Do You Really Need Roadside Assistance From Your Car Insurer?

When buying auto insurance, it's important to be smart about what add-ons to purchase along with a policy. Purchasing additional coverage comes at an added cost, so it's worth thinking about what kinds of coverage are actually worth the extra hit to a checking account.

Roadside assistance is one of the different kinds of add-ons drivers could choose to buy. But, do motorists really need this coverage? Here are a few key things to think about to help decide.

Do you already have roadside assistance from another source?

Roadside assistance is offered by many different companies that drivers do business with. 

For example, individuals with an AAA membership get roadside assistance protection through their automobile club. People who join AAA for the discounts the club offers can benefit from this roadside assistance, which is often more comprehensive than the coverage an auto insurer offers. 

Some credit cards also provide roadside assistance, either as a member benefit for cardholders or as an add-on perk cardmembers can choose to purchase. Individuals with newer cars or vehicles that are still under warranty may have roadside assistance from their dealer or the car manufacturer as well. And, stores like Sam's Club offer roadside assistance for those who have had their tires installed there, with this protection lasting for as long as three years from the date the tires were purchased. 

Chances are good that most motorists are going to have roadside assistance through one of these other resources. If they already have this protection in place, it is unlikely that they would need to pay for add-on roadside assistance coverage from an auto insurer. This could be redundant and unnecessary, since there may already be one or more companies to call if things go wrong on the road.

Would buying this coverage elsewhere provide a better value?

For drivers who do not already have roadside assistance, it's important to consider whether buying it through an insurance company is better than getting it elsewhere -- such as by purchasing an annual AAA membership. 

To make this decision, drivers should look at:

• The cost of the added premiums to put roadside assistance on an insurance policy, compared with the cost of gaining access to roadside assistance through other means such as joining AAA. 
• The types of coverage available and the extent of coverage. The purpose of roadside assistance is to make sure no driver gets stranded on the road without help getting the car to a place where it can be fixed. So, drivers should consider exactly what is covered -- in terms of features like lock-out services, towing, fuel delivery, jump starting, and more. The goal is to pay a fair price for the coverage that is likely to be needed. 

By keeping these issues in mind, motorists can make a better, more informed choice about whether it's worth paying added premiums for roadside assistance car insurance or whether there are better solutions available. By taking the time to consider these issues, drivers who don't need roadside assistance through their insurers won't have to waste the money to pay for a form of protection they don't require.