What Credit Cards Provide Roadside Assistance?

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Which Credit Cards Provide Roadside Assistance?

When your car breaks down on the side of the road, it can be stressful and inconvenient. However, if you have a credit card that offersroadside assistance, you can get help quickly and potentially save money ontowingor other services. In this article, we'll explore whichcredit cardsprovide roadside assistance, what services they offer, and some tips for using this benefit wisely.

Overview of Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance is a service that helps drivers with common problems they may encounter while driving, such as:

- Flat tire

- Dead battery

- Lockout

- Fuel delivery

- Towing

Some roadside assistance programs also offer more specialized services, such as:

- Winching (getting a stuck vehicle unstuck)

- Jump starts for hybrid or electric vehicles

- Bicycle assistance (transporting you and your bike to a repair shop)

- Rental car assistance (if your car is inoperable)

Roadside assistance is typically provided by third-party companies contracted by credit card issuers. The cost of the service is usually included in the annual fee or APR of the credit card, although some issuers may charge a separate fee per use or per incident. The availability, scope, and quality of roadside assistance may vary depending on the issuer, the card type, and the location of the breakdown.

Credit Cards with Roadside Assistance

Here are some examples of credit cards that offer roadside assistance:

- American Express: Many Amex cards provide 24/7 roadside assistance, including towing up to 10 miles,jump starts, tire changes, lockout service, and fuel delivery. Some cards also offer additional benefits, such as global assistance, travel accident insurance, and car rental loss and damage insurance. The specific terms and conditions may vary depending on the card, so check your benefits guide or call the customer service number on the back of your card.

- Visa: Visa offers a Roadside Dispatch program that provides emergency roadside assistance for a flat fee of $69.95 per use, which covers up to five miles of towing, jump starting, tire changing, lockout service, fuel delivery, and winching. The service is available to any Visa cardholder in the U.S. and Canada, regardless of the card issuer or type. You can call the toll-free number 24/7 to request assistance and pay with your Visa card.

- Mastercard: Mastercard also has a Roadside Assistance program that offers similar services as Visa for a fee of $69.95 per use. Some Mastercard cards may offer this service for free or at a discounted rate, depending on the issuer and the card benefits. You can call the toll-free number or use the Mastercard app to request assistance and pay with your card.

- Discover: Discover provides free roadside assistance to its cardholders who have enrolled in the program, which covers up to four service calls per year, including towing up to 10 miles, jump starts, tire changes, lockout service, and fuel delivery. The service is available 24/7 and can be accessed by calling the toll-free number or using the Discover mobile app. Note that Discover may charge a fee for some services, such as winching or extrication.

Tips for Using Roadside Assistance

While roadside assistance can be a valuable benefit of your credit card, there are some things to keep in mind when using it:

- Know what your card covers: Read the terms and conditions of your card benefits guide or contact the issuer to understand what services are included, how much they cost, and what limitations or exclusions apply. For example, some cards may not cover certain types of vehicles, such as motorcycles, RVs, or commercial trucks, or may have mileage restrictions or geographic limitations.

- Plan ahead: If you're planning a road trip or driving in an unfamiliar area, research the local towing and repair services in advance and save their contact information in your phone or a paper map. Also, make sure your vehicle is in good condition and has a spare tire, a jack, and a lug wrench, and that you have a charged phone and a flashlight in case of emergencies.

- Call for assistance: If you need roadside assistance, call the toll-free number on the back of your card or the number provided by the issuer. Avoid accepting unsolicited offers of help from strangers, especially if they ask for your credit card information or offer to tow your car to a specific repair shop. Only authorize services that you have requested and that are covered by your card benefits.

- Keep records: If you use your card for roadside assistance, keep a record of the date, time, location, and nature of the incident, as well as the name and contact information of the service provider. This can help you dispute any unauthorized charges or resolve any disputes with the issuer or the service provider.

- Compare options: While having roadside assistance on your credit card can be convenient, it may not always be the cheapest or best option. Before using your card, compare the cost and quality of the service with other providers, such as your car insurance company, a motor club like AAA, or a local tow truck company. Depending on the situation, you may be able to negotiate a better price or service directly with the provider.

Conclusion

Roadside assistance is a useful benefit that some credit cards offer to their cardholders, but it's important to understand the terms and limitations of the service and to use it wisely. By knowing what your card covers, planning ahead, calling for assistance, keeping records, and comparing options, you can potentially save time, money, and stress when your car breaks down. However, don't rely solely on your card for roadside assistance and make sure you have a backup plan and emergency supplies in your vehicle. As with any financial product, do your research, compare offers, and choose the card that suits your needs and budget the most.