When you drive a car, you need to be prepared with more than simply a current driver's license and current registration for your car. You also need to carry car insurance to stay within the perimeters of the law and to protect you and other parties if you should end up in an accident. However, another important thing for you to carry is roadside assistance. If you aren't very familiar with roadside assistance and what it means to you, then you'll want to keep reading.

1. What is roadside assistance?

Roadside assistance is coverage that you will carry that allows you to have a tow truck come out to you if you are stranded, so they can rescue you. The reasons you are stranded can range from running out of gas to having serious engine issues.

In most cases, you will be able to get ahold of help right away, no matter what day or what time of the day or night it is. This is an important thing to have because it will ensure that you aren't stranded for a period of time which may mean being in an unsafe place with no resources and even with no way to get to shelter or to get access to necessities like food, water, and bathroom.

2. When should you use roadside assistance?

While there is a long list of reasons why a driver may call roadside assistance for help, the top reason usually involves getting help with a flat tire, having gas brought to them when they run out, having someone come out to jump a dead car battery, and to tow a car that is having any issues that can't be dealt with immediately and by a towtruck driver.

3. Which services are covered in roadside assistance policies?

While some reasons a person may need roadside assistance may be more common than others, you'll want to be aware of the different available services so you have a clear understanding of the times when you can get help in case these issues should arise. Here are services normally available with roadside assistance coverage:

  • Towing services
  • Battery jumping
  • Battery delivery
  • Gas delivery
  • Oil delivery
  • Water delivery
  • Tire changes
  • Lockout services
  • Winching from a ditch
  • Extrication from snow
  • Key replacement
  • Easy-fix mechanical repairs

It's always a good idea to make sure you carry roadside assistance all the time. You never know when you'll need it, so the best thing is to never go without it.

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