How To Pick the Best Roadside Assistance Program

AAA isn’t the only show in town these days. Thanks to a competitive market and a determination to draw in consumers, everyone and his mother is offering roadside assistance programs, including dealerships, cell phone providers, auto clubs and credit card companies. This is actually great news. Nothing ruins your day more than being stuck on the side of the road with a flat, a stalled engine or being in the middle of nowhere with an empty tank.

Now, the Motor Bookstore is about empowerment for car owners. Our library is filled with manuals about how to save money and getting yourself out of vehicular jams. But even we’d admit our best Haynes manual can’t help in every situation. That’s why everyone should look for the best roadside assistance program.

But, considering the market, which one? Your dealer or triple-A? The one that costs less but has the tendency of leaving you waiting for hours in a pouring rain? The affordable program that discounts services, i.e., your tow is only going to cost half the normal price? The full service program that may require financing but will bring coffee and donuts?

Always remember, the plan offered is going to be the best roadside assistance program. It’s the salesman’s job to convince you of that. But here are a few things to keep in mind when negotiating the murky waters.

• Make sure you understand the circumstances in which your program kicks in. There are plans that won’t offer services in bad weather. One may have a completely free service and another will want payment for any service on top of membership fees. Know what you want versus what they’re offering. And do not be afraid to walk away from the table. It’s your money, your decision and there are plenty of options.
• When it is time to look into a program, find out if you already have options. Ford provides a range of roadside assistance services with new purchases, including filling an empty tank. American Express offers emergency services to all its cardholders. Contact your credit card company or cell phone provider. Talk with the manufacturer.
• Decide what you need and be prepared to pay for it. If you want full roadside assistance, it’s going to cost more than a company offering partial services. Another company may offer a limited number of times they’ll come out before charging. One may not do lock-outs and another will charge extra for extraction from mud and snow. Keep it affordable, but be aware the more comprehensive the package, the more you’re going to pay for the best roadside assistance program.
• Look for extras. Focus on what the service offers you as a driver, but there can be some nice incentives, like discounts on hotels.

The web is, of course, information central. Find out what the Better Business Bureau is saying about a service, go to the forums (be fair, look at reviews and complaints; remember, people are more than happy to vent while the satisfied are more likely to stay mum) and talk with authorities like the guy you trust to work on your car.