Interesting point, but isn't manufacturer roadside assistance usually limited to the first few years or mileage? After that runs out, you're back to relying on insurance coverage anyway. Plus, what happens if you're in a more remote area—do manufacturers typically offer better range than insurance? I've seen some policies offer upgrades to longer towing distances for just a small fee... might be worth looking into rather than assuming the manufacturer's always got your back.
"Plus, what happens if you're in a more remote area—do manufacturers typically offer better range than insurance?"
That's a good question. I recently had a flat tire while driving through a pretty rural area, and my manufacturer's roadside assistance had already expired. Luckily, my insurance covered towing, but the basic coverage only got me about 15 miles—which wasn't enough to reach the nearest decent garage. Ended up paying extra out-of-pocket. After that experience, I upgraded my policy for just a few bucks more per month... definitely worth it for peace of mind.
Yeah, totally agree with upgrading coverage if you're often driving in remote spots. Manufacturer assistance is usually decent at first, but once it expires, you're kinda stuck. I learned the hard way on a road trip last summer—got stranded in the middle of nowhere, and my basic insurance towing barely covered half the distance to the nearest town. Ended up shelling out extra cash. Now I always double-check my policy before hitting the road... saves headaches later.
Good call on double-checking your policy before trips. Another thing I'd suggest is keeping a small emergency fund specifically for roadside issues. Even with upgraded coverage, sometimes you still end up paying out-of-pocket first and waiting for reimbursement later. Learned this after my alternator died unexpectedly—had to front the cash for towing and repairs. Now I stash away a bit each month just in case... peace of mind is worth it.
Good advice on the emergency fund, though honestly, I've found roadside assistance through my credit card more reliable than insurance coverage. Had a flat tire last year and my card's program sent someone out quickly—no upfront payments needed. Makes me wonder, has anyone compared the benefits of credit card roadside programs versus traditional insurance add-ons? Curious if there's a clear winner or if it depends more on your situation...
