Who Ya Gonna Call?
Warranty and Roadside Assistance From Boomer & X
Boomer: Who do you call when you have a flat tire, need towing or run out of gas?
X: A My Sweet Connection member? You?
Boomer: In many cases that would be a safe choice, but we all know there isn’t always a person you can call to come to your rescue when you have car trouble. That is why I think all licensed and insured drivers should have some kind of warranty or roadside assistance coverage.
X: I call them auto clubs. You use the phrase “just call AAA (triple A)” and you think everyone knows who or what that is. When you were first driving, I would bet it was the only 24-hr. towing and road service available. Now there are many more to choose from.
Boomer: That’s true. I’ve been a member of AAA since 1969. Actually a family membership card was presented to me two weeks after I earned my driver’s license from my parents. It was gift wrapped and everything.
X: That sounds so much like Grandma and Pop. I know that you and dad gave all of us kids one once we started driving, but I never really understood why I needed it until my car broke down on my way back from Rocky Point on spring break. I was so scared and the girls in the car were in a panic. I remember praying that when I called the AAA 800 number that they would take care of me in that part of Arizona. They were wonderful and they towed the car back to Phoenix.
Boomer: I remember that Melanie; good thing you knew what to do. Not all the auto clubs and roadside assistance coverage is the same. That is why when you go to purchase an auto club card you’ll want to compare price and services provided. Some of the differences will surprise you.
X: I’ve seen all kinds of roadside service program offers that have nothing to do with automobiles. There are companies like Pep Boys, AARP (for Boomers), cell phone companies or even credit card companies offering deals on roadside coverage.
Boomer: Many new car dealerships and manufacturers include it in the purchase of a vehicle. Even some used cars come with a program. I believe there isn’t roadside assistance included with Toyota, Scion or Honda to name a few. The other manufacturers vary in length of time and amount of miles you’ll have the coverage.
Also, you might find a one year OnStar contract with a new car as well. OnStar is your personal concierge to roadside help.
X: I have seen packages for $49.00 and up. What should you look for when you shop around for a roadside contract for yourself?
Boomer: Well some plans have restrictions where services will be rendered. For example, if you are traveling from State-to-State or to Canada the rules might change. Sometimes towing is limited to three or seven miles to the closest repair shop, and after that you are charged by the mile. Some have limits of the number of times (in a given time period) you can use their services before there is an additional charge. Let’s say two tows, one battery jump and one lockout is all you are allowed on a certain plan; do you need more for your kind of driving history?
X: I heard that in some geographical areas that get a lot of snow or flooding there are restrictions on equipment they will pay for to be used to assist you. Then there is the trip interruption coverage that many clubs offer. Some propose between $250 and $1,000 reimbursement for things like rental cars, lodging and food should a trip be derailed due to an accident, mechanical breakdown, or even an on-the-road illness…. Don’t think about calling AAA for a hot flash please.
Boomer: I like the plans that allow for spouses and children under 21 living at home to be covered at a reduced rate. Some allow your child (if a student) up to age 25 covered too under some plans.
X: The most important feature I would look for in a plan is that the card holder is covered not the car. This way if I’m stuck in a friends vehicle and she or he doesn’t have coverage, I can use my card. Then, of course, I have to be careful it doesn’t omit one of my flat tire calls or tows for the year.
Boomer: That is why it is so important to compare policies and what fits your travel and driving needs and expectations. Even though a new car comes with roadside assistant for 4 years or 50,000 miles, you should read it over to see exactly what it has and if you need additional coverage. Also, if it expires at 50,000 miles don’t forget to get coverage at that time.
X: The internet is a good source to start comparing and calling around for the best coverage and any extra goodies they may throw in. For example, GM is offering a car club membership for $59.00 for the year and they give you an Entertainment coupon book and a road atlas for signing up.
Boomer: One last thing… enter the 800 number or direct phone number of your roadside assistance program into your cell phone. This is in case you can’t find your card immediately in your wallet or glove box. Make sure you have a safety kit in your vehicle and keep the doors and windows locked. Have the person who stops show you identification of who they are before you open the door and explain the problem. It is always good to be careful and prepared.
X: Yes, mother.
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