Man, I hear you on the tow limits. Last time I needed a tow, I was shocked when the driver told me anything over five miles was out of pocket. Who decides these random distances? And why does it always feel like the nearest shop is just past the “free” zone? Makes me wonder if I should just upgrade or stash some emergency cash... Has anyone actually read all the fine print, or am I the only one squinting at those tiny paragraphs?
Yeah, those tow limits are sneaky. I remember thinking “oh, five miles is plenty” until my car died in the middle of nowhere and the closest shop was like 7.2 miles away. Of course. Ended up paying out of pocket for the extra two miles, which felt like a weirdly expensive Uber ride for my car.
I’ve actually tried reading the fine print on my plan, but honestly, it’s like deciphering ancient runes. There’s always some clause about “nearest authorized repair facility,” but then you find out the “authorized” part means a place you’d never actually want to take your car to. I get why they have limits, but five miles feels pretty stingy these days—especially if you’re not in a big city.
I upgraded to the Plus plan after that fiasco, but even then, there are still weird restrictions. Like, they’ll tow you farther, but only if it’s to a repair shop and not your house or whatever. It’s all these little gotchas that make me keep an emergency fund stashed in my glove box now... just in case.
Honestly, I think they count on most people not reading the details or assuming “free tow” means what it sounds like. Learned that lesson the hard way. At this point, I double-check everything before heading out on a road trip—just can’t trust that “peace of mind” marketing anymore.
I’m just getting my first insurance plan and honestly, reading through all the details made my head spin. I kept thinking, “How hard can it be?” but then I saw all these weird exceptions and fine print about towing. I almost missed the part where the basic plan only covers five miles. That’s barely anything if you’re not in a city.
I haven’t had to use it yet, but your story makes me nervous. I thought “free tow” meant they’d just take you wherever you needed, but now I’m double-checking everything. The “authorized repair facility” thing is weird too—I’d rather pick my own shop, not just whoever’s on their list.
It’s kind of wild how much you have to watch out for. I keep a little emergency cash in my car too, just in case. Guess you can’t really trust the marketing—feels like you have to be your own advocate or you end up paying more than you expected.
I thought “free tow” meant they’d just take you wherever you needed, but now I’m double-checking everything.
That “free tow” line gets a lot of people. I learned the hard way—needed a tow about 12 miles out of town, figured I was covered, then got hit with a bill for the extra miles. Felt like a bait-and-switch. Why can’t they just be upfront about what’s actually included? And yeah, the “authorized repair facility” thing bugs me too. Who decides what’s authorized? Usually not the people paying for it...
Why can’t they just be upfront about what’s actually included?
Honestly, I get the frustration, but I kind of expect the fine print with these services. Every roadside plan I’ve checked has some catch—AAA just happens to be more popular. Not saying it’s right, but it’s not unique to them. I do wish they’d make the “authorized facility” thing clearer, though. Had to tow my car to a shop I’d never heard of once... not ideal.
