"I found out mine didn't cover towing beyond 15 miles...not fun when you're stranded with a classic that's picky about mechanics."
Yeah, roadside assistance terms can be sneaky. Had a guy once whose policy only covered towing to the nearest "authorized" shop—which, of course, didn't specialize in his imported ride. Ended up paying out-of-pocket for a second tow. Always worth checking the fine print, even if it seems tedious. Sometimes those little details make all the difference between a minor hiccup and a full-blown headache.
"Always worth checking the fine print, even if it seems tedious."
True, but honestly, how realistic is it to comb through every tiny detail in advance? I mean, insurance companies bury stuff like towing limits or "authorized" shops deep in pages of jargon. I've owned cars for decades, and even when I think I've covered all bases, something unexpected pops up. Instead of relying solely on insurance, I've found it helpful to keep a separate roadside assistance membership—like AAA or something similar. They usually have clearer terms and fewer restrictions on towing distances or mechanic choices. Plus, they're often quicker to respond in remote areas. Might seem redundant at first, but when you're stuck on the side of the road with a picky classic or an import, having options can save you a ton of hassle.
Good point about roadside assistance memberships. I've also found that insurance fine print can be intentionally vague or complex, making it tough to know exactly what's covered until you actually need it. Still, taking a quick glance at key sections—like towing limits or repair shop restrictions—can help avoid nasty surprises. Personally, I keep a small emergency fund aside specifically for unexpected car issues. It's saved me a lot of stress when insurance falls short or roadside assistance isn't enough...
Haha, insurance fine print is basically the "terms and conditions" we all pretend to read but never actually do. I've seen some wild stuff—like policies that cover towing but only up to 5 miles. I mean, what good is that if you're stuck in the middle of nowhere? Keeping an emergency fund is smart though, learned that the hard way myself. Curious, has anyone ever had a weirdly specific exclusion pop up when filing a claim? Those stories are always gold...
"policies that cover towing but only up to 5 miles"
Yeah, those short-distance limits can be frustrating, but honestly, with luxury cars I've found manufacturer roadside assistance usually beats insurance towing anyway. Worth checking if your car brand offers it—saved me a headache or two.