San Francisco, Dec 20 (IANS): Apple has brought roadside assistance via satellite feature on iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15, or iPhone 15 Pro devices for users in the US.

Users can text for roadside assistance when they are off the grid with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

"If you need help with car trouble while off the grid -- for example, if you're locked out, have a flat tire, or run out of fuel or charge — you can contact a roadside service provider via satellite to request roadside assistance," Apple wrote on its support page.

"To connect to a satellite with your iPhone, you need to be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon. When you use a satellite connection, the experience is different than sending or receiving a message via cellular," it added.

To use this feature, iPhone users need iOS 17 or later to connect to AAA for roadside assistance or iOS 17.2 or later and a Verizon SIM to connect to Verizon for roadside assistance.

To request roadside assistance via satellite on your device, go to Messages, tap the New Message button to start a conversation, and then in the address field, type "Roadside".

When you're off the grid with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, you'll see the option to request roadside assistance via satellite.

Now tap "roadside assistance" and follow the onscreen instructions to connect to a satellite and request help.

In addition, the company mentioned that international travellers who visit the US can use the feature while visiting, except if they bought their iPhone in certain countries or regions.

 

  

Credits

New Delhi, January 1, 2024 - Roadserve, India's leading 24x7 roadside assistance company, has launched an empowering initiative - Lifetime Free Roadside Assistance for women drivers. This pioneering offering aims to address the unique challenges faced by women on the road and provide them with reliable support during breakdowns.

From Flat Tyres to Locked Keys: Road Stress Is Real

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Many car drivers have experienced anxiety and frustration following an unexpected breakdown or accident while driving solo when there’s no reliable local assistance. Flat tires, dead batteries, and engine trouble are common occurrences that often leave car owners stranded. “I can’t change a flat tyre,” said Sonali Verma, “I can’t imagine the stress an accident can cause when there’s no professional and trustworthy help nearby.”

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When asked about the importance of accident support, Kritika Mistry, a professional mechanic talked about towing issues post major events. Oftentimes, the vehicle has to be towed to a workshop for repairs as roadside help alone doesn’t suffice. “It can be a major hassle having to coordinate with multiple agencies when you’re already battling a crisis in the middle of the road,” she mentioned, “What’s more, there’s always a nagging feeling of being shortchanged.”

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Sometimes, it’s not a flat tyre or a jumpstart that presents itself out of nowhere. Your keys can get locked inside the car or you might unexpectedly run into starter issues, leaving you helpless. It’s also not uncommon to run out of fuel at the wrong time when the nearest fuel station is miles away.

Roadserve launched a special 24x7 helpline number 18003093431 for women’s that ensures assistance is only a call away for individuals in distress.

How Roadserve Disrupts Road Safety with Innovative Tech

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Roadserve recognises these concerns and is committed to transforming the roadside assistance landscape for women. Their game-changing new lifetime free membership covers a comprehensive range of services including towing, flat tire repair, emergency fuel delivery, minor mechanical repairs, medical coordination and more.

"At Roadserve, we believe that empowered women empower women. Our lifetime free assistance aims to give women the confidence, freedom and security they deserve on the road," said Aman Gupta, Founder & CEO of Roadserve.

Roadserve launched a special 24x7 helpline number 18003093431 for women’s that ensures assistance is only a call away for individuals in distress. With a powerful network of 2000+ highly trained mechanics and professionals across India, help arrives swiftly.

When asked about her experiences with the brand, Nitisha Shinde, a Mumbai-based entrepreneur said, "As someone who drives long distances alone for work, Roadserve's service gives me immense peace of mind. Their quick response and caring staff have won my trust. I can drive stress-free knowing that I have a backup with me at all times."

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In a remarkable commitment to women's safety, over 90% of Roadserve's workforce comprises women. Muskan Patel, Head-Customer Service at Roadserve said, "With tech-based intervention, we aim to create an ecosystem of empathy that understands women's concerns intrinsically. That’s what drives us in our efforts every single day."

Free Lifetime Membership for Women

The lifetime free membership is a major announcement from the brand and is now open for enrollment until January 31, 2024 exclusively for women drivers. RoadServe extends a comprehensive service package encompassing towing, flat tyre aid, and additional assistance.

