Everything You Need To Know About Esurance Roadside Assistance
Most drivers will have roadside emergencies that can cost time and money. Having a reliable roadside service, like Esurance's Roadside Assistance Plan, is essential. You'll receive help within minutes if your vehicle stops working. In fact. Esurance's plan covers all the basic services, such as emergency towing, locksmith services, fuel deliveries and more. You can also elect the pay-as-you-go option, which is still cheaper than calling a tow company.
Our Esurance roadside assistance review answers all of your questions about Esurance's options and how they compare with the competition's.
Table of Contents:
- Overview
- Our Thoughts on Esurance Roadside Assistance
- What's Included and Not Included
- How To Request Esurance Roadside Assistance
- How To Add Esurance Roadside Assistance
- Pros and Cons
- Esurance vs. the Competition
- FAQs
Esurance Roadside Assistance Overview
Basic Plan | On-Demand Services (Pay-Per-Service) | |
|---|---|---|
Available | All 50 states | All 50 States |
Pricing | $12 annually for endorsements (varies by state). Automatically included with comprehensive or collision insurance purchase. | Based on the service provided. |
Service calls | 3-6 (Depending on the state) | Per incident basis |
Tow truck | Up to $75 per incident | $99 charge for five miles |
Battery Jump-Start | Yes | $84 charge |
Lockout | Yes | $84 charge |
Flat Tire | Yes | $84 charge |
Fuel/Oil/Water Delivery | Yes | $84 charge |
On-Scene Labor | No | No |
Winching/Extrication | No | No |
Trip Interruption Service | No | No |
Contact information: |
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Source: Esurance Roadside Assistance
Our Thoughts on Esurance Roadside Assistance
Esurance Roadside Assistance provides a critical lifeline to drivers who need emergency roadside services. You can either purchase Esurance's Roadside Assistance as an optional car insurance endorsement for $12 per year or on a pay-as-you-go basis.
With the endorsement, you'll receive three service calls and all the basic roadside assistance services for $1 per month extra. This is cheaper than what most towing companies charge ($35 - $125 for five miles of towing). You'll also receive additional services like towing, flat tire changes, fuel deliveries and flat tire changes.
With the pay-as-you-go option, you'll receive services at lower rates than you would from a private towing company, but it's less economical if you do have a breakdown.
Esurance Roadside Assistance Plan Cost
Esurance charges $12 per year for its roadside assistance plan, which is cheaper than plans from State Farm, Nationwide and Farmers. State Farm charges $48 for its roadside assistance plan; Nationwide and Farmers charge $22 per year for theirs.
Premium | Auto Policy | Roadside Assistance | Per Incident | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Monthly | $250.05 | $1 | $84-99 | $251.05 - $349.05 |
Six-Month | $1,500.03 | $6 | $84-99 | $1,506.03 - $1,599.03 |
Source: SmartFinancial
What's Included and What's Not Included?
What's Included? | What's Not Included? |
|---|---|
Covers three to six service calls per year (based on your location) $450 maximum | On-scene labor |
Vehicle towing | Trip interruption benefit |
Flat tire change | Winching/extrication |
Fuel delivery (3 gallons) | Fixes for underlying issues |
Battery jump-start | Costs that exceed your claim limit |
Locksmith service | Prohibits roadside assistance for uncovered members |
Ability to track service progress |
Source: Esurance and the Esurance App
What's Included?
Covers three to six service calls per year: On average, Esurance covers three to six service calls per year, or $450 per term. Remember, your premiums may rise if you make excessive claims.
Vehicle towing: You can contact Esurance's Roadside Assistance if you're ever stranded because of a vehicle breakdown. The car insurer pays for the first $75 of towing services (5 to 7 miles) to take your vehicle to a repair shop. Esurance only covers towing for non-collision events.
Flat tire change: Esurance will send a mechanic to your location to switch out damaged, flat and deflated tires with spares.
Fuel delivery: Esurance Roadside Assistance will deliver three gallons of gas to your location if your car runs out of gas. Oil and water deliveries are also available.
Battery jump-start: If your vehicle doesn't start, Esurance will send a service person to your location to jump-start or recharge your dead battery.
Locksmith services: Esurance will send a locksmith to open your vehicle if you lock your keys inside your car.
Ability to track progress: You can track the progress of any roadside service claims through the Esurance mobile app. Additionally, you can track the estimated arrival time for technicians.
What's Not Included?
Trip interruption coverage: This plan doesn't provide a trip interruption reimbursement to cover your meals or hotel expenses due to an unexpected breakdown.
Winching/extrication services: Esurance doesn't pay for winching or extrication services. These services typically involve a towing company using a cable to pull a vehicle when it's stuck.
Fixes for underlying issues: This roadside assistance plan doesn't pay for repairs but will pay for a tow truck to take you to the nearest repair shop.
Costs that exceed your claim limit: Esurance doesn't cover service costs beyond your plan's coverage. For example, you'll have to pay for towing costs that exceed your roadside assistance coverage limit.
