by P. Payne

Created on: March 09, 2010

Emergency roadside assistance is not just for vehicle breakdowns along the highway that require a tow truck. If you are one of those drivers who has a tendency to lock your keys in your car, who periodically leaves your lights on and runs down the battery, or can’t change a flat tire, roadside service can be a lifesaver. However, the cost of the service and what it offers may determine whether the service is worth the money.

Towing costs alone can vary widely from state to state, and night tows may cost more than day tows. In addition to a flat rate, additional fees may be charged for hook up and miles traveled. Rates from $50 to $90 are not uncommon for a tow. In some states, the amount that can be charged for various services is regulated.

According to auto adviser edmunds.com, the cost and benefits for roadside assistance plans vary widely. Consumers should consider whether there are limits on the service, such as a specific number of calls per year, and explore any extra fees that could be attached to services such as bringing gasoline to a stranded driver.

One option many consumers may not be aware of is roadside assistance programs through cell phone companies. The $2.99 monthly charge has saved me a great deal of money. The main requirement is that you have the cell phone with you at the location of the vehicle.

On one occasion, my keys were locked in my car at a location several miles away from home, and there was no access to a spare key.  A locksmith had to be sent from my hometown. In that instance, the mileage to the car’s location alone would have been cost prohibitive for many consumers.

Recently, my keys were again locked in my car. Although that incident was a local call, a locksmith charges a hefty fee for unlocking a car, especially if a key has to be made. But my keys would turn out to be the least of my worries that day. That same evening, I allowed my grandson to use my car to take his girlfriend to dinner. It was Valentine’s Day. They were on the interstate when my grandson heard a loud noise, like he had run over something. He walked back to a nearby exit, looking to see if he had hit anything. There was nothing to be found.

I got a ride to the car’s location, calling roadside assistance on the way. The car was towed to a family member’s garage nearby. As it turned out, the car’s transmission had “blown” up, causing the loud noise and rendering the car inoperable. In one day, my $2.99 per month roadside assistance plan likely saved me at least a couple hundred dollars.

It is impossible to tell whether roadside assistance will be needed as a person travels, but most will have at least one or two incidents in their driving career when help is needed from a locksmith or a tow truck. The cost of roadside assistance can pay for itself in one service call, depending on the problem and the usual fees in the area.

To determine whether a roadside assistance plan is cost effective, compare costs, and hidden costs, compared to services and benefits of a variety of plans before making a decision. As for myself, I’m keeping my $2.99 per month plan through my cell phone company.

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