Ghostwritten for the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) website (amac.us). The article was written to show AMAC members the reasons that they need roadside assistance. After reading the other articles posted on the site, comments from members and researching the organization, I opted to write the article to match the ultra-conservative tone prevalent on the rest of the site.

Copy below:

Should You Get Roadside Assistance?

There was a time in America when people would stop and help drivers stranded on the side of the road and the local police would help you get into your locked car. Now running out of gas in a secluded area is a frequently used plot device in horror movies and it’s rare that any Good Samaritan stop to help change a tire or offer a jump to a dead battery. In addition, calling an unknown tow company in a desolate area not only ends up costing an arm and a leg, but you never know who is going to show up (or if they will show up at all). Though things have changed, help is still available by getting access to a roadside assistance program.

Roadside assistance programs offer you peace of mind by offering 24/7 access to a dedicated partner that’s ready to assist you 365 days a year. That means you and your family only need to know one number to call in an emergency. With roadside assistance you can trust that your call will be answered and a specialist will be quickly dispatched to handle whatever your problem may be. Whether you need gas delivered to a remote backroad, a tow to your preferred mechanic, your tire changed on the side of a busy highway or just a jump to your battery late at night, roadside assistance protects you against the dangers and frustrations of being stranded. With no out-of-pocket expense and service you know you can count on, roadside assistance gives you the confidence to freely explore the entirety of our great nation.

Roadside assistance is easy to get from a variety of sources. Traditionally, roadside assistance was only available through a membership to a motor club, but these days credit cards, car manufacturers, cell phone carriers and car insurance companies also offer roadside assistance (typically for an additional fee). Regardless of where you look when selecting a roadside assistance program, you need to look at more than just the cost of the program.

Some programs limit the number of time you can get service each year, or only tow a certain distance before charging you, so always ask about these limitations. You should also check to see exactly what is covered. Ask questions about who is covered (i.e. is coverage included for just you, you and your family, etc.) and whether the coverage follows you or your vehicle (i.e. will a rental car you are driving be covered or is your neighbor protected if you loan out your covered car). Check into additional benefits offered, especially when considering membership with a motor club.

Membership in a motor club usually offers additional benefits like discounts at hotels, restaurants and entertainment, but they often include much more. Some memberships include additional protection like trip interruption expense reimbursement, which covers expenses associated with hotel and food expenses when an emergency happens when you are away from home. They also provide free trip planning services to help create a personalized vacation plan.

When you know everything that is offered by whatever roadside assistance programs you are comparing, then take a look at the annual cost. There are a lot of options, but there will be at least one that offers the protection you need and the benefits you want for a great price. Whether it’s a visit to the local grocery store or an epic cross-country journey, paying a single annual fee for roadside assistance means you never have to worry about budgeting for unforeseeable car troubles for your next trip.