You're about to head to the office, but as soon as you step into your driveway, you spot a flat tire on the driver's side of your car. Or maybe you've just finished loading groceries and buckling your toddler into her car seat when you realize the car won't start. You frantically search through your glove compartment or scour the internet for a phone number, adding even more stress to an already tense moment.
When faced with a roadside event, many drivers are unsure of whether or not they have roadside coverage. And if they do, they’re unsure of how to go about accessing it. Whether you’re at home or in a supermarket parking lot, you can’t foresee the exact day and time you’ll experience a roadside event. But what you can do is make sure you’re ready and prepared when that day comes.
Here are 5 easy tips to follow so your next roadside experience is a quick, easy, and seamless one.
| Check if you have roadside. Reach out to your auto insurance carrier or car dealership (if you purchased a new car) to see if roadside assistance is already included in your policy or warranty. If it is included, great! |
| Consider obtaining roadside coverage. If coverage isn’t included in your policy or warranty, reach out to your carrier or dealership about how to get it added and what the costs are. Some roadside programs are a basic plan with a flat fee, while some others may have tiered options with different costs. Whatever option you choose, roadside programs can usually be added for less than a few cups of coffee per month, so it’s definitely worth the peace of mind it provides. |
| Understand your coverage. After you’ve obtained roadside for your vehicle, it’s important to understand the depth and breadth of what your roadside coverage entails. Get a comprehensive view of what types of services are included and what the coverage limits are (if any). Understanding where out-of-pocket costs can accrue will help you set realistic expectations so you can stay financially aligned with your policy or warranty when you experience an event. |
| Know how to request roadside. Today, the fastest and most efficient way to request roadside assistance is through your program’s mobile app. Digital intake has quickly become the preferred method since it connects drivers directly to the people dispatching help. Download the mobile app for your roadside program and set up your user account. Familiarize yourself with where and how to request roadside, which typically involves entering basic information about the issue and hitting submit. You will receive an estimated time-of-arrival and can even track the service provider’s location in real-time. |
| Never attempt to perform a roadside fix yourself (DIY). Remember that roadside assistance is the easiest, quickest, and–most importantly–safest way to get back on the road if your vehicle is disabled. You should always use your coverage and obtain professional help. Service providers are trained to handle roadside fixes while adhering to safety standards and regulations. Serious injuries, or worse, have occurred as a direct result of a DIY attempt gone wrong. No matter how much car repair expertise you have, it’s best to leave it to the pros and to not put your own (or other drivers; and passengers’) safety at risk. |
By following these tips, you can take proactive steps to be adequately prepared for your next roadside event. Knowing exactly what your program covers and how to request help will not only provide you with peace of mind, but also make the disruption seem like just a slight bump in the road in your day.