If you are looking for emergency roadside assistance that does not break the bank, consider getting it from Costco. But how do you get Costco roadside assistance?
If you are a Costco member, there are three ways you can get their roadside assistance service:
- Call their hotline number (877) 845-4179
- Apply for the service online
- By using the Costco app on your phone
Read on to learn more about the Costco roadside assistance service, how to get it, and what services to expect.
How to Get Costco Roadside Assistance
If your car breaks down, you can call Costco’s emergency roadside assistance for help.
This service is available 24/7 within the United States and Canada for Costco members. It is also applicable to any car that you drive. You can also use it even if you are not driving the vehicle.
However, before registering for Costco roadside assistance, your car should not be older than 12 years. Also, you will only receive a maximum of four calls per membership year.
How to Get Costco’s Roadside Assistance
To request Costco roadside assistance, you can use any one of the following methods:
1. Call Costco’s Hotline Number
The traditional method of getting Costco’s roadside assistance is calling their hotline number, which is (877) 845-4179. It is also, by far, the fastest method.
Calling the hotline will connect you to Costco’s operators. Expect them to collect all the important information they need to assist you. One is your Costco card’s serial number, so you must always carry it with you.
2. Apply for the Service Online
Costco has your back if you are at home and need to get your car towed to the service center. You can log in to their website and navigate it until you reach the roadside assistance page.
You will then need to fill out a form. Be sure to input the correct information, so the Costco towing crew knows what to do. This includes the make and model of the car that needs towing.
3. Use the Costco App
Do you still have a strong internet signal after your car broke down on the road? Then you can use the Costco mobile app:
- Tap on the Costco app.
- Tap on the menu icon and navigate to the roadside assistance page.
- Fill up the necessary information and then tap on the send button.
Depending on how busy the service team is, a tow truck will reach your location within 15 to 30 minutes.
What Services Come with Costco Roadside Assistance Include?
Costco’s roadside services cover almost everything you will need during your travels in your vehicle. The roadside assistance services from Costco cover you if:
- You’re driving your car.
- Somebody else is driving your vehicle.
- You’re a passenger, and somebody else is driving your car.
The Costco roadside assistance covers you while traveling throughout Northern America. Their customer service agents and technicians are available 24/7, so you can still receive help wherever and whenever needed.
After signing up for Costco roadside assistance, you are eligible for the following services:
1. Tow Services
With Costco’s towing services, you get coverage for up to 25 miles or until you reach the nearest service center.
2. Flat Tire Inflation and Changing Services
You can call Costco for assistance if you ever have a flat tire or a blowout. You can receive help replacing the flat tire or have it inflated and plugged. That way, you can still drive your car until it is repaired properly.
3. Winching Services
If you accidentally drove your car into a ditch, call Costco to help pull it out. This applies if icy roads have forced you into a snow bank.
4. Emergency Fuel Delivery Service
What if you absent-mindedly took your car for a long drive without checking the fuel gauge? You only noticed the problem when it was already too late. If you are stuck on the shoulder of the freeway with an empty tank, you can call Costco roadside assistance.
This is so you can get emergency fuel delivery. You will only get a little more to reach the nearest gas station.
5. Car Battery Services
What if you suddenly feel like your engine suddenly lost power? You noticed that you barely just had enough to pull over to the side of the road. If your car doesn’t start, it might be that your battery is completely discharged.
If you find yourself in this situation, Costco roadside assistance can help. They can give your car a jumpstart or even charge it enough that you can start the engine.
6. Basic Mechanical Fixes
If your car suddenly stalls and won’t start, note that a dying battery is not the only possible cause. There could be other mechanical issues that could cause the problem. In that case, you can call on Costco. Hopefully, they will send a technician to help you get your car going again.
7. Locksmith Services
If you accidentally lock your keys, Costco can help by sending a locksmith. This way, you can unlock your car doors without damaging anything.
Do You Need Roadside Assistance?
It’s safe to say that you will receive a good deal if you avail of Costco’s roadside assistance service. However, the question is, do you need it? Take a step back from this awesome deal and determine if you need this service.
If you fall under the following categories, then you don’t need Costco roadside assistance:
1. Auto Insurance Coverage
Check your auto insurance policy. If the terms state coverage for all the roadside services you need, you don’t need Costco’s service. Getting it would only be redundant.
2. You Don’t Travel Much
If the farthest you usually travel by car is the outskirts of your city, then roadside assistance is unnecessary. If you experience a breakdown in the middle of the city, you may likely find a mechanic’s garage nearby. They can also most likely tow your car to their shop.
