I hear you on the AAA wait times—had a similar experience last year with my S-Class. It’s wild how “premium” service can still leave you stranded in the cold. I do keep roadside through my insurer, just in case, but I’m always a little paranoid about them flagging me if I use it too much. Maybe it’s just me being overly cautious, but with these repair bills, I’d rather not risk it...
I do keep roadside through my insurer, just in case, but I’m always a little paranoid about them flagging me if I use it too much.
Honestly, I get that. I’ve heard stories about people getting their rates jacked up just for using the “included” roadside more than once or twice. Kinda defeats the point, right? Last winter my battery died and I waited almost 3 hours for AAA—felt like a joke. At this point, I’m half tempted to just stash a jump starter in the trunk and call it a day. The “premium” services really aren’t living up to the hype lately...
Honestly, I’ve started treating those “free” roadside perks like a last resort. Used it twice in one year and my renewal quote suddenly had a little surprise waiting for me. Not worth it. These days I keep a jump pack and a tire inflator in the trunk—less hassle, way cheaper in the long run. Insurance companies love to advertise all these extras, but they’ll nickel and dime you if you actually use them. Funny how that works...
Insurance companies love to advertise all these extras, but they’ll nickel and dime you if you actually use them. Funny how that works...
That’s been my experience too, unfortunately. They really do make those perks sound like a safety net, but it comes at a price if you lean on them too often. I try to keep my claims and “free” services to a minimum for exactly that reason—seems like even one or two calls can end up costing you down the line.
Keeping a jump pack and inflator in the car is a smart move. I’ve also added a small tool kit and some basic first-aid supplies just in case. It’s not just about saving money either; having those things on hand makes me feel way more prepared if something goes sideways.
Still, I wish insurance companies were more transparent about how much these “free” services actually cost us in the end. It’s tricky trying to balance peace of mind with not getting gouged at renewal time.
Still, I wish insurance companies were more transparent about how much these “free” services actually cost us in the end.
That’s the part that gets me too. They advertise roadside assistance like it’s a bonus, but if you use it, your rates can creep up at renewal. I’ve started treating those “perks” as last resorts. It’s wild how just one or two calls can make you look risky in their eyes. Keeping some emergency gear in the trunk has saved me a headache more than once—definitely worth it.
