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Roadside Assistance: What Will Insurance Cover?


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Roadside Assistance: What Will Insurance Cover?

Until an incident six months ago, I mainly considered my car insurance to be something I would use if an accident occurred. After being stranded at work with a car that wouldn't start, I learned there was more to my plan than that. There is a whole section that has to do with roadside assistance. The guy driving the tow truck asked if my insurance covered emergency calls and I said I didn't know. He asked me the name of the company and then called his boss. After a quick word with my provider, he found out that I was covered in full. If you are not sure if your car insurance covers roadside assistance, let me tell you how to find out. After going over specific clauses in the contract, I'm betting you are covered for everything from a flat tire to a dead battery.

Steps To Take When Shopping At An Auto Salvage Yard

Working on used or classic cars will eventually lead you to needing auto parts. The platforms for getting them are pretty vast today, but if you're set on saving money, an auto salvage yard might be the best destination. You'll have a pleasant time at one if you take these steps. 

Avoid Lifting Large Parts

If you're shopping for large parts at an auto salvage yard, such as an engine, then you'll want to avoid any lifting yourself. Some parts weigh thousands of pounds, and no matter how hard you try, they won't budge without specialized equipment.

Once you pick out a large part, tell the owner or someone that works at the salvage yard about your plans of buying it. They'll get the appropriate crane or forklift to transport this part on a vehicle capable of supporting the weight. This way, you avoid damaging the part or hurting yourself.

Dust Off Your Negotiating Skills

You can save a lot of money by shopping at an auto salvage yard, as most of the inventory is used. You can take saving money a step further by not being afraid to negotiate. Unlike new parts that have a certain price that probably won't change, the price of salvaged parts can be negotiated.

It all depends on how much the seller is willing to come down on their initial offer. Negotiate with hard facts like the condition of the part and perhaps competitor prices. These tactics can get you a better price most of the time.

Be Sure to Test the Higher-End Parts

When you see a part you want at an auto salvage yard, it can be difficult to tell how it will perform when it's just sitting there not being used. Any parts that cost a good bit of money always need to be tested, whether by you or the salvage yard you're purchasing from.

You need to see the part in operation in real time, especially for auto parts like transmissions, engines, fuses, and relays. You want to know how these parts actually work before making your offer.

After working on a car, you may realize some parts are needed. Instead of spending a fortune on brand-new parts, you'll find that used parts at auto salvage yards are the perfect investment. You'll find great deals and get the parts you need if you approach auto salvage yard shopping with a good gameplan.