Identifying Automotive Issues

More and more insurance companies are offering roadside assistance programs as an add-on to your insurance coverage. Roadside assistance programs offered through insurance companies are generally really affordable; however, roadside assistance programs offered through insurance companies, instead of through independent roadside assistance programs, often have hidden costs.

#1 Too Many Claims Can Impact Your Insurance

Before you sign up for a roadside assistance program with an insurance company, you need to find out what they do with those claims. Some car insurance companies report roadside assistance claims to companies that collect claim information for auto insurance companies — and with other insurance companies if you try to shop around for a better deal.

In some states, you can be penalized for multiple roadside assistance claims over a short period of time. In other instances, you can be penalized if the issues are deemed as severe, such as flat tires or jump starts. This can result in your own insurance company raising your rates or could cause you to face higher rates when you shop around for insurance coverage. Too many roadside assistance claims can make it look like your vehicle isn't stable. Using the very service you are paying for can cast you in a negative light with your insurance company.

#2 Roadside Assistance Follows the Car, Not the Driver

When you get roadside assistance through your car insurance company, oftentimes the coverage is attached to your car. You can only get assistance if you are in the car that is listed on your insurance.

With roadside assistance plans offered through independent companies, the coverage follows the driver, not your vehicle. So if you are with a friend in their car on a road trip and you get a flat tire, you can use your roadside assistance program. Or if your kid locks themselves out of their car, they can use your roadside assistance to get lockout services sent to their location. With roadside assistance plans offered through independent companies, it's up to you how you use the coverage that you pay for.

So, when choosing a roadside assistance program, you may want to go with a program offered through an independent company not associated with your insurance. Roadside assistance programs offered through your insurance company can often have a negative impact on your insurance rates if you actually use the coverage that you pay for, and oftentimes follow the car instead of the driver, giving you less flexibility in how you use the roadside assistance program. Get as much flexibility as you need with your roadside assistance program and get in touch with a local company such as Parkway Wrecker Service.