I totally get where you’re coming from. I just bought my first insurance policy a few months ago (went with Progressive, mostly for the roadside help), and I was honestly surprised at how little the tow drivers seemed to care about the specifics of my car. I drive a pretty basic hatchback, nothing wild, but it’s got a slightly lower front end than stock. First time I needed a tow, the guy just started hooking it up without even looking underneath. I had to jump in and ask him to slow down, which felt awkward since I’m not exactly a car expert.
I kinda wish more drivers would just ask questions before hooking up, but I guess they’re in a rush most of the time.
That’s been my experience too. It’s like, I get that they’re busy, but a quick “hey, anything special I should know?” would save everyone a headache. I actually ended up buying one of those cheap foam ramps off Amazon after reading a horror story on Reddit about someone’s bumper getting ripped off. They’re not fancy, but they fit in my trunk and give me a little peace of mind.
Sending pics is a smart move. I haven’t tried that yet, but I might next time. I did mention the clearance issue when I called Progressive’s roadside line, and the rep said they’d “note it for the driver,” but I’m not convinced it made it through. The driver didn’t seem to know or care. Maybe it’s just luck of the draw.
Honestly, I’m still figuring out what’s worth paying extra for with insurance. Roadside sounded like a good deal, but if the drivers aren’t careful, it kind of defeats the purpose. Still, I guess it’s better than nothing, and at least I’m not stuck paying out of pocket for a tow. Just wish there was a way to guarantee the driver actually reads the notes.
Anyway, you’re not alone in feeling like it’s a gamble. I’m learning as I go, and it helps to hear other people’s stories—makes me feel a little less clueless.
Honestly, you’re handling it better than a lot of folks would. I’ve seen more than one classic car buddy get burned by tow drivers who just want to get the job done fast, not right. I still cringe thinking about the time a guy dragged my old ‘72 Datsun onto a flatbed—scraped the front lip because he didn’t ask about clearance either. Those foam ramps are a smart move, even if they’re not fancy. It’s frustrating how the notes don’t always get passed along, but you’re right—having roadside is better than nothing, even if it’s not perfect. You’re definitely not alone in feeling like it’s a learning curve.
I hear you on the clearance issues—my old Civic’s front end is so low, I practically hold my breath every time it needs a tow. Once, the driver just shrugged and said “it’ll be fine,” but I ended up with a cracked bumper. Ever since, I keep a couple of cheap wooden planks in the trunk. Not fancy, but they’ve saved me more than once. It’s wild how something so simple can make all the difference, especially when you’re trying to avoid extra repair bills.
Honestly, I get the appeal of tossing a couple planks in the trunk, but I’ve seen that go sideways more than once—especially with cars that have even lower clearance than a Civic. Those planks can slip, crack, or just not line up right if you’re in a rush or the ground’s uneven. I’ve watched a guy try to use a makeshift ramp like that with his ’68 Camaro, and the tow truck just ended up pushing the boards forward instead of rolling up them. Not pretty.
I know it sounds fussy, but I’d rather pay a little extra for a tow operator who actually carries proper low-clearance ramps or at least knows how to handle classic or lowered cars. The right equipment makes all the difference. Some of these roadside assistance programs (Progressive included) will let you specify vehicle details when you call—if you make it clear your car’s got low clearance, they’re supposed to send someone who’s prepared. Doesn’t always work, but I’ve had better luck since I started being really specific about it.
And honestly, if you’re driving something rare or valuable, I’d skip the generic roadside help altogether and look for a specialty towing company. Costs more, but it beats a cracked chin spoiler or bumper any day. Those “cheap fixes” can turn expensive fast if something goes wrong.
Not saying your plank trick doesn’t work—just that it’s not foolproof, especially if you’re dealing with anything heavier or lower than a Civic. Sometimes it pays to be picky about who touches your car, even if it means waiting longer or shelling out a bit more.
I’ve actually had Progressive send a regular wrecker once even after I told them my car was slammed. Ended up waiting for a second truck with the right ramps anyway. Do you think it helps to mention aftermarket parts or just “low clearance” when you call? I’ve found some operators don’t really get what that means unless you spell it out.
