Have you ever been stuck on the side of the road, wondering if your dealership could bail you out with a tow? You’re not alone. The question “Do dealerships offer towing?” crosses many minds, especially when unexpected breakdowns throw a wrench in their plans.
So, let’s get down to brass tacks and talk about the kind of backup you can count on from car dealers when towing services are in the picture. Understanding these offerings might save your day, whether you’re driving off the lot or years into ownership.
Key Takeaways:
- Dealership Assistance: Dealerships often include roadside assistance with services like towing within certain limits as part of the warranty.
- Limitations: Roadside assistance has distance restrictions and may incur costs for some services.
- Alternative Solutions: If towing isn’t provided, options include insurance coverage, separate roadside plans, or contacting a local tow service.
- Insurance Coverage: Car insurance may cover towing after accidents depending on your policy.
- Optimizing Use: Understand your roadside assistance terms fully and keep contact information accessible for emergencies.
Do Dealerships Offer Towing?
When you buy a car from a dealership, you might assume that dealerships offer towing as part of the package. But what exactly does that entail? Let’s take a closer look at the roadside assistance programs offered by most car dealers.
What Does a Dealership’s Roadside Assistance Cover?
Dealerships often provide roadside assistance cover as part of their warranty or as a separate feature. This typically includes towing within a certain radius, usually 15 miles, or to the nearest qualified repair shop.
Other common services covered include:
- Winching if your car gets stuck in mud, snow, water, or sand within 100 ft of the road
- Jump-starts for dead batteries
- Towing electric vehicles to the nearest charging station
- Locksmith services if you lose your keys or lock them in the car
- Flat tire changes
- Fuel delivery (you pay for the fuel)
Common Issues Addressed by Roadside Assistance
So what types of situations will your dealership’s roadside assistance help with? Here are some of the most common issues covered:
- Towing your vehicle to a repair shop within the specified radius
- Winching your car out if it gets stuck near a road
- Jump-starting a dead battery
- Towing an electric vehicle to a charging facility
- Providing locksmith services for lockouts or lost keys
- Changing a flat tire
- Delivering fuel (at your cost)
Limitations of Roadside Assistance
While dealerships offer towing and other helpful services, there are some limitations to keep in mind:
- Towing is usually limited to a 15-mile radius or the closest qualified shop
- Winching only applies within 100 feet of a road or highway
- Fuel delivery is provided but you have to pay for the fuel
- Coverage may be limited to a certain timeframe, like the warranty period
So while dealership roadside assistance can be a lifesaver in many scenarios, it’s important to understand the scope and limits of your particular assistance cover.
Steps to Take When Your Vehicle Breaks Down
Picture this: you’re cruising down the highway when suddenly your car starts making a concerning noise and loses power. Uh oh, looks like you’re dealing with a breakdown. What do you do now? Here’s how to handle it.
How to Contact Your Dealership for Towing Services
If your vehicle breaks down and you need a tow, follow these steps to use your dealership’s roadside assistance:
- Find the roadside assistance number from your dealership (check your warranty/owner’s manual or look for a decal in the car)
- Call the number and provide your location, vehicle make/model, and a description of the problem
- The dealership will send a tow service to a repair shop or the dealership, based on your coverage
- Towing will be provided according to your roadside assistance terms, typically within a 15-mile radius or to the closest qualifying shop
Alternatives if Your Dealership Doesn’t Offer Towing
What if your dealership doesn’t provide towing services? You still have options:
- Check if your car insurance policy includes roadside assistance coverage
- Purchase a separate roadside assistance plan from a reputable provider
- For a non-running car you plan to sell or trade-in, have it towed to the dealership at your own expense and negotiate the towing fee into the deal
- Call a reputable, local towing company directly to tow the vehicle to your home or a repair shop, at your cost
While a dealership tow is convenient, there are alternatives available if your dealer doesn’t offer that tow service or if your car breaks down outside their service area.
