I guess what bugs me is paying for something and never using it, but then again, nobody complains about not having to use insurance either.
That’s such a good point. It’s like, you hope you never need it, but when you do, you’re really glad it’s there. I totally get the frustration of paying for something that just sits there in the background, especially if money’s tight or your car’s been reliable. But honestly, even newer cars can surprise you—flat tires, dead batteries, or locking yourself out aren’t just “old car” problems.
I always tell people to check what’s already included with their insurance or credit cards, like you mentioned. No sense doubling up. But if you’re driving alone a lot, or late at night, that peace of mind can be worth more than the yearly fee. I’ve seen folks stranded in weird spots, and the stress just isn’t worth it.
It’s not a must-have for everyone, but it’s one of those things you don’t appreciate until you’re in a jam. You’re thinking about it the right way—just weighing the real risk vs. the cost.
I drive a ton for work and honestly, I’ve used roadside help more than I expected—dead battery once, flat tire another time. It’s annoying to pay for stuff you might not use, but that one call at 2am made it worth it for me. If you barely drive or have backup, maybe skip it, but for frequent commuters like me, the peace of mind is huge.
I get the peace of mind angle, but I always wonder—does it make sense to pay every year if you’re handy or have a newer car? I’ve had my car for ages and only needed a jump once, which a neighbor helped with. Maybe I’m just lucky, but is it really that common to need help?
I get where you’re coming from, but I always think about those times you’re stuck somewhere with the kids in the back and it’s pouring rain or freezing out. Even if you’re handy, would you really want to deal with that on your own? What if your neighbor isn’t around next time?
I get the worry about being stranded with kids in bad weather, but honestly, how often does that really happen? I drive a ton for work and most of the time, if something goes wrong, it’s a flat or a dead battery—stuff I can usually handle myself. Roadside assistance always sounds great until you realize you’re paying every year for something you might use once, if ever. I’d rather keep some basic tools and jumper cables in the trunk and save the cash. Maybe I’m just stubborn, but I feel like we’re sold a lot of “what if” scenarios that rarely play out.