"Beyond roadside assistance, Roadserve is building a movement. We believe every woman deserves to feel safe and supported on every journey. Join us in creating a world where roads empower, not intimidate," said Rahul Yelligetti, Chief Marketing Officer of Roadserve.

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Customers can leverage a lifetime of complimentary support for diverse roadside emergencies.

Roadserve is Every Woman’s Reliable Road Companion

Roadserve is driving change by empowering women to navigate the roads fearlessly. The key to this new movement is that there are no unfair charges. Their unwavering glitch-free assistance and inclusive workforce make them every woman's reliable companion on the road.

Chandni Jafri, Business Advisor said " As someone who is passionate about driving, I understand the concerns that women face on the road. This initiative is a step in the right direction providing a sense of security and peace of mind to women drivers. It's a game changer for the industry.

Visit Roadserve today to know more about how Roadserve is leading the mission to make roads safer for women every day.

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Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.

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Credits

Whether it’s a flat tire or an empty gas tank, being stranded on the side of the road is stressful. And when you’re in an unfamiliar location, having help on speed dial can be a serious relief.

When you pay for roadside assistance, you get a dedicated service provider who will ride to the rescue whether a dead battery needs a jump start or a disabled vehicle requires a tow. Let’s take a closer look at what emergency roadside service plans offer drivers and whether this coverage is the right fit for you and your vehicle.

What is emergency roadside assistance?

Emergency road service is a popular coverage option that helps stranded motorists who are having mechanical issues. Most roadside assistance services offer 24/7 coverage from a network of local service providers at a reduced cost.

A roadside assistance plan can include towing services, help with flat tires, fuel delivery, battery replacement and even locksmith services. Note that what’s covered can vary depending on the location, provider, and several other factors.

Emergency road service is designed to minimize the costs of common sources of car malfunction and provide support even in a remote or rural breakdown location.

What does emergency roadside assistance cover?

Roadside services are designed to save you money in the event your vehicle breaks down, but the benefits included in roadside assistance programs can vary significantly. Here are a few (but not all) of the things you’ll find roadside assistance covers.

Towing services

When your car breaks, doing mechanical labor in the breakdown lane isn’t always an option. A roadside assistance program includes towing to the nearest repair facility for free or at a reduced cost. This can also include emergency services and a winch when your vehicle is stuck.

Battery services

Got a dead battery or need a jump start? Roadside assistance services ride to the rescue and replace the battery if needed at a competitive price. Some roadside assistance plans will also test your battery, starter and alternator as well as haul away your old one for free.

Tire change services

If your road trip has suddenly ground to a halt, roadside assistance plans provide assistance changing a flat tire. Just keep in mind there are some common sense limits to this service such as having your own spare tire on hand.

Fuel delivery

You really thought you’d make it to the gas station, but your fuel tank had other plans. Fuel delivery is often part of roadside assistance coverage but beware that they’ll only top you off enough to make it to the nearest station.

Locksmith services

If you’re the owner of older vehicles, chances are you’ve locked your keys in the car at least once. Locksmith service can be the key to getting your car rolling again and if they can’t break into your vehicle, they’ll often call you a tow truck.

Minor repair and labor coverage

If the problem sidelining you in the breakdown lane is a quick fix like loose wires or low fluids, some roadside services step up to solve the issue. More complicated repairs might not be within your coverage limits.

Some roadside programs also cover a few different kinds of vehicles, from motorcycles to boats and RVs. And you can opt for add-on coverage like trip interruption benefits, which would reimburse for the cost of food or lodging if you’re stranded far from home while waiting on a repair shop.

Who needs roadside assistance services?

Many drivers rack up plenty of mileage (and DIY repairs) without the assistance of an emergency roadside service. But according to I Drive Safely, a defensive driving program, there are some situations where having emergency support is a smart idea.

If you own an old car.

Did you know according to Car and Driver that the average age of vehicles on the road is 11 years old? A study from AAA indicates any car old enough to sport double digits is twice as likely to end up sidelined on the highway during the next family road trip.

If you have a long commute.

More mileage equals more chances for things to go wrong with your car. The US Census Bureau indicates the average one-way commute increased to 27.6 minutes in 2019. That puts just over 7,000 miles on your vehicle annually.

