How Combining Roadside Assistance With Your Car Insurance Can Save You Money

What if you could stay safer and save money at the same time? 

You already financially protect yourself with good car insurance. However, you might be on the fence about getting roadside assistance. Most drivers who hesitate are worried about having to pay yet another premium each month. 

Surprisingly, combining both kinds of coverage can help you save big. And it can save you from Googling “cheap roadside assistance near me” every time you have an issue. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about the financial and safety benefits of having 24/7 roadside assistance. 

Navigating Insurance Savings with Roadside Assistance 

Most of the time, drivers don’t have roadside assistance included in their insurance and must add it as a separate policy. With that in mind, it’s important to answer the big question: How does having this additional rider potentially save you more in the long term compared to what you’d pay for a new monthly premium? 

In short, when you inevitably have to get some help by the side of the road, the cost of paying for separate services can easily outweigh the annual cost of your premium. For example, paying for things like a tow service, a locksmith, or even just a battery jump-start can be very expensive out of pocket. With roadside coverage, all of this and more is covered, allowing you to save money and drive with true peace of mind. 

How Much Does Roadside Assistance Cost? 

Roadside assistance is inexpensive, especially when you consider the many different ways it can save you if you run into trouble. The average cost of a policy ranges from $40 up to $120, depending on the features you choose. 

Even at the higher end, that’s less than a dime a day. Consider how much this may be worth if your teenager forgets to gas up and stalls out on a dark highway or if you lock your keys in the car while at the mall shopping. Keep reading to see how this service can be a true hero in moments of stress. 

Essential Roadside Assistance Know-How 

It’s one thing to know that breakdown service can help save you money. But do you know what this service actually does? Knowing that can help you make the decision to purchase additional coverage. 

Below, you will find a list of what this service can do and how it actually complements your existing car insurance. Once you know what this service actually covers, you’ll never want to travel again without its comprehensive protection. 

Decoding What Roadside Assistance Really Covers 

While the exact list of what’s covered varies from carrier to carrier, you can usually count on such a policy to cover the costs of towing your vehicle. Changing flat tires is typically covered, and so is pulling your vehicle out of ditches and other areas with a winch. 

This coverage will typically pay to have your dead battery jump-started and to hire a locksmith if you get locked out of the vehicle. It also covers things like fuel delivery or simply transporting you and your passengers somewhere safe. 

How Roadside Assistance Complements Your Car Insurance 

Is roadside assistance included in insurance? Some full coverage insurance policies include roadside assistance, but a liability-only one does not. It’s important to consider having both to stay safe on the road, especially when you travel. Just as you would prepare before hitting the road in California by packing an emergency kit, you should opt for adding roadside assistance.  But how does this coverage complement your automobile coverage? 

Imagine that another driver causes an accident. Their liability coverage will help pay for your repairs and injuries, but you and your family may not have an easy ride to your destination if your vehicle is too damaged to drive. In this situation, breakdown service could help tow the vehicle while also providing transport to your destination. Should you end up getting locked out of the vehicle in a strange area or overheating while you drive through the desert at night, this policy will come to your aid. 

These policies go perfectly together for almost any kind of travel. Combined, they give you the best car insurance for road trips in California.

Pro Tips for Using Roadside Assistance Effectively 

Roadside assistance is useful in the right situation. Whether it’s worth it for you, though, comes down to how effectively you make use of it. 

To make things easier for you, the guide below has a few easy tips for making the most out of this additional coverage. Done right, you can maximize your own safety as well as the value of this policy. 

When to Call for Help – And When Not To 

As a general rule, you should use roadside assistance when you need time-sensitive help or are traveling in an unfamiliar area. For example, you may need a locksmith ASAP when visiting family out of state, but at home, you could always contact someone who has a spare key and wait for their help. Similarly, you might be able to find a friend or family member to jump your car, but when you’re in the middle of nowhere, you may need to call the professionals straight away. 

Never forget that prevention is always better and cheaper than the cure. For example, a few proper car maintenance tips can help you beat the California heat in the summer and avoid having to call for assistance in the first place.  

Can Utilizing Roadside Assistance Affect Your Premiums? 

Does using roadside assistance increase premiums? Most of the time, the answer is “no” because drivers use these services infrequently. If you constantly rely on this service, though, it can drive your rate up because the carrier will fear your vehicle is in poor condition. 

Get Cheap Roadside Assistance Coverage 

This guide has explained how breakdown service works with your car insurance to save you money. That’s great for anyone who loves to travel or just hates paying a high premium. But did you know you can save even more by switching to Cost-U-Less for your insurance needs? 

Here at Cost-U-Less Insurance, we provide the best automobile coverage, roadside assistance, and so much more. Ready to stop paying so much and get the kind of insurance agency you truly deserve? Call us at (800) 390-4071 or get a fast car insurance quote online. You can also find a Cost-U-Less office near you. 

FAQs on Reducing Roadside Assistance and Insurance Bills 

Even for those who already have roadside service, it’s common to have questions about the cost and service. Below, you will find more info about how to reduce the costs associated with this additional coverage, as well as your car insurance. 

Is It Worth Paying for Roadside Assistance Separately From My Insurance? 

Unless you drive very rarely, this coverage is typically worth purchasing as a separate policy. In many cases, it more than pays for itself by saving you time and money if your vehicle breaks down. 

What Factors Affect the Cost of Roadside Assistance and Insurance Premiums? 

Your insurance carrier will determine the cost of roadside assistance based on factors like the cost of local services (for example, the average cost of having a vehicle towed). As for your car insurance, it can be affected by many factors, including your age, the type of vehicle you drive, your driving record, and even where you live. While you can’t control every factor, you can sometimes lower your premium by downsizing cars and driving safer (as in, no tickets and no claims for as long as possible). 

What Discounts Are Commonly Available for Roadside Assistance and Car Insurance? 

Commonly available car insurance discounts include price breaks for serving in the military, installing anti-theft devices, completing a defensive driving course, and even keeping up your grades. It’s always important to ask your carrier about different discounts for which you may qualify.