Renting a car can be a great convenience when traveling. Planning your route and packing your bags is an exciting part of the preparation process; however, what’s equally important is making sure you’re adequately prepared for common roadside mishaps that may happen along the way–such as a flat tire, dead battery, or other common mechanical issues.
Of course, no one wants a vehicle breakdown to be part of their road trip agenda, but being proactive at the get go can alleviate the stress and inconvenience of a roadside event should you encounter one during your travels.
So if you’re asking yourself: Do I need to get roadside assistance for my rental car? The simple answer is yes. But the why, where, and how can be a little more complicated, which is why we’re here to help. Here’s a breakdown of what roadside for your rental car is, why it’s worth the investment, and how you can obtain it for your next trip (spoiler alert: you may already have it covered in your auto policy!).
Don’t Get Stranded: Rental Car Roadside Assistance Has You Covered
Similar to what you’d get for your personal vehicle, roadside assistance for rental cars typically covers services like:
- Towing if the issue can’t be resolved roadside
- Flat tire assistance if you experience a puncture
- Lockout services in case you accidentally lock your keys inside your vehicle
- Jump starts if the car battery dies
- Fuel delivery if you run out of gas
- Winching if the vehicle is stuck in a ditch, mud, water, etc.
Stay Stress-Free: The Importance of Roadside Assistance for Rental Cars
Fast and convenient service
Getting professional help is just a few taps away. Most roadside programs have evolved and adapted to the digital age. The best roadside experience now begins on a mobile app where information exchanged between drivers and dispatchers is more timely and accurate. This enables service providers to arrive on scene quickly and properly prepared, resolving your roadside issue efficiently.
Safe
You may think that fixing a roadside issue yourself is quicker and less costly, but this isn’t the case. The truth of the matter is the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach can be a longer, more expensive, and extremely dangerous one. Inclement weather, oncoming traffic, narrow spaces, and surface level knowledge of car repair are all factors that can result in severe injuries–or worse. Allowing professionally trained service providers who have experience and expertise to perform roadside fixes is always the smartest and safest option.
Cost-efficient
You may also be thinking that securing roadside service on an only-if-needed basis is less costly than obtaining coverage (if you don’t already have it). While you can pay out-of-pocket for a la carte roadside services, expenses for simple (and of course complex) roadside fixes can quickly add up. For example, the average cost of a 100 mile tow is upwards of $600, which can put a serious dent in your traveling budget. Most of the time, securing roadside coverage is cheaper for your rental duration than paying out-of-pocket for a single service.
Peace of mind
While most rental cars are properly maintained, the chances of a breakdown are still high: 1 in 2 drivers experiences an event every year. Roadside assistance is a good safeguard for handling an unexpected mishap safely and efficiently–especially if your travels include places that are in remote or urban areas, where obtaining roadside help from independent providers can take much longer (and not to mention be more stressful).
Hit the Road with Confidence: A Smooth Trip is Priceless
Here are 3 ways you can obtain roadside assistance for your car rental.
Your Personal Auto Insurance Carrier
The good news is that your personal auto insurance policy may already include roadside assistance for your rental car! To ensure that you’re not overlapping coverage, take a look at your policy to see if roadside extends to rental cars and if there are any limitations–such as mileage restrictions for towing or fuel/battery delivery. If you don’t have your policy handy, reach out to your insurance agent or carrier and ask them directly. If it isn’t included, learn more about other options they may have, such as additional coverage you can purchase for your rental car to ensure you’re fully protected.
Your Credit Card Issuer
Many credit card companies also offer roadside assistance coverage for car rentals as a cardholder benefit. Ranging from complimentary to pay-per-use service, some travel credit cards with high annual fees include complimentary roadside assistance that can be used several times a year. Low-fee or no-fee credit cards may also offer roadside dispatch as a service that you pay for each time you need to use it. Take a look at each of your credit card policies to learn more about what roadside services are offered and if there are any limitations. You can also reach out to your credit card company via phone or email to learn more about what roadside add ons or options are available.
Rental Car Companies
Lastly, many rental car companies offer their own roadside assistance as an optional add-on at the rental counter, costing between $5 and $15 per day on average. This plan usually provides comprehensive coverage, and in some cases, may offer service exclusively through the rental car company's network. However, note that these plans might only cover certain types of incidents, and they often exclude coverage if the issue is due to driver error, like running out of fuel or getting a flat tire. Make sure to read the fine print.
While the excitement of a road trip often overshadows the potential hiccups, being prepared with roadside assistance for your rental car can make all the difference for a smooth trip. It offers peace of mind, fast and reliable service, and cost efficiency when unexpected issues arise. Whether it’s through your personal auto insurance, credit card benefits, or the rental car company itself, there are multiple ways to secure coverage. Taking the time to understand your options and ensure you’re protected means you can focus on enjoying the journey, knowing professional help is just a tap or call away.
Are you road trip ready? Download our guide to find out.
