Types of Roadside Convenience Plans
Roadside assistance plans come in all shapes and sizes, from stand-alone plans to add-on plans. Read on to learn the difference between the major types of roadside plans.
Free Roadside Assistance
Free roadside convenience services typically come with most new vehicles. Some pre-owned vehicles also come with roadside assistance depending on the dealership. Free roadside programs usually offer all of the benefits of a traditional roadside service for free for a limited time. Certain credit card companies also offer "free" roadside assistance, although many credit cards will only arrange the service and later charge your card for it. An overview of the pros and cons of free roadside assistance programs follows.
- Pro: No cost for several years
- Pro: Backed by the manufacturer's reputation
- Con: Plans are time-limited
- Con: Some programs may not be as inclusive as purchased roadside assistance
Add-On Roadside Convenience
Add-on roadside convenience services are provided by organizations or businesses with which you already have a relationship. For a small additional fee to your membership, these organizations will provide 24/7 roadside assistance. Organizations that provide such services include AARP and Sam's Club, for example. These organizations usually contract with large, nationwide roadside service providers, such as Signature Motor Club or Road America. Here are some of the pros and cons of add-on plans:
- Pro: Very affordable
- Pro: Easy to sign up
- Con: Service may automatically renew if you don't cancel
- Con: Coverage varies widely among add-on plans-some cover only one vehicle, while others cover multiple drivers
Stand-Alone Roadside Plans
Stand-alone roadside convenience plans are offered by companies like AAA and offer many levels of service to accommodate your needs. These large stand-alone plans tend to have the biggest service provider networks in the United States and Canada. Stand-alone plans can also vary widely in what they provide and how much they cost. Keep in mind that stand-alone plans tend to pack in a number of services that may sound appealing but are, in reality, useless. For example, some roadside assistance companies offer ambulance transport, which is unnecessary if you have health insurance, and reward money for those who help convict auto thieves. These services are mostly just fluff, and most drivers will never use them. The pros and cons of these roadside assistance plans are listed below.
- Pro: High-quality service
- Pro: Many membership options
- Con: Memberships tend to be expensive
- Con: Often include useless, obscure services
