Honestly, I wish insurance companies would just let us pick a radius or something, even if it costs a couple bucks more per year.
Right? I mean, who decided 15 miles was the magic number? It’s like they want you to break down exactly halfway between your house and your favorite mechanic. Last summer, my buddy’s car died at a rest stop and the tow guy was like, “Anything past here is $7 a mile.” Do they just spin a wheel in the office to set these rules? I’d pay extra for a bigger radius, no question. Has anyone actually found a company that lets you customize the distance? Or are we all just rolling the dice every time we leave town?
Never understood the logic behind those tow limits either. A couple years back, I got stuck about 20 miles from home—literally just five miles over the “free” zone. Ended up paying almost as much for those extra miles as I did for my monthly insurance. It’s like they’re daring you to risk it. I’ve asked around, but most places just shrug and say “that’s the policy.” Wouldn’t mind paying a bit more if it meant not sweating every time I drive out of town, but so far, no luck finding a company that actually lets you pick your own radius.
It’s like they’re daring you to risk it.
- 100% agree, those tow limits feel like a trap. The “free” part is always just far enough to make you nervous.
- Here’s what I’ve learned poking around insurance sites and from my own headaches:
- Most roadside plans (Progressive included) have a 15- or 20-mile “free” tow, then it’s per-mile charges.
- You’d think they’d let you pay for extra coverage, but nah. It’s a flat policy. Not much wiggle room.
- AAA does let you buy up, but even their “Plus” plan caps at 100 miles—and that’s a lot pricier.
- Honestly, I just keep my local mechanic’s number in my phone now. Sometimes it’s cheaper to call them directly than use the insurance “help.”
- The logic? I guess it’s to keep costs down and discourage long hauls, but man, it’s not customer-friendly.
- If you’re traveling out of town a lot, maybe look into standalone roadside plans (like Good Sam or Allstate Motor Club). Not perfect, but sometimes the radius is bigger.
It’s wild that in 2024 we still can’t just pay an extra $5/month for peace of mind. Maybe one day…
Those tow limits really do feel like a gamble. I’ve had to use Progressive’s roadside twice, and both times I was sweating the distance—like, is my car going to die just a few miles past the “free” zone? It’s wild that you can’t just tack on a little extra coverage. I get they want to keep costs down, but honestly, I’d pay a few bucks more for less stress. The local mechanic tip is solid, too. Sometimes those guys are way faster than waiting for the insurance dispatch.
Yeah, those tow limits are a pain. I ran into the same issue with my S-Class last year—needed a tow and the “free” mileage barely got me to the nearest dealership. I ended up paying out of pocket for the extra miles, which felt ridiculous given what I pay for coverage. Honestly, I wish they’d offer a premium tier for folks who want more peace of mind. Sometimes it’s just not worth the hassle to save a few bucks.