If you’re worried about your ability to change a tire or make minor repairs.

Imagine yourself on the side of a busy highway or on a remote country road after dark. How confident are you in your ability to change a flat tire quickly and safely? Not so confident? Roadside assistance might give you peace of mind.

If you’re taking a long road trip.

Hitting the highway for an epic road trip gets a lot less fun when you’re stranded or out of gas. Consider roadside assistance coverage for longer trips, especially those to rural or remote areas where finding an auto repair provider in an emergency might be a serious (and expensive) hassle.

How much does roadside assistance cost?

One of the important considerations before plunking down your money for a roadside assistance plan is the cost. Is roadside service worth it?

Let’s take a closer look at what you might pay for common issues with your vehicle if you have roadside coverage versus without it.

Keep in mind that additional costs of fuel, tires, and batteries are not included in either estimate. And that in the case of towing without roadside assistance, you’ll pay additional costs per mile on top of the towing fee. Costs can vary for roadside programs as well based on your coverage limits and location.

As you can see from the cost comparison, even if you only experience one of these common car problems per year, you’ll save money with emergency road service coverage.

5 benefits of having emergency roadside service

You’ve heard the cliche: membership has its benefits. Here are a few reasons to lean into the extra costs associated with roadside coverage.

1. 24/7 support

There’s a certain peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re not alone when you’re stranded at 2 a.m. Roadside assistance programs have folks manning the helm round the clock so that when you call for help, they’ll answer.

2. Real-time tracking

In the same way you can track your pizza from the moment it gets popped into the oven until the delivery driver arrives, many roadside assistance mobile apps offer real-time tracking of providers like tow truck drivers.

3. Quick and reliable assistance

Many emergency roadside service providers promise help will arrive within a certain time frame (like 30 minutes or less) depending on location. This can be a relief if you’re sitting in your car with the whole family and feeling anxious about getting to your destination.

4. Widespread coverage

While there’s no guarantee your roadside program covers every corner of the map, many of them have contracted providers just a few miles away on major routes and highways.

5. Peace of mind

When you get behind the wheel, you never plan to have a breakdown. But accidents happen and if you’re not equipped to handle minor repairs, it can be a relief to let the professionals handle it.

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Choosing an emergency road service provider

When you think of emergency roadside assistance, you likely associate it with being a AAA member. While AAA service is one of the most popular options, there are other ways to request roadside assistance coverage.

Below are just a few options to consider, but keep in mind you may already have some limited coverage through your car insurance, credit card or even cell phone provider.

American Automobile Association (AAA) Membership

The long-standing auto club offers three tiers of annual plans: Classic, PlusRV, and Premier. Each AAA roadside assistance plan comes with different towing mileage ranges and other benefits.

Good Sam

Good Sam specializes in roadside assistance for RVs, but they also offer a few different plans for cars, trucks and motorcycles. Their Platinum membership even provides emergency medical assistance.

Better World Club

As a roadside assistance program, Better World Club boasts a 100% carbon neutral program and includes support for bicyclists. You even get 10% off your membership if you’re the owner of a hybrid or electric vehicle.

Your insurance provider

Car insurance companies commonly offer some basic roadside assistance, but you can also add-on additional coverage to your car insurance policy. Providers like Geico, Progressive, State Farm, National, and AllState all offer emergency roadside service.

Auto manufacturer

If you purchased a new car, you’re in luck because they often come with free roadside service for a certain period of time. You can also purchase extended warranties through the car manufacturer or a third-party that offer roadside benefits.

Credit card companies

Believe it or not, a few credit companies like Chase, US Bank, Bank of America, and Capital One offer free roadside assistance as a perk while others have coverage for an annual fee. American Express used to offer this coverage standard with their cards, but it’s no longer available.

Cell phone provider

Both Verizon and T-Mobile offer roadside assistance coverage through AllState’s Motor Club at a reduced cost to their customers. For T-Mobile you’ll have to use an app called SyncUP DRIVE to monitor your vehicle, while Verizon provides roadside service as a monthly add-on cost per cell phone line.

Rental car companies

Many rental car companies offer some roadside assistance or provide extended coverage for an add-on cost. Be careful before purchasing roadside assistance coverage if you already have it through your car insurance company as this will usually cover your rental car.

