Having a roadside assistance service in place for your vehicle is highly recommended, even if you don't drive very often. The last thing you want is to end up stranded on the side of the road, scrambling to find a towing company in an unfamiliar area. With a roadside assistance package, you can receive the help you need with anything from changing a tire or filling up your gas tank to towing, basic repairs, and everything in between. What you might not realize is that it's quite easy to get free or even discounted roadside assistance services.

Through Your Credit Card

Some credit card companies these days provide roadside assistance to their cardholders, so before you buy this coverage through your auto insurance company, check with your credit card company. Many of them also include free or heavily discounted insurance coverage for automobile rentals.

With Your Vehicle Purchase

When you buy a new or used vehicle through a dealership, it's not uncommon for the dealer to throw in a warranty that includes a free roadside assistance package. If you're looking to buy a car in the near future, be sure to bring this up during the negotiations with your salesperson.

Through Your Wireless Provider

Believe it or not, your wireless service provider may also offer free or discounted roadside assistance coverage that includes not only towing, but locksmith services as well. Many of the major wireless carriers offer this to their account holders, so it's worth asking about.

Conclusion: Important Considerations

Whether you end up buying your own roadside assistance coverage or will be getting it for free through one of the above options, it's important to ask a few key questions about your coverage to ensure you're getting everything you need. For starters, find out whether your roadside assistance package covers you or the vehicle. Ideally, you'll want the coverage to be extended to the entire vehicle, especially if you tend to share it with family members.

Furthermore, if towing services are included, be sure to ask about any limitations. For example, are you only allowed to use the free towing services once a year? Do you get charged per mile for towing after a certain number of miles and, if so, how much? By asking these questions, you can have a better understanding of how your roadside assistance policy works and avoid unpleasant surprises down the road as well. Speak with an establishment like Michael's Towing & Recovery Service for further information.