Has anyone else noticed insurance roadside sometimes sends the most random local tow company?
That’s definitely a thing. But to be fair, AAA contracts with local operators too—sometimes you get a pro, sometimes it’s a guy with a flatbed that’s seen better days. The “free tow” from insurance usually has mileage limits or weird exclusions buried in the fine print. At least with insurance, it’s bundled in, but I’ve seen claims where people thought they were covered and ended up paying out of pocket anyway. It’s not always as straightforward as it sounds.
I get what you mean about the randomness—my insurance roadside sent a guy in a pickup with a tiny winch once, and I was half-worried he’d tow my car into a ditch. But honestly, I like that it’s included with my policy, even if it’s not perfect. I just try to double-check the fine print now. It’s a little nerve-wracking as a first-timer, but I figure it’s better than nothing, right?
Honestly, I get why you’d feel uneasy—insurance roadside can be hit or miss. The “included” part is nice, but coverage limits and contractor quality vary a lot. I always tell folks to read the fine print, especially on towing distance and service caps. Sometimes paying for AAA’s consistency is worth it if you drive a lot or have an older car.
I’ve been down this road (pun intended) a few times, and I totally get the hesitation around insurance roadside. The “free” part is tempting, but I learned the hard way that it’s not always as comprehensive as you’d hope. A couple years back, my car died on a Sunday night in the middle of nowhere. I called my insurance’s roadside number, thinking I was covered. Turns out, their tow limit was only five miles—after that, it was something like $7 per mile. Ended up paying almost $100 out of pocket just to get to a decent shop.
With AAA, I’ve had better luck. Their coverage is pretty clear, and the drivers they send seem more professional. Once, I locked my keys in the car at a rest stop, and AAA had someone there in under 30 minutes. No extra charges, no weird loopholes. I do think it depends on where you live, though—my cousin in a rural area says AAA can take hours out there, so maybe it’s not always perfect.
One thing I wish more people realized: some insurance roadside plans count every call as a claim, which can mess with your rates. It’s buried in the fine print, but it’s there. That alone makes me nervous about using it unless I’m really stuck.
I guess if you rarely drive or have a newer car, insurance roadside might be enough. But if you’re like me and tend to overthink every “what if,” AAA’s peace of mind is worth the extra cost. At least you know what you’re getting into... most of the time.
That’s wild about the tow limit—didn’t even realize some insurance plans had such a short distance. Makes me wonder, has anyone actually compared the fine print between AAA and their insurance roadside? Like, do most insurance companies have those “claim” loopholes, or is that just a few of them? I’m also curious if anyone’s had issues canceling AAA or switching plans. Sometimes these memberships are easy to start but a pain to stop...
