There is nothing more frustrating than being stuck on the side of the road, especially in bad weather. Choosing road service in winter time can provide assistance when you need it most without having to pay upfront for miscellaneous costs. Just one call to an automobile club will pay for itself when you think about the inconvenience of being stranded.
What Do Automobile Clubs Offer
Several different options are available. Before you make your final decision, determine what your needs are and what various companies offer. If you drive long distances regularly but you have a newer vehicle, you may not need the same coverage as someone with an older vehicle. If you are mechanically inclined to handle little incidents like a flat tire you might not need the extra benefits as someone who has no idea about changing a tire.
Auto clubs offer a variety of benefits such as towing, jump start assistance, lockout or lost key assistance, fuel delivery, and flat tire changing are the basics. The number of calls you get each year will vary with each company. Most offer a minimum of three for basic plans, but can go up to six for higher plans. Other benefits may include trip planning, hotel and travel discounts, arrest bond certificates, and even free CarFax reports.
What Is Not Included
While the limitations will vary, most companies allow a present number of calls each year; after that you will be charged. Most do not do repair work, but will attempt to diagnose the problem. Clubs do not normally provide assistance to vehicles that are not registered. Usually the cardholder must be present. Some companies will only tow vehicles to a repair shop or garage and not to the owner’s home.
Finding Automobile Clubs
A quick search of the Internet will produce a number of results. Plan rates differ according to benefits from simple jumpstarts, flat tire, towing to bonus benefits such as trip interruption vouchers, vehicle history reports, concierge service and more. Some companies have plans for RV roadside assistance as well.
How Does Roadside Help Work
Once you have found a service simply sign up and pay the yearly fee. You will be sent a card and important information via the mail. Some companies allow you to download and print a temporary card until your new one arrives. When you need assistance, you call the toll free number, state your problem and location, and a company in the area who has contracted with the auto club will be dispatched to assist you. You will need to show your card and a form of ID once they arrive. If the issue is something like a flat tire or a jumpstart the driver will get you back on the road. If the vehicle needs to be towed, they will tow it to your requested location.
Whether you have a flat tire in your driveway or a dead battery 100 miles from home, roadside assistance can help 24/7. If you have never considered signing up with an auto club, now is the time, especially with winter fast approaching.