The cheapest way to get emergency roadside service is usually through your car insurance company, but ask these questions before you add coverage to an existing policy.

What’s the plan cost and are there any additional fees?

How many service claims can I have per year? Will claims affect my car insurance rates?

Am I covered if I’m not in my own car? Does coverage extend to other household members?

What are the towing and service limits?

Does this roadside assistance policy offer trip interruption benefits?

While memberships through auto clubs may be more expensive, they can provide better coverage and more reliable service for members. And if you’re hitting the road without a backup plan, the helping hand will be worth its weight in gold.

Credits

The Roadside Assistance via Satellite feature that Apple introduced for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models now works with the Verizon Roadside Assistance program, according to an updated Apple support document.

As of iOS 17.2, U.S. customers that have a Verizon SIM can connect to Verizon via satellite to get roadside assistance on the iPhone, with this option joining the already existing AAA roadside assistance option that Apple announced as part of iOS 17.

Verizon provides its subscribers with the option to purchase Roadside Assistance for $4.99 per month for each line enrolled in an account. The subscription includes winching, fuel delivery, battery jumpstarts, tire changes, towing, and more, though there are limits on all services.

Roadside Assistance through Verizon includes four service claims in a wireless coverage area and one claim outside of wireless coverage, though Verizon notes that non-coverage area service requests are only available on iOS 17.2 ‌iPhone 14‌ and ‌iPhone 15‌ models that offer satellite connectivity.

Verizon does offer its subscribers pay per use roadside assistance without a subscription. Towing is priced starting at $154, a jump start is $92, and a tire change is $98.

Apple announced Roadside Assistance via Satellite alongside the new ‌iPhone 15‌ models, adding it to the Emergency SOS via Satellite function. Apple routes customers to either AAA or Verizon, and does not provide any roadside assistance itself.

Apple includes two years of Emergency SOS via Satellite and Roadside Assistance via Satellite connectivity for free with the purchase of an ‌‌iPhone 14‌‌ or ‌‌iPhone 15‌‌, but actual roadside assistance fees need to be paid to Verizon or AAA. Roadside Assistance via Satellite is limited to the United States at this time.

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Credits

When you're stranded on the side of a road with a dead battery or flat tire, your credit card may be able to help. Many consumer and business credit cards have roadside assistance benefits that can help you arrange the services you need. But this perk isn't available with all cards and the cost of the service varies.

CNBC Select reviewed many of the most popular credit cards to find the top credit cards with roadside assistance for various needs. (See our methodology for information on how we choose the top credit cards with roadside assistance).

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Rewards

Earn 5X total points on flights and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025

Welcome bonus

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®

Annual fee

Intro APR

Regular APR

Balance transfer fee

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed

Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve® review.

$300 annual travel credit for travel purchasesGlobal Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit up to $100 every four yearsPriority Pass™ Select lounge access at 1,000+ VIP lounges in over 500 cities worldwidePoints are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards®Special benefits at The Luxury Hotel & Resort CollectionComplimentary year of Lyft Pink membershipHigh annual fee, but it can be offset by taking advantage of all the card’s perksNo introductory APR

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Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $1,469Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $3,346

Rewards totals incorporate the points earned from the welcome bonus

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Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Rewards

Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business

Welcome bonus

Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Annual fee

Intro APR

0% for the first 12 months from account opening on purchases; N/A for balance transfers

Regular APR

Balance transfer fee

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed

No annual feeFree employee cardsSimple cash-back programSpecial financing offer for purchases3% fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.

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Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Rewards

Enjoy 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Welcome bonus

Special Offer: Unlimited Matched Cash Back. Use your card for all your purchases and at the end of your first year, Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned! There is no limit to how much you can earn. Every dollar in cash back rewards you earn is a dollar Chase will match.

Annual fee

Intro APR

0% for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers

Regular APR

Balance transfer fee

Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Foreign transaction fee

3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Credit needed

Read our Chase Freedom Unlimited® review.

No annual feeRewards can be transferred to a Chase Ultimate Rewards cardGenerous welcome bonus3% fee charged on foreign transactions

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Who's this for? The Chase Freedom Unlimited® has a $0 annual fee and earns at least 1.5% cash back on every purchase, making it an excellent choice for anyone who doesn't want to overthink their credit card strategy.

