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Monday, February 10th
The mere mention of Allstate immediately makes us think of Dennis Haysbert's voice, saying, "Are you in good hands?". There probably isn't anyone with a device that has ads that doesn't know about Allstate. With over 90 years of experience, this service offers a range of protection products, including auto, home, life, and other insurance. Roadside assistance is just one of its many offerings. To support you, Allstate is affiliated with Esurance, Encompass, SquareTrade, and Answer Financial to prove their services are backed by solid finances, and that you are, in fact, in good hands.
Coverage across the US and Canada
According to Allstate's website, you are covered by their roadside assistance no matter where you're located within the United States or Canada. There were no listed states or provinces where Allstate didn't offer assistance, which was exciting given the limitations at many other companies in our review.
Membership, pay-per-tow, or add-ons
For those in need of towing, assistance with a flat tire, jump starts, or help with locked cars, Allstate's Roadside Assistance plans come in two options: Roadside Advantage and Roadside Elite. Both plans offer extra benefits, such as flight deals, hotel bookings, savings on vacation packages, car buying services, discounted oil changes, movie tickets, spas, gym memberships, and more. And if you prefer to worry about a tow only when needed, Allstate offers on-demand tow services starting at $154 for a 5-mile tow. This one-time service doesn't require a policy or auto insurance through Allstate. Now, if you already have Allstate auto insurance, coverage for towing, tire changes, jump-starts, lockouts, and fuel delivery can be added to your existing policy for as little as $25 per vehicle.
Basic package: Advantage Plan
The least expensive tier from Allstate is the Advantage Plan. This is ideal if you drive locally and prefer to stay close to home. Your first-year fee is $89 per year, and you have the option to add a second household member at no extra cost. The details of the plan include 24-hour roadside assistance with up to 5 rescues a year, covering services like tow service (up to 10 miles per tow), jump start, fuel delivery, lockout service, and tire change. In case of trip interruption, there's a $1,500 benefit, reimbursing you for up to 3 days of expenses or until your car is fixed, whichever comes first. You're also covered for tire and wheel repair and replacement, with reimbursement up to twice per membership year ($100 each) for tire damage due to a road hazard. For RV protection, renewal pricing is $105, and household plans allow you to include up to 5 other household members for an extra fee.
Full Coverage package: Elite Plan
The top-tier plan at Allstate is the Elite Plan. If you're looking for a plan that's meant for individuals and families who travel frequently, this service is the one to check out. The Elite Plan costs $164 for the first member, and you have the option to add a second household member at no additional charge. The plan covers 24-hour roadside assistance with up to 7 rescues a year, including services such as tow service (up to 100 miles per tow), jump start, fuel delivery and cost of fuel, lockout service, and tire change. In case of trip interruption, you're entitled to the same $1,500 benefit as the Advantage Plan. On top of that, the plan includes the same 2-event tire and wheel replacement policy, but up to $250 each. Motorcycle and RV protection are also part of the package. For renewal, the pricing is $179, and you can include up to 5 other household members for an additional charge.
Money back if drivers are late
Allstate provides an on-time arrival guarantee for tow trucks. If the service provider arrives more than 30 minutes after the estimated time, customers qualify for a 25% discount on the next year's membership dues. According to customers, policies can be canceled at any time, with a prorated refund for unused services. A full refund is applicable if canceled within the first 30 days.
Solid BBB rating but concerning reviews
Allstate Motor Club holds an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau for Roadside Assistance specifically. However, third-party reviews are a different story. According to Trustpilot, Allstate's reputation is pretty abysmal. The Roadside Assistance program has just 1.4 stars. Customers complain about plans and policies being modified without any warning. There was also a range of complaints about how hard it is to use the app for Allstate to call for Roadside Assistance. And despite the tow guarantee, there are tons of complaints about tow trucks not showing up as well as billing discrepancies, and more.
Mid-tier service overall
While the benefits for Allstate are solid, and the tow length is 10 miles for the basic plan, which is better than many other services in our review, the lackluster reviews are a little concerning. While it might be an excellent choice for those with Allstate auto insurance, it may not be the preferred option for everyone, especially given the concerns about getting your tow or difficulties with the app. However, with an "A+” rating from the BBB, there are definitely some high points to consider too.
Whether you're just cruising around town running errands, or embarking on an exciting family road trip, the last thing you want is for your car to unexpectedly break down. It's not only a major inconvenience but can also pose challenges to your safety, or totally throw off your perfectly planned timeline. This is where a dependable Roadside Assistance plan comes to the rescue.
These services promise swift support and expert guidance to help you navigate the unexpected twists and turns of a car breakdown. Whether you're worried about a blown tire, accidentally run out of fuel, or just need an emergency tow, being a member of a roadside assistance company can help soothe any worries and keep a roadside emergency from being a costly setback.
Often, we don't give much thought to unfortunate events like a sudden car breakdown until they catch us off guard, leaving us with limited options: expensive tow trucks or worse, waving down a stranger to jump your car in the Walmart parking lot. That's why proactive planning by joining a Roadside Assistance plan can be crucial to your peace of mind and your wallet.
Roadside Assistance plans go well behind the basics of mechanical concerns. You'll find assistance with an array of services such as towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery, theft protection, lockouts, tire changes, and more.
As an added layer of convenience, many Roadside Assistance programs allow you to customize your plan with additional add-ons. For instance, you can opt for trip interruption coverage or even financial assistance to cover legal defense in case of a speeding ticket. The flexibility in choosing the plan that suits your lifestyle comes with varying costs so that you have options that align with your budget. Plus, for those of us with a large family with multiple drivers and vehicles to worry about, many plans allow you to extend coverage to any car you drive, regardless of ownership, making it a family-friendly choice.
Beyond the basic services, many Roadside Assistance programs offer a range of fun perks unrelated to car trouble like discounted hotel stays, discounts on regular car maintenance, and discounts at major retailers or even pharmacies. So, on top of being covered in a roadside emergency, you can count on extra benefits to make your travels even better.
But with so many different companies on the market offering Roadside Assistance plans, it can be hard to know where to start. So, as you explore the packages offered by various providers, keep these key considerations in mind:
To make your next road trip a breeze, Top Consumer Reviews researched and analyzed the top Roadside Assistance plans available today: we bring you the lowdown on which ones stand up to really assist you when your car goes haywire. Because, let's face it, when you're stranded with a flat tire or a bad battery, you want help and you want it fast. We hope our analysis helps you make the best decision so you can rest easy whether you're hopping to the store or driving cross-country. Happy motoring!
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