Most people need to rent a car eventually. Whether your vehicle has a mechanical failure, you’re in an automobile accident, or it’s time for your annual family vacation, a rental car can help you get where you need to go when you cannot, or do not want to, use your own vehicle. When you approach the rental car counter, knowing whether you need to purchase the car rental company’s roadside assistance plan can save you a lot of money.
When you rent a car, the company you choose will offer you a variety of coverage products to protect you in the event the car is damaged. A renter is responsible for damage to the vehicle including damage that occurs as a result of an accident, as well as, damages that result from a roadside assistance emergency. While you will not be responsible for things like transmission or engine trouble unless they are caused directly by you or your negligence, you are responsible for flat tires, lost keys or lockout service, jump starts, towing, and fuel and fluid delivery. You will also be at the mercy of the rental car company and may need to wait long hours for service providers to help you.
Car rental companies offer coverage to offset the cost of repair in the event a renter is responsible for a roadside assistance emergency. While the cost varies by location and company it averages about $6.99 per day according to www.best-car-rental-tips.com. Each time you rent a car you would need this coverage if you do not want to be responsible out of pocket. Covering a rental car for just roadside assistance during a two-week family vacation will cost you an additional $97 plus taxes and fees.
Paying these extra fees is not always necessary. Your own personal roadside assistance plan may cover you when you rent a vehicle and eliminate the need to spend additional money. When you purchase a roadside assistance plan you typically have the option of purchasing a plan that either follows a specific vehicle(s) or follows a specific driver(s). Best Roadside Service offers individual plans that will follow covered drivers in any vehicle they drive including rental cars. By purchasing an individual plan, you can avoid paying the extra price every time you rent a car and instead use the savings for something else.
An advantage to having your own personal roadside assistance coverage, instead of relying on purchasing one through a rental car company, is that you can save money on the car rental fee itself. When you purchase a roadside assistance plan through Best Roadside Service you will receive access to VIP discounts including savings and free upgrades at nationally known rental car companies Enterprise, National, and Thrifty. Additionally, you will have access to more than 45,000 service providers and an average response time of 34 minutes.
Next time you rent a car make sure you’re covered by purchasing an individual roadside assistance plan first. This will save you money on the car rental fee, eliminate the need for purchasing costly daily coverage through a car rental company, and will provide you peace of mind in your own vehicle the rest of the year.