How Much Does Nationwide Roadside Assistance Cost? Your Comprehensive Guide to Peace of Mind on the Road
Ever been stranded on the side of the road, staring at a flat tire, or a sputtering engine, and wishing for a magic wand? Well, while a magic wand isn't in the cards, Nationwide Roadside Assistance can certainly feel like a lifesaver in those moments! But the burning question is: how much does this peace of mind cost?
This lengthy guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Nationwide's roadside assistance offerings, including pricing, what's covered, how to get it, and whether it's truly worth the investment. Let's get started!
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Step 1: Are You Already Covered? Let's Find Out!
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of costs, let's address a crucial point: do you already have roadside assistance without even realizing it? Many auto insurance policies, credit cards, and even vehicle warranties include some form of roadside assistance.
- Check your Nationwide Auto Policy: If you have auto insurance with Nationwide, log in to your online account, check your policy documents, or call their customer service. Roadside assistance is often an add-on to your existing car insurance policy, so you might already have it or can easily add it.
- Review your Credit Card Benefits: Premium credit cards often come with complimentary roadside assistance. Check your card's benefits guide or call your credit card issuer.
- Look into your Vehicle's Warranty: Newer vehicles often include roadside assistance as part of their manufacturer's warranty for a certain period or mileage.
If you discover you're already covered, fantastic! If not, or if your current coverage is limited, let's explore Nationwide's dedicated options.
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| How Much Is Nationwide Roadside Assistance |
Step 2: Understanding Nationwide's Roadside Assistance Plans
Nationwide typically offers roadside assistance as an add-on to its auto insurance policies. They generally have two main tiers to choose from:
Sub-heading: Nationwide Roadside Assistance Basic
This plan is designed for common roadside emergencies and offers a solid foundation of coverage.
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- Car Towing Service: You'll typically get coverage for towing your vehicle up to a certain distance, often around 15 miles. This is usually sufficient to get you to the nearest repair shop or a gas station.
- Ditch Extraction Service: If your vehicle gets stuck in a ditch or another inaccessible area (within a certain proximity to a paved road), this service can help extricate it.
- Fuel Delivery Service: Ran out of gas? They'll deliver an emergency supply of fuel to get you to the nearest station. Note: You typically pay for the cost of the fuel itself.
- Jump Start a Dead Battery: A common and incredibly useful service, they'll come to your location to jump-start your dead battery.
- Lockout Service: Accidentally locked your keys in your car? This service provides assistance to gain entry, usually with a benefit limit (e.g., up to $100).
- Replace a Flat Tire with Your Spare: If you have a usable spare tire, they'll help you change it.
Sub-heading: Nationwide Roadside Assistance Plus
For those who want extended coverage and greater peace of mind, the Plus plan offers all the benefits of the Basic plan, plus some significant enhancements:
- Extended Car Towing Service: The towing limit is substantially increased, often up to 100 miles. This is particularly beneficial if you break down far from home or your preferred mechanic.
- Trip Interruption Coverage: This is a fantastic benefit for travelers. If your vehicle becomes disabled 100 or more miles from home and requires an overnight stay, this coverage can reimburse you for expenses like alternate transportation, lodging, and meals up to a certain limit (e.g., up to $500 or $600 in some states). This can be a huge relief if unexpected car trouble derails your travel plans.
Step 3: So, How Much Does it Actually Cost?
The cost of Nationwide Roadside Assistance can vary, but it's generally considered an affordable add-on to your existing auto insurance policy. As of recent information, you can expect to pay anywhere from approximately $23 to $75 annually for this add-on.
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Factors Influencing Cost:
- Your existing Nationwide Auto Insurance Policy: Roadside assistance is an enhancement to your auto policy, so your overall insurance premium will influence the combined cost.
- The Level of Coverage Chosen: As discussed, the Basic plan will be less expensive than the Plus plan.
- Your Location/State: Insurance regulations and pricing can vary by state.
- Your Vehicle Type: While generally included for most standard vehicles, certain specialty vehicles might have different considerations.
- Bundling Discounts: If you bundle other insurance policies with Nationwide (home, renters, etc.), you might receive additional discounts that could indirectly affect the overall cost of your auto policy, including the roadside assistance add-on.
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Getting a Precise Quote: The best way to determine your exact cost is to:
- Contact your Nationwide Agent: They can provide a personalized quote based on your specific policy and needs.
- Log in to your Nationwide Online Account: Many insurance providers allow you to view and modify your policy online, including adding or removing coverages and seeing the updated premium.
- Call Nationwide Customer Service: Their representatives can assist you with quotes and policy adjustments.
Step 4: Is Nationwide Roadside Assistance Worth It? Consider These Points!
Deciding whether to add roadside assistance is a personal choice, but here are some strong arguments in its favor:
Sub-heading: Peace of Mind on the Road
- Knowing you have a backup plan if something goes wrong can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, especially when driving long distances or in unfamiliar areas.
