Take Care to Avoid Towing Scams

Should You Get Roadside Assistance Coverage?

October 24, 2024

The cost of roadside assistance when included with your car insurance depends on your insurance provider, your level of coverage, and your location.

Typically, the cost of roadside assistance can range from as little as $5 to $15 per month or approximately $50 to $100 per year, but these are just estimates.

Should you get roadside assistance coverage?

What road assistance covers:

Roadside assistance typically includes services that help you when your vehicle experiences common problems while on the road.

Common services include:

Towing service: If your car can't be driven, it can be towed to a nearby repair shop or location specified in your policy.

Battery jump-start: Assistance in starting your car if the battery dies.

Flat tire change: Replacement of a flat tire with your spare.

Fuel delivery: Delivery of fuel to your location if you run out of gas. Usually, you pay for the fuel cost.

Lockout service: Assistance in getting into your car if you're locked out, but usually doesn't include the cost of replacing lost keys or a locksmith.

Winching service: Pulling your car out if it's stuck in mud, snow, water, or sand, within a certain distance from the road.

Minor roadside repairs: Basic, minor repairs to get your car running again.

What if you don’t have roadside assistance coverage?

If you don’t have road assistance included with your car insurance, you can call a towing company. Towing companies usually charge a base hook-up fee that often ranges between $35 to$100 and after the initial hook-up they charge a per-mile fee that can be anywhere from $2 to $5 per mile. Cost can also depend on type of vehicle, time of day, location and circumstances (hard-to-reach area). Services beyond towing like a tire change, jump-start, or fuel delivery, might cost an additional fee.

How to avoid a towing scam:

Know your policy: Understand what your car insurance or roadside assistance covers in terms of towing.

Use trusted services: If you have roadside assistance through your insurance, a credit card, or an auto club, call them for a tow.

Verify identity: Always ask for identification and confirmation from the tow truck driver, especially if you didn't call them directly.

Avoid unsolicited tows: Be wary of tow trucks that arrive unsolicited at an accident scene.

Get a Clear Price: Before the tow, ask for a clear, itemized invoice detailing all charges.

Know the destination: Confirm where your vehicle is being towed and ensure it’s a legitimate business location.

Avoid pressure tactics: Don’t be pressured into a tow. You have the right to decide who tows your vehicle and where it goes.

Document everything: Take pictures of your car before and after the tow and keep records of all paperwork and receipts.

Use secure payment methods: Pay with a credit card instead of cash for better tracking and security.

Report suspicious activity: If something seems off, report the towing company to your insurance, local business bureau, or law enforcement.