Tips on Finding Roadside Assistance to Fit Your Needs

When your vehicle dies on the road or you have a flat tire or dead battery, you need help, especially if you are a person with disabilities. Thank goodness for roadside assistance. But finding the ideal company requires some digging as no two auto clubs offer the same services and prices. And the businesses run the gamut from insurance companies, car makers, oil companies, credit-card issuers and even cell phone companies.

Vehicle coverage: Ask if only your accessible vehicle is covered or if you are covered in any vehicle you drive (like a rental). You want a plan that “follows the member,” providing coverage no matter who owns the vehicle.

Towing: Do they provide towing only to a dealership or any place you choose? You need to know the mileage limit, as you’ll be charged if you exceed it. (It’s usually less than 100 miles.)

Travel much? Choose a plan with the most generous towing allowance and travel insurance (trip interruption insurance) benefits if you travel far from home frequently.

Sign up for only what you need: Full service clubs offer maps and directions, travel and hotel discounts, travel insurance, and help in locating hotels or alternative transportation when your car is in the shop. If you rarely leave town, save the money and opt for a more basic package.

You should know: Many insurance companies report the number of your roadside assistance calls to ChoicePoint, a company that compiles claims information for the insurance industry. If you use assistance frequently, your rates could go up.

Discounts: Roadside assistance clubs do not usually offer membership discounts for those with disabilities. You might want to check with ADA Auto Club, a nationwide roadside assistance program especially designed for people who travel with their wheelchair. Call 1-800-720-3132 or visit online at adaautoclub.com and compare rates and benefits with other companies.

Traveling can be unpredictable; even more so for two classes of travelers: seniors and those with a disability. Thankfully, there are insurance specialist providers that offer travel insurance or travel assistance for those with mobility issues or a history of disease. You might want one if you travel far from home frequently or when traveling outside the U.S.

Travel assistance or travel insurance?

  • Travel assistance provides support services in case of an emergency while traveling. They are relatively affordable, plus you pay a set rate not based on the cost of your trip.
  • Travel insurance provides monetary compensation for losses that occur while traveling. It includes coverage for unexpected risks and financial losses, including cancellations, medical emergencies, missed transportation connections; lost, stolen or damaged baggage and more.

You should know

  • Since Medicare does not provide coverage while outside of the U.S., check with your existing medical insurance to see if you are covered.
  • Senior citizens and travelers with pre-existing medical conditions are required to buy specific travel insurance plans (which costs a little more).
  • You can purchase optional riders for special concerns not covered under the plan.
  • Travelers who choose a travel medical plan won’t have some of the package plan benefits, like trip cancellation coverage, but the plan cost can be a low as dollars per day.
  • To receive the most benefit, purchase the travel policy within 7 to 30 days (varies by company and plan) of your Initial Trip Payment Date. If the insurance is purchased within that period, the pre-existing medical condition exclusion is usually waived.

AM Best Ratings

Look for an insurance company with AM Best’s ratings and analysis. You’ll want a company that is rated A+ (superior) or A (Excellent).

If you’re a newbie to travel insurance, get educated at www.travelinsurancerating.org (“Avoid the pitfalls” is a must read.)

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Cold Weather Tips for Your Van

Frigid temperatures not only slow us down, but can slow our handicap van and accessible equipment. For example, if you use a hydraulic wheelchair lift, you may have noticed that the colder the weather, the slower the lift reacts. The cold thickens the fluid, making it move slower through hoses, valves and cylinders.

There’s not much you can do about that, but preparing other equipment for cold weather is important to help avoid accidents and breakdowns.

If you live in northern climates, get an oil change, tune-up, and/or semi-annual lift service and have any other accessible equipment checked before the temperature dips. A professional should also check the battery, antifreeze level, heater, brakes, defroster and thermostat.

