Money-Saving Strategies for Your Roadside Assistance Plan
Owning a roadside assistance plan is a wise move for any RVer. If you ever find yourself stranded on the side of the road, one phone call is all it takes to have help on the way. But how can you save money on these plans?
While roadside assistance plans aren’t exorbitant, they can still set you back over $100 per year. If you’re a thrifty individual, you’ve probably pondered how to secure top-notch roadside service without breaking the bank.
Good news! In this article, we’ll explore clever ways to cut costs on your roadside assistance plan.
Leverage Your Insurance
One of the best ways to save on your roadside assistance plan is by tapping into your auto insurance.
Numerous auto insurance providers offer roadside assistance as a budget-friendly add-on to your policy. For example, Geico provides roadside assistance starting at just $14 a month. In some cases, roadside assistance might even be included as a complimentary perk with your auto insurance policy.
Check if your RV insurance provider offers the option to bundle roadside assistance with your package for cost savings.
Seize Special Discounts
Various special discounts can help you reduce the cost of your roadside assistance plan. In 2019, AAA introduced a military membership that includes discounts and additional benefits.
If you’re a teacher, you may be eligible for discounted roadside assistance plans. These discounts can be accessible directly from the roadside assistance provider or through your school district or union.
Senior RVers can enjoy savings through AARP, which offers up to a 20% discount on Allstate roadside assistance. This means you can secure a year of roadside assistance for as little as $66!
You don’t necessarily need to belong to a specific group to enjoy special discounts. Many roadside assistance plans offer year-round discounts that are open to anyone. For instance, AAA often presents discounts like 50% off membership or buy one, get one free offers.
Acquire Roadside Assistance by Enrolling in a Membership Plan or Choosing a Package Deal
Another fantastic way to save on your roadside assistance plan is by acquiring it through a membership or as part of a package deal.
Memberships from wholesale retailers like Sam’s Club frequently offer discounted roadside assistance, depending on your membership level. You may need a retailer-specific credit card or fulfill other requirements. For example, Sam’s Club members who get their tires installed there receive three years of emergency roadside assistance.
Additionally, some credit cards, such as those from Chase, come with roadside assistance as a complimentary perk. Typically, this plan is included with your annual fee, but you may need to activate it yourself.
Don’t forget to check with your cellphone provider as well. AT&T offers roadside assistance for just a few dollars per month to its customers, and T-Mobile provides a free year of AAA with certain contracts.
Check Whether Your RV Warranty Includes Roadside Assistance
In certain cases, you might not need to pay extra for a roadside assistance plan because it’s included with your RV’s warranty.
Many vehicles, including RVs, come with roadside assistance at no additional cost for a specified number of years after your purchase. If you’ve bought a new RV within the past few years, there’s a good chance you’re already covered.
However, in some instances, you may need to opt for an extended RV warranty to secure the roadside assistance plan. When buying your RV, it’s a good idea to inquire about how to obtain a discounted assistance plan. If you’ve already made the purchase and are unsure, check your vehicle’s warranty information for details.
Be Your Own Roadside Assistance
If you’re a hands-on individual with the right tools and supplies, you can save a substantial amount of money by becoming your own roadside assistance.
While RVs might not be the easiest vehicles to fix on the side of the road, they do offer ample space for storing tools and supplies you might need. By keeping these supplies on hand and gaining the knowledge to address various RV issues, you can effectively replace an assistance plan and take care of your needs yourself.
Of course, some issues may be beyond your capabilities to fix on the road. In such cases, have a friend you can call for assistance or keep the number of a local tow company. You can also combine this cost-saving tip with the next one on our list.
On-Demand Roadside Assistance
While many assistance plans operate as subscriptions with monthly or annual fees, you may not be aware that there are on-demand roadside assistance plans available as well, such as Allstate’s pay-per-use plan.
These plans offer low upfront costs and have no subscription. Instead, they charge you a fee whenever you require roadside assistance. This approach allows you to lower your overall roadside assistance costs, particularly if you’re handy and don’t anticipate needing assistance frequently.
However, there’s a caveat to this money-saving tip: if you use the plan frequently, your expenses will quickly surpass a subscription. So, if you opt for an on-demand plan, bear in mind that it’s best reserved for emergencies.
In Conclusion
There are numerous ways to save on a roadside assistance plan:
- Leverage Your Insurance: Many auto insurance providers offer roadside assistance as an add-on.
- Seize Special Discounts: Look for discounts available to teachers, seniors, and other groups.
- Membership Programs and Package Deals: Retailers, credit cards, and cellphone providers often offer roadside assistance as part of a package.
- RV Warranty Coverage: Check if your RV warranty includes roadside assistance.
- Be Your Own Roadside Assistance: If you’re handy, you can handle some issues yourself.
- On-Demand Roadside Assistance: Explore pay-per-use plans that charge you only when you need assistance.
Whatever route you choose, rest assured that if you encounter any issues on the road, you’re covered without breaking the bank.