3. Warranty Coverage
The warranty should cover roadside assistance if you have bought a new car. Check the terms of service of your car’s manufacturer, or call the dealership for more details. Most car dealerships bundle roadside assistance with their cars’ warranties, so check if you are still eligible for the service.
4. Your Car Is Over 12 Years Old
It is not that you don’t need Costco’s roadside assistance, but you’re no longer eligible for it. Older cars break down more often. In other words, services offering roadside assistance typically set a limit on the car’s age.
Again, does Costco offer roadside assistance? Costco offers roadside assistance to its members at around $70 a year.
Why Is It Important to Have Roadside Assistance Insurance
If you don’t have roadside assistance coverage yet, you should consider getting a basic one. Aside from being more convenient and cheaper than paying out of pocket, it will also keep you safe while traveling:
1. Fewer Hassles
If your vehicle stalls in the middle of the highway, you will get a traffic citation. This is even if you pull over to the side of the road. In that case, law enforcement gets to you before a tow truck.
If you have roadside assistance coverage, you can immediately contact your provider. They will immediately send over a tow truck. Often, the tow truck would be in your area within 15 to 30 minutes.
Even if the authorities managed to get to you first, they would usually waive the traffic citation. This is if they found out you already have a tow truck coming to get your car.
2. Minimizes Car Damage
If your car stalled due to a mechanical issue, like an overheating engine, it would be dangerous to continue driving. For one thing, doing so might worsen the damage to your car’s engine.
If you have roadside assistance, you do not need to compromise your vehicle’s condition. The reason is that a tow truck will do it for you.
So, when you notice your engine’s temperature is rising, immediately pull over to the side of the road. Once you’re safely parked, turn off the engine and immediately contact your roadside assistance service. The tow truck will bring your car to the nearest mechanic’s garage for repairs.
3. Provides Peace of Mind
You might not be aware of it all the time. However, when driving, there is always a looming sense of dread in your mind. You are always thinking about what you need to do when your car does break down on the highway. This can be quite a stressful experience.
If you have roadside assistance, you don’t need to worry about anything. You will be at ease knowing you will always receive aid whenever required.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Roadside Assistance Service
Whether you’re thinking of getting Costco’s roadside assistance or that from another company, here are some things to consider:
1. Vehicle’s Age
Most roadside service providers don’t provide subscriptions for cars older than ten years. They may also charge higher rates for them. You will need to clarify this detail with the company you wish to sign up with.
You will have enough information to compare prices with other companies. Also, you can determine if paying for towing services out of pocket is cheaper than signing up for a service.
2. Length of Time on the Road
Are you spending most of your time on the road? It could be that you love driving or have to do it because of your job. If so, then you should make sure that you at least have basic service coverage.
Because of how frequently you are on the road, the chances of your car breaking down also increase. This is more than enough reason to get a roadside assistance service.
What Are the Causes of Break Down?
Before you go on a long trip, take your car to the mechanic’s garage. This is so you can have it checked out and ensure it is in top condition. This will allow you to catch any issue before it gets worse.
Here are some of the causes of roadside breakdowns that you should keep an eye out for:
1. Overheating Engine
You need to regularly check the level of engine coolant that is still in the reservoir. Ensure that the coolant level is well above the minimum level and just below the maximum amount. This will prevent your engine from overheating.
2. Flat or Damaged Tires
Punctured tires are not entirely avoidable, but other types of damage can be. Check your tires for damages and replace them before the wear and tear get too serious.
In addition, you need to ensure that all your tires are properly inflated. This is one of the reasons why you should also invest in a good car tire inflator.
3. Running Out of Fuel
Many people underestimate the distance that the amount of gas in their cars will let them travel. Do not believe the myths that you still have a mile or two of travel. Keep the fuel levels even just above the halfway mark. That way, you will not have to worry about running out of gas.
Another good practice is always to have a spare gas can in the trunk of your car. Fill it up whenever you are going on a long road trip.
4. Drained Battery
What if your car suddenly stopped running? You noticed that it won’t start, though you still had a lot of fuel in the tank. The next possible culprit is the battery.
Either your battery is already bad, or your car’s alternator is no longer charging it. You could have spotted these issues early with the help of maintenance checkups.
In Closing
For Costco members, there are several ways that they can use to receive roadside assistance, namely:
- Call their hotline number (877) 845-4179
- Apply for the service online
- By using the Costco app on their phone
Even if you don’t travel that much by car, you should still consider getting even just the basic coverage plan. This way, you don’t have to worry in case your vehicle does break down in the middle of the road. You can always rely on your roadside service plan to send help.
