4 Questions To Ask Before You Buy Roadside Assistance
While roadside assistance plan costs are important, you also need to get the right coverage. You don't want to buy a plan that won't deliver when you need it.
Before you choose a provider, ask the following questions.
1. How Many Vehicles Does the Plan Cover?
If you only use one car, then you only need a plan to cover that vehicle. However, if you might use different vehicles, then you need a roadside assistance plan that covers anything you'll drive.
For example, you might own more than one car. Or, you might drive a company car as well as your own. You might use a rental or borrow a friend's vehicle from time to time. In these cases, don't go for a plan that only covers your primary vehicle. Look for coverage that works on any vehicle you drive.
Plus, if you have different drivers and cars at home, then it pays to look for a family coverage plan. Here, all of you can use the plan in any of your listed vehicles.
2. Where Can You Use the Plan?
Most roadside assistance plans give you full country coverage. However, some set geographical limits. You won't get roadside assistance if you have a problem and you're in the wrong location.
So, look for plans that match your geographical driving habits. If you ever drive to Canada or Mexico, then check that the plan covers these countries. You might not automatically get coverage here.
3. Does the Plan Have a Service Request Limit?
Roadside assistance plans sometimes include service request limits. Here, the plan provider gives you a limit on the number of call-outs you can make every year. So, if your limit is set at three, you'll have to pay extra for any service requests you make after you've used the plan three times.
Think about how many times you usually need roadside assistance a year. Try to find a plan that gives you enough service requests for your average needs.
4. Can You Choose Where to Have Your Car Towed?
Some roadside assistance plans let you choose where to have your car towed. However, some set conditions. For example, they might only tow your car to the nearest repair shop. Or, they might set a distance limit of a certain number of miles.
If you go outside this limit or want to use a different shop or location, then the plan provider might charge you extra. So, look for as much flexibility as you can get here. You ideally want towing flexibility and no additional costs.
To find out more, talk to roadside assistance plan providers.
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