARP
Consider who you can get a hold of when you need them. Some companies even offer apps to make calling for help much simpler.
2. Cost
Decide how much you can afford for the best roadside assistance plans. This does not necessarily mean that you should choose the cheapest plan to save money or the most expensive for the highest coverage.
Instead, weigh out what you need and compare it to what you can afford. Find a balance between the two that you can live with throughout the year. Remember, choosing a low-cost plan when you require more will significantly raise your costs in the long run.
3. Amount of Vehicles
When choosing your plan, consider how many vehicles you need covered. Many basic plans only cover one vehicle.
If you choose a plan through your auto manufacturer, they will typically only cover that specific vehicle. But, AAA roadside assistance offers premium plans that may cover the whole family.
You can get up to 4 calls per year per family member. If this sounds like a lot, remember, you may need to call for more than just an accident, so you could need all of them. Roadside assistance typically covers tows, lockouts, flat tires, fuel delivery, winching, and fuel delivery.
4. Miles Traveled
Do you travel often or drive far for work? If so, you want a plan that offers generous towing miles.
Some plans only offer 5-10 miles and then charge per mile after that. This can get super expensive especially if you find yourself on the side of the road far from a garage.
5. Vehicle Age
According to AAA, once a car reaches the 10-year mark, it becomes much more likely to break down. Two-thirds of their calls come from older cars. The older your car, the better monthly roadside assistance plan you should opt for.
6. Your Location
When choosing who will carry your roadside assistance plan, consider where you live. Make sure that they offer services nearby. You do not want to get stuck waiting hours for help.
Get Your Roadside Assistance Plan
People do not often think about a roadside assistance plan until they actually need it. Plan ahead so you do not find yourself stuck.
The plans will cost you much less than calling for assistance last minute without any membership. Plus, you will know who to call when the time comes.
If you do find yourself in troubled times without a plan, we offer 24/7 services. You can also schedule a tow online!