Reading the fine print is smart, but honestly, I don’t think it’s always worth stressing over every little add-on. Roadside assistance sounds nice, but in my experience, it’s not always a lifesaver. I’ve had policies with it and still ended up waiting hours for a tow, or getting told it wasn’t covered because of some technicality. Sometimes, paying a bit less and just keeping a local tow company’s number in your phone is more reliable, especially if you’re driving in rural Alabama. I get wanting to be cautious, but those extras can add up fast, and half the time, they’re not as useful as they seem on paper. Just my two cents—sometimes the “safe” option is just a pricier headache.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve learned the hard way that skipping roadside assistance can bite you. Once my battery died in the middle of nowhere—no cell signal, no tow company nearby, just buzzards and heat. Ended up walking a mile to the nearest farmhouse. Honestly, I’d rather pay a little extra for the peace of mind, even if it’s not perfect every time. Sometimes those “useless” add-ons save your butt when you least expect it. Guess it just comes down to how much risk you’re willing to take.
Honestly, I’d rather pay a little extra for the peace of mind, even if it’s not perfect every time. Sometimes those “useless” add-ons save your butt when you least expect it.
That’s fair. I used to be pretty strict about trimming every “extra” from my policy, thinking I was being smart with my money. But then I had a flat tire on a Sunday night, pouring rain, and my jack was rusted solid. Ended up paying way more for a private tow than I would’ve for a year of roadside coverage. It stung, not gonna lie.
That said, I still think it’s worth comparing what’s actually included. Some plans bundle roadside in for just a couple bucks a month, while others charge way more for the same thing. And sometimes your credit card or cell provider already covers basic roadside stuff—easy to miss if you don’t check.
I guess it’s about finding that line between being prepared and not overpaying for stuff you’ll never use. But yeah, after that tire fiasco, I’m not as quick to call those add-ons “useless” anymore.
Yeah, I hear you on that. It’s easy to think you’re being smart by cutting out every add-on, but sometimes those “extras” pay for themselves the first time you need them. I’ve had similar moments—once broke down in my ‘72 Chevelle and was real glad I’d kept the roadside coverage. You’re right about checking what’s already included, too. A lot of folks don’t realize their credit card or even AAA membership covers more than they think. Balancing cost and coverage isn’t always straightforward, but your approach makes sense.
Man, I hear you about those “extras.” Years ago, I figured I’d save a few bucks skipping glass coverage—then a rock nailed my windshield the next week. Lesson learned. Sometimes those add-ons are worth the peace of mind, even if it stings a bit at renewal time.
