In 2015, only AAA reported redeeming more than32 million driversacross America whose cars have broken down.
As convenient as it is to have a car, they will inevitably break down at some point. When that happens, it's good to know what your options are.
Two of the most used options are towing androadside assistance. But what is the difference between these two? Many people think they are the same.
To help you make the best decision, we will explain the differences between towing and roadside assistance. Read on to find out what they are.
What is the Trailer?
Towing means that your car is transported from one place to another. This is done on the back of a special crane. This is usually reserved for when a vehicle is no longer running.
Vehicles may be towed under other circumstances, even if they are in good working order.
If someone is arrested or the police declare that the driver cannot move the vehicle, atowing companyyou can move the vehicle instead. Some use towing services after buying a new vehicle so they can take it home before registering it.
The main idea is that towing services are used when a driver cannot or should not move a vehicle on their own.
Most auto insurance companies offer towing services for an additional monthly fee. This may or may not be included in a roadside assistance package. Options may be available for towing services only orroad service packages.
If a person chooses just towing services, they won't get the added assistance that comes with complete packages on the road. This works fine for some people.
Others prefer the option of having additional assistance if needed. That is, without having to find someone else to answer after the vehicle is towed home.
When should I tow my car?
There are several situations in which a person may want their car towed. The most obvious and common reason is that the car is not running.
Cars stop working for a multitude of things. Some of these things can be easily fixed if you decide to take a package on the road with a trailer. Other items can only be fixed by a mechanic with a full garage and the right tools.
You may also want to have your car towed if it is a new purchase. It is not legal to drive until you have been insured and registered with the local DMV. Towing the car back to your place of residence is a smarter option than risking driving.
Everything you need to know about roadside assistance
These inconveniences eventually happen to anyone who drives. So who do you call when that happens?
If you said Ghostbusters, that's not correct! Roadside assistance would be the answer.
But what is roadside assistance and why is it essential for all drivers? In this article, we'll explore the ins and outs of roadside services and show you why they're necessary.
Is roadside assistance the same as towing?
Roadside Assistance is a package of services designed to help drivers with simple repairs. It is a service that comes to your aid when your vehicles break down or leave you stranded. For example, if you are driving and your car battery suddenly dies, this is where you would call roadside assistance.
What does roadside assistance do?
Simply put, this type of service comes to your rescue if you are stuck due to a problem with your vehicle.
When you find yourself stuck, call the number of your roadside assistance company and tell them about your problem. They will send a mechanic to help you and inspect your vehicle.
What is included in the packages varies from provider to provider. Towing is usually provided as part of a care package, but this is not always the case. In addition to the trailer, the following elements are usually included:
battery service- puncture service
- Fuel supply
- lock service
- extraction services
battery service
puncture service
Fuel supply
lock service
extraction servicesWhat does roadside assistance cover?
But what are these services for? Most policies have strict guidelines on what their roadside assistance packages will cover. Let's look at the most commonly included services to see what they are.
Trailer
TrailerIf your vehicle has left you stranded, you should take it to the mechanic. Towing is an option that is usually included in most policies. Althoughtowing companieswill have your car towed to the nearest mechanic, please remember there may be mileage limitations and you may be charged more for driving to a preferred location.
battery service
Sometimes the batteries run out and need to be recharged. With a battery service, you can jump start your car. This service does not include the provision of replacement batteries if yours does not charge. Most roadside assistance plans help with dead batteries by turning on your battery.
puncture service
In the US, there are 220 million punctures a year. A flat tire poses a threat to other drivers on the road, so you need to get it repaired as soon as possible. Roadside assistance will send a mechanic to swap your puncture for a spare.
This is where a person comes to change their flat tire. They will remove the apartment from the vehicle and replace it with a new one that is drivable.
This service does not include the change of tires. The caller must have their own spare tire. Spare tires are usually found in the trunk or rear of some vehicles.
Fuel supply
Have you forgotten to refuel? Your car suddenly starts sputtering because there is no more fuel to drive.
That's where fuel delivery comes in. With this service, someone brings a set number of gallons of gasoline to take you to the next gas station.
lock service
You may know this as a "car locksmith service". If you have left your keys locked in the vehicle, someone will come to help you unlock it. No broken window needed.
extraction services
It's like towing services, but for a very short distance. Removal services help get your car moving again if it gets stuck.
When can a vehicle get stuck? I could drinkalready a prisoner, in a ditch or even on soft sand.
When should I call roadside assistance?
