The wait time for roadside assistance services can be absolutely Mind-Numbing.
If you’ve ever had to wait for roadside assistance, you know how frustrating it can be. Whether you’re stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire or your car has run out of gas, the last thing you want is to have to wait for help. Unfortunately, the wait time for roadside assistance services can be absolutely mind-numbing. And with the current staffing and rising fuel costs, it’s not getting any better. Also, remember, nights and weekends are probably the times that will have the longest wait times.
What you should know about roadside assistance service from your insurance carrier
Auto insurance companies contract with third-party companies, and they outsource with local roadside assistance companies to provide service to their customers. However, these companies are not always able to meet the demand for service, which can leave customers waiting for hours. 
If you need roadside assistance, it’s essential to be patient and stay calm. Remember that help is on the way, and eventually, you’ll be back on the road again.
What can you do to avoid waiting hours for the tow truck to show up?
If you’re looking at hours before roadside assistance is going to be able to help you, you do have an alternative. Like a collision claim, you have the right to pick your contractor. This means you can call a local roadside assistance company directly and get reimbursed for the out-of-pocket expense. (There might be some policy limits and terms).
But don’t forget that to get reimbursed, you’ll need to submit a detailed receipt showing the following: The vehicle that was provided service, the service provided, the location of services, and the total cost.
What is usually covered by your insurance’s roadside assistance program
- Fuel delivery service
- Battery Jump
- Lockout Service
- Flat/Low Tire Change
- Towing (mileage restrictions apply)
This doesn’t cover everything! Make sure you read the policy terms and conditions to understand the services covered.
Will using roadside assistance affect my insurance rate?
The short answer is that it depends. Some carriers will look at frequency, cost, and claims usage, which could impact your insurance rates.
So, you’ve run out of gas on the side of the road. Or maybe your car battery has died, and you don’t know what to do. Before you call roadside assistance, you should know a few things. 
- For one, the wait time for help can be absolutely mind-numbing.
- Second, what services your insurance roadside assistance program covers may surprise you.
- And finally, roadside assistance might not be as expensive as you think – but it might affect your insurance rate.
Thankfully, our team is here to help. Let’s discuss your current policy and see if we can find an auto policy that fits your needs – without breaking the bank.
