Should I invest in roadside assistance? A subscription to a roadside assistance service is a good idea for anyone who owns a vehicle. This service can save you time and money in the event of a breakdown. If you’re stranded on the road, a tow truck may charge you a high fee to get you out of the situation. Ultimately, roadside assistance pays for itself when you’re in need of assistance.
Roadside assistance services may be necessary even if you don’t drive a lot. While you’re less likely to get stranded if you don’t drive often, a battery may die quickly. To help you avoid such a catastrophe, most roadside assistance services will jump-start your car for free. You can also benefit from other services provided by roadside assistance, like fuel delivery. Always check the identification of roadside assistance drivers. Their vans should always be clearly displaying the livery of the company, they should carry photo ID and roadside recovery services will always have Chapter 8 regulation chevrons on the rear of the vehicle. Find out more at www.pvluk.com/chapter-8-chevrons/
Roadside assistance services vary in price. Some cost a monthly or yearly subscription fee, while others are free as a perk from your credit card company or manufacturer of a new car. Some of them will limit the number of towed miles or manual labour hours you’re allowed to use during a year. And while roadside assistance plans may be convenient, they don’t offer unlimited roadside assistance.
Roadside assistance services vary widely in their coverage and cost. Basic plans may include towing, while others may include fuel delivery, which is an added benefit if you’re running low on fuel. Make sure to learn about the benefits of roadside assistance before investing in a plan. You can find a plan that fits your needs and budget.
If you travel long distances and rely on your vehicle for work, consider roadside assistance. While it’s not compulsory, roadside assistance can be useful when you’re stuck on the side of the road. However, if you’re worried about excessive roadside assistance use, be sure to check your policy to see whether it’s an option.
The cost of a roadside assistance plan will vary from auto manufacturer to auto club. Many of them cover the first hour of labour and 10% of the final bill. In addition, some plans have limits on the number of people they cover. It is always best to check with the policy you’re considering before purchasing a plan.
Types of cover and common exclusions
Roadside assistance can be bought in different ways. Personal cover protects you in any vehicle you are travelling in, within the terms of the policy, while vehicle cover applies to one specific car and is usually cheaper. Most people pay an annual fee for round the clock help, but some insurance style policies have you pay for the service yourself and claim the money back afterwards.
A standard policy usually includes roadside help, recovery of the vehicle, help if you break down at home and onward travel. Optional extras can include key, battery and tyre replacement, help after putting in the wrong fuel, family or multi car cover and European cover. The price depends on the level of cover, the extras chosen and the age, make and model of your vehicles.
Check the exclusions carefully. Some policies will not help if you break down on private land, with animals on board, after an accident, abroad or because the car has not been properly maintained. Learning basic car maintenance helps you avoid many breakdowns in the first place.
Weighing up cost against how often you drive
Roadside cover usually works on a yearly subscription that gives you access to help whenever you need it, whether that is a jump-start, a tyre change, a fuel delivery or getting back into a locked car. Providers often negotiate prices with service firms, which helps members save money compared with paying for each call-out themselves.
Cover can come from several places. Some car insurers include it as standard, while others sell it as an add-on for an extra premium. Some credit card companies offer pay-per-incident plans, and specialist motoring organisations provide fuller cover at a higher cost.
Cost is the main drawback, so think about how likely you are to need help. If you rarely drive beyond your town or do not commute, the chances are lower. If you drive often, it may be worth having as an emergency backup and to avoid paying tow truck fees.
