Why You Need Roadside Assistance Coverage on Your Auto Insurance
Let’s say you’re driving on a rural road late at night when suddenly, your car breaks down. The feelings of isolation and helplessness can be overwhelming. This is where roadside assistance can come into play, offering a solution to your immediate issue and peace of mind. Mechanical issues can strike your vehicle at any time and often without warning, proving the importance of having a reliable contact for assistance. Whether you have a flat tire, dead battery, or an empty gas tank, help is just a phone call away with roadside assistance coverage on your auto insurance.
What does Roadside Assistance cover?
Roadside assistance is an additional auto insurance coverage that generally includes a wide range of services to help when your car breaks down or you experience other issues on the road. Common services include:
- Towing
- Mechanical assistance
- Battery jumps
- Flat-tire changes
- Locksmith services
- Delivery of fuel
If you have a minor breakdown, your roadside assistance technician may make small repairs on-site or tow your vehicle to a nearby mechanic. Keep in mind there may be limitations associated with roadside assistance services depending on your provider and coverage limits.
Benefits of Roadside Assistance
Convenience
The convenience of roadside assistance is one of its most appealing benefits. With 24/7 help available, roadside assistance ensures you can get assistance whenever you need it, day or night. Fast response times are prioritized, so you likely won’t be stranded for an extended time. Plus, having a single point of contact can help you save time by eliminating the need to search for nearby service providers. The convenience of roadside assistance can help you handle any unexpected situation with ease.
Safety
Experiencing car trouble on a busy highway or in a remote area can be dangerous. With roadside assistance just a call away, you can minimize your time in unsafe areas. Roadside assistance provides trained technicians to handle various issues, ensuring your vehicle receives proper care. Your coverage often follows you, so there’s no need to worry about potential car issues when you travel.
Savings
Services like towing and locksmiths can become quite pricey; towing can cost $75 or more (plus additional fees per mile), a jump-start might cost around $50 or more, and locksmith services can range from $50 to $100. Many auto service providers might also charge extra for calls made outside of normal business hours. Without roadside assistance, these expenses would come out of your own pocket when you have car problems. Roadside assistance, available 24/7, can help you save by covering these costs. While you might still have to pay for the item being serviced or replaced, the service itself is included with your coverage.
Peace of mind
Imagine your car breaks down and you call for help—maybe a spouse, parent, or friend, but no one answers. Unsure of who else to contact, you consider diagnosing the problem, but you’re not familiar with mechanical issues. When you have roadside assistance, you can be confident that professional help is just a phone call away. This service allows you to drive with peace of mind, knowing you’re protected against the uncertainties of the road.
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How is Roadside Assistance different from a membership-based plan?
Adding roadside assistance to your auto insurance policy is generally much more affordable than purchasing a stand-alone membership plan. Insurance-based roadside assistance typically only increases your insurance bill by a few dollars, making it a cost-effective option. While the services and coverages included can vary based on your insurance policy, this add-on is usually cheaper compared to a membership-based plan. However, you can still opt for a membership plan in addition to your insurance-based roadside assistance for extra protection on the road.
Roadside Assistance from Alfa Insurance®
Alfa’s roadside assistance program provides 24/7 access to services like towing, battery jumps, fuel delivery, and more. Plus, you can receive real-time notifications when your service vehicle is nearby, reducing your wait time. Roadside assistance can be added to your policy at any time during the policy period. Contact your local, trusted Alfa® agent to learn more about roadside assistance and other additional auto coverages.
To activate roadside assistance, call Alfa’s Customer Resource Center at 1-800-964-2532 and follow the prompts.
All coverages are subject to deductibles and policy limits. This is not an insurance policy. It is intended only to provide a general description of Alfa Insurance® and/or its product lines and services. An actual policy contains the specific details of the deductibles, coverages, conditions and exclusions. Your Alfa® agent can explain the policy and benefits and answer any questions you may have before you buy.