I’ve actually been in that spot—blew a tire on a random back road at like 9pm, and realized my “I’ll learn someday” plan wasn’t helping me then. Ended up calling for help, which cost more than the $60 annual fee I’d been side-eyeing. Still bugs me to pay for something I might not use, but after that night, I’m less annoyed about it. Pay-per-use would be great, though… feels weird to pay for peace of mind you might never need.
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from, but I think the “pay-per-use” idea sounds better than it actually is.
Thing is, insurance (and stuff like roadside assistance) is all about paying for what *might* happen, not what will. I just bought my first policy and yeah, it stings to fork out cash for something I might not use, but the one time you need it, it pays for itself fast. Plus, those one-off calls can get super pricey, especially if you’re stranded far from anywhere. I’d rather have it and not need it than the other way around.“feels weird to pay for peace of mind you might never need.”
I get what you’re saying, but honestly, I’m still not totally sold. I’ve had my car for almost two years and haven’t needed roadside help once. Feels like I’d just be throwing money away every month, at least for now. Maybe I’ll regret it if I ever get stuck, but I dunno...
I totally get not wanting to pay for something you haven’t used, but honestly, it’s the one time you need it that makes all the difference. I had a flat on a road trip last year—middle of nowhere, no cell service. Roadside help saved me a ton of stress (and probably money). For me, peace of mind’s worth the monthly fee, especially with an expensive car.
- Been driving for decades, and I’ve only needed roadside help a handful of times, but man, when you need it… you NEED it.
- Once had my battery die in a grocery store parking lot. Middle of winter, snow coming down sideways. AAA guy showed up before I could even finish my coffee from inside the store.
- Yeah, it stings paying for something you might not use every year, but it’s like insurance—you don’t really want to need it, but you’re sure glad it’s there if you do.
- If your car’s newer or has those fancy run-flat tires, maybe you can risk skipping it. For older rides (like my ‘99 Camry), I wouldn’t go without.
- I’ll admit, sometimes I grumble when that renewal bill comes in… but then I remember that time my alternator died on the highway at night. Worth every penny just to avoid flagging down random strangers.
- Peace of mind isn’t free, but neither is getting towed out of nowhere. Guess I’d rather pay a little now than a lot later.
