When your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, the likelihood of going through a streamlined process of towing your car or repairing it is determined by your roadside service plan. In most cases, your roadside service will be part of your auto insurance policy or available as an add-on—but not all roadside service plans are created equal. Before you find yourself in need of assistance, it’s important to check what roadside services your current plan covers and assess if it’s adequate for your needs. While it’s up to you to decide which services you want your plan to cover, we’ve put together a list of some of the most integral things you should consider.
Lockout Assistance
Lockout services are provided when you cannot gain entry into your car. In such a situation, a professional door opener is sent by your service provider to try to gain access. If the professional cannot do so, a locksmith is called into action to offer more assistance. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that your roadside service provider offers both services.
Battery Jumpstart Service
When your car stalls due to a faulty battery or ice-cold weather, you should be in a position to get the help you deserve from your roadside service provider. Some electric or hybrid cars may not need jumpstart services, however, so be sure to read through your vehicle’s manual before you consider these services.
Fluid Delivery Service
Fluid delivery service can be a lifesaver as it cushions you when you run low on fuel, when you run low on oil, or in instances where your coolant runs out and your car starts to overheat. If this happens in the middle of nowhere, you should be in a position to count on your roadside service provider for assistance.
Flat Tire Help
Flat tires are common, and any driver should be prepared when they encounter one. In most instances, some drivers opt to have spare tires, while on the other hand, some may not have the “luxury” to have spare tires. In such situations, it is crucial to have a roadside assistance plan that will send a mechanic to replace your flat tire with your spare one or with an extra spare wheel courtesy of your roadside assistance provider.
Towing Service
If your car breaks down or stalls, the least you should expect from the company offering you roadside assistance services is their towing service. An excellent roadside service program should be broad enough to provide services within and outside your state. For example, if your service provider is based in Texas and you encounter mechanical issues in Alabama, your service provider should be in a position to offer assistance to you. Additionally, you should also consider a roadside assistance company that is okay with towing your car to your chosen mechanic rather than to the nearest service shop.
These are just a few of the most common roadside services you should be on the lookout for when deciding on a roadside assistance provider. Be sure to contact your roadside service provider prior to enrolling in their service to determine which other services they offer for road users.