A breakdown is never fun, but having the right tools and knowing what to do can make it less stressful. Roadside assistance is available through various plans like car insurance or credit cards.
Emergency Roadside can help you with many common issues, like changing a flat tire or running out of fuel. Here are some of the services included:
One of the most common reasons motorists call roadside assistance is to have a flat tire changed. Even for drivers confident in their ability to change a tire, doing so on the side of the road can be dangerous. Changing a flat tire requires jacking up the vehicle, which isn’t safe to do if there is traffic nearby or if the ground is uneven. It also requires the use of tools to remove the old tire and install the new one.
Fortunately, many roadside assistance services will change a flat tire onsite at no cost to the driver. However, if the tire is beyond repair and must be towed to a shop, the driver may have to pay a mileage charge. If the onsite tire replacement is free, the technician will likely charge for the service of removing the old tire and installing the new one.
The tire changing service will typically include all four tires on the vehicle if it has four wheels. The new tire will be inflated, installed on the wheel, and a valve stem cap will be attached. The old tire will be removed, and the lug nuts will be tightened. The lug nuts should be secured with wrenches or sockets, not hand tools, to prevent damage to the wheel and axles.
A punctured or cut tire can sometimes be repaired if the damage is in the tread area. However, it depends on where the damage occurred in the tire, which can only be determined by a trained eye. Often, if the damage is not within the tread area, the entire tire must be replaced.
After the immediate emergency is addressed, it’s important to follow up with the service provider and insurance company as needed. This helps ensure that the correct charges are made and that all documentation is complete. In addition, this step can help you get any additional support or compensation that may be available. Additionally, it can help you avoid costly mistakes in the future.
Fuel Delivery
A reliable roadside fuel delivery service can help motorists resume their journeys when they run out of gas. These specialized services typically bring various fuel types to stranded vehicles, ensuring compatibility with vehicle requirements and eliminating the need for motorists to seek out local gas stations in order to resume their trips.
Roadside fuel delivery services can be particularly useful during natural disasters and severe weather events, when gas stations may be inaccessible or closed due to damage. These services also enhance safety by minimizing the risks associated with walking to a gas station or attempting to siphon fuel from another motorist’s vehicle. In areas like Alaska, where the vast distances between towns can make traditional fuel sources difficult to access, roadside fuel delivery services offer an invaluable resource for commuters and visitors alike.
Professional roadside assistance providers use extensive network coverage to provide efficient fuel delivery solutions for stranded motorists. This expansive reach enables them to deliver fuel directly to motorists across a wide range of settings, from highways and residential neighborhoods to commercial areas and workplace locations. The flexibility of their delivery models also enables providers to ensure consistent and prompt service delivery, regardless of the time of day or geographic location.
When requesting roadside fuel delivery, motorists are encouraged to be as clear and specific as possible to facilitate the process. They should be sure to include their vehicle type, current fuel level, and desired fuel type in their request, as this will help ensure the right type of fuel is brought to their location quickly. In addition, it’s important to remember to exercise caution and remain safe while waiting for the service provider to arrive. Motorists should stay inside their vehicles, activate their hazard lights, and keep their vehicle parked away from traffic to minimize the risk of accidents or injuries.
Once a roadside fuel delivery is completed, motorists should be sure to thank the service provider for their assistance. A simple “thank you” goes a long way in demonstrating gratitude for the technician’s efforts, and it can help them provide a better overall experience for future motorists in need of roadside assistance.
Lockout Service
It can be a scary moment when your vehicle suddenly sputters to a stop. Whether you’re stranded on the side of the highway or in your own driveway, the last thing you want is to be stuck without assistance or a spare tire. This is why roadside service offers peace of mind and convenience to those who need help on the go.
Roadside assistance providers offer a variety of services for drivers facing unexpected car trouble. For example, if your battery dies, they’ll jump start it so you can get to the nearest gas station. They’ll also deliver fuel or other fluids to your vehicle so you can continue driving. Similarly, if you lock your keys in the car, they’ll unlock it for you or reimburse you for locksmith labor if they can’t.
In addition, they’ll also provide minor on-the-spot repairs like loose battery cables or a broken fan belt. Finally, if your car gets stuck in a ditch, snow, or mud, they’ll be able to help you get back on the road.
Depending on your plan, these services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will be dispatched when necessary. You’ll be able to get in touch with the roadside assistance company via their toll-free number on your phone and inform them of your issue. They’ll then send an automotive technician to help you out.
Roadside assistance is offered as an add-on to some auto insurance policies and is a great way to give yourself peace of mind when you’re on the go. To find out if it’s right for you, talk to your Horace Mann agent about adding this coverage to your auto policy. It could be the difference between getting to your destination and being stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Towing
While roadside assistance can help you with many common issues, some problems may require more extensive repairs. In such cases, a tow truck can be sent to haul your vehicle to a garage or repair shop. This is typically a covered service by roadside assistance companies. However, the cost of this towing will vary by region and company. In general, emergency towing services are more expensive than scheduled towing.
The best way to know the price of towing is to get a quote from a local provider. You can find one online or use a third-party application to get an estimate. Towing prices can range from free to as much as $100 per mile, depending on the services you need and the distance between your location and the nearest service center.
When you call a roadside assistance company, make sure to provide the exact location of your car. This will ensure that the tow truck driver can reach you quickly. Also, let them know if you need help with a specific part of your car, such as the ignition switch or a battery cable.
If you have a spare tire, the service operator will attempt to remove it and install it if needed. In addition, a service technician can also deliver an emergency supply of fuel. However, this is limited to five times per year.
Most roadside assistance plans work with a network of providers, which means they should be able to respond to your request quickly. However, things like traffic or weather can delay response times, even if you call a tow truck directly.
Depending on your situation, roadside assistance may be worth the annual fee. It can save you a lot of money in the long run, especially if you have to pay for multiple repairs or a single tow. Moreover, the perks offered by most plans are often well worth the extra cost. However, you should keep in mind that these services can be avoided by following a proper maintenance schedule and staying on top of your car’s condition.