This is a sort of insurance policy. It is insurance that, should you run into some sort of problem while you are on the road, there is someone who will come and help you. There are a number of different sources for roadside assistance. Some insurance companies offer this as an additional option to the car insurance they sell (Allstate and Geico, for example). You may have your insurance with one company and subscribe to the emergency aid offered by another insurance company.

Some car manufacturers offer roadside service as a part of the options package when selling you a car. There are also independent automobile clubs, which offer emergency assistance to motorists (AAA is the most widely known.). Even if you subscribe to such a plan you could wait for hours before someone is available to help you. Do some research to find the most reliable source of this service in your area. You might inquire at garages or towing companies as well as of friends or acquaintances.

Most of these services act as dispatchers who subcontract a number of towing companies and garages with whom they have agreements. Plans vary in what they cover as well as what they cost. First, you should determine whether this is a sensible way for you to spend your money. If you have a reliable, new car; if you never drive very far from home; if you have a spouse or a friend with a car who would be willing and able to help you if you were stranded by the road somewhere, perhaps the money spent on an auto club could be put to better use. If you are interested, however, consider where you drive and how much. Do your research and find the service which best suits your possible needs.

As the cost involved in having a cellular phone has dropped, it is wise to consider this. Whether you subscribe to an Emergency Roadside Service or not, a phone would be necessary to call anyone for help.