- It's like having an invisible safety net for your vehicle.
Sub-heading: Convenience and Time Savings
- Instead of scrambling to find a tow truck or a mechanic in an emergency, one call to Nationwide handles it.
- They connect you with a network of service providers, potentially saving you valuable time and effort in a stressful situation.
Sub-heading: Cost-Effectiveness Compared to Out-of-Pocket Expenses
- A single tow can easily cost $50-$150 or more, depending on the distance. A jump-start or lockout service can also incur charges.
- For an annual fee that's often less than the cost of one emergency service call, Nationwide's roadside assistance can offer significant savings if you ever need it.
- The Trip Interruption coverage in the Plus plan can be a game-changer for unexpected overnight stays, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars.
Sub-heading: Who Benefits Most?
- Frequent Drivers: If you commute long distances or take many road trips, the likelihood of needing assistance increases.
- Owners of Older Vehicles: Older cars are generally more prone to breakdowns.
- Drivers with Limited Mechanical Knowledge: If you're not comfortable changing a tire or troubleshooting basic car issues, roadside assistance is invaluable.
- Parents of New Drivers: Providing a roadside assistance plan for a teen driver offers peace of mind for both the new driver and their parents.
Step 5: How to Get Nationwide Roadside Assistance
Getting Nationwide's roadside assistance is straightforward, especially if you're already a Nationwide policyholder.
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Sub-heading: For Existing Nationwide Auto Insurance Customers
- Log into your Online Account: This is often the quickest way to review your current policy and add coverages.
- Contact your Nationwide Agent: Your local agent can easily add roadside assistance to your existing policy and explain the details.
- Call Nationwide Customer Service: Dial their general customer service number (often 1-877-669-6877 for auto/property insurance inquiries) and inform them you'd like to add roadside assistance.
- Use the Nationwide Mobile App: Many insurance apps allow you to manage your policy, including adding coverages.
Sub-heading: For New Nationwide Customers
- Get an Auto Insurance Quote: When getting a new auto insurance quote from Nationwide, make sure to ask about or select the roadside assistance add-on during the quoting process.
- Speak with an Agent: A Nationwide agent can help you build a comprehensive policy that includes roadside assistance.
Step 6: What to Do When You Need Roadside Assistance
If you find yourself in need of assistance, here's what to do:
- Ensure Your Safety: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights.
- Contact Nationwide Roadside Assistance:
- Call their dedicated roadside assistance line: The number is typically 1-866-854-4140. For general auto claims or assistance, the number is 1-800-421-3535. Keep this number handy in your phone!
- Use the Nationwide Mobile App: Many users find the app to be the easiest and fastest way to request assistance, as it can often use your GPS to pinpoint your location.
- Request assistance online: Nationwide's website often has an option to request roadside assistance.
- Provide Necessary Information: Be prepared to provide your policy number, vehicle information (make, model, year), your exact location, and a description of the problem.
- Wait for Assistance: Stay in a safe location until help arrives. Nationwide will dispatch a service provider to your location.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to)
Here are 10 common questions about Nationwide Roadside Assistance, answered quickly:
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How to add Nationwide roadside assistance to my policy?
- You can add it by logging into your Nationwide online account, contacting your Nationwide agent, or calling Nationwide customer service.
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How to request Nationwide roadside assistance?
- Call the dedicated roadside assistance line (1-866-854-4140), use the Nationwide mobile app, or request online through their website.
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How to know if I have Nationwide roadside assistance?
- Check your auto insurance policy documents, log into your online account, or call Nationwide customer service to verify your coverage.
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How to get reimbursed for out-of-pocket roadside expenses with Nationwide?
- If you had to pay for a covered service out-of-pocket, email your name, phone number, home address, vehicle details, policy number, and receipts to tow@nationwide.com.
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How to cancel Nationwide roadside assistance?
- Contact your Nationwide agent or call Nationwide customer service to remove the roadside assistance add-on from your policy.
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How to use Nationwide roadside assistance for a flat tire?
- Request assistance via phone or app, and a service provider will come to your location to replace your flat tire with your spare.
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How to use Nationwide roadside assistance if I run out of gas?
- Contact them, and they will deliver an emergency supply of fuel to your location (you typically pay for the fuel itself).
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How to get a jump start from Nationwide roadside assistance?
- Simply request battery assistance, and a technician will be dispatched to jump-start your dead battery.
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How to find my Nationwide roadside assistance policy number?
- Your policy number can be found on your insurance ID card, policy declaration page, or by logging into your Nationwide online account.
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How to compare Nationwide roadside assistance with other providers like AAA?
- Nationwide's roadside assistance is an insurance add-on, typically cheaper, while AAA is a membership club with varying costs and additional perks. Compare towing limits, trip interruption benefits, and overall annual fees.
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