Ever found yourself stranded on the roadside, pondering if your dealership could rescue you with a tow? You’re not the only one. The query “Do dealerships provide towing?” often arises, particularly during unforeseen breakdowns that disrupt plans.
Let’s dive into the specifics and discuss the level of support you can expect from car dealerships concerning towing services. Familiarizing yourself with these provisions could prove invaluable, whether you’re driving away from the dealership or deep into your ownership journey.
Do Dealerships Provide Towing Services?
When purchasing a car from a dealership, it’s common to expect towing services to be included. But what does this encompass exactly? Let’s delve deeper into the roadside assistance programs typically provided by car dealerships.
What’s Included in a Dealership’s Roadside Assistance Program?
Dealerships frequently offer roadside assistance coverage as either a component of their warranty or as an independent feature. This commonly involves towing services within a specific radius, typically around 15 miles, or to the nearest qualified repair facility.
Other frequently covered services encompass:
- Winching in scenarios where your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, snow, water, or sand within 100 feet of the roadway.
- Jump-starts to revive dead batteries.
- Towing electric vehicles to the closest charging station.
- Locksmith assistance in cases of lost keys or locking them inside the vehicle.
- Tire changes for flat tires.
- Fuel delivery (fuel expenses are your responsibility).
Typical Concerns Handled by Roadside Assistance
What instances does your dealership’s roadside assistance extend support for? Here are some of the most prevalent issues addressed:
- Towing your vehicle to a designated repair shop within the defined radius.
- Assisting in winching your car out if it becomes stuck near a roadway.
- Jump-starting a dead battery.
- Towing an electric vehicle to a nearby charging facility.
- Offering locksmith services for lockouts or lost keys.
- Performing tire changes for flat tires.
- Providing fuel delivery (costs covered by you).
Constraints of Roadside Assistance
Although dealerships provide towing and various useful services, it’s essential to be aware of certain restrictions:
- Towing is typically confined to a 15-mile radius or the nearest accredited repair facility.
- Winching assistance is applicable only within 100 feet of a road or highway.
- While fuel delivery is offered, you are responsible for the fuel expenses.
- Coverage might be subject to a specific duration, such as the warranty period.
While dealership roadside assistance can prove invaluable in numerous situations, comprehending the extent and limitations of your particular coverage is crucial.
Actions to Follow When Your Vehicle Breaks Down
Imagine this scenario: You’re cruising down the highway when your car suddenly emits a worrying noise and loses power. Uh-oh, it seems you’re facing a breakdown. What’s the next step? Here’s your guide on how to handle the situation.
How to Reach Out to Your Dealership for Towing Services
In the event of a vehicle breakdown requiring a tow, adhere to these steps to utilize your dealership’s roadside assistance:
- Locate the roadside assistance contact details provided by your dealership (refer to your warranty/owner’s manual or search for a decal in the car).
- Place a call to the provided number and furnish your location, vehicle make/model, and a brief description of the issue.
- The dealership will dispatch a tow service to either a repair shop or the dealership, depending on your coverage.
- Towing will be arranged in accordance with your roadside assistance terms, typically within a 15-mile radius or to the nearest qualifying shop.
Options if Your Dealership Doesn’t Offer Towing Services
If your dealership doesn’t provide towing services, don’t worry, you still have alternatives:
- Check if your car insurance policy includes roadside assistance coverage.
- Consider purchasing a separate roadside assistance plan from a reputable provider.
- If you have a non-operational car intended for sale or trade-in, arrange for its towing to the dealership at your own expense and negotiate the towing fee into the transaction.
- Contact a reliable, local towing company directly to tow the vehicle to your residence or a repair shop, bearing the cost yourself.
While dealership towing may be convenient, there are other options available if your dealer doesn’t offer this service or if your car breaks down beyond their service area.
Selecting a Dependable Roadside Assistance Provider
If your dealership doesn’t provide roadside assistance or if you seek supplementary coverage, it’s crucial to identify a trustworthy roadside assistance provider. However, with numerous options available, how do you make the right choice? Here are some essential factors to contemplate.
Factors to Evaluate When Choosing a Service Provider
When seeking a roadside assistance provider, consider the following aspects:
- Coverage Area: Ensure they offer services in the areas where you frequently travel.
- Services Provided: Opt for a program that includes assistance for common situations like towing, jump-starts, lockouts, and flat tires.
- Cost: Compare pricing, including annual membership fees and charges per incident.
- Reputation: Read reviews and seek recommendations to identify a provider known for delivering prompt and reliable service.
- Integration with Dealership: Check if the dealership has a preferred provider that seamlessly integrates with their service department, enhancing your overall experience.
Understanding Towing Coverage in Car Insurance
Car insurance can sometimes cover towing after an accident, depending on your policy:
- Collision coverage typically pays for towing if your car is damaged in an accident.
- Comprehensive coverage often includes towing for non-collision damage like vandalism or natural disasters.
- Some policies have separate roadside assistance coverage, offering towing for breakdowns not caused by a covered loss.
- Verify your coverage by checking your policy or contacting your insurance company.
Maximizing Your Dealership’s Roadside Assistance Program
If your dealership provides a roadside assistance program, it’s essential to ensure you’re optimizing its benefits. Let’s explore how you can leverage your coverage to its fullest extent and thoroughly understand all the details in the fine print.
Tips for Maximizing Your Coverage
To make the most of your dealership’s roadside assistance coverage, consider the following:
- Familiarize yourself with the services covered and the corresponding conditions by thoroughly reviewing your agreement.
- Keep the contact information for roadside assistance easily accessible in your vehicle, phone, or wallet.
- Store the assistance number in your phone for quick access during emergencies.
- If you have a preferred repair shop, inquire whether roadside assistance can tow your vehicle there or if it’s limited to the dealership.
- Adhere to the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations to minimize the risk of preventable breakdowns.
- When selling your car, ensure the roadside coverage transfers to the new owner and provide them with the necessary details.
Closing Remarks
In our exploration of whether dealerships offer towing, we’ve not only found answers but also gained valuable insights into the intricate workings of integrated service networks, aimed at alleviating the challenges encountered on life’s journeys. So, the next time your vehicle decides to take an unexpected roadside break, remember – reaching out to your dealer could offer the swift solution you need.