ALT-1 Is Emergency Roadside Assistance Worth the Money – Yes
The reliability of the automobile is higher than it has ever been, even though a car is much more complex than it was just a decade ago. With its many built in computers and sensors today's car is often able to give a warning to the driver when one of its many systems is having a problem allowing the owner to schedule time at the dealer's shop to have it repaired. This would seem to argue against emergency roadside assistance, but, in reality it should mean just the opposite. Consider that General Motors includes their OnStar service with most of their new cars. With this service a driver can get directions, have an accident automatically reported, have problems with the vehicle remotely diagnosed, and if necessary, summon roadside assistance.
One thing to consider is this; with today's cars anything that will cause it to stop running will require a tow to the repair shop. The cost of even a short tow will far exceed the price of a year long membership in services such as AAA. Premium membership in that service covers the cost of a tow of up to one hundred miles, and covers three such tows per year. In addition, membership covers simple things like installing a spare tire (invaluable on a rainy night!) or bringing a driver who failed to plan ahead a few gallons of gas.
As valuable as membership in an emergency roadside assistance program is to owners of new cars, it is priceless for those that have older vehicles. With their higher mileage and increased age, these old cars are many times more likely to develop problems on the road. Having that membership card in hand may not increase the reliability factor any, but it certainly gives greater peace of mind to know that help is just a phone call away.
Emergency roadside assistance programs can save the owner many times the cost of the service, even if it is never actually used for such an emergency. The membership in AAA, for example, can save the member many dollars a year in discounts on such things as automobile insurance, hotels, UPS shipping, meals and services. Members also have access to trip planning and maps. This company also offers help with vehicle financing, as well as help finding a car and purchasing it.
So, in answer to the question, "Is Emergency Roadside Service worth the money", the answer is a resounding yes. With the programs available today, and all they offer, a car owner can save many times the cost of the membership. And how does one place a price on the peace of mind it buys?
