Getting help is essential to staying safe on the road and getting where you need to go quickly. Emergency roadside assistance is a service that can get you back on the road in no time, whether you are stuck in an accident or have a mechanical problem.
Several insurance companies, car manufacturers, credit card companies, and standalone roadside assistance companies offer these services. These plans are typically included in insurance policies or sold individually from a provider, and can cost from $10 to $20 per year for drivers with full coverage.
The Best Roadside Assistance Plan: What It Is and How Much It Costs
When it comes to finding the right roadside assistance plan, you should consider your needs, your budget, and the coverage limits that come with each option. You’ll need to know how much towing is allowed and if a plan offers trip interruption benefits, which will pay for meals and accommodations while your car is being repaired.
Some of the most common emergency roadside services include towing, dead battery replacement and jump start, and emergency fuel delivery. These services can be expensive, so you should choose a plan that provides the most value for your money.
Other types of roadside assistance services may be less expensive and include things like locksmiths or keyless entry. These services are not usually covered in every plan, but they can be a big help if you locked your keys in the car or lost them.
A great way to find the best roadside assistance plan is to compare quotes from different providers. This will ensure you have the best service at the lowest price.
New York’s HELP Program
The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has a Highway Emergency Local Patrol (HELP) program that provides free roadside emergency services to drivers in the state. HELP drivers are trained in first aid and CPR, and can be dispatched by 911 to assist anyone in need.
You can also ask your agent about the HELP program and how it works. HELP can be a lifesaver if your car breaks down on the road, but it doesn’t have its own phone number and doesn’t always work when you need it most, so be sure to call before it’s too late.
Roadside assistance can also help you if your vehicle is stuck in a ditch or mud. You’ll want a plan that includes winching, which is necessary to pull your vehicle out of the mud or snow and back onto the road.
Another good thing about roadside assistance is that many companies have a network of service providers who can provide help in an emergency. This can save you time and hassle because the service provider nearest to you is more likely to be able to fix your car faster than a company that’s miles away.
Choosing the right roadside assistance plan can be difficult, as there are many options and each plan will have different benefits and costs. However, you can make your decision easier by asking the following questions: