How to Choose Between Emergency Roadside Services
Whether you’re a road warrior who travels regularly or a parent that’s on the go, having access to an emergency roadside service is a must. But how do you know which service to choose?
With car insurance that includes roadside assistance, you’ll have one number to call for help. It’s a coverage option that’s easy to add and doesn’t cost much.
Battery Jump-Start
A dead battery can cause many frustrating problems, especially when you’re trying to get somewhere important. To help, GEICO offers roadside assistance plans that include battery jump-start service.
For those that want to save money and be prepared for emergencies, it’s a good idea to keep a set of jumper cables in your vehicle along with other items like flashlights, flares, and basic tools. Also consider a portable car battery charger, which can be charged up and stored away for easy use.
To perform a jump start, first park a working vehicle (booster car) close enough to the dead car so that the cable’s metal clamps can reach both batteries. Shut off the ignitions in both vehicles, and make sure the parking brake is on in both cars. Disconnect the negative clamp from the disabled battery, then connect it to the positive terminal of the assisting battery. Connect the last black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the assisting car engine block, not in the carburetor or fuel injection system.
Fuel Delivery
Sometimes our schedules are so hectic that we can’t find time to stop at a gas station before running out of fuel. This is when having roadside assistance can be really helpful. When you call for service, a provider will usually bring you a full tank of gasoline. Many providers also take safety precautions when working on your vehicle, like setting up flares and cones to warn other drivers.
Many services offer plans that vary in the number of service calls you can make per year. More expensive options typically come with unlimited service calls throughout the year. Some also have specific coverage for certain vehicles, such as RVs and motorbikes.
The cheapest ways to get roadside assistance may be through credit cards or memberships included with some auto insurance policies. However, most of these programs have low limits and may not cover all your car’s needs. Learn more about how emergency roadside services work, and talk to your agent about adding this protection to your car insurance policy.
Tire Change
Whether you hit a big bump in the road, drive over a nail or simply have a flat tire that can’t be repaired, you can count on your emergency roadside service to provide a spare. In most cases, a technician will be able to change your flat tire onsite and get you back on the road at no additional cost to you (assuming you have a usable spare).
If your tires aren’t usable, a tow truck may be needed and you could be charged for mileage. Be sure to ask your roadside assistance company if you have any specific coverage limits on this type of service.
Most roadside assistance companies offer 24/7 phone support to help you with any questions or issues. Be sure to ask your agent about adding roadside assistance to your car insurance policy for peace of mind on the road. You can also find out more information about coverage by logging in to My AmFam or downloading our mobile app.
Lockout Service
When you’re locked out of your car with the keys inside, you want fast help. A professional can unlock your vehicle without damaging the door locks or window, and will save you time and money compared to trying to get back in with a screw driver or coat hanger.
You can find roadside assistance services through clubs like AAA, certain credit cards (i.e. Chase Sapphire Reserve) or even your travel insurance policy. Adding roadside service to your auto policy provides a wide range of benefits, including free or discounted services like battery jump-starts, flat tire fixes, fuel delivery and lockout assistance.
If you’re interested in adding roadside service to your auto insurance, contact an ERIE agent near you. Our agents are available 24/7 and can help you determine what coverages work best for you. And if you do add roadside assistance to your auto policy, we offer “sign and drive” direct billing so there are no upfront payments or reimbursement hassles.