Had a ’72 Chevelle that left me stranded on the side of I-80 once—middle of winter, too. I’d skipped roadside that year, thinking I’d save a few bucks since she’d been running fine. Ended up paying triple what coverage would’ve cost just to get towed ten miles. Never made that mistake again. Even with my newer daily driver, I keep it for the peace of mind. Stuff happens when you least expect it, especially with older rides.
Ended up paying triple what coverage would’ve cost just to get towed ten miles.
That’s the kicker, right there. I used to think roadside was just another sneaky add-on, but after one flat tire fiasco in the rain, I changed my tune. Even if you only use it once every few years, it pays for itself. I get wanting to save a few bucks, but sometimes “cheap” ends up being expensive. Especially with older cars, but honestly, even new ones can surprise you...
I get the logic, but I’m still a bit on the fence. My car came with a “concierge” service for the first few years, and honestly, I never needed it. But then again, if something did go wrong, I’d probably be kicking myself for not having backup. Do you think the peace of mind is worth it, or is it just paying for anxiety insurance?
if something did go wrong, I’d probably be kicking myself for not having backup.
I get that. I’ve seen people pay for years and never use it, but then there’s the guy who gets a flat in the middle of nowhere and suddenly it’s worth every penny. Personally, I skipped it for a while and ended up paying way more for a tow once. Is it anxiety insurance? Maybe... but sometimes that’s cheaper than the alternative.
Had the same debate with myself before my last big trip. Here’s where I landed:
- If you’re driving older cars or heading into remote areas, it’s a no-brainer. One breakdown and it pays for itself.
- If you’re mostly in town, maybe not as urgent. AAA sent my friend a tow once and the guy took three hours... not exactly “rapid response.”
- I hate paying for stuff I barely use, but man, when you need it, you REALLY need it. Like insurance for your sanity.
- Still, sometimes I just roll the dice and hope my luck holds. Probably not the best strategy but hey, living on the edge keeps things interesting... right?
