South Carolina residents have access to free roadside assistance through the South Carolina Department of Transportation State Highway Emergency Program (SCDOT SHEP), though they may find a more thorough set of services through other subscription-based roadside assistance programs or through your car insurance
provider. Roadside assistance services may be something you never think about until you’re standing in the Target parking lot in the middle of winter because you locked your keys in the car. Or maybe you’re someone who over-prepares for everything and insists on securing roadside assistance access before you hit the road.
Whichever side of that coin you land on, there’s no denying that the benefits of a good roadside assistance service can feel unmatched when you’re stranded on the side of the highway. There are tons of roadside assistance options out there, so let’s go over the best avenues to get roadside assistance in South Carolina.
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Finding roadside assistance in South Carolina can be a breeze. If you prefer not to pay into a subscription service, SCDOT SHEP has you covered on some of the basic roadside services.
Those who are able to shell out a bit of money on a more dedicated plan, though, have some more options. You can use a roadside assistance club like the well-known AAA, you can go through your vehicle manufacturer, or you can even use establishments like your credit card company or car insurance provider.
Roadside assistance clubs in South Carolina
If you’ve ever heard anything about roadside assistance, it may have been following the name AAA
. AAA is one of the biggest roadside assistance providers out there and is well-known for its level of service. A basic membership costs about $60 per year and gives you access to: Entertainment and travel discounts
And more. If you opt for one of AAA’s more premium memberships, you’ll upgrade your services to include things like trip disruption coverage and free car rentals—of course, you’ll be paying a bit more too.
But AAA isn’t the only roadside assistance club out there! If you drive a hybrid or electric vehicle
, you may want to check out Better World Club which offers a 10% discount on membership dues each year you make an eco-friendly vehicle your ride of choice. When deciding on a roadside assistance club, be sure to inquire about any potential discounts or special services that could stretch your dollars a bit further!
Manufacturers that offer roadside assistance
For all the new car buyers out there, it’s likely that you already have automatic roadside assistance coverage through your vehicle manufacturer. Roadside assistance is often included for a specific warranty period through many major car makers, including:
Ford:
Available for five years or 60,000 milesHonda
: Available for three years or 36,000 miles Hyundai
: Available for five years with unlimited mileageKia
: Available for five years or 60,000 miles Nissan
: Available for three years or 36,000 milesTesla:
Available for four years or 50,000 miles Toyota
: Available for two years with unlimited mileage
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Credit card companies that offer roadside assistance
Another roadside assistance connection you may already have is through your credit card company. Some major companies offer their roadside services complimentary to their credit card customers, including:
Other credit card companies, like Visa, have roadside assistance services available for a fee. Be sure to confirm any roadside assistance benefits that are available to you within the terms of your credit card and how you can access the service.
Insurance companies that offer roadside assistance
Possibly one of the easier roadside assistance programs to join will be with your auto insurance provider. Typically, roadside assistance coverage or otherwise called towing and labor coverage
can be added onto your existing insurance policy for an average of $10 to $20 per year if you have full coverage. Major car insurance companies like Nationwide, Progressive, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, and more offer roadside assistance/towing and labor coverage that includes all the benefits you’d expect:
Whether you’re new to driving, between policies, or simply looking to add more coverage to your existing insurance plan, ask your insurance company about the roadside assistance coverage they provide. Be sure to inquire about any discounts you may qualify for, too!
How to find free roadside assistance in South Carolina
Now, subscription-based roadside assistance is great for the right time, place, and people—but sometimes, nothing beats a free service. Happily, South Carolina residents have access to 24/7 free roadside assistance through the South Carolina DOT.
The State Highway Emergency Program (SHEP) was established to assist motorists who have broken down or are otherwise experiencing mechanical problems with their vehicles. While the list of services may not be as expansive as AAA’s premium membership, SCDOT SHEP can help with the basics: tire changes, minor repairs, emergency fuel, and getting a broken-down vehicle out of the way of traffic.
There are a few ways you can contact them should you find yourself in need. If you have an iOS or Android device, you can download the free SCDOT 511 App from the App Store or Google Play Store. Otherwise, you can call *HP (*47) to be connected to a service representative.
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blew my mind, honestly. From start to finish, using the app took me 10 minutes and I ended up with $100 of savings a month. Best of all, customer service answered all my questions about rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance.” —Savanna R.
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