The Safe Driver

Consider a roadside assistance membership as insurance

There are a lot of things we do in society to protect ourselves from the surprises in our lives. Many will have life insurance, home or apartment insurance, vehicle insurance and other type of insurance. When it comes to driving, there is another form of insurance which many may ignore or assume they’ll never really need. I’m referring to roadside assistance. If you have some form of roadside assistance, you’re doing the right thing.

Many of the training vehicles I’ve had over the years came with roadside assistance. It was something that I admit I didn’t really think about as I always had it available to me. As more members of my family started driving, it became apparent that it was something they also needed. So, I got them all a membership with a national roadside assistance program. This piece of mind not only will help them if they need it, but it gives me the piece of mind knowing if I’m not around to help them, they can call them.

When searching for a roadside assistance program, find the one that best suits your needs, or possible needs. The typical services include replacing a flat tire and giving the battery a boost, but there are other services available. Locking your keys in your vehicle is a common issue many people face, so include that as well. I know of what I speak.

Years ago, I was retraining a group of tow truck operators from the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). After meeting one of their drivers in the parking lot of their main office, I decided to return to my vehicle after the session to go over the rest of my daily schedule. Before I headed back out on the road, I went back into the building to use the washroom, but out of habit, locked the vehicle door as I got out – with my keys sitting on the front seat. I have to say, if you’re going to lock your keys in your vehicle, there is no better place than doing it in the parking lot of the CAA.

Having your vehicle towed if it breaks down or is involved in a collision and can’t be driven is a common situation. However, how far it can be towed depends on the type of membership you have. For most of my family members, they could be further than the basic distance of 10 km’s from home or our garage, so they received the plus membership. Many basic memberships have a limit of how far the vehicle can be towed. Since 3 of my family members travel much further than 10 km’s regularly, I ensured they got an updated membership which can allow for a tow of up to 200 km’s per call. Again, it gives me some piece of mind knowing if I’m not available, they can get the help they need. I also experienced the value of being towed further than expected.

We were just over the US border when the car conked out, so the American Automobile Association (AAA) towed us to the border so the CAA could come across and get us. They towed us as far as they could, unhooked the vehicle and another CAA driver hooked it up to his tow truck and towed it back to the garage close to home. We would have been stuck if I didn’t have a membership or if the membership only allowed for a 10 km tow. Even if you don’t use all the services offered annually, using one service annually will pay for the membership. Consider it a good investment and solid insurance.