- Auto insurance is any form of insurance that covers a driver or vehicle owner. Car insurance provides several different types of coverage in situations where the insured driver is at fault and in other scenarios in which another driver is not liable for accident damage. Roadside assistance is a program for providing drivers with towing services or quick repairs following a breakdown. Like other forms of auto insurance, roadside assistance can provide drivers with peace of mind and can be much less costly than paying for the same services out of pocket.
- The primary advantage of auto insurance is financial. Auto insurance can pay for damage to vehicles and property, to replace a stolen car and for medical expenses that result from an injury in a car crash. Roadside assistance can also have a financial advantage, giving drivers access to free towing or gasoline as needed. However, another major benefit of roadside assistance is convenience, since a driver can get fast service and get back on the road more quickly than without the roadside service.
- Every state in the United States requires drivers to have a certain level of auto insurance coverage before operating a vehicle on public roads. This is to protect other drivers and property owners by ensuring that everyone is able to cover the damage they may cause while driving. Most states require proof of insurance before issuing registration documents or license plates for a vehicle. Roadside assistance is never mandated by law, but drivers may still find it to be an essential service.
- Auto insurance comes in several distinct types. Collision insurance pays for damage to a driver's vehicle in an accident that the driver causes. Comprehensive insurance provides coverage for theft, vandalism or fire that are unrelated to an accident. Liability insurance helps a driver pay for injuries they cause in an accident, and also offers a payment to the relatives of anyone killed in an accident. Finally, uninsured motorist insurance provides coverage in the event that a driver's vehicle is damaged by another driver who is uninsured (or simply underinsured) and unable to pay for the damages personally.
Roadside assistance comes in many varieties as well. Roadside programs from cell phone providers, private automobile clubs, automakers, car dealerships, civic organizations and car insurance companies all vary in terms of the coverage they provide. More expensive services may include free long-distance towing, free gasoline delivery, access to maps and guidebooks and discounts at repair shops or hotels. - The cost of auto insurance and roadside assistance varies greatly. A driver's auto insurance premium depends on a number of factors including driving history, age, gender and location. Drivers who represent a higher risk may pay several hundred dollars a month for basic coverage, while others may pay as little as a few hundred dollars a year. Roadside assistance programs range from $30 a year to more than $100 a year, based on the level of service provided and the type of company offering the program.
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