Most states require drivers to hold a minimum level of car insurance before they're even allowed to take their car on the road - it covers your liability in case you get in an accident. Most drivers also opt for collision insurance, so that they can get help in covering the repair or replacement costs of the car if there's a crash.
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There's a third kind of insurance that all drivers ought to have, and that isn't always covered in a standard policy: emergency roadside service, also known as auto club insurance.
Why roadside coverage matters
Before the age of ubiquitous cell phones, everyone got roadside service through organizations like AAA, or through their local association auto club insurance group. For a small annual fee, they had someone ready to come out and help if they were stranded with car trouble. But cell phones made people feel more secure, and with the rising costs of car ownership - crazy prices at the gas pump, and rising repair costs, anyone? - it seemed an easy thing to cut out of the family budget.
Truth is, though, there are still many areas of the country where mobile phone service is spotty at best, or doesn't work at all - and it's just those kinds of places where you don't want to get stranded if you blow a tire, run out of gas, or have a breakdown.
Plus, if you're not near home - say you're on a road trip, or are driving a rental car out of state for business - you may not have anyone who could answer that call and actually be able to help. For safety and peace of mind - and for a very low price - do yourself a huge favor and sign up with AAA.
What's covered by auto club insurance
First, there are the basics: if you're locked out of your car, the roadside assistance folks can come unlock your vehicle for you. If you get a flat, they'll come change the tire for you. If you have a larger breakdown, or need a battery jump, they can come out and help or provide towing service to the nearest repair shop.
Second, AAA and other local auto clubs generally cover the person, not the vehicle (unlike many types of standard car insurance, which cover specific automobiles). This means if you're visiting your brother and he runs out of gas, you can also call the roadside assistance folks and they'll still come help you, even if you're not driving your own car.
Finally, there are the little known perks of auto club membership. Many hotels, national parks, restaurants and other entertainment establishment have arrangements with auto clubs to provide discounts to their members. AAA members can get personalized trip maps when they travel. Members can buy travel tickets, insurance, and traveler's checks without a commission from local auto club offices.
And it's all for a small annual fee - it's one of the best deals still available to car owners. Check it out, you won't be sorry.
About the Author
Alison Overholt is a freelance writer based in New York. She holds a degree in government, with honors, from Harvard University and writes frequently about business, travel, and lifestyle subjects for national magazines and other publications.
