Roadside assistance for automobile breakdowns is available through towing companies, and some cities and municipalities offer emergency service for drivers whose cars suffer breakdowns. These services, however, are rarely free. Getting towed to a nearby service station can cost $100 or more, with additional costs incurred for mileage and time. Being a member of a roadside-assistance service can reduce drivers' automotive costs dramatically. With the price of membership, a driver can get protection for all of their automotive breakdowns and/or emergency services for an entire year.

Roadside-Assistance Options

Each roadside-assistance and automobile-breakdown service offers different features as a part of membership, but drivers should look for a few in particular:

  • Unlimited distance towing to the nearest independent service center
  • Multi-vehicle protection (including RVs)
  • Lockout service
  • Trip-interruption assistance
  • Battery jumps
  • Discounts on parallel services (hotels, motels, car rentals, etc.)

Many roadside-assistance and towing businesses offer drivers some of the above services, but some do not. In the case of unlimited distance towing, it may be okay for some drivers to opt for a lesser service (towing within seven miles, for example), but for drivers who can appreciate the value of getting their RV, 5th wheel, travel trailer, car, truck, van or SUV repaired by the nearest independent service center, this benefit is invaluable. In addition, if a family hitches a car to its RV and the family car breaks down, it's important that the roadside assistance and towing service also protects the family car.

Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service offers members a feature-packed list of services and should be considered by anyone who drives regularly, whether just to work or across the country.