Motorists seek backup on streets, highways

If you think driving on a Las Vegas freeway is scary, try breaking down on one, says local Gloria Bell.

It's absolutely terrifying.

She should know; in the past couple of years, Bell, 65, has broken down twice on U.S. 95. Those were among the most frightening experiences, she says, because not only did her tires start peeling but she had to deal with the traffic flying by at top speeds after she pulled over onto the shoulder.

Luckily, Bell had a security blanket: her roadside assistance program.

"There aren't too many safe spots for a woman alone on the road. My service program is important to me because when I'm out on the road and break down, I want to know there's someone who can fix it," says Bell, who pays about $6 each month to her automobile insurance company, Nationwide, for the roadside assistance program. Her coverage allows as much as $100 for a tow truck, a jump in case her battery is dead, a tire change or key service.

In the past, drivers had few choices, other than motor clubs such as AAA. Now, drivers have a slew of options to choose from, including programs offered through insurance companies, credit cards, car manufacturers and cell phone plans.

Though they all offer the same basic thing -- someone to turn to when your car fails you -- these plans are not all the same.

Most insurance companies, such as Farmer's, Allstate and Nationwide, offer a program, but some companies may count usage of the services as a claim. That, in turn, can cause premiums to rise.

"I think it's a good thing to have simply because if I have a major mechanical problem, I want my car towed to a dealer not a gas station," says George Rose, a member of the Miata Owners of Vegas.

He pays for roadside assistance through his Farmer's insurance policy. Rose says he has never had to use it, but because he spends so much time on the road, driving for pleasure, he drives with peace of mind. He pays about $6 a month for service. If he were to be towed, though, Farmer's might consider it a claim.

Other plans cover only the car, the cardholder or, in the case of Verizon wireless, require that the cell phone be at the scene.

Some programs, such as Allstate Motor Club, offer a bond benefit, in case a driver is arrested on a traffic infraction.

Here is a summary of some common plans:

AAA

The club, which has been around since 1900, offers 24-hour emergency service. Primary membership is $54 annually and includes towing, battery service and key lockout across the nation. The basic membership allows free towing within five miles. The member is covered whether he is a driver or passenger. Additional members can be added at a cost of $30 each. Members receive nonemergency perks, too, such as discounts at local retailers and hotel chains. Members can use the service four times a year. (870-9171)

ALLSTATE MOTOR CLUB

Plans, which cost between $48 and $156 a year, offer 24-hour emergency service, including towing, tire changing, fuel delivery, lockout service and an arrest bond certificate. The member is covered in any vehicle, including rentals. The basic plan provides roadside service of as much as $50, while the more expensive plan allows for $250 worth of service in addition to a $1,500 trip interruption benefit. (800-474-4315)

AMERICAN EXPRESS GOLD CARD

You must have the gold card in order to use the roadside assistance program, which is free. The program covers as much as $50 per call including towing, flat tire replacement, key retrieval and fuel delivery. (800-668-2639)

ONSTAR BY GM

Available only on General Motors vehicles -- Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, Pontiac, Saab and Saturn -- OnStar is free for the first year of ownership. After that, the service is available for $199 a year. The service comes with a button that can be pushed to receive guidance after an accident. If the airbag deploys, the call center receives an emergency signal and reports to police or communicates with the driver. The service includes towing and other roadside services. (888-466-7827)

SAM'S CLUB

For $58.96 a year, members receive 24-hour emergency service for towing within 10 miles, winching in case you get stuck, fuel delivery of two gallons of gas, flat tire change and jump start. Nonemergency benefits include a mechanic hot line, ambulance service expenses and reimbursement for defense against a moving violation. (614-3372)

VERIZON WIRELESS

You can add roadside assistance to your plan for $3 a month or $5 a month for the Family Share accounts. The coverage goes with the phone in the United States and Canada so you can loan it to friends or family. The service is provided through GE Motor Club and includes battery jump, lockout service costing as much as $50, towing within 10 miles, fuel delivery of three gallons, winching and minor mechanical repairs. (734-2510)

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@reviewjournal.com or (702) 380-4564.