Also, does anyone actually read those full terms? I tried, but my eyes glazed over after the first page.
Honestly, I think most people are in the same boat with the fine print. I’ve had roadside for years and only needed it once—thankfully, no issues, but yeah, there was a mileage cap I didn’t realize until after. They just charged me for the extra miles, nothing crazy. It’s a bit of a gamble, but for a few bucks a month, I’d rather have it than not. Most of the horror stories seem rare in my experience.
I hear you on the fine print—who actually reads all that legalese? I only found out about the “one tow per breakdown” rule after my car died twice in a week. Ended up paying out of pocket the second time. Still, for the price, I keep it. But I wish they’d make the limits clearer upfront.
That “one tow per breakdown” thing tripped me up too, years back. Had my old ‘72 Dart quit on me twice in the same week—first time, the tow was covered, second time, I was digging for cash in the glove box. Learned real quick to read the fine print, or at least skim it for the stuff that’ll cost me.
Honestly, I still keep the roadside add-on, but I treat it like a backup, not a cure-all. For the price, it’s decent peace of mind, but I also keep a basic toolkit and a jump box in the trunk. Can’t always count on the service, especially when you’re out at a car show or somewhere rural.
Wish they’d just lay out the limits in plain English. I get why they don’t, but it’d save a lot of headaches. Still, for what it costs, I figure it’s better than nothing—just gotta know what you’re actually getting.
Wish they’d just lay out the limits in plain English. I get why they don’t, but it’d save a lot of headaches.
- Couldn’t agree more. It’s like they’re hoping you’ll just give up and pay out of pocket when the fine print bites you. Had a similar run-in last year with my S-Class—battery died at the airport, called for a tow, and got the “one tow per incident” speech. Ended up paying for a flatbed because apparently, “incident” means something different to them than it does to the rest of us.
- Roadside is fine for the basics, but I treat it like a cheap umbrella—good for a drizzle, useless in a storm. If you drive anything remotely expensive, the “included” tow usually doesn’t cover the kind of flatbed or care you actually want. I’ve seen guys with exotics get their cars dragged up ramps by clueless drivers. No thanks.
- Toolkit in the trunk? Always. Jump box too, plus a tire inflator. I’d rather fix a minor issue myself than trust some random contractor who shows up in a rusty van.
- The “peace of mind” is worth a few bucks a month, but I wouldn’t bet my car on it. If you’re out in the sticks or at a track day, good luck getting help in under two hours.
- Honestly, the only time roadside has really paid off for me was when my wife locked herself out of the Cayenne at the mall. That one was worth every penny, just for the look on her face when the guy popped the door in thirty seconds.
- Bottom line: keep it for emergencies, but don’t expect miracles. And yeah, always read the fine print—preferably before you’re stranded on the side of the road, not after.
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I’ve had decent luck with roadside through insurance. I drive a lot for work, and it’s bailed me out more than once—dead battery, flat tire, even a fuel delivery once. Not perfect, but for the price, I’ll keep it.