How Does Ford Roadside Assistance Work?
Beginning with the 2007 model year, Ford ownership includes roadside assistance for the first five years or the first 60,000 miles.
Written by Natalie Todoroff
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
For models built in 2007 and after, Ford offers complimentary 24/7 Roadside Assistance for the first five years you own the car or for the first 60,000 miles driven—whichever comes first.
There are a plethora of car problems that a) stress you out and b) could leave you stranded. A blown tire, a faulty battery, needing a tow,
running out of gas
…the list really does go on. But their policy does not last forever, and it’s important to know exactly what they’re offering before opting into continuing their services.
Jerry
, the #1 rated app for car insurance
comparison and the only super app of its kind, is here with this guide to Ford’s roadside assistance program. We’ll tell you how it works, the pros of their system, and provide some alternative solutions. As a bonus, we'll even throw in a tip for how to save on your Ford car insurance costs
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How does Ford Roadside Assistance work?
Ford Roadside Assistance comes with all Ford models with a 2007 or later model year. After five years or 60,000 miles driven (whichever comes first), the warranty will expire. When that happens, you are still welcome to use their
roadside assistance
services, but be mindful that a per-service charge will apply. Fords with model years between 1998 and 2006 also come with Ford Roadside Assistance, but for a much shorter term of three years or 36,000 miles.
Roadside assistance has come a long way. As technology has advanced, so have the issues a mechanic can fix with nothing but the tools in their truck. Throughout all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, and
Mexico
, Ford Roadside Assistance can perform the following services:- Towing (warranty, non-warranty, and collision)
- Flat tire change
- Fuel delivery (2 gallons max of regular, 5 gallons max of diesel)
- Lockout assistance
- Winching (as long as the vehicle is within 100 feet of the road)
- Battery jumpstart
As thorough as their services are, there are some key drawbacks to be aware of, particularly when it comes to towing. If your car is under warranty and needs a tow, Ford Roadside Assistance will tow your vehicle 35 miles or to the nearest qualified Ford dealership. But, if the dealership is further than 35 miles, you will be responsible for any excess mileage charges.
If you need a tow after dealership business hours, Ford will tow your vehicle to your home (if you live within 35 miles of the breakdown), to a hotel (if you’re visiting from out of town), or to the tow company’s lot.
You’ll have to request a second tow the next day that follows the same stipulations as a daytime tow.
How to use Ford Roadside Assistance
To reach Ford’s 24/7/365 Roadside Assistance, dial 800-241-3673 toll-free. Once you’ve got a hold of them, they’ll ask you for some info:
- Your license plate number
- Your location
- The make, model, and color of your Ford
It almost goes without saying (but we’ll say it anyway): if you’ve been injured in a
car accident
, call 911 right away to get in touch with emergency medical services. If you’ve been in a
fender bender
but are otherwise unharmed, be sure to take photos and videos of the damage—they’ll be useful for your insurance claim later on. What if my Ford warranty expired?
Once mile number 60,001 hits, your complimentary Ford Roadside Assistance will be up. After crossing that milestone, you can select one of the
Ford Protect Extended Service Plans
. They’re available in four different tiers (and costs): PowertrainCare, BaseCare, ExtraCare, and PremiumCare. In addition to roadside assistance, they also offer:
- Air conditioning and heating services (expect PowertrainCare plan)
- Oil and water pump services
- Valve covers
And a whole lot more! You can compare the plans on Ford's website
MORE: How to choose an extended car warranty
Is Ford roadside assistance worth it?
For the first five years or 60,000 miles, Ford Roadside Assistance is absolutely worth it—mostly because it’s free! After that time frame, though, you may want to consider other options. Ford’s own program doesn’t come cheap, and you could end up coughing up a lot more change on your monthly car expenses if you decide to stay on their plan.
This, of course, depends on your personal budget. If you’ve got enough cash to spare for added peace of mind, by all means, extend the warranty. But, if you’re looking to spend less, there are cheaper options out there.
Alternatives to Ford Roadside Assistance
Believe it or not, certain cell phone providers offer roadside assistance for as little as $5 a month. It’s usually linked to your regular billing cycle, but double-check with your carrier to see if it’s something they offer.
How to save money on Ford insurance
Roadside assistance alone isn’t enough to protect your Ford from a breakdown; coupling it with a robust car insurance policy is the best way to keep your car in good shape.
And no, you no longer have to spend hours and hours poring over different (and often confusing) websites to get a great deal. When you shop for your policy with
Jerry
, you’ll be presented with quotes from dozens of premium insurance providers in under a minute. Just enter some basic information, let our
trustworthy licensed broker app
handle the rest, and you’ll save hundreds of dollars a year on your Ford car insurance costs
.“Jerrysaved me so much time and money! I went from $230 to $150, still with full coverage! The whole process was amazingly simple!” —Ronda S.
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FAQ
Is Ford’s extended warranty worth it?
We can’t answer that definitively for you because it really comes down to your personal budget. Ford Roadside Assistance gets a little pricey once your warranty is up, and there are more affordable options out there (like adding towing and labor coverage to your current policy).
But, their services are comprehensive and give you added peace of mind.
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