Car accidents can be stressful. Thankfully, numerous vehicle safety features and different types of auto insurance can often lessen these untimely troubles. Many people carry comprehensive and collision insurance coverage, which can be helpful in a covered incident. But afterward, a vehicle may still need to be towed for service, or a rental car may be necessary while your vehicle is being repaired.
Supplemental rental reimbursement, roadside assistance and towing assistance can help in these instances and might be the additional coverage drivers need.
Rental Reimbursement Auto Insurance
Rental reimbursement insurance may pay for a rental vehicle or public transportation fees while your vehicle is being repaired for a covered insurance claim. Usually, rental reimbursement coverage can only be added if you already have comprehensive and collision insurance coverage. At the Lone Star Insurance Agency, we can help you look at your current insurance to determine if this is supplemental coverage you may be able to add.
Rental reimbursement auto insurance coverage provides several advantages, including:
· Other types of transportation expenses may be covered. If you decide not to rent a car, other transportation expenses may be included, such as Uber, city buses, light rail and commuter train fares.
· There usually isn’t a deductible. You won’t have a deductible amount subtracted from your claim check. However, you probably will have a deductible on your collision and comprehensive insurance to get your car repaired.
· There may be a rental company partnership. Rental reimbursement coverage may include a rental company partnership, which means that the rental company can bill your insurer directly. If you rent a vehicle from another company, you may need to pay the costs upfront and get reimbursed by your insurance company.
· You may get policy discounts. Depending on your auto insurance policy, you may get a discount on your rental reimbursement coverage. For example, if you have a multi-car discount, it may apply to your rental reimbursement coverage.
It’s important to understand that rental reimbursement coverage isn’t rental car insurance. You cannot use rental reimbursement coverage for a vacation rental vehicle or routine maintenance. It’s only for use while your vehicle is being repaired due to a covered claim.
Roadside Assistance
If you’re stuck on the side of the road, a roadside assistance program can put you in touch with the right providers for minor repairs, gasoline or other needed service. Many roadside assistance programs typically include these services:
· Battery jump-start service providers can restart your dead battery.
· Extrication or winching service is the process of moving your vehicle if it’s stuck. You may need to pay extra if it takes more than one professional and truck to dislodge your vehicle.
· Flat-tire service providers can replace your flat tire with your spare. Some roadside assistance providers may not replace a flat tire for a motorcycle or similar vehicle.
· Fuel-delivery service providers may bring you enough fuel to get you to the nearest gas station. If the service provider charges for this separately, they may use the local pump price.
· Lockout and locksmith services can help you get into your car if you’re locked out. Lockout service providers can usually unlock your car door with a pump wedge or a long-reach tool. However, if that doesn’t work, they may call a locksmith.
· Towing service can take your vehicle to the nearest mechanic up to a specified distance. If your vehicle needs towing past that limit, you may be charged an overage.
Towing Assistance
You never want to be stranded on the side of the road with a broken-down vehicle, but breakdowns can happen. Most car insurance policies don’t cover towing because of a mechanical issue, whereas towing assistance is an affordable supplement to add—and that most insurers offer.
Additional Protection When You Need It
Various auto insurance companies, auto clubs, credit card issuers and car manufacturers offer roadside assistance programs. Your vehicle’s age and how far you typically drive can help you decide if you want this added convenience.
If your auto policy only includes liability coverage, you probably don’t have roadside assistance. However, if you have collision coverage, which usually covers accident damage regardless of who is at fault, your policy may include roadside assistance. We can review your auto insurance policy to determine what is included in your policy coverage and whether supplemental roadside assistance may be worthwhile to add.
Accidents and vehicle breakdowns are stressful enough without the added worry of being stuck without a functioning vehicle. Contact our Lone Star Insurance team to explore how rental reimbursement, roadside assistance and towing assistance may be advantageous coverage to have.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.