Does Calling Roadside Assistance Increase Premium?
Does calling roadside assistance raise your car insurance premium? Get clear answers on service use and policy costs.
When a vehicle unexpectedly breaks down or encounters a common issue on the road, roadside assistance coverage can provide essential services. This coverage typically includes help with flat tires, dead batteries, fuel delivery, lockout services, and towing to a nearby repair facility. Many policyholders often wonder if utilizing these convenient services will lead to an increase in their car insurance premiums.
Understanding Car Insurance Premium Calculation
Car insurance premiums are calculated based on an assessment of an individual’s perceived risk to the insurer. Insurance companies analyze various factors to determine the likelihood of a policyholder filing a claim and the potential cost of such claims. A primary factor considered is the policyholder’s driving record, which includes past accidents, traffic violations, and prior claims filed. Insurers often review several years of a driver’s history to establish a pattern of behavior.
The type of vehicle insured also plays a role, with factors like its make, model, safety features, and repair costs influencing the premium. Where the vehicle is garaged and the annual mileage driven are additional considerations, as these can affect exposure to risk. Furthermore, demographic details such as the driver’s age and, in some instances, a credit-based insurance score, may be utilized in premium calculations. These elements collectively form a risk profile, and the premium reflects the cost of insuring that specific risk. Drivers with a history of frequent claims or severe accidents are considered higher risk, leading to elevated premiums.
Direct Effect of Roadside Assistance Use
Calling for roadside assistance for common issues like a flat tire, dead battery, or minor tow does not directly cause an increase in car insurance premiums. These incidents are viewed as service calls rather than claims for damage or liability. Unlike a collision or comprehensive claim, which involves significant financial payout for repairs or losses, roadside assistance covers minor, non-accident related inconveniences. The small additional cost for adding roadside assistance coverage to a policy is distinct from the act of using the service itself.
While some insurers might internally log roadside assistance requests as “claims” or service events, they are not weighted in the same manner as accident-related claims. Policyholders do not face a premium increase for one or two such service calls within a policy period. However, frequent or excessive use of roadside assistance, such as multiple calls within a short timeframe, can flag a policy for review. Such a pattern might suggest an underlying issue with the vehicle’s reliability or indicate a higher overall risk to the insurer, which could lead to a premium adjustment or even impact the availability of roadside assistance coverage upon renewal.
Related Events and Premium Changes
While a roadside assistance call itself does not lead to a premium increase, certain related events can indirectly affect insurance costs. If a tow service is required due to an accident that results in vehicle damage, any subsequent claim filed for that damage, such as a collision or comprehensive claim, is what could influence premiums. The premium adjustment would then be attributed to the accident claim itself, not the tow service.
Similarly, if persistent mechanical issues necessitate frequent roadside assistance, and these issues eventually contribute to an accident or a larger covered event, the resulting claim for damages would be the factor impacting rates. For example, a vehicle consistently needing jump-starts due to a failing battery might eventually lead to an electrical system failure that causes an accident. In such a case, the accident claim, rather than the prior assistance calls, would be the cause of any premium change. The roadside assistance service acts as a supportive measure during an incident. The nature and cost of any resulting or associated insurance claim for damage or liability can lead to premium adjustments.