When your car breaks down on the side of the road, your first instinct may be to turn to the roadside assistance included in your auto insurance policy. After all, that’s what it’s there for — right? But attorney Joe Bowers urges Maryland drivers to think twice before making that call. Why? Because even simple claims can affect your premiums, and that “helpful” service might come with hidden costs down the road.

We live in a time when insurance rates are rising across the board, whether or not you file a claim. That means every interaction with your insurance provider could have consequences. Submitting a roadside assistance claim, even for something minor like a dead battery or flat tire, still gets logged in your policy history. While it’s unlikely to raise your premium on its own, every claim adds to a track record that may be used against you when your policy renews.

Instead of filing a claim with your auto insurer, Joe recommends looking into an independent roadside service like AAA. Unlike your insurer’s assistance program, AAA is not tied to your vehicle or insurance policy — it’s tied to you. That means you can use it when you’re riding in someone else’s car, a taxi, or even an Uber. More importantly, using AAA doesn’t count as an insurance claim and won’t come back to haunt you later.

Joe notes that AAA often has better response times thanks to its nationwide network of providers, and while it may cost slightly more than your insurer’s add-on, it often ends up being more reliable and less risky in the long run.

Sure, having roadside assistance bundled into your policy might be a little cheaper. But you have to ask yourself: Is the savings worth the potential for increased rates down the line? When you consider the possibility of long wait times, limited coverage, and claim history risks, the few extra bucks per year for AAA might be the smarter investment.

Joe has seen firsthand how insurance companies react to any type of claim — no matter how small. He’s also seen how little some agents understand about the real-world impact of what they’re selling. That’s why he encourages drivers to take advantage of free insurance policy reviews from someone who deals with accidents every single day.

At Bowers Law, we don’t sell insurance, but we do help people recover from accidents every day — and we know what policies truly protect you. If you’re unsure whether your roadside assistance coverage is helping or hurting, get a free policy review from Jobeth and his team. Whether you’re a current client, past client, or just someone who wants to be prepared, we’ll review your policy and explain what it actually means. Call us today.

The post Roadside Assistance on your Maryland Auto Policy- Should you have it? Should you use it? first appeared on Bowers Law.