You make a solid case, and honestly, I respect the self-reliant approach. Knowing your way around basic repairs is a skill more drivers could stand to pick up. I’m with you on not wanting to pay for something you rarely use—those annual fees do add up, especially if you’re handy and have a reliable network.
That said, I’ve found that even with the best prep, things can go sideways. A few years back, I had a flat in a sketchy spot after dark, and while I could’ve changed it myself, I didn’t feel safe hanging around. In that moment, having roadside assistance felt less like a luxury and more like a backup plan I was glad to have. It’s not about being stubborn or cheap—just different risk tolerances, I guess.
But yeah, if you’re comfortable handling most issues and don’t mind the occasional wait or hassle, skipping the plan makes sense. It’s all about what gives you peace of mind, whether that’s saving money or having a safety net.
In that moment, having roadside assistance felt less like a luxury and more like a backup plan I was glad to have.
I get where you’re coming from, but here’s the thing—if you’re worried about safety, you can prep for that too. Step one: keep a charged phone and a flashlight in your glove box. Step two: know your route and avoid sketchy spots after dark when possible. Step three: have a friend on speed dial. I’d rather rely on myself and people I trust than wait an hour for a stranger to show up. The annual fees just don’t add up for me, especially since most issues are fixable if you’re prepared. Maybe it’s just my stubborn streak, but I’d rather spend the money on better tools or gear.
In that moment, having roadside assistance felt less like a luxury and more like a backup plan I was glad to have.
Honestly, I totally get why you felt that way. There’s nothing quite like being stranded on the side of the road to make you rethink what’s “worth it.” I’ve been in a couple of situations where my own prep just wasn’t enough—like when my car battery died in the middle of nowhere and none of my friends were picking up. Waiting for roadside help wasn’t exactly fun, but knowing it was coming took a lot of stress off.
I hear you on the “better tools or gear” thing, though. That makes sense for folks who are handy or know their way around cars. But sometimes, even with all the right stuff, things go sideways. I guess for me it’s about peace of mind. I’d rather pay for something I might not use than be caught off guard.
But hey, if you’re confident handling most issues yourself, more power to you. Just don’t underestimate how weird things can get out there...
Yeah, I get where you’re coming from. Like you said,
That’s honestly the story of my life as a new driver. I thought having jumper cables and a spare tire meant I was set, but then I got a flat on a busy highway and realized I had no clue how to actually change it with cars whizzing by. Not as easy as YouTube makes it look.“sometimes, even with all the right stuff, things go sideways.”
I used to think roadside assistance was just for people who didn’t know anything about cars, but now I see it more as a backup, not a crutch. It’s not about being helpless, it’s just knowing you’ve got options if things go south. Sure, maybe some folks never need it, but I’d rather have it and not use it than be stuck calling random tow companies at midnight.
Honestly, even if you’re confident with most stuff, weird situations happen. Sometimes it’s just not worth the stress or risk trying to handle everything solo.
Honestly, I used to roll my eyes at roadside plans too—figured if you drive a nice car and keep it maintained, what could go wrong? Turns out, plenty. Had a tire blowout on the interstate once and realized my “run flats” weren’t as magical as I thought. Even with all the right tools, crawling around in dress shoes on the shoulder was not happening. Now I just see roadside assistance as cheap insurance for my sanity. For me, it’s worth it just to avoid the hassle... plus, some of these newer cars are so computerized, even jump-starting isn’t straightforward anymore.