Roadside services for uncovered members: Roadside assistance plans follow the vehicle, not the person. You can't use your roadside assistance to help friends or family members whose vehicles aren't covered in the policy.
How To Request Esurance Roadside Assistance
If your car has mechanical issues, you may contact Esurance Roadside Assistance 24/7 at 1 (844) 772-3787. An automated message will prompt you to download Esurance's app to get immediate roadside assistance. Esurance's roadside customer service also handles on-demand roadside assistance requests.
When calling this number, make sure you have your policy number handy. Also, save copies of towing and contractor bills to expedite the claims process.
How To Add Esurance Roadside Assistance
Esurance makes it easy for customers to add roadside assistance. You can add this coverage by calling 1 (800) ESURANCE (378-7262), 6 a.m . to 12 a.m., Central Standard Time.
You can also buy roadside assistance by logging into your online account or through Esurance's mobile app. After signing up, your roadside assistance coverage may not be available immediately.
Pros and Cons of Esurance Roadside Assistance Plans
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Affordable coverage | No on-scene labor |
Includes most basic services | Plans are only available to current customers |
No exclusions based on your policy | No trip interruption coverage |
The plan covers $75 of towing* | Doesn't pay for costs that exceed your plan |
Available in 50 states | Plans only available to current customers |
*Source: Esurance Mobile App
Pros
Affordable coverage: Esurance provides low-cost annual roadside assistance plans for $12 a year. The cost may vary depending on your location and car insurance coverage.
Includes basic services: With this plan, you'll receive basic roadside assistance services, such as towing, fuel deliveries and flat tire changes.
No exclusions based on your policy: Esurance doesn't limit access to its roadside assistance plans based on a customer's car insurance coverage. You can also buy roadside assistance on a per-incident basis.
Covers up to $75 of towing: Esurance will pay up to $75 for each towing incident.
Available in 50 states: Esurance's roadside assistance plan is available in all 50 states.
Cons
No on-scene labor: These plans don't offer onsite mechanical repairs to vehicles.
Plans are only available to Esurance customers: Only current Esurance car insurance customers can purchase an optional roadside assistance endorsement.
No trip interruption coverage: Esurance doesn't provide a trip interruption coverage benefit for its roadside assistance members.
Doesn't cover costs that exceed your plan: Your plan won't pay for charges beyond coverage limits. For instance, you'll have to pay out of pocket if you exceed $75 in towing.
Esurance vs. the Competition
Esurance | Nationwide (Basic) | Farmers | State Farm | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Annual Cost | $12 | $23 | $23 | $48 |
Service Calls | 3 (or more depending on the location) | 6 | 3 | 3 |
Tow Truck | Covers up to $75 for a tow | Up to 15 miles included | Covers up to $150 for a tow | No limit |
Winching | Not offered | Yes | Not offered | Yes |
Lockout | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1 hour |
On-Scene Labor | No | No | No | 1 hour |
Fuel Delivery | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Battery-Jump Start | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Flat Tire | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Esurance Roadside Assistance FAQs
How much does Esurance Roadside Assistance cost?
Esurance offers annual roadside assistance plans for $12, which is a lower price than most auto clubs offer. You can also opt for a pay-as-you-go option which is less economical but still cheaper than paying for a private tow company.
Can I use my Esurance Roadside Assistance plan for someone else?
Esurance Roadside Assistance is only available for vehicles listed on your policy. These plans follow the automobile, not the driver.
Do I have an Esurance Roadside Assistance plan?
You can find out whether you have an Esurance roadside assistance plan by calling 1 (800) ESURANCE(1-800-378-7262), logging into your account or using its mobile app. Additionally, you may read your declarations page to see if you have roadside assistance coverage.
How often can I use Esurance Roadside Assistance?
Esurance limits each members' calls for roadside assistance to three per year. You may also speak with an Esurance representative at 1(800) 378-7262 to learn about your car insurance plan and limits.
How can I get reimbursed for towing?
If you are an Esurance customer, you can get reimbursed for towing or roadside expenses by submitting the following information to the car insurance company:
- Name and phone number
- Esurance policy number
- Year, make and model of your vehicle
- Your towing bill
You can send these documents to Esurance by using the following methods:
Fax: 1 (800) 641-6822
Mail: Esurance/ P.O. Box 5250/ Sioux Falls, SD 57117
Buy Affordable Car Insurance that Protects Your Vehicle and Wallet
Signing up for a roadside assistance plan provides essential protection, but don't forget, you'll need other car insurance coverages to protect yourself and your vehicle.
If you're unhappy with your current policy provider, Smart Financial can help you find an affordable auto insurance plan that's right for you. Just enter your zip code below, and we'll provide you with free car insurance quotes from local and national carriers.
Dani Milton is a senior content strategist and insurance specialist for SmartFinancial. She received her B.A. in English from the University of Missouri-Columbia. The Georgia writer loves making complicated topics accessible. Her past work has appeared on NPR and other news outlets. She once served as a public relations specialist, NASA Solar System Ambassador and Georgia Radio Reading Service volunteer host. In her spare time, she creates art, reads books, listens to music and watches online content.
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