Phoenix, Ariz., May 7, 2009. It’s a scene that played out more than 113,000 times last summer on Arizona roadways. A vehicle breaks down unexpectedly. The vehicle is pulled safely off the road as Arizona’s scorching sun rays bear down on a vehicle in need of repair. The driver or passenger pulls out a AAA Arizona membership card and calls for assistance, then waits for help to arrive.
This year, the auto club projects that even more motorists will find themselves in this kind of scenario. In fact, between June and August, the AAA Arizona’s Emergency Roadside Assistance team is expecting to respond to more than 120,000 calls from motorists, an increase of six percent, or 7,000 more calls, compared to last year.
“The increase in call volume we’re anticipating this summer can in large part be attributed to motorists continuing to neglect critical preventative vehicle maintenance and holding onto their older vehicles longer,” said Don Nunnari, vice president of membership products and services for AAA Arizona. “However, it is important to keep in mind that even a properly maintained vehicle can experience a failure, leaving you and your passengers stranded on the side of the road. This is why we encourage all motorists to have an emergency breakdown plan. One crucial element of this plan should be a quality emergency roadside provider.”
With numerous towing companies in Arizona, it is important to understand that not all emergency roadside service providers offer equal services – which can make a big difference in an emergency situation. To help motorists better understand the differences among the variety of emergency roadside service providers that exist, AAA Arizona would like to debunk the following misconceptions that are associated with the industry:
FACT OR FICTION? |
Emergency roadside services only provide service to members when they’re in a car they own or have registered with the service. |
This is true for many providers, but it isn’t the case with all. AAA Arizona’s emergency roadside service, for example, covers its members whether they are the driver or passenger, in any vehicle they are driving or riding in. |
Emergency roadside service providers require money up front before providing service.
|
Some providers do charge for full or partial service and require payment up front, before service is rendered. However, this is not the case with AAA. The auto club provides its members with four free service calls every year. |
My insurance company provides me with adequate emergency roadside service. |
Most major insurance companies do provide emergency roadside services to their customers. However, many of these companies also keep track of a motorist’s roadside assistance claims, which can, in same cases, lead to increased premiums. |
If your vehicle doesn’t break down, spending money on an emergency roadside assistance is a waste of money. |
Many motorists hold emergency roadside coverage for peace of mind. However, even if services aren’t used, motorists can still benefit from providers. In addition to emergency roadside service, AAA, for example, offers its members discounts on travel, insurance, financial and automotive services as well as access to its’ Show Your Card & Save© program. This program, consisting of more than 160,000 participating retail locations worldwide, helps members save an average of over $100 annually—recouping the cost of a membership. |
“While an emergency roadside provider is important to have year-round, it becomes even more critical during the summer months, as extreme temperatures put vehicles to the test,” Nunnari said. “Even more crucial, however, is knowing what is and is not provided in your emergency roadside coverage. That way, should you ever need to call for assistance, you won’t find yourself having to make a difficult or costly decision while already dealing with the stress of a vehicle breakdown.”
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.
|
