Tragedy always strikes at unexpected moments when you’re on the road. One minor mechanical issue can leave you stranded for hours, scrambling to find a way to get to where you need to go. However, even the biggest issues can be treated quickly with roadside assistance. Emergency roadside assistance provides you with help when your vehicle decides to bite it. From towing services to battery jump start, roadside assistance can help get you and your vehicle back on the road as fast as possible.
What is Emergency Roadside Assistance?
Emergency roadside assistance is a service offered by several auto providers that helps you get your car back up and running after a mechanical or technical failure. This is usually offered by car insurance providers as a policy add-on, but there are independent roadside assistance companies you can purchase memberships from. Assistance is available across Chicago and can help any type of vehicle, from your average sedan to a worn-out work truck. Just keep in mind that if your truck carries items that pose a danger to vehicle mechanics, it may not be eligible for service. Roadside assistance service is recommended for all drivers, not just those who travel long distances. Even just a 15-minute commute can cause trouble with your vehicle, and having the ability to call for help fast will be invaluable.
Roadside Assistance Services Available in Chicago
Roadside assistance provides drivers with various services, all of which are crucial for car maintenance. Services are typically offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but this can vary based on the towing company and emergency service provider. Some common services roadside assistance can provide a driver include:
- Gas/fuel delivery
- Tire changing
- Local towing in Chicago
- Light-duty towing
- Battery jump starts
- Lockout services
- Battery replacement
- Heavy-duty towing
- Long-distance towing
- Ditch recovery
Do You Need Roadside Assistance in Chicago?
No. Roadside assistance is not mandatory for drivers to get to drive legally in Chicago. However, just because it isn’t legally required does not mean it isn’t valuable coverage to carry. Roadside assistance can provide services pertaining to various issues should you find yourself stranded. For example, if your car breaks down due to a mechanical failure, instead of trying to frantically find a friend who can pick you up, you can call the roadside assistance hotline from your car insurance company or towing service provider. Depending on where you are, towing service can be there in a few minutes to get you to the nearest vehicle repair shop. Then you can get back on the road in no time. It’s an extremely convenient service to have included on your car insurance policy.
How Much Does Chicago Roadside Assistance Cost?
The cost for roadside assistance can vary depending on where you purchase the service from. By estimation, you can pay anywhere from as low as $5 a month to as high as $100 per month for roadside assistance. Typically, roadside assistance is offered through your car insurance provider. This tends to be the cheaper route. In Illinois, drivers may pay as little as $13 per month for roadside assistance help. However, it all varies depending on your car insurance policy. Chicago roadside assistance is usually a relatively cheap auto policy add-on that your provider will offer to expand your coverage. There is no separate car insurance premium for roadside assistance. It is figured into your overall car insurance rates when you add it to your auto policy. If you wish to purchase emergency roadside service from an independent vehicle service company, prices will vary and can be based on the type of help you need. It’s best to shop around and look at the car services available in Chicago to compare prices and policies.
Limits of Roadside Assistance Service
While roadside assistance has a variety of services it offers drivers, there are some limitations. These limitations should be clearly outlined in your car insurance policy or contract with the vehicle service provider. Limitations can vary, so make sure you ask questions to fully understand if your roadside assistance will cover certain services. Typically, there is a limit of how many times you can use roadside assistance services per year. If you wish to use the services after exceeding the maximum yearly calls, you will likely be charged in addition to the membership you pay. This can especially be the case for fuel delivery, as many car services limit how many times you can have gas delivered. Like independent vehicle services, car insurance providers also implement limitations surrounding how often you can use roadside assistance. There may also be places where roadside assistance will not provide help. This can include areas they perceive as dangerous or places not regularly traveled by cars (for example, a beach or a park). Help is not guaranteed in all situations by your provider, so you should make sure you analyze all the limitations before signing with a vehicle service company or adding it to your car insurance policy.