McQuiston: Roadside Assistance

By ALLEN MCQUISTON
The Jemez Agency

With a strong economy and moderate fuel prices, drivers like you are hitting the road like never before.

As the garage door opens and you climb behind the wheel, admit it—somewhere in the back of your mind lurks an uncomfortable question: What will I do if I have trouble with my car? Lack of fuel, a flat tire, misplaced car keys, and mechanical issues can leave you stranded. Then what?

Consider the following scenarios:
Your son/daughter is newly licensed and is super excited to take their first drive …. alone. Have they taken the class: “Tire Changing 101?” Probably not. What happens if your young driver gets a flat tire? Does he/she know how to change it?

You are running several errands on your day off. At stop #5, you grab your purse and head into the grocery store.

When you return to your vehicle, you realize that your keys are right where you left them…in the ignition! You really don’t want to call the police to unlock the car, but what are your options?
 
You are very proud that you have owned your vehicle for 10 years and it has NEVER required mechanical work, outside of the normal oil change. “Old Reliable” is not a lemon.

Then, one evening after you’ve watched your child’s sporting event, you go to start the vehicle, and … the engine does not turn over. Instead, there are all kinds of colorful lights on your dashboard telling you that EVERYTHING is wrong. Now what do you do?
 
The American automotive fleet is aging. It is becoming more and more common to see vehicles 10-plus years of age on the road. IHS Automotive reported that the average age for both passenger cars and light trucks was at 11.5 years in 2015; 11.6 years in 2016; and is predicted to hit 11.7 years in 2018.

Engineering360 News Desk attributed the increase age of vehicles on the road to improved quality.

Consumers are holding their cars and light trucks longer because they last longer.

Vehicles 12-plus years old continue to grow and will increase 15 percent by 2020.
 
Older cars tend to break down more than newer cars do, but even newer cars have bad days. Roadside Assistance coverage is a “peace of mind” option that makes sense.

Whether you are driving a brand new car with sparkling bells and whistles or a 15 year old vehicle with missing bells and whistles, any one of the above scenarios could happen to you.

And, if they do, you will be glad you have Roadside Assistance coverage.
 
Many insurance carriers offer a Roadside Assistance coverage option that connects you with a network of helpers who can get you back on your way.

Roadside Assistance coverage can include all or some of the following:

  • Towing services
  • Fluid delivery (gas, oil, water)
  • Jump starts
  • Winching services
  • Tire changes
  • Concierge services (alternate transportation, hotel reservations, etc. 

Good news: It is very possible that your insurance carrier may offer such a coverage. Check with your insurance professional today to see if your company offers a Roadside Assistance program.

Such a program will provide you with peace of mind knowing you and your loved ones are protected during your around-the-corner road trips.

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