Hi there, it's Ernest from Trip Astute.
In this video, we're exploring the roadside assistance provided by many credit cards,
and sharing some tips on how to use this benefit.
(light chiming music)
Have you ever had car trouble when traveling?
Or even a flat tire while commuting?
If so, you know how frustrating it can be to have issues when traveling on the road.
For many of us, it's both easier and safer to have roadside assistance help us out.
However, did you know that many premium, and even some non-premium credit cards, offer roadside
assistance?
It's actually one of your card benefits.
So today we're going to review what's included and excluded from these policies, and give
you some tips so you can take advantage of this benefit when you need it.
First off, not all roadside assistance is the same.
For simplicity sake, let's look at three premium travel credit cards: The American Express
Platinum, the Chase Sapphire Reserve, and the Citi Prestige, in order to understand
how each card compares when it comes to roadside assistance.
The services covered by a credit card's roadside assistance is pretty standard with all the
cards.
This includes: 24 hour towing, lockout services, battery boosts, flat tires, and fuel services.
Coverage is also pretty similar in that it's generally limited to the US and Canada, with
some cards like American Express Platinum and Citi Prestige offering the service in
US territories like Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
Some roadside assistance benefits only apply if you're over a specific number of miles
away from your residence.
In this case though, all three of these cards offer roadside assistance regardless of how
far you are from your home.
With the exception of the Citi Prestige, both the American Express Platinum and the Chase Sapphire
Reserve let you use this benefit only four times per calendar year.
The Citi Prestige, on the other hand, does not have any limits on the number of times
that you use the benefit.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve and Citi Prestige will cover rental cars, while the American
Express Platinum does not.
This is really important to note, especially if your travel plans include a rental car.
Lastly, the cost.
The American Express Platinum and Citi Prestige do not charge anything for the service.
However, there are some limitations.
Your towing is limited to 10 miles.
If you need to be towed further, then you'll pay a rate per mile.
Also, fuel delivery is limited to 2 gallons.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve will cover up to $50 per incident.
From what I can tell, to have a towing truck sent to you cost around $60, so you'll end
up paying around $10 for the service.
Also, towing is limited to only 5 miles for free, so you'll have to pay per mile for anything
over that.
And fuel delivery is limited to 5 gallons, which is more than double the other cards.
So, is it worth it?
Well, that's a tough question.
For me, I think it's a good benefit, especially if you're not covered by your personal auto
insurance policy or from an external policy like AAA. If you're driving a rental
car abroad, then you might need to search for other options, including the ones offered
by the rental car company.
Otherwise, these roadside benefits could come in handy if you have a problem on the road.
For me personally,, I rely on my personal auto insurance to provide roadside assistance when driving
my car in town.
If I happen to be driving a rental car in the US, then I'll opt to use the insurance
on my Chase Sapphire Reserve.
And if I find myself renting a car abroad, then I'll probably pay for the insurance from
the rental car company, even though I know it's probably overpriced and full of fine
print.
So, in addition to everything, here are some tips to keep in mind when it comes to roadside
assistance. Number 1: Service covers you (and not your
car). This is an important thing to keep in mind when using the roadside assistance benefit
from your credit card or AAA. You should be covered, regardless of what car you're
in.
This usually not the case when using roadside assistance from auto insurance companies.
While they offer coverage for you as a driver for their insurance policy, they typically will
not provide roadside assistance when driving a car that isn't in the policy.
So definitely check with your auto insurance company if you don't have credit card or AAA
coverage.
Number 2: Motorcycles, large trucks, and recreational vehicles are excluded. If you want to use
your credit card's insurance for a non-traditional vehicle, like a motorcycle, know that these
policies generally will not cover it.
Number 3: Roadside assistance from auto insurance companies is usually a cheaper option. While roadside
assistance from auto insurance policies may not provide coverage for rental cars, they
are usually a good choice for your daily commute.
The rates usually extremely low, and you'll usually get the same type of help that you
would get from a service like AAA. Number 4: Roadside assistance offered by rental
companies is usually unnecessary. Much like the auto insurance that they will offer, the
roadside assistance is usually pricey and full of stipulations and additional fees.
I would avoid opting for this insurance unless you are traveling abroad and you don't have any
other coverage.
Number 5: Beware of unauthorized roadside assistance when traveling. This is a common
scam when traveling.
I've heard stories of people getting their rental car tires punctured, then getting help
from an unauthorized service truck who then charges a lot of money, or even worse, robs
them.
I would suggest sticking to help provided by the rental car company, and checking your
tires for any punctures when it's parked and before driving on the road.
Number 6: Consider AAA or a similar service. I know a lot of folks love having AAA
roadside assistance.
Being from Los Angeles, it feels like everyone has it.
I do think that they provide the most comprehensive roadside assistance services, as well as great
discounts for travel.
I personally find it more cost effective to have roadside assistance from my insurance
provider for my personal vehicle, and using my credit card's benefit when renting a car
in the US.
Though I totally understand the appeal of using a service like AAA and not having
to file anything with your insurance company, since there is less risk of the insurance
company raising your premium because you filed a roadside assistance claim.
Have you used your credit card's roadside assistance benefit?
If so, please share your experience.
Also, let us know if you have any questions.
I've included a few articles that I found while researching this topic.
In addition, if you're interested in applying for any of the cards mentioned in this video,
check out our card offer page for the latest promotions.
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Until next time, travel safe and travel smart.
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