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Ten tips: Check out roadside help programs

By LAURA T. COFFEY
Published July 30, 2006

1 The fine print really matters. Pretty much every plan out there will tow you somewhere or reimburse you for a tow, but the similarities often stop there. Read different plans' details over carefully in order to avoid the shock of being abandoned somewhere or hit with a hefty bill.

2 Check your credit-card agreement first. Before you pay for any additional coverage, find out whether you have an adequate roadside assistance plan through your credit card. If you can't find any written materials about it, call the customer service number on your card and ask for details.

3 How many drivers and cars must you cover? If the answer is "more than one," your best bet may be to opt for a full-service plan offered through places such as AAA, the AARP Motoring Plan, the GM Motor Club and the Better World Club. For about $50 to $100 a year, you'll get towing, flat-tire changing, fuel delivery, lost-key replacement and other services, regardless of which car you're driving.

4 Know how to proceed when you buy a new car. Many carmakers will give you access to a free roadside assistance plan for the duration of the vehicle's warranty - often three to four years. Such a deal may apply to a certified used car.

5 Look for possible loopholes in automaker plans. They'll cover only the vehicle in question, and some will only tow you to a dealership. Also be on the lookout for strict mileage limits and a refusal to cover towing in the event of flash flooding.

6 Recognize when miles matter. If you're a frequent traveler who often finds yourself far away from your home, place a premium on a plan that gives you the greatest amount of towing miles for a flat fee.

7 Beware of relying solely on your car insurance plan. It may be tempting to think you don't need anything else if your insurance plan includes roadside assistance, but recognize that a tow could increase your car insurance premium and might even affect your eligibility for coverage. The effect might not be huge, but the tow is likely to remain on your record.

8 Know the drill with cell-phone plans. You'll be covered only if you have your phone on you when the car conks out - and if you accidentally leave your phone at home that day, you could be up a creek.

9 Consider an upgrade. With most of these plans, you'll have the option of paying an extra $25 to $35 a year and significantly increasing your benefits. Such upgrades often get you a much more generous mileage limit for tows.

10 Sometimes you can't access coverage. There may be times when you get stranded on a restricted highway where a local government licenses - and blocks - certain tow services.

Sources: Consumer Reports (www.consumerreports.org; AAA (www.aaasouth.com); AARP (www.aarp.org).

[Last modified July 30, 2006, 07:17:33]