Best Roadside Service is an auto club with all calls answered in the US. Get the best service at the best price with Best Roadside Service, serving consumer and commercial needs in the US and Canada since 1985!

Top Ten Reasons to Choose Best Roadside Service

We know that there are many roadside assistance companies out there to choose from, so we value and appreciate the customers who choose us. We also happen to think they’ve made the best decision. Here are just ten reasons why our customers chose Best Roadside Assistance and why you should too.

Top Ten Reasons to Choose Best Roadside Service

  1. American Owned, Canada Covered
    Best Roadside Service is an American Owned and Operated company with the goal of providing our customers with the best emergency roadside assistance plans at competitive prices. Our core values have always focused on offering the best customer service standards in the industry. But Americans are not the only ones who can benefit from our services! Canada is a great place to travel and a beautiful place to live, but with such cold weather, it’s critical to have good emergency roadside service. All of our services are available in Canada for the same low price of $65 a year for one vehicle, no matter who is driving.
  2. Free Gas
    Should your covered vehicle run out of gasoline, a technician will deliver three gallons of fuel right to your vehicle at no extra charge. We will get you back on the road in no time and at no fee!
  3. Vacation and travel discounts
    Our members enjoy exclusive discount programs and special rates for vacations, cruises, car and RV rentals, even theme park tickets such as Sea World, Busch Gardens and more! Our discount program gives you a range of options for booking a room for vacation or business. And our concierge service can help you get everything straight so you can sit back and enjoy your trip.
  4. 34 minute response time
    Your safety is our priority. Our state-of-the-art software allows us, with your permission, to find your location using your cell phone, and dispatch service providers while we’re on the phone with you. We can even send you a text message confirming the arrival time of your service provider. Our average response time is just 34 minutes.
  5. American-Owned and Operated Call Center with English, Spanish and French Speakers
    All emergency calls to our 24-hour call center are answered in the United States. You will never be transferred overseas and you will never get a voicemail. We have customer service representatives available at all times who speak English, Spanish and French, so you’re never alone as long as you have Best Roadside Service!
  6. Individual and Vehicle options
    Whether you want to cover a specific vehicle no matter who is driving it, or an individual, no matter what vehicle they are driving, we’ve got coverage for you. Individual and vehicle plans also cover motorcycles and scooters. Plans start at less than $6 a month with the option to add family members at a discounted rate!
  7. Personal and Commercial Options
    Whether you have a car that is used for business or an entire fleet of vehicles for your company employees, we have a plan that will meet your needs. We have been in the emergency roadside business a long time, and we know that when you have a fleet of vehicles, one of them is bound to break down. In fact, about 20% of typical fleets experience mechanical disablement every day. To keep your business running and your customers satisfied, you need to have your employees and drivers covered for any roadside issue they may experience. Our plans provide rescue and support for your employees and your business.
  8. Map Routing and Trip Planning with 24 Hour Directional Assistance
    Going on a trip? You can’t just depend on a cell phone that could die or a GPS that may lose service. Our trip planning and map routing services provide a customized route to wherever you want to go and however you want to get there. If you ever get lost along the way, just call our roadside assistance hotline and we will give you turn-by-turn directions, no matter what time of the day or night.
  9. Motorcycle Coverage
    Whether your bike is your main method of transportation, or just one of the vehicles you or your family use, we have a plan to fit your motorcycle roadside assistance needs. Motorcycle drivers receive six service calls per year along with all the benefits of a regular vehicle plan, starting at just $65/year.
  10. Join Now and Save $10 or $15
    By now we’re sure you’re convinced that Best Roadside Service is the best emergency roadside plan you can buy, but just in case you need one more reason – if you join on our website right now you can save $10 a year on the vehicle plan or $15 a year for the individual plan.

Sign up today and join our many happy customers who enjoyed safety and security on the road and in their vehicles every day with us!

 

Is Your Emergency Car Kit Well Stocked?

Emergency Car KitIs your emergency car kit well stocked? It is a question that needs to be asked of every driver, whether you are responsible for a personal vehicle or a fleet of commercial vehicles. To see the consequences of what can happen when an emergency car kit is not well stocked, you don’t have to look very far into history. Remember the massive ice storm that hit Atlanta last winter, stranding thousands of motorists in their cars on the interstate for days? Yeah, we thought so. We remember it all too well, too. We at Best Roadside Service would like to remind you to always have a well stocked emergency car kit on hand. And, in case you don’t know exactly what should be in your emergency car kit… well, we’re here to help you there, too!

