Does Roadside Assistance Cover Towing? Everything You Need to Know
Does Roadside Assistance Cover Towing?
Is roadside assistance really worth the investment? When it comes to being prepared for car trouble, roadside assistance can be a lifesaver. The most common question while purchasing a subscription is: does roadside assistance cover towing? Let’s break down this topic so that the next time you’re in unexpected trouble, you’ll know exactly what your options are. Whether you’re stranded on the highway or parked in your driveway, understanding how towing and roadside assistance work can save you time, stress, and money.
What Does Roadside Assistance Cover?
Roadside assistance includes services created to help drivers get back on the road when their vehicles experience minor issues. Here’s what’s usually included:
- Towing Services: If your car breaks down and can’t be fixed on the spot, most roadside assistance plans will arrange to tow your car to the nearest car shop or preferred repair center.
- Flat Tire Changes: Got a flat? Roadside assistance can help swap it out with your spare.
- Jump-Starts: Dead battery? No problem. They’ll provide a jump-start or tow you to a nearest roadside assistance mechanic if needed.
- Fuel Delivery: Out of gas? They’ll bring enough fuel to get you to the nearest fuel station.
- Lockout Services: If you’ve locked yourself out, roadside assistance will send someone to unlock your car safely.
The simple answer is yes, roadside assistance covers towing. However, the specifics depend on your exact plan.
When Does Roadside Assistance Cover Towing?
The circumstances under which roadside assistance covers towing can vary depending on the provider and your specific plan. Here are the common scenarios:
Breakdowns and Mechanical Failures
If your car won’t start or breaks down on the side of the road, roadside car assistance will generally arrange to tow your vehicle to the closest tow truck or a roadside assistance mechanic.
After an Accident
Some plans include towing after an accident, though this may be tied to your auto insurance policy’s collision coverage. If you’re asking, “Does car insurance cover towing after an accident?”, the answer depends on your coverage and policy specifics.
Towing From Home
Yes, roadside assistance can come to your house in many cases. If your car won’t start in your driveway or garage, you can call your provider to arrange towing to the nearest tow yard or roadside car repair shop. Make sure you check your roadside assistance policy to see if at-home towing is part of the deal.
Distance Limits
Roadside assistance plans typically come with towing distance limits, so it’s worth knowing what your coverage actually includes. In most cases, tow trucks will take your car to the nearest repair shop, but there’s usually a set radius—anywhere from 5 to 15 miles. Wondering, “How far will roadside assistance tow?” The answer depends on the specifics of your plan, so don’t skip reading the fine print!
Common Questions About Roadside Assistance Coverage
Here are a few commonly asked questions about roadside assistance:
Can I Use My Roadside Assistance for Another Car?
In many cases, roadside assistance follows the driver, not the vehicle. So yes, you might be able to use your plan for a friend’s car. Check with your provider to confirm.
Will Roadside Assistance Come to Your House?
Yes, in most cases, you can use roadside assistance at home. If you’re locked out, dealing with a flat tire, or need a tow, DriveSmart quickly responds with just a call.
Is Roadside Assistance Worth It?
Yes, to be short and sweet about it. It creates a safety net dealing with a handful of issues. Whether it is a free tow truck, a quick jump-start, or help to find the closest tow truck company to me, roadside assistance provides peace of mind and saves people from out-of-pocket expenses.
Get Roadside Assistance and Trip Rewards
For those who travel frequently or live in areas with unpredictable weather, having roadside assistance is a smart decision. Some programs even offer trip rewards, saving you money for hotel stays and meals when you are far from home.
DriveSmart Membership Benefits
As a DriveSmart member, you’ll gain access to perks like 24/7 roadside assistance, towing up to your plan’s limit, and connections to the nearest tow company. Once you join our roadside assistance program, you gain access to our perks & rewards network. Our network includes many partnerships, offering exclusive discounts that will help you save all around.
Why Towing Is a Key Part of Roadside Assistance
Towing is a key feature included in a roadside assistance plan for good reason. When your car needs extra care, a reliable solution to get it to a tow place near me open or your trusted mechanic is important. Without a good towing service, you may pay out of pocket for expensive tow fees or search for last-minute help.
Here’s why having towing included in your roadside assistance is essential:
- Cost Savings: Depending on distance, a single tow alone can cost upwards of $150. With roadside assistance, this cost is usually covered up to a certain mileage.
- Convenience: Instead of searching for a tow center near me, roadside assistance takes care of it for you. Just make the call, and they’ll handle the rest.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a backup plan in place means you can drive on long trips or in remote areas without a doubt.
For many drivers, towing is the main reason they sign up for roadside assistance in the first place.
Types of Towing Services Covered by Roadside Assistance
All towing services are a little bit different from the others. Listed below are the most common types of towing covered by roadside assistance programs:
Local Towing
Most roadside assistance plans cover towing to the nearest tow yard near me or repair shop within a specific radius, often 10 to 15 miles. This option is best for occurrences that are either close to home or with close by repair facilities.
Long-Distance Towing
Some plans offer extended towing distances for an additional fee. Being stranded far from home, this service can transport your vehicle to your preferred repair shop, even if it’s not the closest tow truck to me.
Specialty Towing
For larger vehicles like trucks or RVs, specialty towing may be needed. Some plans also cover towing for motorcycles, which can require special equipment.
