Roadside Assistance

National Overeating Day (aka Thanksgiving) is coming up, and a road trip to the annual food fest is part of the plan for many people. Long-distance holiday travel on Thanksgiving Day increases by 54 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The anticipation of getting to the table may be half the fun. But what happens if your car breaks down along the way? Besides being late for dinner, you could wind up with a hefty towing bill if you didn’t plan ahead.

Most drivers already have collision and comprehensive auto insurance coverage. And if you do, you can add roadside and towing assistance from your insurer for as little as a few dollars a month. That’s a small price to pay for getting a tow to the nearest repair facility. This optional protection can also include changing a tire, gas delivery or performing repairs at the site of the breakdown. Without it, the cost of towing is all on you.

Adding this coverage to your auto insurance policy is probably the least costly option. Towing service may also be available from some credit card companies, from auto clubs such as the AAA and even auto manufacturers offer roadside assistance coverage. (However, they may only tow your car to the closest dealership.)

A few tips: Read the fine print for restrictions. If coverage for towing is limited to a handful of miles, then you may be better off having Thanksgiving dinner in the neighborhood. Ask if there are limitations on the number of tows allowed annually. Find out, too, if the roadside assistance plan covers you when you are driving a friend’s car or when you rent a vehicle.

Sometimes, we need a little help along the road. Help yourself by looking into roadside assistance before the trip. And, enjoy!courtesy of iii.org

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