Roadside assistance benefits: Freedom Unlimited cardholders have access to a 24/7 pay-per-use roadside assistance service through Visa. For a pre-negotiated fee, you can get:

Fuel delivery (up to five gallons)Tire change (must have a replacement tire)Standard winchingStandard towing (up to five miles, you pay for additional miles)Jump-startLockout service

Call 1-800-847-2869 when you need to use your roadside assistance benefit.

Other standout benefits: New card members can take advantage of 0% APR for purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months (then a variable 20.49%-29.24% applies; a balance transfer fee of the greater of 3% of the amount transferred or $5 applies to transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening).

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Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Rewards

Welcome bonus

Annual fee

Intro APR

N/A for purchases and balance transfers

Regular APR

Balance transfer fee

$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed

Read our Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card review.

No annual fee$49, $99 or $200 refundable depositNo fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.High variable APRNo rewards program

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Who's this for? As a secured credit card, the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card (see rates and fees) is ideal for anyone with weak credit or a thin credit history who might not get approved for a traditional, unsecured credit card.

Roadside assistance benefits: The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card offers roadside assistance as part of its World Mastercard suite of benefits.

The Master RoadAssist® Roadside Service perk covers travel in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia. You'll be charged a pre-negotiated fee for services such as jump-starting, towing, tire change and fuel delivery.

These emergency services aren't available in off-road areas and for certain vehicles, such as campers. When you need roadside assistance, call 1-888-531-4227.

Other standout benefits: This card requires a $49, $99 or $200 upfront refundable deposit based on your creditworthiness, but regardless of which deposit amount you qualify for, you'll still receive the same $200 credit limit.

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The top-tier protections and luxury benefits offered by the Chase Sapphire Reserve go far beyond roadside assistance, making this a go-to option if you value peace of mind and comfort.

Rewards

10X total points per dollar on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®*10X points per dollar on Lyft purchases through March 20255X total points per dollar on flights purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®*3X points per dollar on other travel*3X points per dollar on dining1X points per dollar on all other purchases

*After the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually

Welcome bonus

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee

$550

Notable perks

Each year, Chase Sapphire Reserve card members get up to $300 in travel credits, helping you earn back about half of the annual fee. And once every four years, card members can be reimbursed for a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee (worth up to $100). Other perks include access to Sapphire airport lounges and a Priority Pass Select membership (valued at $469), unlocking access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide.

Cardholders also have access to other useful travel and purchase protections, including:

Trip delay reimbursementTrip cancellation/interruption insurancePrimary rental car collision coverageLost luggage reimbursementEmergency evacuation and transportation insurancePurchase protectionReturn protectionExtended warranty coverage

With the Sapphire Reserve, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to Chase's 14 airline and hotel partners. If you prefer to use Chase points to pay for the travel you book through the Chase travel portal, your points are worth 50% more (1.5 cents each).

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The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is an especially rewarding small business card, especially when you take into account its $0 annual fee and generous welcome bonus.

Rewards

5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 20251.5% cash back on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn a $900 cash-back bonus after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

The Ink Business Unlimited allows you to add employee cards for no additional cost. This card has a handful of other benefits, including:

Purchase protectionExtended warrantyPrimary rental car theft and damage insuranceTravel and emergency assistance services

Plus, if you have a Chase card that enables transfers, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, the rewards you earn with the Ink Business Unlimited can be pooled onto that card, giving you more redemption options.

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The Chase Freedom Unlimited stands out because of its potentially valuable welcome bonus and generous cash-back rates.

Rewards

5% back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®5% back on Lyft rides through March 20253% back at drugstores3% back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services)1.5% back on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on all purchases on up to $20,000 in the first year. With this bonus, you can earn up to $300 in bonus cash.

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

For a $0 annual fee card, the Chase Freedom Unlimited has a good amount of built-in protections. Cardholders get:

Rental car collision coverage (secondary)Extended warranty protectionPurchase protectionTravel and emergency assistance servicesTrip cancellation and interruption insurance

Cardholders also enjoy discounts and special perks with partners like Lyft, Instacart and Gopuff.

