Our AT&T mobile phone family plan comes with a $2.99/mo per individual option for roadside assistance. Asurion, the company that provides the service, describes itself as “the largest global provider of wireless handset insurance and wireless roadside assistance programs.” Sounds good, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, Asurion’s service in our area has been rather poor. My wife and I have called for service three times and have not had very good results.
- Mentor, Ohio — When our Chrysler minivan’s brake line broke, we called Asurion and a tow truck arrived within one hour. That was good.
- Painesville, Ohio — When the Chrysler minivan’s transmission finally died, I waited over two hours and was reminded several times that it would be only 30 more minutes. The truck never arrived and I eventually pushed the van myself for a mile! Thanks alot! That was very bad.
- Painesville, Ohio — When our SAAB wagon got a flat tire today, my wife waited over two hours and the truck never arrived. She was repeatedly told that the truck would arrive in “another” 15 minutes. I was working at the time and eventually called a friend to change the tire. Thanks alot! That was very bad.
When asked about the problem, the Asurion rep told me that they contract with only certain local companies. During the second incident, they called a company in Kirtland, Ohio which is nine miles away from where I was located. I know of several local towing companies in Painesville, but Asurion doesn’t seem to have a contract with any of them. In any event, it was very inconvenient to wait over two hours both times.
I know what you are thinking. “What do you expect for $2.99/mo?” I expect the company to keep it’s end of the bargain no matter what the cost is. And if you think things through, Asurion’s coverage plan is not as cheap as you think because both Sharon and I are charged $2.99/mo. The total annual premium is $71.76. That’s about the same price as a dual membership with AAA would be. In any event, my experience with Asurion in the Painesville area has been very poor. If you are considering adding Asurion to your phone bill, you may want to reconsider unless you have more than two hours available when bad things happen … in a bad neighborhood … during a snow storm … or at night far from home.
I do not recommend Asurion’s Roadside Assistance plan.