Title: Little-known trick with Progressive’s roadside help
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.
Yeah, that’s the tradeoff, isn’t it? I used to roll my eyes at people who carried around planks or ramps, but after watching a flatbed driver just stare at my lowered Integra like it was a UFO, I started rethinking things. The guy literally told me, “If you can’t get it on, I can’t help you.” That was a fun afternoon.
I get what you’re saying about insurance companies not adapting. It’s wild to me that in 2024, with so many people running lowered cars, the big roadside companies still act like everyone’s driving a stock Camry. Tossing a couple of folding ramps in the truck wouldn’t kill their budget, but I guess they’re all about volume and speed, not custom solutions.
Honestly, I’m not even sure it’s just about trunk space. It’s the principle. Why am I paying for “roadside assistance” if I have to do half the work myself? But at the same time, I’d rather lose a little space than end up stuck on the side of the road again. I keep a set of cheap plastic ramps wedged behind my seat now. They’re ugly and take up room, but they’ve saved my butt twice.
If you’re running anything lower than stock, it’s just not worth the risk. Insurance companies aren’t going to change unless enough people complain or start switching providers, and let’s be real, most folks just accept it. Until then, it’s on us to be prepared. Annoying? Yeah. But cheaper than a busted bumper or a tow that never happens.
It’s not ideal, but that’s the reality. Pick your poison, like you said.
- 100% with you on the ramps. I used to think tossing a couple 2x6s in the trunk was overkill, but after one tow driver nearly ripped my lip off, I learned my lesson.
- Insurance roadside help is great in theory, but yeah, they’re not ready for anything that isn’t bone stock. It’s like they’ve never seen a car lowered more than an inch.
- I keep a folding ramp and some wheel chocks now. Takes up space, but it’s just not worth the stress if you’re running low.
- Minor gripe: wish they’d at least ask if your car needs special handling when you call. Half the time, they don’t even listen if you try to explain.
- At the end of the day, being prepared beats waiting around hoping someone else is. Not ideal, but it’s reality for us “high risk” types...
Yeah, I’ve had the same issue with roadside folks not listening when you try to explain your car isn’t exactly “normal.” One time, the guy showed up in a regular rollback and just stared at my car like it was from Mars. Since then, I carry a couple of those rubber curb ramps—makes things way less stressful. It’s a pain to haul them around, but honestly, it beats risking damage. I wish insurance companies would train their dispatchers better or at least let us flag “lowered vehicle” in the app or something...
Been there, done that. Had a client with an old Miata—thing was practically scraping the pavement. Tow truck driver tried to yank it up like it was a Camry and nearly ripped the bumper off. Honestly, half the time the dispatchers just hear “car won’t start” and send whoever’s closest. I’ve told people to be super specific when they call in, but even then, it’s hit or miss. Rubber ramps are smart, though. Wouldn’t mind seeing an actual “lowered” option in the app, but I’m not holding my breath...
Yeah, it’s wild how many tow drivers just treat every car like it’s a generic sedan. I’ve got a buddy with a slammed Civic and he basically has to give a whole TED talk every time he calls for a tow, just to keep his front lip in one piece. Even then, he’s had guys show up with those monster flatbeds and zero clue about approach angles.
Totally agree on the “lowered” option—seems like such a no-brainer for the apps, but I’m not holding out hope either. At least rubber ramps are cheap insurance if you’ve got the space to carry them around. I kinda wish more drivers would just ask questions before hooking up, but I guess they’re in a rush most of the time.
Honestly, I’ve started snapping pics of the car’s clearance and sending them when I set up a tow. Doesn’t always help, but sometimes you get someone who actually pays attention. It’s all a bit of a gamble, really.
