It's pretty much a given you will experience problems with your vehicle while on the road at some point or another. Whether you run out of gas or get a flat tire, getting roadside assistance insurance can ensure you get the help you need when you require it. However, it's important to read your policy carefully so you're not thrown by these two surprises when you call the insurance company for help.

Limited Towing Radius

One issue many people aren't aware of when they using their roadside assistance insurance for towing is the policy typically only covers transporting your vehicle a certain distance. For instance, the insurance provider may only pay to have your vehicle towed a maximum of 50 miles from the start point to your destination. If you want your vehicle towed further than the limit, you'll typically have to take care of the additional mileage out of your own pocket.

Insurance companies want to keep their costs down to ensure their policies remain affordable, so it's rare you'll find one who offers unlimited towing mileage. However, you can typically purchase an upgraded policy that expands the coverage area. For a few dollars more, the company will pay for the tow truck to move your vehicle 75 miles rather than 50, for example. If you frequently travel longer distances than your roadside assistance insurance pays for, it may be a good idea to get the upgrade.

Limited Service Calls

Another issue that may come up is your roadside assistance insurance may limit the number of service calls you can make during a certain time period. For example, your policy may entitle you to 3 service calls per year, after which the company will deny any additional claims until appropriate amount of time has passed.

Of course, though, this restriction will vary depending on your policy, the service being  used, and the company underwriting the insurance. Some companies and policies may allow for more or fewer calls overall, while others may only place restrictions on certain services (e.g. only 3 towing calls per year).

This may not be an issue if you have a fairy reliable vehicle. On the other hand, you may find yourself maxing out your service calls each year if you have a vehicle that frequently breaks down. It's best to think about how often you've found yourself in need of help over the years and select a plan that matches.

For more information about roadside assistance or help choosing a plan, contact a provider, such as Parkway Wrecker Service.

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