Wait, is 15 miles the standard? I thought roadside plans would at least get you to the nearest town, but maybe I’m just being naive.
Fifteen miles is actually pretty common for basic roadside assistance, though it does feel a bit stingy if you’re not near a city. Some companies offer higher mileage, but it usually bumps up the price. I did a comparison last semester for a project—AAA’s Plus plan covers 100 miles, but it’s noticeably more expensive than what most insurers bundle in. As for “trip interruption,” I’ve never used it, but from what I’ve read, it only kicks in under specific circumstances (like being a certain distance from home). Definitely worth reading the fine print, even if it’s a headache.
Fifteen miles barely gets me to the next gas station out here, let alone a town. I learned that the hard way when my car died on a backroad—ended up riding shotgun with the tow guy for almost an hour because anything closer would’ve just dropped me in the middle of nowhere. Has anyone actually had trip interruption cover a hotel or food? Feels like one of those things you only hear about in commercials...
Has anyone actually had trip interruption cover a hotel or food? Feels like one of those things you only hear about in commercials...
Honestly, I’ve never seen it work out the way they advertise. I tried to claim for a motel when my car broke down during a road trip, and the paperwork was a pain. They wanted receipts for everything and kept nitpicking what counted as “necessary.” Ended up just eating the cost myself. If you’re on a budget, I’d say don’t count on it—better to have some emergency cash stashed than rely on those “extras.”
I hear you on the paperwork headache. We had a flat tire fiasco last summer, and I figured, hey, we pay for all this coverage, might as well use it, right? Progressive’s roadside help was actually pretty quick with the tow, but when I asked about trip interruption (since we were stuck overnight), it got complicated fast. They wanted proof that we “couldn’t continue safely,” and apparently my two cranky kids in the backseat didn’t count as an emergency.
We did get reimbursed for part of the motel, but only after sending in every receipt and explaining why we couldn’t just drive home at midnight. Took weeks. Honestly, I treat it like a bonus if it works out, but I wouldn’t bank on it covering everything. Having some backup cash or a credit card is still way less stressful when you’re stranded somewhere weird.
Trip interruption coverage really does have a lot of fine print—people are often surprised by what counts as an “emergency” and what doesn’t. The part you mentioned about needing proof you “couldn’t continue safely” is pretty standard, but it’s definitely not always straightforward in practice. I’ve seen a lot of folks get tripped up by that, especially when it comes to things like flat tires or minor mechanical issues.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how these claims usually go through, just in case it helps anyone else reading:
1. **Immediate Documentation**: Take photos of the breakdown scene, the vehicle, and any visible damage. If it’s dark or unsafe, even a tow receipt with a timestamp can help.
2. **Official Statements**: If the tow truck driver or roadside tech gives you a written statement saying the car was undriveable, hang onto that. Sometimes a simple note like “vehicle not safe to operate” can make a big difference.
3. **Receipts**: Keep every receipt—motel, food, even gas if you had to go out of your way. They’ll want originals or clear scans.
4. **Timeline**: Write down what happened and when, including when you called for help and when you got back on the road. It helps connect the dots for the claims team.
5. **Communication**: If you have to explain why you couldn’t drive home, be specific. “Two cranky kids” might not count, but “no open repair shops within 100 miles and no safe way to continue at night” usually carries more weight.
It’s true, the process isn’t always quick. I wish it was more streamlined, but a lot of it comes down to how the policy is written and what sort of documentation you can provide. I’ve seen claims get denied for something as small as missing a receipt or not having enough detail about why the trip couldn’t continue.
Honestly, I treat it like a bonus if it works out, but I wouldn’t bank on it covering everything.
That’s honestly the best approach. Treat it as a potential help, not a guarantee. Out of curiosity, did they ever explain why your situation was only partially reimbursed? Sometimes the specific language in the policy about “necessary expenses” is stricter than people expect. Have you ever had a claim where they covered more than you thought they would, or is it usually just the bare minimum?
