For you more "experienced drivers" with membership in AARP, you may wish to
look at their Roadside Assistance plan which is presently offered through
Allstate.  See: "http://www.aarproadside.com/AARP/home.do"

I have the "Premier plan" ($81 for a couple) which provides 100 miles
towing, but the real feature I like is the "Trip Interruption Guarantee".
"If a vehicle you are driving becomes disabled because of a collision or
mechanical failure**, and is completely disabled more than 100
miles from home, we will reimburse you up to a maximum of $750 per
occurrence ($1,500 maximum per membership year) for
expenses incurred within 48 hours of the incident for any combination of the
following:

   - Car rental or commercial transportation (including airline, bus, or
   train fare) from the accident location to your home or destination and then
   back to pick up the repaired vehicle.

   - Lodging expenses while your car is being repaired.

   - Ambulance charges.

My wife was out of town in our can and had a mechanical failure on a Sunday
and had the car towed to a dealer, rented a car, and spent the night in a
local hotel.  All of those expenses were paid for by the plan.

As unbelievable as it sounds, I have never had to use the plan for our
Vanagon.  But  it certainly gives me piece of mind having it.

Harold
___
Harold Teer
1991 Westy (Vangaux)
Harrisonburg, VA

On Wed, Sep 15, 2010 at 12:24 AM, DW <dcwilton@gmail.com> wrote:

> I'm not certain that this is pertinent to ask on the list, but it does
> relate to my van so here goes... I just received a renewal for my roadside
> assistance plan. I have used it twice in December of 2008 and have paid
> about $340 for the two years of annual fees. I'm not sure this is
> worthwhile, or currently sustainable. The critical issue for me is the
> ability to tow the vehicle to a reputable mechanic if need be. I'm not
> likely going to run out of gas, lock my keys in the van or require hotel
> discounts -- I am really just interested in the possibility of a long tow
> if
> the scenario ever arose. I guess my question is what do you folks use and
> why? Incidently, I have used the Allstate Platinum Elite Plan because I
> thought it was the best side-by-side comparison of plans, though it should
> be for the price they charge...
>
> Thanks for any thoughts, DW
>
> PS: I need coverage in the US & Canada
>