Can’t blame you for being skeptical. A lot of people feel like roadside is just another add-on, but it really depends on your situation. I’ve seen folks pay for it for years and never use it, but I’ve also had clients who were stranded in the middle of nowhere and said it was a lifesaver. Checking your credit card perks is smart—some cards or even phone plans sneak in roadside assistance as a freebie, so no sense paying twice.
If you’re trying to save, just make sure you’re not doubling up. Also, some insurers bundle roadside for a couple bucks a month, which is usually cheaper than standalone services. But yeah, if you’re driving an older car or do a lot of late-night trips, it’s probably worth the peace of mind. Otherwise, maybe skip it and keep a reliable tow number handy. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but being aware of what you’re already paying for is half the battle.
Yeah, I totally get where you’re coming from. I’m actually in the same boat—just started looking at insurance for the first time, and every little add-on feels like a money grab. I keep thinking, “Am I really going to need this, or am I just paying for peace of mind?” My car’s not ancient, but it’s definitely seen better days, so I go back and forth a lot.
Funny enough, my mom’s been paying for roadside for years and never used it once. Meanwhile, my buddy’s battery died at 2am on some backroad last winter, and he said the roadside coverage was the only reason he didn’t spend the night in his car. Kind of makes you wonder if it’s just luck or if it’s worth rolling the dice.
I did check my credit card perks like you mentioned, and turns out, one of them actually does offer basic roadside. It’s not as comprehensive as what the insurance company was pushing, but it covers towing and jump starts, which is probably all I’d need. Made me feel a bit better about skipping the extra fee from my insurer, at least for now.
I guess what I’m realizing is that there’s no perfect answer. If you’re broke (like me), every dollar counts, and it’s easy to feel like you’re getting nickel-and-dimed by these companies. But at the same time, the one time you actually need help, you’ll wish you had it. It’s kind of like buying an umbrella—most days it sits in your bag, but when it pours, you’re glad it’s there.
Anyway, thanks for laying it out in a way that doesn’t sound like a sales pitch. Makes me feel less crazy for overthinking all this stuff.
Man, I hear you on the umbrella analogy—totally spot on. I’ve been wrenching on old cars for years, and honestly, I’ve had roadside save my bacon once or twice, but most of the time it’s just peace of mind. You’re not crazy for weighing every dollar. Sometimes it feels like insurance companies are just inventing new ways to charge us. If your credit card covers the basics, that’s a smart move. No shame in skipping the extras if you’re watching your budget. At the end of the day, you know your car and your luck better than anyone else.
Ever get that feeling like you’re just tossing money into a pit with insurance? I’ve always wondered if there’s a sweet spot between “bare bones” and being over-insured. For me, I keep liability only on my old truck, but I know some folks swear by adding comprehensive even on beaters. Has anyone actually regretted going too cheap? Or is the peace of mind really worth the extra bucks?
I totally get the feeling—insurance can feel like paying for something you hope never happens. Liability only on an old truck makes sense if you could walk away from it after a wreck, but I’ve seen folks regret skipping comprehensive when a tree branch or hail trashed their ride. It’s a gamble either way. If you can’t afford to replace your car out of pocket, a little extra coverage might be worth the peace of mind... but yeah, it’s not fun watching that premium come out every month.
