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Posted in: Roadside Assistance

12 Common Roadside Assistance Myths in the United States

I’ll break down the  most common roadside assistance misconceptions and reveal the facts you really need to know. And remember, if you ever need immediate help, call us at 1(800)-497-5860.


Myth 1: Roadside assistance only covers towing

The truth is roadside assistance is not limited to towing. With Five Star Roadside, you get emergency gas delivery, battery replacement, tire changes, jump starts, and car lockout services. Towing is just one piece of the full package.


Misconception 2: Roadside help does not cover rental cars

A big misunderstanding is that coverage is only for your personal vehicle. In fact, many roadside assistance providers, including Five Star Roadside, can support you when you’re using a rental car. This saves travelers both stress and money when problems strike away from home.


Myth 3: Police will provide free roadside assistance

Because police handle emergencies, many drivers assume they’ll change tires, bring gas, or tow for free. That’s not the case. Law enforcement focuses on safety and traffic management, not mechanical support. For actual service, you need a roadside assistance provider like Five Star Roadside.


Misconception 4: Roadside assistance is only for big cities

Some people believe roadside help won’t reach smaller towns or less populated highways. That’s false. Five Star Roadside serves 32 different U.S. cities, including smaller areas like Covington, LA and Phenix City, AL, so drivers aren’t left behind no matter where they travel.


Myth 5: A tow truck will likely damage your vehicle

This rumor keeps drivers from calling for help. The reality is modern towing methods are safe, with flatbeds and wheel-lift systems designed to protect your vehicle. Our trained partners handle every job with care, reducing the risk of any damage.


Misconception 6: Roadside assistance is always slow to respond

Many assume waiting hours is normal. At Five Star Roadside, our average response times are far faster, because we know breakdowns don’t happen at convenient times. We cover busy highways like I-10 in Louisiana and city roads in Houston, TX, making quick help possible.


Myth 7: Fuel delivery means a full tank

A common false belief is that when gas is delivered, the tank will be filled completely. In reality, roadside fuel delivery provides enough gas to get you safely to the nearest station. That’s all you need to get back on the road without overpaying.


Misconception 8: Roadside assistance doesn’t include lockout services

Some drivers think being locked out of their car isn’t covered. In fact, car lockout service is one of the top five requests nationwide. Our team unlocks vehicles safely without damage, so you won’t have to risk breaking a window.


Myth 9: Jump-starts always fix a dead battery permanently

This is one of the most dangerous misconceptions. A jump-start only provides temporary power. If your battery is failing, it needs replacement. That’s why Five Star Roadside also offers on-the-spot battery replacements, saving you from repeat breakdowns.


Misconception 10: Roadside plans don’t help on private property

Drivers sometimes think coverage only applies if the car is stuck on a public highway. That’s not true. We respond whether your car is in your driveway, office parking lot, or shopping center garage. A breakdown doesn’t care where you are, and neither do we.


Myth 11: Roadside assistance is too expensive

Many people skip signing up because they believe roadside help costs too much. In reality, the cost of a single tow or locksmith visit can be higher than an entire plan. With Five Star Roadside, you get five services under one plan, making it a smart financial choice.


Misconception 12: All roadside providers are the same

Not every provider delivers the same quality. Some limit coverage, others take hours to arrive, and some only partner with specific networks. At Five Star Roadside, we’re transparent, fast, and trusted in 32 locations nationwide, including Austin, TX and Phoenix, AZ. You’ll know exactly what you’re getting.


Final Word

Myths spread quickly, but facts save drivers time and money. Roadside assistance isn’t just about towing; it’s about peace of mind. Whether you’re stuck in Winter Haven, FL or heading down the highway near San Antonio, TXFive Star Roadside has you covered. Save our number 1(800)-497-5860 today, because the next time your car breaks down, the truth will matter more than the myths.


FAQ

What are the 4 common roadside assistance myths in the United States?

The 4 most common roadside assistance myths in the United States include false beliefs like roadside help only covers towing, police will provide free roadside assistance, rental cars are never covered, and fuel delivery means a full tank. These misconceptions spread confusion and stop drivers from using reliable services like Five Star Roadside.

Why do so many drivers believe on roadside assistance rumors?

Many drivers believe roadside assistance rumors because of outdated experiences, stories from friends, or misinformation online. Over time, these false beliefs become accepted truths even though modern providers like Five Star Roadside offer wide coverage and fast service.

How can I tell the difference between roadside assistance facts and misconceptions

To separate facts from misconceptions, check the official roadside assistance provider details, review plan coverage, and compare services across providers. Reliable companies like Five Star Roadside clearly list what is included such as lockout help, battery replacement, and tire changes.

Which roadside assistance misconceptions cost drivers the most money

The misconceptions that cost drivers the most money are believing roadside assistance is too expensive to buy or thinking a jump-start always fixes a dead battery. These false ideas lead to bigger repair bills when problems return.

Does roadside assistance really cover battery replacement or is that another myth

It is a myth that roadside assistance never covers battery replacement. While some companies only provide jump-starts, Five Star Roadside offers full on-the-spot battery replacement so drivers do not get stranded again.

If I call roadside assistance too often will they cancel my plan

Some people believe frequent use automatically leads to cancellation, but that is a misconception. Responsible providers like Five Star Roadside focus on service, and while fair use applies, the idea of instant cancellation is a rumor.