if your car’s newer and you keep up with maintenance, you’re probably fine skipping the plan.
That’s mostly true, but even newer cars can surprise you. I had a flat tire on a rental last year, middle of nowhere—no spare, no cell signal. Ended up wishing I’d paid for the coverage. Sometimes it’s just about peace of mind, not just the age of the car.
Sometimes it’s just about peace of mind, not just the age of the car.
I get what you mean. Last winter, we were driving back from my parents’ place, about a two-hour trip, and our van just died at a stoplight. It’s a 2019 model, always serviced on time, so I really didn’t expect anything. Turns out the battery just gave up—no warning, nothing. We had the kids in the back, groceries melting in the trunk... not fun.
We did have roadside help through our insurance, and honestly, it was such a relief not having to figure out who to call or how much it’d cost. I used to think those plans were kind of pointless if you keep your car in good shape, but after that night? I’m not so sure anymore. Sometimes it’s less about how old your car is and more about how unlucky your day gets.
I used to roll my eyes at the idea of paying extra for roadside help, but after getting stranded with a flat on a rainy night (and realizing I had no clue where my jack even was), I changed my tune pretty quick. Even newer cars can throw you a curveball, like your battery story. For me, it’s just one of those small expenses that saves a ton of stress, especially when you’ve got family in the car. I’d rather have it and not need it than the other way around.
I’d rather have it and not need it than the other way around.
Honestly, I’m still on the fence. Here’s my take:
- My budget’s tight, so every “small” expense adds up fast.
- I’ve never needed roadside help (yet), but I also drive a pretty basic car—less stuff to break, right?
- That said, I have zero clue how to change a tire, so maybe I’m tempting fate.
- If it was like $10 a year, I’d be all over it. But $60+? That’s a couple tanks of gas.
Guess I’m rolling the dice for now... but if I ever get stuck in the rain, I’ll probably regret it.
I have zero clue how to change a tire, so maybe I’m tempting fate.
Honestly, that’s me too. I keep saying I’ll watch a YouTube video and actually learn, but here we are. I do a lot of road trips and while my car’s been solid, I’ve seen enough folks stranded on the side to make me nervous. $60 still stings though. I kind of wish there was a “pay-per-use” roadside help—like, charge me if (when) I screw up.
