I’ve run into that exact issue with insurance roadside before. The first time I used it, I assumed it’d be just like AAA—call, get a tow, done deal. Turns out my policy only covered five miles, and the nearest shop was almost double that. Ended up paying out of pocket for the extra distance, which was a surprise. With AAA, at least with their Plus membership, you get a lot more miles covered (I think it’s 100?). That’s huge if you break down somewhere rural or on a road trip.
But then again, I’ve heard stories where people waited hours for AAA, while insurance roadside sent help in under thirty minutes. Makes me wonder if it all boils down to which tow companies are contracted in your area. Is there any way to actually check who’s in their network before you need them? Or is it just luck of the draw when you call?
Another thing I’ve noticed: insurance roadside is sometimes cheaper, since it’s bundled in with your policy for a few bucks a year. But AAA has perks like travel discounts and maps—though honestly, I don’t use those much anymore with Google Maps and all.
Anyone else notice that some insurance companies limit the number of service calls per year? I think mine caps it at three, while AAA lets you call four times (or more if you pay extra). Not sure how often most people need roadside help, but on long trips or with older cars, it adds up.
Curious if anyone’s ever had both at the same time and compared them side by side? I keep debating if it’s worth doubling up or just picking one and hoping for the best...
Curious if anyone’s ever had both at the same time and compared them side by side? I keep debating if it’s worth doubling up or just picking one and hoping for the best...
I actually had both for a while, mostly because I forgot to cancel one. Honestly, insurance roadside was cheaper but super basic—like, “we’ll tow you five miles and that’s it, good luck.” AAA bailed me out when my car died in the middle of nowhere and I needed that 100-mile tow. But yeah, sometimes AAA took forever to show up. It really does seem like a crapshoot depending on where you break down. If your car’s old or you drive a lot, doubling up isn’t the worst idea... but it feels kinda silly paying twice for the same thing.
Yeah, I get what you mean about paying for both feeling silly, but I’ve had times where insurance roadside just didn’t cut it.
That’s been my experience too. AAA’s not perfect, but when you’re stuck far from home, that extra tow range is a lifesaver. For me, I just stick with AAA now and dropped the insurance one to save a few bucks.“insurance roadside was cheaper but super basic—like, ‘we’ll tow you five miles and that’s it, good luck.’”
I totally get the appeal of AAA, especially if you drive longer distances. My insurance roadside plan only covers like 10 miles of towing, which is basically useless if you break down on a road trip. Have you ever had to use AAA for something other than towing, like battery or lockout? I’m curious if those perks are actually worth it or just marketing fluff.
I’ve actually used AAA for a dead battery once, and it was pretty clutch. Happened in the middle of nowhere, and I was honestly expecting to wait forever, but their guy showed up in under an hour and got me going again. That alone felt worth the annual fee, considering how much a tow or jump can cost if you’re stranded. Lockout service came in handy too—locked my keys in the car at a rest stop (classic move), and they popped it open without charging extra.
That said, I do sometimes wonder if it’s overkill. Like, I try to keep my car in good shape and carry jumper cables just in case. But then again, you can’t really jump your own battery if you’re solo or there’s no one else around. Has anyone tried relying on those portable jump starters instead? I’ve thought about grabbing one and just rolling the dice with my insurance’s basic roadside plan… not sure if that’s being too cheap or just practical.