Do rental cars come with roadside assistance?

 

Renting a car can be a great way to explore new places, travel for business, or simply get around when your own vehicle isn’t available. However, just like any other car, rental cars can experience unexpected issues on the road. This leads to an important question: Do rental cars come with roadside assistance? Let's dive into the details.

What Is Roadside Assistance?

Roadside assistance is a service designed to help drivers when their vehicle encounters problems that leave them stranded or unable to drive. Common issues include flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, running out of fuel, and mechanical breakdowns. Roadside assistance ensures that help is just a phone call away, providing peace of mind during your travels.

Is Roadside Assistance Included with Rental Cars?

Yes, most rental car companies offer some form of roadside assistance. However, the extent and cost of this service can vary widely among different rental companies and rental agreements.

Included Roadside Assistance

Some rental companies include basic roadside assistance in the standard rental agreement. This typically covers:

1. Flat Tires: Assistance in changing a flat tire or towing the vehicle to a service center.
2. Dead Batteries: Help with jump-starting a dead battery.
3. Lockouts: Assistance in unlocking the car if you’ve locked the keys inside.
4. Towing: Towing the vehicle to the nearest service location if it’s undrivable due to a mechanical issue.

Optional Roadside Assistance Plans

Many rental companies offer enhanced roadside assistance packages for an additional daily fee. These packages often provide more comprehensive coverage, including:

1. Extended Towing: Covering longer distances to tow the vehicle to a preferred service center or rental location.
2. Fuel Delivery: Bring enough fuel to get you to the nearest gas station if you run out.
3. Tire Replacement: Full tire replacement services rather than just installing the spare.
4. Advanced Lockout Services: Coverage for more complex lockout situations that might require a locksmith.
5. Trip Interruption Coverage: Compensation for additional expenses if your trip is significantly delayed due to a vehicle breakdown.

Cost of Roadside Assistance

The cost of roadside assistance can vary. Basic coverage might be included in the rental price, while enhanced plans can add a few dollars to the daily rental rate. It’s important to check the rental agreement and understand what is and isn’t covered before deciding on additional coverage.

Accessing Roadside Assistance

If you need roadside assistance while driving a rental car, the process is usually straightforward:

1. Locate the Contact Information: The rental company’s roadside assistance number is typically found in the rental agreement, on a sticker inside the car, or on the key tag.
2. Call the Hotline: Provide your rental agreement number, vehicle information, and your current location.
3. Follow Instructions: The roadside assistance team will guide you on the next steps, whether it’s waiting for a tow truck, getting a jump start, or unlocking the vehicle.

Considerations When Renting a Car

When deciding whether to opt for additional roadside assistance, consider the following factors:

1. Personal Insurance and Credit Card Benefits: Check if your personal auto insurance or credit card offers roadside assistance for rental cars. This can save you from purchasing duplicate coverage.
2. Travel Itinerary: If you’re planning to drive long distances or in remote areas, enhanced roadside assistance might be worth the additional cost.
3. Vehicle Type: Renting a luxury or specialized vehicle? These might require more expensive repairs, making additional roadside assistance beneficial.
4. Peace of Mind: For many travelers, the assurance that help is available at any time justifies the extra cost of enhanced roadside assistance.

Conclusion

Most rental cars come with some level of roadside assistance, but the specifics can vary. Basic coverage is often included in the rental price, while more comprehensive plans are available for an extra fee. Evaluating your personal insurance coverage, travel plans, and peace of mind needs can help you decide if additional roadside assistance is necessary. Knowing you have access to help can make your rental car experience much more enjoyable and stress-free.

FAQs

1. Is roadside assistance included in all rental agreements? Not always. Basic roadside assistance is often included, but comprehensive coverage usually requires an additional fee.

2. How do I contact roadside assistance for my rental car? Call the dedicated hotline provided by the rental company, found in your rental agreement or inside the vehicle.

3. Does my personal insurance cover roadside assistance for rental cars? Check with your insurance provider. Some personal auto policies include coverage for rental vehicles.

4. Can I decline the rental company’s roadside assistance if I have AAA? Yes, if you have roadside assistance through AAA or another provider, you can decline the rental company’s plan.

5. What should I do if the rental car breaks down? Contact the rental company’s roadside assistance immediately and follow their instructions.