Is your emergency car kit well stocked? Well, for starters, let’s take a look at some of the most important items to have on hand. To make it easier, we have put together a comprehensive list for you.

For yourself and your passengers:

  1. A fully charged cell phone that features a camera (with a flash) and can double as a flashlight, if necessary. You should also keep an extra battery, as well as a working charger with a car adapter on hand. After all, what use is a cell phone if the battery is dead?
  2. You should also keep a fully stocked basic first aid kit on hand in your vehicle at all times. You would be surprised at the number of times that you will find yourself using it. Keep in mind that you will need to replace or restock items as they run low or you run out.
  3. Always have a pad of paper and a working pen on hand in your vehicle, as well as a comprehensive list of emergency contacts and phone numbers. This can help you in the event of an emergency to stay level headed and know exactly who needs to be called. In the unlikely event that you are unconscious at the scene, this can also give emergency workers a great idea of who to start calling.
  4. It is also important to keep bottled water and nonperishable snacks in your vehicle, in the event that you and your passengers get stranded. Regularly check the expiration dates, and be sure to replace the items as they are used up or expire.
  5. Have you ever been stuck without cash — and without immediate access to an ATM or anywhere that doesn’t accept credit or debit cards (and yes, these places do still exist)? If so, you know first hand how stressful this situation can be. For this reason, we suggest always keeping cash in your emergency car kit. Small bills are best.

For Your Vehicle:

  1. Jumper cables. Always keep jumper cables on hand, to give a weak battery a boost and get the vehicle started. These can be used to jump start your own vehicle, or to help another motorist who has been stranded.
  2. A spare tire, lug wrench, and a jack. Always keep these tools on hand in case of a flat tire or blowout. Even if you use a roadside assistance plan, you will most likely need to provide your own spare tire.
  3. A tire gauge. This simple tool can be used to quickly and accurately check the pressure in your tires, to make sure that they are filled to the manufacturer’s specifications. This is especially important before starting out on a long trip or drive.
  4. A set of basic tools such as a screwdriver, in case you need to tighten battery cables or changing out a headlight bulb.

It is also important to keep the season and the weather in mind when packing your emergency car kit. For instance, it would be helpful to have blankets, gloves, hats and portable hand warmers in the snow and the cold temperatures of winter. Conversely, the heat of summer will make you thankful that you have plenty of bottled water on hand.

No matter the season or what type of vehicle that you drive, a little preparation can go a long way when it comes to keeping you safe in an emergency or an accident. So, we ask again: is your emergency car kit well stocked? If you have any questions about the benefits of a well stocked emergency car kit, or if you would like to discuss the different roadside assistance options that are available to you, feel free to contact us. We are standing by to talk with you today!

5 Questions to Ask Your Roadside Assistance Service Provider

question-38595_640Every driver, whether driving part of a commercial fleet or just driving the family sport utility vehicle, will most likely experience an issue while driving that will leave him or her stranded, whether it be a stalled engine, a breakdown, a flat tire or blow out — or worse. With the odds for needing roadside assistance at some point stacked as much as they are, the time to ask all of the right questions of your roadside assistance service provider is not after you need them — it is before.

But, what if you are not sure about the questions you should ask your roadside assistance service provider? Exactly what do you need to know about their plans and policies? The possibilities are seemingly limitless, so it can be difficult to know where to begin. If you are questioning what you need to know about your roadside assistance service, you’re in luck — our team at Best Roadside Service has put together a list of five of the most important questions for you to ask your roadside assistance provider.