The rewards you earn with the card are more valuable when paired with another Ultimate Rewards® card, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, as you'll be able to transfer your points to Chase's partner travel programs, such as United, Southwest and Hyatt.

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The cost of a AAA membership (American Automobile Association) varies depending on where you live, and the roadside assistance benefits depend on what level of membership you pay for. The fee you're likely to pay when you use your credit card roadside assistance is often comparable to the cost of an annual Classic AAA membership for two drivers. However, a AAA card gets you access to discounts on hotels, rental cars, travel, entertainment and more.

If you don't plan on taking advantage of the other benefits available to AAA members, you may be better off saving the cost of a membership and relying solely on your credit card's roadside assistance. When you want additional protection for a long road trip, you always have the option of purchasing travel insurance with roadside service benefits.

FAQs

Does credit card roadside assistance apply for rental cars?

Credit card roadside assistance benefits generally extend to rental cards. However, whenever you have an issue with a rental car, you'll usually want to reach out to the car rental company first.

Do Discover credit cards have roadside assistance?

Discover credit cards do not offer roadside assistance services.

Do American Express cards have roadside assistance?

When your car breaks down, you may have access to help through your credit card. Not every card has roadside assistance benefits and the services provided by most cards come with a fee. So before you need to tow your car it's a good idea to read your credit card's benefits guide and decide whether other roadside services, such as AAA, are a better fit for you.

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At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best credit cards for roadside assistance.

To determine which credit cards are best for roadside assistance, CNBC Select analyzed the most popular credit cards available to U.S. consumers. We compared each card on a range of features in addition to the card's roadside assistance benefit, including the annual fee, rewards, welcome bonus, introductory and standard APR and foreign transaction fees, as well as factors such as required credit and customer reviews when available. We also considered additional perks, the application process and how easy it is to redeem points.

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*For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

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If you have an iPhone 14 or iPhone 15, you can now use satellite connectivity to access Verizon’s roadside assistance service. In a support page spotted by MacRumors, Apple now says you can take advantage of the capability with devices running iOS 17.2 (or higher) and a Verizon SIM card.

Verizon’s roadside assistance program is run by the Allstate-owned Signature Motor Club and offers help when you’re having car trouble, even if you’re in a friend’s car or a rental. It includes vehicle towing up to 10 miles in any direction, winching, fuel delivery, jump starts, tire service, and more. While Verizon offers a $4.99 per line monthly subscription, it also offers flat fees for Verizon customers who use the service without a subscription.

Apple already introduced a satellite roadside assistance service in partnership with AAA, allowing users to get help in an area with no mobile connectivity. The company bundles two years of free service plus its Emergency SOS feature when buying and activating a new iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 (and recently extended existing iPhone 14 owners for an additional year), but you’ll still have to foot the bill for whatever roadside service you need if you’re not a member of AAA. The addition of Verizon’s roadside assistance program could add more service options if you’re stuck in a remote area or just don’t have AAA.

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Apple introduced satellite roadside assistance in September in partnership with AAA. The service provides help in areas with no mo...
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Apple introduced satellite roadside assistance in September in partnership with AAA. The service provides help in areas with no mobile connectivity. It includes two years of free service with the Emergency SOS feature for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 owners. Apple extended the service for an additional year for existing iPhone 14 owners.
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Apple launched the Emergency SOS via satellite feature for its users with iPhones 14 in 2022. The feature was retained for this year’s iPhone 15 models and is available in several markets including US, UK and Canada. The Cupertino-based tech giant has now updated the feature with support for a new roadside assistance option. With this update, iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users can now access Verizon’s roadside assistance service.

Verizon’s roadside assistance program in iPhone Emergency SOS via satellite feature
In a support page (spotted by MacRumors), Apple has confirmed that devices running iOS 17.2 (or higher) and a Verizon SIM card can take advantage of the latest capability.

Verizon’s roadside assistance program is run by the Allstate-owned Signature Motor Club. It offers help whenever users face car troubles and covers a friend's car and rental vehicles as well.

The program includes vehicle towing up to 10 miles in any direction, vehicle winching, fuel delivery, jump starts, tire service and more. While Verizon offers a $4.99 monthly subscription for this service, it also offers flat fees for customers who use the service without a subscription.

