Let’s say you’re on your way home after a long day at work. However, misfortune strikes. Your car breaks down, the tires burst, and the battery dies. The second you exit your vehicle, a gust of wind shuts the door and locks you outside.
Dealing with only one of these issues can be tough, but several or all of them are almost impossible. Plus, there’s a good chance you can’t deal with a lockout without breaking your car window.
Fortunately, you can always rely on roadside assistance. This handy service helps drivers if their vehicles break down in the middle of the road. But how much does roadside assistance cost, what services are typically offered, and when is it a good time to get it?
How Much Does Roadside Assistance Cost?
The cost of roadside assistance services varies, ranging from $36 to $100 annually. It could be more, depending on the services provided by the program.
Roadside assistance programs offer different benefits and services. Some might offer towing over great distances, while others could include services that other programs might not have, such as car-buying assistance.
Because of this, it’s important to do your research on the roadside assistance services available near you and choose the program that fits your needs the most.
Services Provided by Roadside Assistance
The exact services offered by roadside assistance vary depending on the program, though all exist to help drivers deal with unexpected problems and emergencies on the road. They typically include:
- Towing services if your vehicle breaks down
- Jump-starting and charging dead car batteries
- Repairing or replacing damaged tires
- Lockout services if you accidentally lock yourself out
- Fuel delivery, both gas and diesel
- Winching in case your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
- Basic repairs in case a critical component becomes inoperative
What Are the Benefits of Roadside Assistance?
Roadside assistance might seem costly, but the many services they provide more than make up the difference. You won’t need to call for help all of the time, but you’ll be happy to have it handy when it’s necessary. Here are its benefits:
Peace of Mind
One of the biggest benefits that comes with using roadside assistance is not having to worry about getting stranded in the middle of the road with no way out in sight.
Without roadside assistance, getting into an accident, running out of fuel, or having the car battery die on you mid-journey can mean abandoning your vehicle and walking great distances to get help. With roadside assistance, help is just one call away.
Convenience
If you’re stranded, having roadside assistance means you can save a lot of time and effort. You can call for help and request a specific service — a far simpler and smoother process than dialing 911 or contacting a towing service to bring your vehicle to the nearest mechanic.
Roadside assistance means dealing with specific problems quickly and effectively, letting you resume your journey as soon as possible.
Cost-Effective
Another benefit that comes with roadside assistance is the fact that you can save a lot of money.
Under normal circumstances, you’d need to pay towing fees along with other fees covering the services and repairs necessary to get your vehicle back on the road. On average, having your car towed to a mechanic typically costs $75, which is likely higher than a one-year subscription to a roadside assistance program.
Wide Coverage
Roadside assistance can assist you almost anywhere at any time. If you’re stuck in the middle of the road, miles away from civilization, roadside assistance is more than willing to lend you some help.
In some cases, the support team might even offer to tow your vehicle for miles to bring you back to town. They might also provide services that can get your vehicle up and running again, such as battery recharges, refueling, and tire changes.
Is Roadside Assistance Worth It?
Though roadside assistance can be a costly investment, especially since it’s subscription-based, it’s never a bad one solely for the peace of mind it offers.
Though you (likely) won’t need to request help very often, roadside assistance will come in handy if your car breaks down on the highway or somewhere hard to reach. You’ll be glad to have a service to call for help.
Get On-Demand Roadside Assistance With CarParts+
If you’re worried about being unable to get roadside assistance quickly and reliably, CarParts.com has you covered. With a CarParts+ membership, you can get easy access to roadside assistance 24/7, which includes tire changes, battery boosts, lockout assistance, fuel delivery, and a 15-mile tow (up to 3 services per year).
On top of that, you’ll enjoy other exclusive perks, including VIP customer service, free shipping for up to 500,000 parts, and extended 60-day returns. Don’t hold off on getting a CarParts+ membership. Sign up today to give yourself some peace of mind on the road.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
