Yeah, having both is definitely the way to go. Learned that lesson the hard way on a cross-country trip last summer—insurance roadside took forever when I blew a tire in the middle of nowhere. Tried an app next time I had trouble, and it was quick but pricey. Now I just keep both options handy... peace of mind is worth a few extra bucks, especially when you're miles from home.
Glad you mentioned this—I just bought my first insurance policy and was debating whether roadside assistance alone would be enough. Your experience makes me reconsider. I assumed insurance roadside would always be reliable, but clearly that's not always the case. Out of curiosity, do most apps charge per use, or is there some kind of subscription model? I'm trying to balance convenience with cost-effectiveness, especially since I don't travel long distances often...
- Good call reconsidering insurance roadside assistance. I've had mixed experiences myself—sometimes they're quick, other times I've waited forever.
- Most apps I've seen offer both options: pay-per-use or subscription. Pay-per-use is great if you're rarely on the road, but subscriptions can be handy if you commute regularly (like me).
- Personally, I went with a subscription because I drive daily and didn't want to stress about unexpected costs. But if you're mostly local and don't travel far often, pay-per-use might actually save you money in the long run.
- Also, keep in mind some credit cards include roadside assistance perks. Worth checking yours out before committing to another service.
- Either way, good on you for thinking ahead. It's always better to figure this stuff out now rather than when you're stuck on the side of the road...
- Good points, but honestly I've found subscription plans can lull you into a false sense of security. Had one once that limited to like 3 calls a year—wasn't enough when I did a longer road trip. Always read the fine print carefully...
"Had one once that limited to like 3 calls a year—wasn't enough when I did a longer road trip."
Yeah, learned that lesson the hard way myself. Got my first insurance plan thinking I was covered for everything, then blew a tire on a remote highway at night. Called roadside assistance and found out I'd already used up my two yearly calls (didn't even realize there was a limit). Ended up paying out-of-pocket for a tow...not fun. Definitely agree—fine print matters more than you'd think.
