Do You Need Roadside Assistance Insurance?

I've broken down on the road more than a couple times, usually due to a flat tire. Some problems, such as the tire, I can fix myself, but others are beyond my limited understanding of vehicle mechanics, and on those occasions I've needed roadside assistance. But is roadside assistance insurance the best way to go?

Redundant Coverage
Some people already carry a form of roadside assistance insurance, and you might not even realize it. For example, credit cards occasionally are issued with this kind of protection built in. If you get a flat or run out of gas on the highway, you can call an 800 number, and someone will come along to help you.

Or maybe you belong to a motor club, with roadside assistance insurance being one of the primary perks. In this case, you don't need to include this on your car insurance policy, because you'll be paying twice for the same thing. Always make sure you aren't purchasing redundant coverage.

Cost Analysis
Roadside assistance insurance might cost more with some providers than others, so it helps to perform a quick cost analysis. For example, maybe you do belong to a motor club, but your auto insurance company provides coverage at a cheaper rate. In this case, you might want to drop your motor club membership in favor of the latter.

When comparing costs, make sure you look at the big picture. What services are included? Do you get discounts or other benefits with the roadside assistance program? How do the costs and benefits weigh out overall?

Premium Changes
You know that if you get into a car accident and file a claim, your car insurance premiums are likely to increase. But what if you need roadside assistance on a regular basis? According to FoxBusiness.com, repeat offenders might face increased premiums when they renew their policies.

This probably isn't a problem if you call once or twice a year. But using roadside assistance insurance twice a month could raise red flags, and in this case a motor club might be a better option.

Coverage Limits

How many times can you use roadside assistance insurance? What vehicles are covered? And which roadside problems can be addressed through the program? These are the questions you should ask before you sign for a policy.

Some motor clubs allow you to use your benefits regardless of what car you're in, while most car insurance companies only cover break-downs on the insured vehicle. What if you need a tow? How much do you have to pay per mile beyond a certain radius?

And finally, you might want to research response times. Some roadside assistance insurance programs might get you help within 30 minutes, while others might take hours to respond. This is something to consider when evaluating different policies.