Choosing a Reliable Roadside Assistance Provider
If your dealership doesn’t offer roadside assistance or if you’re looking for additional coverage, you’ll need to find a reputable roadside assistance provider. But with so many options out there, how do you choose? Here are some key factors to consider.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Service Provider
When shopping for a roadside assistance provider, keep these points in mind:
- Coverage area: Do they offer service where you frequently drive?
- Services offered: Look for a program that covers the situations you’re most likely to encounter, like towing, jump-starts, lockouts, flat tires, etc.
- Cost: Compare pricing, including annual membership fees and per-incident costs
- Reputation: Read reviews and ask for recommendations to find a provider with a solid track record of timely, reliable service
- Integration with dealership: See if the dealership has a preferred provider that integrates with their service department for a smooth experience
The Role of Car Insurance in Towing Coverage
Roadside assistance programs aren’t the only way to get towing coverage – your car insurance policy may include it as well. But what exactly does insurance cover when it comes to towing? Let’s break it down, including what happens after an accident or if your car gets impounded.
Does Car Insurance Cover Towing After an Accident?
Whether your car insurance covers towing after a crash depends on your specific policy:
- Collision coverage usually pays for towing if your car is damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object
- Comprehensive coverage typically covers towing if your car is damaged by something other than a collision, like vandalism or a natural disaster
- Some policies include separate roadside assistance coverage that provides towing for breakdowns not caused by a covered loss
- Check your policy or contact your insurance company to verify if you have towing coverage
Understanding Impound Fees and Insurance Coverage
If your car gets towed to an impound lot after an accident or arrest, you’ll likely be on the hook for the towing and storage fees:
- Insurance generally does not cover towing and impound fees if the car was parked illegally or the driver was arrested
- If the vehicle was towed after an accident, insurance may cover the initial tow to the impound lot if you have the appropriate collision or comprehensive coverage
- However, you’ll be responsible for the daily storage fees and any other administrative costs charged by the tow yard
- Contact your insurance provider to determine what, if any, costs related to impound towing and storage are covered under your policy
The bottom line? Don’t assume your insurance company will foot the bill for all towing and impound expenses – it depends on your specific policy and the circumstances.
How to Maximize Your Dealership’s Roadside Assistance Program
If your dealership offers a roadside assistance program, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. So, let’s dive into how you can make the most out of your coverage and really get to grips with all that small print.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Coverage
To take full advantage of your dealership’s roadside assistance coverage:
- Understand what services are covered and under what conditions by carefully reviewing your agreement
- Keep the contact information for roadside assistance handy in your vehicle, phone, or wallet
- Program the assistance number into your phone for easy access in emergencies
- If you have a preferred repair shop, see if the roadside assistance will tow you there or only to the dealership
- Maintain your vehicle according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to prevent avoidable breakdowns
- If selling your car, make sure the roadside coverage transfers to the new owner and provide them with the necessary information
Understanding the Fine Print of Your Assistance Program
When reviewing your dealership assistance program agreement, pay attention to:
- Covered services: What specific situations and services are included? Are there mileage or cost limits?
- Exclusions: What scenarios or issues are explicitly not covered by the program?
- Service area: Is coverage limited to a certain geographic area or radius from your location?
- Term length: For how long is the roadside assistance active? Does it expire after a set number of years or miles?
- Limitations: Is there a maximum number of roadside events covered per year? Are there dollar limits on services?
- Costs: Is the program included in your vehicle purchase or lease, or is there an additional fee? Are there any out-of-pocket expenses?
- Transferability: If you sell the car, does the coverage transfer to the new owner for the remainder of the term?
By familiarizing yourself with the details of your assistance cover, you can ensure you’re taking full advantage of this valuable perk and avoid any surprises down the road.
Final Thoughts
While learning the answer to the question “Do dealerships offer towing?”, we’ve uncovered not just answers but also insights into how integrated service networks work towards smoothing over those bumpy experiences on life’s highways (and byways). So next time your ride decides to nap roadside, remember – checking in with your dealer might just provide that quick fix solution.
But if you want a sure solution for your towing needs, contact Geyers Towing. We’re open 24-7 with convenient roadside assistance available for you.
