Broke Down....What Now?

Hey Auto Care People,

Last week I received a call from one of our Auto Care folks asking for some advice concerning Emergency Road Side assistance. Her car had broken down in Washington DC and needed to be towed back to Ellicott City, MD for repairs. She had just spent $150.00 out of pocket just to get her car to a repair shop in Ellicott City. But some of the other issues, like who do you call when your car is broken down? How do I find a local tow company? The information below is based upon some web research and personal preferences. If you have questions or comments please do so in the space provided or talk to one of the Auto Care Guys at the next Auto Care Saturday 7 March.

As the person responsible for the car, you should have a plan to deal with the need for emergency road side assistance.

What is emergency road side assistance?
It is any service you need when you cannot move your car. This can happen in your drive way or parking lot as well as while driving to pick the kids up at school or on the way to work or on a trip to visit friends out of state.

What should you be looking for from a emergency road side assistance provider?
- Towing - to a recognized repair shop or a repair shop of your choosing
- Battery Jump - help getting your car started
- Emergency Fuel - gas to place in an empty tank to get you to the next gas station
- Gain entrance to Car - help getting into your car without your keys.

Who provides these kinds of services?
There are the traditional motor clubs like AAA or All State Motor Club. They will provide the services listed above for an annual membership fee.
- Your Auto Insurance Provider - some insurance companies will provide these services for an additional cost
- Car Companies - will provide some help in this area when you purchase a new or certified used car and it is still under warranty.
- Others - some other associations like SAM's club offers emergency road side assistance, cell phone companies and credit card companies are also beginning to offer these kind of services.

What is the cost?
- Most motor clubs I checked out charge an annual fee from $50 to $90 dollars a year. This is one of those instances where you do get what you pay for. The more you spend the more services they will provide.
- The insurance companies I checked out charge between $5 to $10 every six months.
- Car Companies like GM's On Star cost about $100 to $200 dollars a year - If you own a luxury car most of these services are covered.
- Others - to many variables to list here.

What do we suggest?
- Check with your auto insurance provider first. You might already be covered.
- Take into consideration the age of your car, older cars tend to have more problems. If your car is more than 5 years old, this kind of service should be part of your auto budget.
- Does the emergency roadside assistance cover your car or does it cover you. In other words, if you are driving or riding in another car, does your emergency road service help you if that car needs service.
- Have a plan - If you do not have emergency roadside service look into it.
- If you have emergency roadside service, keep the number in your cell phone
- Have some basic supplies in your car in case of an emergency-basic supplies will be listed in our next blog
- Keep a copy of important phone numbers in your wallet, in case you do not have your cell phone or the phone runs out of power
- Keep up on top of regular auto maintenance - just bringing your car to Auto Care Saturday will help with you in this area.

I hope this information has been useful. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail us and we will get back to you. Do not forget to sign-up for the next Auto Care Saturday on 7 March.

Loving God by Loving Others,

The Auto Care Saturday Guys

chapelgateautocare@gmail.com

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