I just keep both now and hope at least one of them comes through when I need it. Not ideal, but beats being stranded.
Funny enough, I see a lot of folks do the same—double up and cross their fingers. Have you checked if your insurance limits how many tows or lockouts you get per year? Some policies only cover a couple, and then you’re out of luck. Also, did you notice if the insurance roadside affects your premiums after you use it? Sometimes it’s “included,” but they sneak in a surcharge later... Just curious if that’s happened to anyone else.
Which Roadside Help Would You Trust More: AAA or Your Insurance Company?
Funny enough, I see a lot of folks do the same—double up and cross their fingers. Have you checked if your insurance limits how many tows or lockouts you get per year? Some policies only cover a couple, and then you’re out of luck. Also, did you notice if the insurance roadside affects your premiums after you use it? Sometimes it’s “included,” but they sneak in a surcharge later... Just curious if that’s happened to anyone else.
That bit about insurance sneaking in a surcharge hits home. I’ve seen people get caught off guard by that more than once. They think roadside is “free” because it’s bundled with their policy, but then—bam—renewal time comes around and suddenly their rate’s up a few bucks a month. It’s not always obvious, either. Sometimes it’s buried in the fine print or just chalked up to “claims activity.” Kind of a sneaky move, honestly.
I’m not totally sold on insurance roadside for anything beyond the basics. Most of those plans cap you at two or three tows per year, and the distance is usually pretty limited—like 10 or 15 miles max. AAA (or even some credit card perks) usually offer longer tows and more calls per year, plus you get perks like travel discounts or DMV services. Not everyone cares about those extras, but if you’re on the road a lot, they add up.
I’ve had clients who used their insurance roadside for something as minor as a dead battery jump and then got dinged at renewal. One guy even told me his agent suggested using AAA instead so it wouldn’t show up as a claim... which is kind of wild when you think about it. Why offer the service if using it can cost you later?
On the other hand, doubling up isn’t the worst idea if you’re prone to car trouble or drive older vehicles. Just gotta keep track of which one to call first—and maybe read the fine print before assuming either will bail you out every time.
All that said, I’d trust AAA over most insurance-provided roadside plans for anything beyond super basic help. At least with AAA, what you see is what you get (usually). Insurance companies have too many ways to quietly change things up on you...
I get where you’re coming from, but I think the “sneaky surcharge” thing isn’t always as bad as it sounds. Sometimes it’s just a small bump, and not every insurer treats roadside calls as claims.
I’ve actually had a couple friends who used their insurance roadside and didn’t see any change at renewal—maybe it depends on the company? AAA is great for perks, but if you’re just looking for basic help and don’t use it often, insurance can still be a decent option.“It’s not always obvious, either. Sometimes it’s buried in the fine print or just chalked up to ‘claims activity.’”
Honestly, I think you’re right that it’s not always a big deal. I’ve seen the “sneaky surcharge” thing pop up in forums, but in my experience, it’s hit or miss. Like you said,
That’s been true for me—one year I used my insurance roadside twice and nothing changed at renewal, but another time with a different insurer, my rate crept up a bit. It’s frustrating how inconsistent it is.“maybe it depends on the company?”
I get why people like AAA for the perks, but if you’re just after basic help and don’t call often, insurance roadside can be fine. Just gotta read the fine print and maybe call your agent to double-check how they handle it. It’s not always clear, but you’re not alone in thinking it’s not as bad as some make it out to be.
“maybe it depends on the company?”
That’s been my experience too. I drive a car that’s allergic to potholes, so I’ve had to call for a tow more than I’d like to admit. With my old insurer, they jacked up my rate after just one call—felt like I was being punished for using what I paid for. Switched to AAA and yeah, it’s a little extra cash, but at least I don’t get side-eye from my insurance every time my car throws a tantrum. The perks are nice, but honestly, peace of mind is the real win for me.