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Call for assistanceSome providers of roadside assistance insurance require claimants to call a toll-free number when they need assistance. These roadside assistance providers have operators available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your emergency calls. The operator locates a service provider and requests the dispatch to your location. Operators like to keep claimants on the phone until they are able to verify that help is either on the way or already there. Other roadside assistance insurance providers allow you to make your own arrangements for things such as towing, tire changing or unlocking your vehicle. You pay for the service, obtain your receipt and then submit it to the insurance company for reimbursement. - When the service provider arrives, you may need to sign a form indicating that you received the service if sent by the roadside assistance insurance operator. If your vehicle requires towing, and the towing distance exceeds the distance allowed by your roadside assistance insurance, you will need to pay the difference for the excess miles, before towing begins. The balance due is paid directly by the insurance company to the roadside assistance provider. If your roadside insurance provider requires you to pay and then request reimbursement, you will need to pay in full before towing begins. Most wrecker services do not accept personal checks. If necessary, you may be able to ride in the wrecker that is towing your vehicle. To receive reimbursement, you will need to submit or fax your original receipt that indicates payment was received as well as the vehicle description. You should receive a check in the mail made out to you.
- Most individuals pay an extra fee on their automobile insurance policy for roadside assistance insurance. This is typically a relatively inexpensive option, although benefits may be limited. However, there are companies that allow individuals just to purchase roadside assistance insurance without purchasing other coverage. Usually this type of coverage includes other benefits such as travel planning and mapping options.