  1. What services do you offer? This is one of the most important questions to ask, because it is obviously crucial that your roadside assistance service provider offers services that fit the needs of you and your family or business.
  1. What and where is your coverage area? This question is important whether you are considering roadside assistance service for your family, or for your commercial fleet. If your family or fleet tends to stay close to home, then you may be able to get by with a smaller, local company for your roadside assistance needs. However, if you are like the majority of drivers — particularly if you have a fleet of vehicles — you tend to travel a bit farther away from home. If this sounds like you, then the more options you have for service areas and coverage, the better. Look for a company that offers coast to coast, nationwide service.
  1. What are the charges associated with your service? The charges for roadside service can vary greatly, depending on services required and company used. Find out what the company charges for services, and what the charges are for their memberships. Also, it is important to find out how your charges will be billed — will you be monthly, quarterly, or annually? Also, keep in mind that there are few things less frustrating than hidden fees. Be sure that you understand all of the charges up front, and that you understand exactly what you will be charged for.
  1. What are the hours of your service? This is another one of the most important to questions to ask your roadside assistance service provider — and fortunately, the correct answer is easy to spot. If the answer you get to this question is anything other than 24 hours a day and seven days a week, then you need to walk away. As is the case with all unexpected things in life, you never know when you will find yourself stranded and in need of roadside assistance. And after all, what good is roadside assistance if you are not covered when you need the services?
  1. What type of plans do you offer? Different companies offer different service plans. Again, it is important to find a company that offers plans that will fit your particular needs. The most flexible options are companies that offer plans for the individual, regardless of what vehicle he or she is driving, and also offer plans for a particular vehicle, regardless of who is driving.

Asking your roadside assistance service provider these five questions will provide you with some very important information and should help you choose a new roadside assistance service provider — or decide if you are already working with the right one.

At Best Roadside Assistance, our service plans are customizable and give drivers complete peace of mind while on the road. We have been delivering the best roadside assistance for more than 50 years, so you can rest assured that you and your car are in good hands while you are on the road. Our plans are built around quality, speed and, most importantly, service you can trust. To find out more about our plans, or to ask any questions about our service, give us a call or connect with us online today!

Cold Weather Auto Maintenance Tips

As anyone will tell you, cold weather can be rough on your vehicle. For this reason, winterizing your car is a great idea, and it allows CT snowaftersweda015.JPGyou to have peace of mind when you’re on the road. Below are some of our favorite cold weather auto maintenance tips:

  1. Have your car’s battery and charging system checked thoroughly before the temperature drops. Cold weather can be especially tough on your battery.
  2. Clean, flush, and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. A good rule to remember is that this step should be done every two years.
  3. Make sure all of your heating equipment, such as heaters, defrosters, and windshield wipers, are working properly. Be sure to check your tire pressure weekly, and also consider special tires with grips, if your area is particularly snowy or icy.
  4. Check your tire treads. An easy way to check the tread on your tires is to hold a penny in the tread of one of your tires. If you can see Lincoln’s face and head, then the tread on your tires is too low and they need to be replaced.
  5. Be diligent about having your oil changed and keep your routine maintenance appointments scheduled. Particularly in the winter, dirty oil can lead to big problems.
  6. If you are due for a tune up, then be sure to have it done before winter sets in. Cold and blustery winter weather tends to aggravate and acerbate problems such as hard starts, pinging, and rough idling.
  7. Have your brakes checked. We can’t stress this one enough. The braking system is, hands down, the most important safety feature in your vehicle.
  8. Have the exhaust system checked for any leaks, and check to see that all of the vehicle lights are aimed working properly.
  9. Be diligent about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals. So called “dirty oil” can really wreak havoc on a car’s engine, particularly in the winter.
  10. You should always keep the gas tank at least half full at all times, in order to help prevent moisture forming in the gas lines and then freezing.
  11. Build and stock an emergency preparedness kit to keep in your car, including an ice scraper, snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlights, blankets, and bottled water.
  12. Don’t forget about your pets! If you are stranded in the cold, don’t forget about your furry family members. Be sure you have water stocked for your pets, as well as a supply of food.

How to Keep Your Car Safe This Winter

As Rich White, the executive director of Car Care Council, wisely said, “The last thing any driver needs is a vehicle that breaks down in cold, harsh winter weather. A vehicle check before the temperatures drop is a sensible way to avoid the inconvenience of being stranded out in the cold and with the unexpected expense of emergency repairs.” If you do find yourself stranded out in the cold, however, rest assured that our team at Best Roadside Service is standing by to give you the help that you need. And with an average 34-minute response time nationwide, you can trust that help will be arriving quickly.

Best Roadside Services is an American owned and operated company, and we operate on the vision of providing our members with the very best emergency roadside assistance – and at competitive prices. Our service administrator has been in business for over 50 years, and has tended to the needs of over 15 million members.

We cover individual vehicles, individual drivers, and a variety of vehicle types, including motorcycles. We can also cover entire fleets of commercial vehicles or trucks. At Best Roadside Service, we pride ourselves on a few principals: fast response time, customer satisfaction and service, and offering benefits and services that are relevant to our members.

