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   posted: Mar. 14, 2010 @ 12:01p

I am looking to get Emergency Road Assistance / Service.
Anyone has recommendation which one in term of good value and service?
Trying not to get one that will come 5-6 hours after the call or the one that charges arm and leg (and a newborn perhaps).

Is going with my insurance carrier (currently Geico) good thing? Their website quote me $10 per 6 months.

Appreciate any insight esp on those who have actually used the service.


   posted: Mar. 14, 2010 @ 12:01p

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   posted: Mar. 14, 2010 @ 12:16p

ziffy said:Trying not to get one that will come 5-6 hours after the callWho have you had that happen with?


   posted: Mar. 14, 2010 @ 12:17p

ziffy said:Is going with my insurance carrier (currently Geico) good thing?No, service calls get reported on CLUE.


   posted: Mar. 14, 2010 @ 12:24p

I have no problems with AAA. I believe it's $48 a year for me so even if I only use it once every two years, I still come out slightly ahead.


   posted: Mar. 14, 2010 @ 12:46p

Most insurance companies only cover the first $50, so unless you have a junker you would likely be better off calling a few tow companies and finding who has lowest rate and just pay them when you need them.


   posted: Mar. 14, 2010 @ 2:43p

I use AAA. Between their free maps, awesome guide books, discounts and towing/roadside assist, I feel it is a good investment.

AAA covers the first 5 miles of a tow, or to the nearest shop if you're really in the middle of nowhere. They have a gold product that covers 100 miles. The one time I towed to a shop approx 7 miles away, we covered the extra cost, which was I think $5-10.


   posted: Mar. 14, 2010 @ 4:15p

xoneinax said:ziffy said:Is going with my insurance carrier (currently Geico) good thing?No, service calls get reported on CLUE.

I agree - as a retired insurance agent, I would not recommend you choose towing & road service as it gets reported on your CLUE (Claims Loss Underwriting Experience). This CLUE info is shared with other ins carriers, so if (no WHEN) you go to change carriers and they see claims (of which a towing expense is a claim, this may have an effect on your insurance rates. This is another good reason to choose high deductibles - let insurance pay for those thing you can not afford to pay! Choose $1,000 collision deductibles and start your own "self-insurance" fund for those small claims (under $1000). Insurance "lets you sleep nights".


   posted: Mar. 15, 2010 @ 12:32p

caterpillar123 said:I have no problems with AAA. I believe it's $48 a year for me

If you sign up with AAA, check around first for coupons. I've seen some that, depending on which regional club you join, can get you discounts like the first year at $19.95, free admission fee or a free second membership.


   posted: Mar. 15, 2010 @ 2:26p

AAA is good. I have Premier Membership and drive cheap vehicles. I get my money's worth. Here elapsed time from first call to AAA toll free number to help arrive is 30 minute to one hour. It is very tiny monies spent compared to what most people think they have to spend on car itself. It could save your life.


   posted: Mar. 15, 2010 @ 2:28p

BTW, Those times are for trip out of city, sometimes quite a distance. I trust AAA.


   posted: Mar. 15, 2010 @ 11:33p

motsuka said:Most insurance companies only cover the first $50, so unless you have a junker you would likely be better off calling a few tow companies and finding who has lowest rate and just pay them when you need them.

Agreed. Read the fine print very carefully. Usually there's a "chronic" clause too where you'll be terminated after so many calls per year so they covered their bases with that '78 Pinto you have. But seriously, choosing your own tow also gets you quick service because towing companies get paid low reimbursement rates with providers like AAA and so give priority to direct callers. One of the last things I want is to sit in my disabled car for hours in an urban environment waiting for someone to come.


   posted: Mar. 16, 2010 @ 10:26a

I tried it both ways and here AAA is faster and more professional than someone you find in the phone directory or however while stranded. Just make sure you have AAA phone number with you. I carry card, its on phone, and also in each vehicle. It can save your life.




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