Apple’s partnership with AAA
In September, Apple introduced a satellite roadside assistance service in partnership with AAA. This service allows users to get help in an area with no mobile connectivity.

The company bundles two years of free service plus its Emergency SOS feature which is available with a new iPhone 14 or iPhone 15. Recently, Apple also extended the service for an additional year for existing iPhone 14 owners.

However, users will still have to foot the bill for whatever roadside service they need if they’re not a member of AAA. The latest addition of Verizon’s roadside assistance program can add more service options for users who are stuck in a remote area or don’t have AAA.

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Verizon users can now turn to Apple's satellite roadside assistance feature if they have car trouble.

Verizon users can now turn to Apple’s satellite connection if they have car trouble. Apple’s satellite roadside assistance feature on the iPhone 14 and 15 now works with Verizon roadside assistance.
So you can text for help, even if you’re off the grid with no cell service or Wi-Fi.

Samsung’s self-repair program is expanding. The company has added foldable phones to the menu – joining the entire S23 series and other devices. There’s been no word yet on the pricing. Self- repair is also expanding to four European countries.

Finally, the Microsoft chatbot “Copilot” has a new feature, that creates songs after a user enters a short description. It’s done through a new partnership with an artificial intelligence- based music platform. The personalized songs come complete with lyrics, or they can be instrumental.

For Related Stories: Tech Bytes

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Verizon has integrated its Roadside Assistance program with Apple’s innovative Satellite Connection feature, available in the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models.

This integration, detailed in an updated Apple support document, comes with the release of iOS 17.2 and is exclusive to U.S. customers with a Verizon SIM. This move enables iPhone users to access roadside assistance via satellite, adding to the existing service provided through AAA as announced in iOS 17.

The Verizon Roadside Assistance subscription, available for $4.99 per month per line, encompasses a range of services including winching, fuel delivery, battery jumpstarts, tire changes, and towing, albeit with certain limitations. Subscribers are entitled to four service claims within a wireless coverage area and one outside of it, with the latter being a unique feature for iPhone 14 and 15 models equipped with satellite connectivity.

iPhone 14 & 15 | Satellite Activation for Roadside Assistance

Apart from the subscription model, Verizon also offers pay-per-use options for its roadside assistance. The costs for these services vary, with towing starting at $154, a jump start at $92, and a tire change at $98.

This enhancement is part of Apple’s broader initiative, which introduced Roadside Assistance via Satellite alongside the iPhone 15 models. It complements the Emergency SOS via Satellite function, directing users in need to either AAA or Verizon, depending on their subscription. While Apple facilitates this connectivity, it is important to note that the Cupertino tech giant does not provide the roadside assistance itself.

Apple’s commitment to safety and convenience is further underlined by the company offering two years of Emergency SOS and Roadside Assistance via Satellite connectivity for free with the purchase of an iPhone 14 or 15.

However, users must cover the actual roadside assistance fees, payable to either Verizon or AAA. Currently, this advanced service is confined to the United States.

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TL;DR

Verizon’s roadside assistance program now works via satellite on recent iPhones.
The program is available for $4.99 a month or on a pay-per-use basis.

Apple introduced roadside assistance via satellite on the iPhone 15 series, teaming up with AAA to offer this service. Now, Verizon is taking advantage of the iPhone’s satellite tech for its own roadside assistance program.

MacRumors spotted an updated Apple support page confirming that the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 lines can connect to Verizon’s roadside assistance program via satellite. The addition comes as part of the iOS 17.2 update and requires the device to have a Verizon SIM.

Verizon’s roadside assistance service is available as a $4.99 per month subscription per line or on a pay-per-use basis. Opt for the subscription, and you’ll get four service claims in areas of cellular coverage as well as one claim via satellite each year. These claims include winching, up to 10 miles of towing, jump-starting the battery, lockout assistance, and up to three gallons of fuel delivery.

Prefer the idea of pay-per-use pricing? Then you’ll be charged $154 for a five-mile tow (plus $7.25 for each additional mile), $98 for a tire change, and $92 for fuel delivery/lockout/jump start.

We’re nevertheless glad to see Verizon offering satellite-based roadside assistance alongside its existing terrestrial/cellular coverage. Fingers crossed that this option comes to Android phones when they eventually get widespread satellite support.

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