Roadside Assistance: Vehicle Assistance Versus Individual Coverage

Having roadside assistance can offer peace of mind that you can't get with any other type of coverage. If you're in an accident and you carry full coverage on your auto insurance policy, they'll send out a tow truck if you're in an accident. However, you're out of luck if something else strands you on the side of the road. Insurance policies only cover you in the event of an accident but that's not the only time you might find yourself stranded on the side of the road.

Roadside assistance is the only coverage that will come to your rescue if your battery goes dead or if your engine blows leaving you stranded with no way to get your vehicle to a garage. If you have a flat tire and can't change it yourself, someone will come out and do it for you. You can even get help if you lock your keys inside the car or run out of fuel. Even if you think none of these things will happen to you, there is always a possibility.

The Main Difference between the Vehicle and Individual Coverage

The main difference between the vehicle and individual coverage is what it covers. The vehicle assistance covers a specific vehicle. When you get your policy, you'll need to provide the company some basic information about the vehicle you want covered such as the make and model. You'll also need to decide how many autos you want on your plan.

Anytime you are driving a covered vehicle, this type of protection will cover you but if you're driving someone else's vehicle, you cannot use this protection if you run into problems.

The individual coverage covers you personally not the vehicle. Therefore, it doesn't matter what you're driving. If you need assistance with something that is covered in your plan, all you have to do is give them a call.

Which One Should You Choose

Vehicle assistance versus individual coverage, which one should you choose? Deciding which roadside assistance policy is right for you will depend on your lifestyle more than anything else. The best choice has more to do with what type of driving habits you have instead of age or gender.

For example, if you never drive any vehicle but your own, the policy that covers your automobile is a great option. This type of policy will protect you anytime you drive one of the vehicles listed on your policy.

However, if you sometimes drive someone else's vehicle, then you would want the individual plan. Perhaps you drive your elderly neighbor to the grocery store and she prefers you take her car to get it out of the garage occasionally. Vehicles that sit a lot are more prone to having mechanical problems.

If you drive your friend's car but he isn't the best about keeping the gas tank full or checking the fluids, you don't have to worry. With this plan, you'll have help on the way if you get stranded for any reason covered by the policy, no matter what you are driving.