If you’re a young driver, you might have been lucky enough to avoid experiencing a breakdown thus far. However, when you do, you will understand the importance of having a road service provider you can trust. There are many providers on the market these days, and it’s important to do your research to figure out the best option before you start driving regularly.
The Benefits of Having a Road Service Provider
Although you could always get by without a road service provider, there are many benefits that come with having a good plan. Most plans include tow services, which can save you a lot of money if you break down in the middle of nowhere and need a tow truck to take your car to the nearest town. Plans also commonly feature gas, oil and water delivery, emergency tire changes, jump starting and even lockout services.
If you don’t have a plan and suffer a breakdown, you can always call a tow truck, but if you run out of gas or find yourself unable to change your tire on your own, you will be very grateful for your roadside-assistance plan.
The Options You Have to Choose From
1. AAA
Perhaps the most commonly known roadside-assistance program is the American Automobile Association (AAA), which has been around for over a century now. AAA is a non-profit organization that has earned a positive and long-standing reputation. Membership will cost you around $68 a year.
2. BP Motorclub Emergency Road Service
Oil company British Petroleum also offers a roadside-assistance program, which includes towing services and gasoline-delivery services. Membership will cost you $120 a year, which is more expensive than many of the other service providers.
3. Allstate Emergency Road Service
Allstate is an insurance provider that also offers a roadside-assistance plan. A premium membership will cost you $120 a year, but that price includes reimbursement for travel expenses. This may be beneficial if you suffer a breakdown while commuting to work or any other long-distance travel. They also offer an online trip planner that will help you decide the best route for your trip and help you avoid unnecessary tolls or delays.
4. National Motor Club Emergency Road Service
National Motor Club is considered one of the premium roadside-assistance programs. for $170 a year, you can get standard breakdown services, lockout services as well as an arrest bond in case you are ever sent to jail. Being part of the club will also benefit you by offering you discounts on gas, prescription medicines and many other items. If you regularly use any of the discounted items, the membership will eventually pay for itself.
How to Decide on a Plan
The plan you choose should be based on what will work for your individual life. For example, someone who commutes a long distance to work might require a towing plan that offers more mileage than someone who only uses their car to make a weekly run to the market. Look at your driving habits and compare them to what each plan has to offer.
Also, ask yourself these questions:
- Is the membership affordable for you?
- Do you need the membership to cover just you, or are you looking to cover family members as well?
- Is there a limit on how many tows you can receive each year?
- Does the company offer quick response times?
- Do any of the services require an additional payment?
Don’t be afraid to call the company and run specific situations by a representative to see how they might handle any problems that could arise. You’re going to be paying good money for these services, and you want to do everything you can to decide on the right plan for you.