Free Roadside Assistance: What’s Included & How to Qualify

If you are one of those people who find themselves driving all the time. You know how stressful a car breakdown can be, especially when it’s unexpected. The good news is, roadside assistance services can help you in a pinch, whether you have a flat tire, a dead battery, or even a lockout. But what about the free roadside assistance? Is it truly available, and how can you be eligible? In this blog, we are going to highlight the free roadside assistance. 

What Does Free Emergency Road Service Cover?

When a business or service says they offer free roadside assistance, you might ask yourself, What does that mean? Here are the services typically included at no cost:

Towing Services

If your car can’t be fixed where it broke down, you may also be eligible for free towing to a nearby mechanic or service station.

Battery Jump-Start

Dead battery? Free roadside assistance may cover jump-starts to get your car up and running again.

Flat Tire Assistance

If you have a spare (mandatory) and you get a flat, many roadside assistance programs will not only change the tire for you, but also pay for the cost of the tire to get fixed.

Fuel Delivery

If you run out of fuel, some services will deliver fuel to help you get to the gas station without any need for delivery.

Lockout Assistance

If you happen to be locked out of your car, a lot of services will unlock your vehicle for free.

Winching or Pulling

If you get stuck in a ditch or mud, the free roadside assistance can involve winching to pull your vehicle out.

While these are fairly common services, it’s important to read the fine print — some providers cap the number of services covered per year, or have restrictions based on where you live.

How to Get Free Roadside Assistance

Free roadside assistance is easier to find than you might have thought. Below are some typical ways to qualify:

Manufacturer’s Warranty

Most automobile companies provide free roadside assistance as part of the new car warranty. Refer to your vehicle’s documentation or contact your manufacturer to see if your car is eligible.

Auto Insurance Policies

Some car insurance policies have roadside assistance as part of simple and comprehensive coverage. If not, you can sometimes add it to your policy as an add-on.

Credit Card Perks

Some top-tier credit cards, especially ones that cater to travel enthusiasts, offer free roadside assistance as a benefit. See if you qualify based on your card’s benefits.

Car Clubs or Car Memberships 

Many popular auto clubs (like AAA) provide roadside assistance as an entitled benefit. If you are a member, be sure to check your membership agreement.

Low-Income Programs

Some government or nonprofit organizations offer free or low-cost roadside assistance for low-income individuals. However, services will be different in each location, so check with local agencies or service providers for details.

Free Trials

Certain roadside assistance services offer free trials so you can use them without the pressure of signing up for a full membership or service plan. These trials are typically of limited duration or scope, but they can be helpful in a crisis.

Steps to Access Free Roadside Help

Getting emergency roadside service for free might seem complicated, but it’s not as hard as you may assume. Here’s what you need to do to get started:

Step 1: Check Your Manufacturer’s Warranty

First, look at your car’s warranty. Free roadside assistance is included as part of the service package with most car manufacturers, particularly new cars. Moreover,  if your car is still under warranty, you might already be covered.

Step 2: Review Your Insurance Policy

You can also call your car insurance company and inquire whether your policy includes roadside assistance. Some insurance companies provide this service as part of their overall coverage, though others might charge an additional fee.

Step 3: Look Into Your Credit Card Benefits

Some high-tier credit cards (such as certain American Express or Chase Sapphire cards) can provide free roadside assistance. Refer to your credit card’s benefits section to determine if you’re eligible.

Step 4: Join an Automobile Club or Membership

If you’re not yet a member of an automobile club like AAA, consider signing up.  Memberships are generally inexpensive and come with a wide array of excellent roadside assistance services, particularly if you are a long-distance driver.

Step 5: Look for Free Trials or Low-Income Offers

Some roadside assistance services have free trial periods. Furthermore, low-income drivers often qualify for discounted or free services offered by local or national programs. Research and sing in what you qualify for.

 Is There a Downside to Free Roadside Assistance?

You may be wondering: What’s the catch? Well, as lifesaving as roadside assistance can be, it tends to come with some restrictions: 

• Limited Services: Free providers are restricted to basic services such as towing, tire changes, and fuel delivery. Some added services may be at a cost.
• Coverage area limitations: Many roadside assistance programs have limited service areas. For example, a service could limit coverage to breakdowns within 50 miles.
• Usage Limits: Some companies cap how often you can use their roadside assistance service in a single year. For instance, “You might only get three of these eight free calls in a year.”

Conclusion

Free roadside assistance can offer a helpful service if you get stuck, especially in the event of an emergency. But follow the strategy so that you are fully covered when you need it most. There are many ways to get roadside help at no cost. Read the fine print to know of any conditions or caveats, and use these services if and when you can.

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