Use only on the side of the roadIn an emergency. If you get roadside assistance from your insurance provider and call several times a year, it shows that you are a risky customer. Be cautious and sensible about when and how to use roadside assistance.
If you need a quick fix to help you get moving again, call roadside assistance. You will have to check if you have this service.
In addition to your auto insurance provider, your cell phone provider may offer a package. These packages can also be purchased from individual service providers. However, if you have road insurance and use it heavily, this is not an indication that your rates will increase.
It is also important to note that roadside assistance belongs solely to the owner of the vehicle. In other words, if you're driving with your friend and you have a flat tire, roadside assistance won't cover it just because you're there.
Call roadside assistance if:
- you have a flat tire
- your battery runs out
- you run out of fuel
- You left your keys in the car
- Your car is stuck and won't move
Where can I get roadside assistance?
Many insurance companies offer roadside protection in addition to your insurance policy. Other companies, like AAA, are strictly service providers and are generally more expensive.
Some cell phone companies, like AT&T and Verizon, also provide roadside assistance, so check with your carrier. Some car companies (not all) offer roadside assistance when you buy the vehicle, so you could have it and not know it. Credit card companies have also taken the opportunity to serve drivers with roadside assistance, some for free, like American Express.
Each company has different plans, so be sure to review the plan before you buy and ask questions. Not all providers offer the same services and there may be restrictions. Generally, all plans are processed as a flat fee, regardless of your driving record.
Before settling on a provider, do some research to find the best rate for the services you think are worth your while. Start with your insurance company first and branch out from there.
Is roadside assistance worth it?
The answer to this question is that it varies.
Some cases where roadside assistance will be required are if you are driving for a significant period of time or if your car is more than a few years old.
Older cars tend to break down more often, so roadside assistance can be a worthwhile investment.
If you drive a lot, whether for work or other reasons, having roadside assistance can help, especially if you're in an unfamiliar place.
when one of these20 common car problemsarise, roadside assistance can be there to provide the support you need. I hope this has answered the question "What is roadside assistance?" and provided some ideas. Will you consider roadside assistance today?
trailer vs. roadside assistance
Many people don't understand the difference between towing and roadside assistance. Although towing sometimes comes with roadside assistance packages, the two are not the same.
A towing service is for when your car doesn't work. Helps move your vehicle to a safe location, such as your home or an auto repair shop.
Roadside assistance is all about getting your vehicle moving again. These packages provide support for minor issues that can be easily fixed.
Comroadside assistance, you drive the vehicle yourself. With the trailer, the vehicle does not move and must be transported on a platform.
Do you need a trailer?
Need more information on towing vs. roadside assistance? Having car trouble and need towing?Contact us today. One of our associates will be happy to help you.
There are several situations in which a person may want their car towed. The most obvious and common reason is that the car is not running.
Cars stop working for a multitude of things. Some of these things can be easily fixed if you decide to take a package on the road with a trailer. Other items can only be fixed by a mechanic with a full garage and the right tools.
You may also want to have your car towed if it is a new purchase. It is not legal to drive until you have been insured and registered with the local DMV. Towing the car back to your place of residence is a smarter option than risking driving.
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Simply put, this type of service comes to your rescue if you are stuck due to a problem with your vehicle.
When you find yourself stuck, call the number of your roadside assistance company and tell them about your problem. They will send a mechanic to help you and inspect your vehicle.
What is included in the packages varies from provider to provider. Towing is usually provided as part of a care package, but this is not always the case. In addition to the trailer, the following elements are usually included:
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But what are these services for? Most policies have strict guidelines on what their roadside assistance packages will cover. Let's look at the most commonly included services to see what they are.
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Use only on the side of the roadIn an emergency. If you get roadside assistance from your insurance provider and call several times a year, it shows that you are a risky customer. Be cautious and sensible about when and how to use roadside assistance.
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Many insurance companies offer roadside protection in addition to your insurance policy. Other companies, like AAA, are strictly service providers and are generally more expensive.
Some cell phone companies, like AT&T and Verizon, also provide roadside assistance, so check with your carrier. Some car companies (not all) offer roadside assistance when you buy the vehicle, so you could have it and not know it. Credit card companies have also taken the opportunity to serve drivers with roadside assistance, some for free, like American Express.
Each company has different plans, so be sure to review the plan before you buy and ask questions. Not all providers offer the same services and there may be restrictions. Generally, all plans are processed as a flat fee, regardless of your driving record.
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