I’ve had similar luck—once my old Civic’s alternator died, both AAA and my insurance just shrugged and called a tow. I guess it’s all about who gets there first. Has anyone actually had roadside folks fix something more complicated on the spot? Or is that just a myth?
Has anyone actually had roadside folks fix something more complicated on the spot? Or is that just a myth?
Honestly, I wouldn’t count on it. Most roadside crews are set up for jump starts, tire changes, maybe a battery swap if you’re lucky. Anything beyond that—like alternators or electrical stuff—they’re not gonna risk making it worse on the side of the road. Liability’s a big deal. Even if someone says they can “fix” it there, I’d rather have my car towed to a shop where they’ve got the right tools and insurance if something goes sideways. Just not worth the gamble, in my opinion.
Most roadside crews are set up for jump starts, tire changes, maybe a battery swap if you’re lucky.
Had a flat on the highway with my kids in the back. Guy from AAA swapped the tire fast, but when my alternator died a year later, they just towed us. Never seen them do anything more complex than that.
- Had the “joy” of a dead battery in a grocery store parking lot last winter. AAA showed up, gave me a jump, and left before I could even thank them. Felt like a pit crew at NASCAR.
- But then, when my starter went out at work (of course, on a Monday), all they did was tow me to the nearest shop. No magic fix, just a ride for my car.
- Insurance roadside? Used them once. Took forever to get there, and the guy didn’t have half the tools AAA brings. Ended up calling a friend anyway.
- Honestly, I trust AAA for the quick stuff—flat tire, jump, maybe unlocking my car when I lock my keys in (don’t judge). Anything more complicated? They’re just calling the tow truck like everyone else.
- If you’re hoping for roadside surgery on your alternator or something, probably not happening. But for the basics, AAA’s been solid for me.
I get where you're coming from, but I’ve actually had the opposite luck with my insurance roadside a couple times. Maybe it depends on the provider? Last year, my tire blew out in the middle of nowhere and AAA said it’d be a two-hour wait—insurance had someone there in 40 minutes. Didn’t have all the bells and whistles, but got me rolling again. I do think you’re right about AAA being more consistent for the basics, though. Ever notice how both seem to just shrug if it’s anything more complicated than a jump or tow?
