Picture this: You’re driving on a busy highway when suddenly, your car breaks down. Maybe it’s a flat tire, a dead battery, or you accidentally locked your keys inside the car. In situations like these, having roadside assistance can be a lifesaver. But many drivers, especially new ones, often wonder: Is roadside assistance really worth it?
At Get Drivers Ed, we emphasize the importance of being prepared for any situation on the road, and roadside assistance is one way to ensure you have support when unexpected breakdowns happen. In this blog, we’ll explore what roadside assistance covers, the benefits it offers, the costs involved, and whether it’s a wise investment for you.
1. What Does Roadside Assistance Cover?
Services Typically Offered
Roadside assistance services are designed to help you get back on the road quickly if you encounter problems while driving. The exact services can vary depending on the provider, but most roadside assistance plans cover the following:
Towing: If your vehicle breaks down and cannot be fixed on-site, roadside assistance will arrange for it to be towed to the nearest repair facility. This is especially helpful if you’re in an unfamiliar area.
Flat Tire Change: If you get a flat tire and don’t know how to change it (or don’t have the right tools), roadside assistance can send someone to replace it with your spare.
Battery Jump-Start: Car batteries can die for several reasons, including extreme weather or accidentally leaving the lights on. Roadside assistance can provide a jump-start to get your car running again.
Lockout Services: Locked your keys inside the car? Roadside assistance can send a professional to unlock your vehicle, saving you the hassle and potential damage of trying to break in.
Fuel Delivery: If you run out of gas, roadside assistance can bring enough fuel to get you to the nearest gas station.
Winching Service: If your car gets stuck in mud, snow, or a ditch, roadside assistance can help pull it out.
These services can be incredibly useful, especially if you’re not confident in handling car issues on your own. At Get Drivers Ed, we teach students the basics of car maintenance and safety, but we also recognize that sometimes you need a little extra help—and that’s where roadside assistance comes in.
2. Benefits of Having Roadside Assistance
Peace of Mind on the Road
One of the biggest advantages of having roadside assistance is the peace of mind it provides. Knowing that help is just a phone call away can make a huge difference, particularly when you’re driving long distances, traveling late at night, or navigating through unfamiliar areas. This sense of security can alleviate stress and allow you to focus on driving safely.
For new drivers, having access to roadside assistance can be especially reassuring. Many teens and young adults may not yet know how to handle vehicle breakdowns or unexpected problems on the road. With a roadside assistance plan, both new drivers and their parents can feel more confident about hitting the road.
Time and Convenience
Roadside assistance can save you a lot of time and hassle. When you’re stuck on the side of the road, you may not know the nearest repair shop, towing company, or where to get help. Roadside assistance services are designed to handle these logistics for you, so you don’t have to waste precious time searching for solutions. At Get Drivers Ed, we always remind drivers that the less time you spend stranded on the roadside, the safer you are.
Cost Savings on Emergency Services
While roadside assistance does involve an annual or monthly fee, it can actually save you money in the long run. Services like towing, lockout assistance, and flat tire changes can be costly when you pay for them out of pocket. Having a roadside assistance plan means you’ve already covered these potential expenses, often at a lower overall cost.
For example, the cost of a single tow can easily exceed $100, depending on the distance and location. If you need towing multiple times a year, roadside assistance can quickly pay for itself.
3. How Much Does Roadside Assistance Cost?
Cost Breakdown
The cost of roadside assistance varies depending on the provider and the level of coverage you choose. Here’s a general idea of what you might expect:
Auto Clubs (e.g., AAA): Plans typically range from $50 to $150 per year, depending on the coverage level. Higher-tier plans may include additional benefits like longer towing distances and travel discounts.
Insurance Providers: Many auto insurance companies offer roadside assistance as an add-on to your policy. Costs can range from $10 to $30 annually, but these plans may have more limited services compared to standalone providers.
Car Manufacturers: Some new cars come with a limited period of free roadside assistance, usually covering the first few years of ownership. After that, you may have the option to purchase extended coverage.
When considering the cost, it's important to weigh it against the potential expenses you might incur if you need to pay for these services individually. A simple jump-start or tire change could cost between $50 and $100 without roadside assistance, and the costs only go up from there for services like towing.
4. Is Roadside Assistance Worth It for You?
Assessing Your Driving Habits
Whether roadside assistance is worth it depends on your individual driving habits and circumstances. Here are some factors to consider:
How Often Do You Drive? If you drive frequently, especially long distances or in remote areas, having roadside assistance can be a wise investment.
Your Vehicle's Age and Condition: Older vehicles are more likely to break down, making roadside assistance more beneficial. However, even newer cars can encounter unexpected issues like flat tires or dead batteries.
Your Level of Car Maintenance Knowledge: If you’re comfortable changing a flat tire, jump-starting a battery, and handling other minor car issues, you might not need roadside assistance as much as someone who isn’t. At Get Drivers Ed, we teach basic car maintenance skills, but we also understand that not everyone feels confident tackling these problems on their own.
Do You Travel Alone or With Family? If you frequently travel alone, roadside assistance can provide extra safety and peace of mind. Similarly, if you have young children or elderly family members in the car, having quick access to help can be invaluable in stressful situations.
The Value of Preparedness
At Get Drivers Ed, we emphasize that being prepared is key to safe driving. While having roadside assistance won’t prevent breakdowns, it ensures that you’re not left stranded if something goes wrong. This preparedness can be particularly valuable for new drivers who may not yet have the experience or knowledge to handle unexpected car issues.
Conclusion: Be Prepared with Roadside Assistance
So, is roadside assistance worth it? For many drivers, the answer is a resounding yes. The peace of mind, convenience, and potential cost savings make it a smart investment, especially for those who drive frequently, own older vehicles, or are still gaining confidence in handling car issues. Roadside assistance provides an extra layer of safety and support that can help you navigate unexpected situations on the road with ease.
At Get Drivers Ed, we teach our students the importance of being prepared for anything they might encounter while driving. While learning basic car maintenance skills is essential, having roadside assistance can offer the extra help you need when things don’t go as planned.
If you’re looking to become a more confident and responsible driver, start by investing in your driving education. Enroll in our online driver education courses at Get Drivers Ed to gain the knowledge and skills you need to navigate the road safely!
