Carrying a couple of planks isn’t overkill at all—honestly, it’s saved more than a few folks I know from some sketchy situations. I had a client with a slammed Miata who ended up stranded in a grocery store lot; the tow truck driver didn’t have low-profile ramps, but those 2x6s made all the difference. You’d be surprised how often roadside assistance isn’t quite prepared for lowered cars. It’s one of those “better to have and not need” deals, if you ask me.
You’d be surprised how often roadside assistance isn’t quite prepared for lowered cars.
That’s no joke. I used to think carrying planks was just for folks running wild camber, but after my first time getting stuck on a speed bump (embarrassing, honestly), I started keeping a pair of old 2x8s in the trunk. Not the lightest, but it’s come in handy twice—once for me, once for a friend’s GTI. Progressive sent a regular flatbed both times, and neither driver had anything for low clearance. It’s one of those “just in case” things that makes you feel kinda over-prepared until you really need it.
Carrying those 2x8s is such a smart call. I used to think it was overkill too, but
—that hits home. It’s always the little stuff that saves you from a headache later. Progressive’s roadside folks just aren’t set up for the lowered crowd, and honestly, you never regret being ready when it happens.“It’s one of those ‘just in case’ things that makes you feel kinda over-prepared until you really need it.”
Little-known trick with Progressive’s roadside help
I’ll admit, I used to roll my eyes at the “carry your own boards” advice—felt like one of those things hardcore folks say just to show off how prepared they are. But, yeah, after watching a buddy’s Miata get stranded in a grocery store lot for three hours because the tow guy couldn’t get the truck low enough... I get it now. That awkward moment when you realize the roadside crew’s looking at your car like it’s a UFO hovering an inch above the pavement is not fun.
Still, I sometimes wonder if there’s a more budget-friendly alternative. Lugging around two 2x8s in the trunk isn’t exactly lightweight or convenient, especially if you’re already tight on space. Once, I tried carrying those folding plastic ramps instead—they worked in a pinch but honestly, they’re not as sturdy and they slide around more than I’d like. The wood planks just work better for most situations, even if it feels a bit old-school.
Progressive’s roadside folks mean well, but yeah, it seems like “lowered” isn’t really on their checklist. You’d think by now they’d have some sort of adjustable ramp setup as standard equipment, given how many people mod their rides these days... but nope. Maybe insurance companies figure that if you modify your car, you’re automatically signing up for extra hassle.
Guess it comes down to that “over-prepared” feeling versus being stuck waiting for hours because a $10 piece of lumber would’ve saved the day. Still not thrilled about sacrificing trunk space—especially when I’m trying to fit groceries or camping gear—but I can’t argue with the logic anymore. Sometimes being ready just means carrying stuff that feels pointless... until it isn’t.
Honestly, I used to think carrying boards was overkill too, but after my own “fun” with a slammed Civic and a tow truck driver who just shrugged, I get it. Still, it bugs me that insurance companies don’t even try to adapt. Like, how hard is it to toss a couple ramps in the truck? I hate giving up trunk space for stuff I might never use, but after getting stuck once, I’d rather be annoyed than stranded. Guess it’s just one of those “pick your poison” things.
