It is a smart idea to get roadside assistance. You never know where or when you might need assistance with a missing key, a flat tire, a broken fan belt, or some other mechanical issue. If the representative that comes to help you cannot actually make the repair on the car, you will want to have it towed to a shop that can get the job done. Many roadside assistance programs can make that happen and cover the fee.

The problem with road service programs is that there are many different ones and they all differ in many ways. Some programs only cover the car that is in question, while others cover any car that the policyholder drives. There are plans offered that will cover all of the vehicles in a household including RVs and motorcycles.

Some programs will tow a car to an approved repair shop, others to the closest shop, or the plan is associated with a car brand it will be towed to a dealership.

It’s important to research a variety of roadside assistance plans and make a decision based upon how you drive.

Some things to take into consideration are looking for a program that includes a wide variety of roadside benefits and that will provide coverage to multiple family members. As with any purchase, it is smart to do your research before hand.