Accident Towing
If your car is involved in an accident and cannot be driven, roadside assistance may arrange a tow to a collision repair shop. However, this service is often tied to your insurance policy, so double-check your coverage to avoid unexpected costs.
How to Choose the Right Roadside Assistance Plan for Towing
Roadside assistance plans are not equally created, mainly when it comes to towing. Here’s what to look for when choosing a plan:
Distance Limits
Specifically, ask what distance is included for how far the service will tow your vehicle for free. If you frequently travel long distances, opt for a plan with extended towing coverage to avoid paying extra for long hauls.
Availability
Breakdowns can happen at any time, so choose a provider that’s always ready to dispatch a 24/7 roadside assistance tow truck when you need it.
Vehicle Eligibility
Make sure your roadside assistance plan covers all your vehicles, including trucks and SUVs. Some plans leave out specific car types, so it’s worth double-checking. And if you’re asking, “Can I use roadside assistance on another car?”—say, for a family member or friend—providers like DriveSmart let you add multiple vehicles to one plan for an extra fee, making it super convenient.
Service Network
A reliable provider will have a various network of tow trucks, mechanics, and repair shops. When you need a tow garage near me, fast access to trusted professionals is highly wanted.
Can You Use Roadside Assistance at Home?
One of the most common questions about roadside assistance is whether it works when you’re parked at home. Good news: most of the time, roadside assistance will come to your house. Whether your car refuses to start in the driveway or you’re dealing with a flat tire in the garage, one call can usually get you back on track.
That said, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Some providers charge extra for at-home services, so check the details of your plan.
- Not all plans include towing from home, so confirm this feature before signing up.
- If you often need help at home, look for a plan that clearly states if you can get assistance at your house.
For drivers who like to handle repairs themselves, road side assistance can still be a lifesaver by helping you find the nearest roadside assistance mechanic or mechanics that tow near me. It’s all about having the right plan for your needs.
How Roadside Assistance Works
If you’ve never used roadside assistance before, don’t worry—it’s super simple:
- Call Your Provider: Whether you’re stuck on the side of the road or need help at home, grab your phone and call the number on your membership or app.
- Provide Your Location: Let them know where you are and explain the issue. Most providers use GPS to locate the closest tow truck company to me or the nearest repair shop quickly.
- Choose a Service: Request the service you need regarding your roadside assistance plan depending on the situation.
- Wait Time for Assistance: Most providers aim to reach you within 30-60 minutes.
- Get Towed or Repaired: If the car needs towing, it will be taken to tow and repair near me or wherever the preferred location is to have it serviced.
What to Do If You Don’t Have Roadside Assistance
Help is still accessible even without roadside assistance. The only difference is it may be more costly and challenging. Here’s what you can do:
- Tow Service Online: Search for a tow car service near me or order a tow truck online to find nearby options.
- Contact a Tow Shop Directly: Many tow shops near me offer 24/7 services. This way of contacting help is more expensive and you will have to pay out-of-pocket.
While these options can work in a pinch, having a dedicated roadside assistance plan is far more convenient and cost-effective.
Roadside Assistance for Frequent Travelers
If you spend a lot of time on the road, having reliable roadside assistance is a necessity. Long trips increase the likelihood of breakdowns, flat tires, or running out of gas. You can quickly find help with a set plan for emergencies, whether you’re near a road service close to me or far from home.
Some roadside assistance programs such as DriveSmart even offer perks like:
- Discounted Repairs: Lower rates at participating repair shops.
- Concierge Services: Help plan travel arrangements as well as entertainment and dinner plans.
- Perks and Rewards: Netowwrk with endless deals and opportunities.
Common Myths About Roadside Assistance and Towing
There are a lot of misconceptions about what roadside assistance can and cannot cover. Let’s clear up some of the most common myths:
Myth #1: Roadside Assistance Is Too Expensive
Roadside Assistance plans are often less than a single tow. It includes towing with other key features. Some providers even have monthly payment options in case an annual charge is too much in the moment for someone.
Myth #2: Towing Only Works for New Cars
Roadside assistance serves any aged car, especially for older vehicles. It can truly be a helpful tool since older vehicles are subject to issues.
Myth #3: You Can Only Use It for Your Own Car
Many plans follow the driver, not the car. So yes, you can often use it for a friend’s vehicle.
Why Choose DriveSmart for Roadside Assistance?
DriveSmart isn’t just another roadside assistance provider—it’s a community of members who value safety. This is what makes DriveSmart unique:
- 24/7 Support: No matter where or when you need help, DriveSmart is just a call away.
- Wide Coverage: From farm tow services to urban roadside assistance, DriveSmart has you covered.
- Comprehensive Plans: Whether you’re looking for basic coverage or premium perks, DriveSmart offers plans to fit every budget.
Join the DriveSmart Network Today
Don’t wait until you’re stuck on the side of the road, searching for a roadside assistance mechanic near me or wondering, “Can I use roadside assistance at home?”
Join DriveSmart today to unlock:
- Exclusive member discounts
- Access to the best tow and repair near me providers
- 24/7 roadside assistance and trip interruption coverage
With DriveSmart, you’re not just getting a service—you’re joining a network of drivers who never have to worry about being stranded. Become a member now!