To learn more about cold weather auto maintenance tips or our list of services, or to sign up to become a member, please feel free to contact a member of our team directly. We are here to help and answer any of your questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All of our calls are answered right here in America, and you’ll never get a voicemail recording. Browse through our website and be sure to check out our blog. We look forward to hearing from you!

New Car? New Service

keys-bowThink no one really gets a shiny, new car under the Christmas tree? Well, think again. A Bloomberg Intelligence study of the automotive industry shows a 5-year average that definitively ranks December as the top month for car sales in the United States. In fact, the study revealed that approximately one in every ten cars driving off of the dealership lot is in the final month of every year.

If you have recently purchased a new car or received a new car for the holidays, one of your first thoughts should be about adding a roadside protection plan, which will provide you and your family with a sense of security, safety, and peace of mind.

Best Roadside Service offers a wide range of assistance plans, customized to fit your individual needs.

In addition to all of the comprehensive emergency roadside assistance perks and benefits that Best Roadside Service’s members have come to know and to appreciate, such as our emergency toll free number and 24 hour assistance for any and all of your automotive needs, all of our current service plans include the following additional benefits:

  • 24-hour emergency personal assistance. No matter what your travel or vehicle needs you may have, our dedicated customer support and service team is here to help, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. If you need to get a message to your family members about the details of your trip, our team is happy to send and receive messages on your behalf.
  • 24-hour concierge service. When you are on the road traveling, it can be especially difficult to arrange and manage the details of your trip, such as managing your car rental, making dinner reservations, or booking a hotel room. No matter what needs arise in your travels, you can rest assured that our team is here to serve you.
  • VIP discounts for car rentals, travel, and hotels. Save on your trips! Enjoy discounts on your travel arrangements with member exclusive discounts and packages.
  • Automotive and theme park discounts. Our members also enjoy exclusive discounts on other services, such as automotive service and rentals, and admission to some of the nation’s best and most popular theme parks.
  • Additional discounts and coupons. We also offer the best discounts for a variety of services and entertainment for our members.
  • 24-hour trip and routing service. Customized trip routing and planning for your destination; or, if you are ever lost, you can call our roadside assistance hotline 24/7, and we will give you step-by-step directions to your destination.

Why You Should Hire Best Roadside Service

Once you join our club, you will immediately begin to enjoy the exclusive benefits and perks of being a member. At Best Roadside Service, we have a wide variety of roadside assistance plans that will help you get back on the road and where you want to go. Think about all of the times that you’ve been on the road traveling, and suddenly your tire goes flat or blows out. Or you walk out to your car in the morning, only to discover that your battery is dead. Your car runs out of gas on the highway, miles from the nearest exit. Or perhaps your car simply stops one night, leaving you stranded on the side of the road. The point is, there are so many things that could go wrong when it comes to your automobile and travel. At best, these situations are inconvenient nuisances. Unfortunately, they can often be dangerous situations – but we are here to help!

Best Roadside Service offers a wide range of emergency roadside assistance, designed with you in mind to fit your specific needs. We can cover individuals and vehicles, and we also offer motorcycle roadside assistance and rental coverage. We also have commercial plan options available, if you need to have a fleet of vehicles covered.

If you have any questions about which plan is right for you, or if you’d like to join today to get started, then please feel free to contact a member of our team. All of our calls are answered right here in the United States – so you’ll never be transferred overseas, and we’re here 24/7 – so you’ll never get our voicemail. We help you get back on the road fast, with an average response time nationwide of just over 30 minutes. Give us a call or connect online today to get started!

The Insider Tip That Car Insurance Companies Don’t Want You To Know

Don’t let the convenience of purchasing roadside assistance coverage through your car insurance company fool you – you could be putting yourself at risk for increased premiums if you ever have to use your roadside assistance plan.

It doesn’t matter what you call in to use your roadside assistance plan for – whether you simply locked your keys in your car, left the light on all night and needed a jump-start, ended up with a flat or blown tire and need a tow, or need your car winched out of a muddy spot – if your roadside assistance plan was purchased through your car insurance provider, your roadside service calls will likely be reported to a centralized data aggregation company.

What does that mean? It means those calls could be used against you in the future in order to charge you higher premiums or as claims against your insurability. Not only will your current insurance provider know about them, but so will potentially any insurance company (or other company that requires risk assessment) you apply with in the future.

