When you are doing a lot of driving, knowing that there is someone you can call if you need help is a good feeling. If you do not have a friend or family member nearby, the next option is a tow company or a roadside assistance provider to come help you out.
Roadside Assistance
There are several large roadside assistance organizations that you can join for a yearly fee that will come to your aid if your car breaks down, has a flat, or runs out of gas. The larger organizations provide services all over the country and even in some other countries, but they do come with limits depending on your membership level.
When you are considering signing up for a roadside assistance plan, it is essential that you look closely at the details so that you can decide which plan is right for you and make sure it has the coverage area you need. If you drive all over the country, it is crucial that you have coverage that will follow you, for example.
Benefits to Consider
Some of the best roadside assistance memberships offer benefits that can include jumpstarts, tire changes, and towing to a nearby garage, but many extend beyond that and give you discounts at some businesses, like hotels, and can offer you travel guides with directions and maps that show you the best route for your trip.
Take a close look at the benefits of the company you are considering and compare them to other companies that offer the same services. You may find that one is a better value than the other and provides you more discounts or more towing than another company.
Of course, the goal is to use the benefits and discounts but not to need the repair and towing, but like insurance, these benefits are good to have available just in case even if you never need them.
Affiliate Towing Companies
When you choose to join a large roadside assistance organization, you will quickly see the benefits of the affiliate towing companies and garages in the network. If you break down far from home, it can be challenging to know who to call, and looking up random garages online or in the phone book does not tell you much about them.
If you call the roadside assistance line, the representative can help you find some assistance near you. They have all the information available to find a towing company that has excellent reviews and is in the network, so you do not get charged for the tow or repair. Because these companies are part of the network, they will work hard to make members happy to keep a good rating and keep the work coming their way.