Roadside Assistance
Roadside Assistance $5 per month
Almost every Chicagoland driver will encounter a problem with their vehicle. Usually, problems occur at the most inconvenient time when you need to get to your destination. Whether it’s a flat tire, dead battery, empty gas tank, or you’ve accidentally locked your keys inside your vehicle. Roadside assistance can help you get back on your way.
Almost every auto insurance policy includes an option for roadside assistance. With supplemental roadside assistance, you can connect with the right professional to get the help you need.
What Services Are Part of Roadside Assistance?
Various services are usually part of a roadside assistance program. Check with your insurance company for its specific offerings. These are standard services many insurers include in their roadside assistance programs:
- Battery jump-start service providers can restart your battery if it’s dead.
- Extrication or winching service can move your vehicle if it’s stuck. You may need to pay extra if it requires more than one professional and truck to dislodge your vehicle.
- Flat-tire service professionals can replace your flat tire with your spare. Sometimes, roadside assistance may not cover a flat tire for a motorcycle or similar vehicle. Check with your insurance company.
- Fuel-delivery service providers can deliver enough fuel to get you to the nearest gas station. If the service provider charges for this separately, they usually use the local pump price.
- Lockout and locksmith services help you get into your vehicle if you’re locked out. Lockout service providers typically try to unlock your vehicle’s door using a pump wedge or a long-reach tool. If those methods don’t work, the provider will probably call a locksmith.
- Towing service providers can take your vehicle to the nearest mechanic up to a specified distance. If your vehicle needs towing past that limit, you will pay for the overage.
Should I Purchase Roadside Assistance?
There are approximately 69 million vehicle breakdowns in the United States each year. Roadside assistance coverage can be a worthwhile investment and provide peace of mind, especially if you’re stuck in heavy traffic on the highway.
Whether or not you want to add this coverage depends on various factors: your vehicle’s age, your typical drive or commute, and whether it’s convenient to have the coverage for added security. Different auto insurance companies, auto clubs, credit card issuers and vehicle manufacturers offer roadside assistance programs. It’s essential to compare these programs’ benefits, features, and costs to ensure you get the assistance you want.
If you decide to purchase this additional protection, there are four typical ways you can get it:
1. Add it to your auto insurance policy
2. Receive coverage as a benefit from a company
3. Buy an auto club membership that has roadside assistance
4. Pay per use when an auto emergency arises
Additional Benefits of a Roadside Program
Many roadside assistance programs offer additional benefits. These may include:
- Legal defense reimbursement: If you need an attorney to defend you in court against a traffic violation, this coverage may reimburse you for legal costs up to your plan’s limit.
- Trip interruption coverage: If your vehicle breaks down while on the road, this coverage can reimburse you for particular lodging or travel expenses up to your plan’s limit.
What Does Roadside Assistance Cost?
There are various programs available, and the cost of these programs depends on the service provider and their benefits. Call Hanway Insurance today at 855-2HANWAY to discuss our road assistance program.