if your car needs coding or has weird placement (like under the seat), they’ll usually recommend a tow instead.
That’s spot on. I’ve run into this with a client’s 7-series BMW—battery under the trunk floor, needed coding, and the roadside guy wouldn’t touch it. One thing to check in your policy: does your roadside plan cover towing to the nearest dealer, or just a generic shop? Progressive usually does, but it’s worth confirming. No one wants a surprise bill because their car’s “too smart” for a jump...
No one wants a surprise bill because their car’s “too smart” for a jump...
Had a similar situation, but with an Audi—battery hidden in the back, plus some weird security lockout. But I’ve actually had a roadside guy give it a shot anyway, just asked me to sign a waiver. Guess it depends on who shows up? Not sure every tow is always necessary.
Yeah, Audi’s notorious for tucking the battery away like it’s some kind of secret. Had a similar headache with my S6—tried to jump it myself and set off the alarm, which was just... embarrassing. I’ve noticed some roadside folks are more willing to try than others, but honestly, I’d rather risk a waiver than pay for a tow every time. These cars are smart, but sometimes they’re just too clever for their own good.
These cars are smart, but sometimes they’re just too clever for their own good.
Totally get that. My A4 once locked itself mid-jump, keys inside, and I just stood there feeling like the car was trolling me. I’d take a waiver over a tow any day, too. Sometimes you just gotta gamble a little, right?
I get wanting to take a chance, but honestly, I’d rather not risk it with these newer cars. Too many “smart” features just end up making things more complicated when something goes wrong. I’ve had my fair share of lockouts and dead batteries, and every time I try to outsmart the system, it backfires. At this point, I’ll take the tow—less hassle, less stress. Maybe I’m just not that lucky, but gambling with tech rarely pays off for me.