The reality of the technological age we live in is that big companies try and track everything they can, and our personal data is gold to them. Some companies may say they use our data to provide us with a better customer experience, or to improve their product or service, but at the end of the day, they ultimately want to track our data for one reason: to make more money.

So, if you have even one or two roadside service claims in a year, it’s possible they could add up to higher fees and premiums for you in the future. Three or more? The possibility becomes much more likely. To an insurance company, multiple claims in a short period could indicate a vehicle or driver with higher financial risk.

No one wants to have to call for roadside service (who was ever glad they got a flat tire?) but you buy coverage so you can use it when you need it, however often you need it, without worrying about it effecting your finances negatively. After all, isn’t the whole point to be covered in the event you do need help and save you money in the long-run?

Another trending issue that might make you think twice before buying your roadside policy through your insurance company, is the recent surge in UBI (usage based insurance) since 2010. The draw of UBI is that consumers may be able to save some money – 10%-15% over their current premiums – and feel they are getting a fairer value, by having their premiums be determined by their real-world usage and driving information. According to a report by LexisNexis Risk Solutions, they seem to expect the upward trend towards usage based insurance to continue in the coming years. But if every roadside service call becomes part of your “usage”, that might not be so much of a benefit.

This trend in user based insurance is another good reason to keep your roadside assistance claims off the books. Having your roadside assistance service calls be reported through your insurance company today, could cost you in the future as the insurance market continues to change.

So how can you make sure you and your loved ones are covered in the event of a flat tire, dead battery, or other roadside breakdown? It’s simple: keep your roadside service separate from your car insurance company.

Since 1950, Best Roadside Service and its service providers have been helping motorists across the United States and Canada with emergency roadside issues like vehicle breakdowns, dead batteries, flat tires, lost keys and running out of fuel.

For as little as $65 a year, you can have your vehicle covered for all minor and major roadside emergencies, no matter who is driving it. You can have the peace of mind knowing you are covered in any roadside emergency and that your service calls will not be tracked by your car insurance company. So, next time your plan comes up for renewal, opt for Best Roadside Service and say no to the insurance company’s roadside plan.

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Warm Weather Auto Maintenance Tips

maintain car to keep it runningWarmer weather typically brings an increase in automobile travel as people head for vacation destinations.  While you shouldn’t leave home without having access to emergency roadside assistance, it is also a good idea to perform maintenance services on your car to decrease your chance of needing to use it.  Below are some tips to help your car be ready for your next trip.

1)      Check your tire pressure regularly.  A tire that is over- or under-inflated can be very dangerous in summer weather.  You should be aware that for every increase of 10 degrees in outside air temperature, your tire pressure can vary one to two pounds per square inch (PSI). [Read more…]

Road Trip Essentials

Road trip needs to protect you and your familyIf you plan to be on the road a lot in the coming months, you will of course want to make sure you are prepared by having a membership to an emergency roadside service.  You will also want to be certain you have your car serviced regularly, and possess the proper equipment to handle standard issues, such as a flat tire or a dead battery.  After you have stocked your practical items- jumper cables, Fix-A-Flat, a tire iron and jack, an inflated spare tire, a flashlight, and an updated GPS- you can spend some time thinking about items that can make your road trip a bit more comfortable.  Consider packing the following:

  • Audio books- These can be rented from your local library and will help make the hours pass by more quickly.
  • An item that reminds you of the comfort of home- If you have a favorite blanket, pillow, or stuffed animal, bring it along to remind yourself you won’t be on the road forever. [Read more…]

Items to Keep in Your Car

Plan ahead with all your car essentialsWhile you should never leave home without access to 24 hour roadside assistance, you of course hope you will never need to use it.  Regardless, there are some specific items you want to have in your car to use in the event of an emergency.

The first category of needed items falls under car repair.  These can get you back on the road and help you arrive safely at your intended destination. You should have the following on hand: [Read more…]

Best Roadside Service vs. Your Insurance Company

best roadside assistance v insurance roadside coverageTake a good look at the information you have for the emergency roadside assistance services offered by your insurance company and chances are you will find something you won’t like- restrictions.  A quick online search reveals companies that limit towing services to 15 miles, will only tow to the nearest service station, put monetary limits on how much they will pay for towing, or refuse to tow if you are not within 10 feet of a public paid road.  If you find yourself needing roadside assistance, chances are you are in a stressful situation. At that time, the last thing you want to deal with are restrictions.  Wouldn’t you rather choose a company that could provide you with peace of mind? [Read more…]