Definitely relate to the “paranoid over prepared” feeling. I keep a binder in my glove box too—never trust that an app will work when you actually need it. Out of curiosity, has anyone had luck with either company’s roadside in NY? I’ve heard mixed things about response times, especially upstate. Also, does anyone actually read through all those “extras,” or do most just hope for the best? Sometimes I wonder if I’m missing something important buried in there...
I’ve had Geico roadside come out near Albany after a flat, and it was… fine, but not quick. Took about 90 minutes, which felt like forever in the rain. My friend up in the Catskills waited even longer with Progressive, so I’m not sure either is stellar upstate. As for the “extras,” I skim them but honestly, half the time I’m just hoping my luck holds. Every now and then I’ll spot something weird, like a towing mileage cap buried in the fine print. Worth a glance, at least.
Honestly, waiting 90 minutes in the rain sounds rough, but it lines up with what I’ve heard about roadside in upstate NY—just not super fast no matter the company. I always wonder if it’s just a rural thing? The fine print on those “extras” trips me up too. I once found out my “unlimited” towing was actually capped at 15 miles, which barely got me to a garage. Makes you wonder what else is hiding in there...
That “unlimited” towing got me too—had a client call thinking they were covered all the way home, but nope, just to the nearest shop within 15 or 20 miles. Upstate NY’s just tough for fast service, honestly. Always read those tiny details...they sneak stuff in all the time.
Yeah, that “unlimited” thing is super misleading.
Couldn’t agree more. I almost signed up for Progressive’s roadside thinking it was a free pass to tow my car anywhere, but then I dug into the fine print and realized it’s just to the closest shop, max 15 miles. Geico’s pretty much the same deal, at least in my area.Always read those tiny details...they sneak stuff in all the time.
Upstate NY is rough for this stuff, too. Last winter, my car died outside of Ithaca and the tow took almost two hours, then I still had to pay extra to get it all the way home. The reps are nice enough but they’re locked into those contracts. Honestly, if you’re out in the sticks, it’s worth looking at local AAA or even a mom-and-pop tow company’s membership. Sometimes the national chains just can’t compete with local knowledge.
Insurance is one of those things where the devil’s in the details...and they sure know how to hide those devils.
