Roadside assistance

Retired Bob · December 2, 2015

Our new trucks come with free roadside assistance - only during the 3yr/36k miles basic warranty. But, even with the Roadside Assistance (RA) is it of any value - what's the distance for towing; will it tow to an authorized service dealer/service station; do they have service in small towns you're traveling thru on your trip, etc?

Some options after the 3 yrs are up: GM Motor Club (seems to have a good reputation with unlimited towing), OnStar (GPS knows exactly where you are and you only need to push a button on the rearview mirror) , AAA - nationwide with lots of service providers to use), etc.

Credit card companies provide some service, so do cell phone accounts (but you must have the phone in your possession).

Lots of choices and lots of exclusions all at different prices.

What do you use and what would you recommend? Likewise, who would you NOT recommend?

I know, if I had a flat tire I'd change it myself - but some people might be 75 years old and not capable of this chore, or may have only one arm and unable to lift the spare, or a female and not strong enough to lift the spare, etc.

redwngr · December 2, 2015

2015 Sierra:

From US GMC Website:

Roadside Assistance Program

GMC is proud to offer the response, security, and convenience of the 24-hour Roadside Assistance Program for a period of 5 years or 100,000 miles/160,000 kms., whichever comes first. Refer to your Owner Manual for details, or consult your dealer/retailer. The Roadside Assistance contact information is listed in the Customer Assistance Offices section of the Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet.

And from Manual:

Coverage

Services are provided up to 5 years/ 160 000 km (100,000 mi), whichever comes first.

In the U.S., anyone driving the vehicle is covered. In Canada, a person driving the vehicle without permission from the owner is not covered.

Roadside Assistance is not a part of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

General Motors North America and GMC reserve the right to make any changes or discontinue the Roadside Assistance program at any time without notification. General Motors North America and

GMC reserve the right to limit services or payment to an owner or driver if they decide the claims are made too often, or the same type of claim is made many times.

Services Provided

. Emergency Fuel Delivery: Delivery of enough fuel for the vehicle to get to the nearest service station.

. Lock-Out Service: Service to unlock the vehicle if you are locked out. A remote unlock may be available if you have OnStar®. For security reasons, the driver must present identification before this service is given.

. Emergency Tow from a Public Road or Highway: Tow to the nearest GMC dealer for warranty service, or if the vehicle was in a crash and cannot be driven.

Assistance is not given when the vehicle is stuck in the sand, mud, or snow.

. Flat Tire Change: Service to change a flat tire with the spare tire. The spare tire, if equipped, must be in good condition and properly inflated. It is the owner's responsibility for the repair or replacement of the tire if it is not covered by the warranty.

. Battery Jump Start: Service to jump start a dead battery.

. Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance: If your trip is interrupted due to a warranty failure, incidental expenses may be reimbursed during the 5 years/(160 000 km) 100,000 mi Powertrain warranty period.

Items considered are hotel, meals, and rental car.

Services Not Included in Roadside Assistance

. Impound towing caused by violation of any laws.

. Legal fines

. Mounting, dismounting, or changing of snow tires, chains, or other traction devices. Service is not provided if a vehicle is in an area that is not accessible to the service vehicle or is not a regularly traveled or maintained public road, which includes ice and winter roads. Off-road use is not covered.

obrien19 · December 2, 2015

I had to have mine towed a few weeks ago by roadside assistance and they told me anywhere with in 25 miles

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Retired Bob · December 2, 2015

One review site I found is:

http://roadside-assistance-services-review.toptenreviews.com/

A good feature is that the plan covers the person - no matter what vehicle they are driving. And 'unlimited towing distance' seems good - if you need towing and are on a 2-lane road in the middle of 'small town' (no gas station, no fast food joints, etc) you may need to be towed quite a few miles!

Also (as stated above) the Silverado manual says:

5 Years/100,000 Miles of 24-Hour Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation^†

When you’re on the road, you can rest assured that we’re with you all the way. Chevrolet Complete Care gives you the steadfast confidence to make every drive as stress-free as possible. And when you need help getting back on the road, our 24-Hour Roadside Assistance is there for you. This helpful service includes:

Emergency Towing (to the closest Chevrolet dealer from a legal roadway)
Jump Starts (at home or on the road)
Flat Tire Changes (spare installed if equipped)
Fuel Delivery ($5 worth of fuel delivered on the road)
Lockout Service (keys locked inside vehicle)
Courtesy Transportation provides alternate transportation options when your vehicle is undergoing warranty repairs

I just called OnStar and their towing is limited to 20 miles - any more miles you pay for!

redwngr · December 3, 2015

Sometimes, just being able to get service can be the most important part.

rshad · December 3, 2015

Also check with your insurance. I have it with State Farm and I actually used it from my insurance with my 2013 Sierra in October while surf fishing on the beach and they came out on the sand to open my truck. Guy I was with locked my doors with the key's inside. Of course now I have a 2015 and you have the app for your phone that will open the doors. (good for 5 years)