To understand how roadside assistance works, you need to make sure that you have access to roadside assistance in the first place. The last thing you want to have to do when you’ve just had a breakdown or a flat tire is figure out where your roadside assistance will be coming from. This situation is complicated even further if you’re in a remote area.
If you’re broken down in the middle of a busy intersection, you’re going to get help a lot faster than if you get a flat tire down a winding country road miles out of town. Generally, roadside assistance provides coverage to get your car back to driving condition. Here are some of the types of services covered and some information about each of them. The Road Rangers Service Patrol is a free service of the Florida Department of Transportation.
Auto Insurance Questions: How Long Does Roadside Assistance Take?
This immediately gives you an additional option for roadside assistance if you have trouble at no extra cost. Depending on the type of company that provides the coverage, you might have to pay for a service up front and submit receipts for reimbursement. This can be the case if you have roadside assistance through an extended car warranty or even through your auto insurance policy. This is usually not the case if you have roadside assistance from a specialty company like AAA. Many insurance providers allow you to add roadside assistance coverage as an add-on or rider to your existing policy.
What does Roadside Assistance Cover: Frequently Asked Questions
Some plans include a mobile charging service for electric vehicle owners who run out of juice on the road. Breakdown coverage usually includes towing, lockout assistance, battery jump-starts, spare tire installation and fuel delivery. It can also include winching, trip interruption coverage or battery replacement depending on the company. Now that we’ve answered questions like how long does roadside assistance take, it’s time to add roadside assistance to your auto insurance policy. This feature provides you with peace of mind that would be impossible to have otherwise. Not only that, but a car insurance policy adds value to your vehicle. When reviewing roadside assistance coverage, pay close attention to what’s included in the policy—and what exclusions may apply.
Budget Direct has a national network of more than 2,000 service providers, who you can access around the clock for just $89.95 a year – less than $1.75 per week. That is to say, if your vehicle breaks down, you can call your provider for assistance and, if necessary, they’ll dispatch a roadside contractor or tow truck to help you.