Do It Yourself:

  • Purchase winter wiper blades that cut through snow and ice.
  • Keep the gas tank at least half full. It reduces condensation and makes your vehicle easier to start on cold mornings.
  • Buy tires that have MS, M+S, M/S or M&S on them, meaning they meet the Rubber Manufacturers Association guidelines and can bite through mud and snow.
  • For better traction and control, rotate tires so the best ones are in the front.
  • Get an electric engine block heater. It warms the engine so the motor can start. It connects to normal AC power overnight or before driving. In extremely cold climates, electrical outlets are sometimes found in public or private parking lots.
  • Cold weather is tough on accessible van batteries. Buy one with greater starting power, higher cold cranking amps and reserve capacity for energy when the engine isn’t running.
  • Use synthetic oil to make starting a cold engine easier.

Before you drive:

  • Keep rock salt on hand to melt ice off walkways for a safer wheelchair ride.
  • Clean the snow off the roof and hood so it doesn’t “avalanche” onto the windshield and block your vision.
  • Clear the head and tail lights for best visibility.
  • Scrape the ice off mirrors and windows.
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Visit United Access to Find Your Best Wheelchair Van Conversion in Memphis, Tennessee

Searching for your accessible mobility vehicle is an fulfilling experience. Wheelchair access vans from United Access in Memphis, Tennessee can offer you an insane amount of freedom. One of the best perks of having an accessible mimivan is the power to no longer rely on someone else.

At the Memphis, Tennessee branch of United Access you will be able to browse the different accessible mobility vehices that are available and find something that matches with your specific needs and tastes. With dozens of different van conversions and models available, you should be able to find a vehicle that is just right for you.

The first step you need to take is to contact a United Access certified mobility consultant at the Memphis, Tennessee location to ensure that shopping is done with as little anxiety as possible. Mobility consultants can make sure you are aware of the different kinds of conversions and accessories that fit your specific requirements.

Visit the Memphis United Access online inventory of handicap lift vans any time of day.

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Used Mobility Van From United Access in Memphis, Tennessee: The Affordable Choice

Most likely, a physically challenged person has to rely on family and friends to drive them to work or to any other location and while their loved ones gladly offer their help. A commercial wheelchair lift from United Access in Memphis, Tennessee offers convenience in transporting a person in a wheelchair and there are types that can driven by a wheelchair user, giving them a sense of independence.

Wheelchair vehicles from the Memphis, Tennessee branch of United Access allow a disabled person to become self-sufficient when it comes to transportation. The person can go to the mall, run errands for a family member, or even drive someone to work or to school or to any other place.

However, a handicapped minivan from United Access is expensive. Even converting a vehicle to accommodate a wheelchair can be costly. Fortunately, there are used wheelchair access vans that make them a little bit more affordable.

To start looking for used accessible vans, you can check with car dealers in your area and search the Internet.  If it is a difficult to look for used conversion vans in your local area, look for dealers that offer delivery services. If you are fortunate to find a used mobility van locally, ask a friend or a family member to test-drive the vehicle.

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Getting a Great Wheelchair Wheelchair Vehicle at United Access in Memphis, Tennessee

Purchasing a handicapped accessible vehicle from United Access in Memphis, Tennessee may, at first, seem like an intimidating process.  Any vehicle, whether new or used from United Access, represents a major financial investment.  And as with any vehicle purchase, the vehicle starts depreciating as soon as you start using it.  That is why it’s vital to put some real thought into what you’re going to get when you’re choosing a van for yourself or your loved one. Here are some tips on getting the best possible wheelchair-accessible van for your needs.

First, you want to research all your options. When many people think of accessible vehicles, they think of full size vans with wheelchair ramps or lifts. Today, though, many of the wheelchair-accessible vehicles are actually minivans. Minivans have some great advantages, such as taking up less space, getting better gas mileage, and being easier for the average driver to maneuver. A full size van is still a good option, though, especially if you need extra space or have a large family.

Besides considering the type of vehicle you want or need, there are also lots of custom details that vary from van to van. Options such as automatic wheelchair tie downs, hand controls or high-tech driving equipment may be added to fit your unique needs. You also want to check out different types of ramp and lift systems so that you find that one that’s best suited to both your wheelchair or scooter and your needs.

After you know what you like, make sure you know how much you can afford. Look at the insurance rates on the wheelchair accessible van or vans that you like. Also, find out what type of automobile loan you can get. This will help narrow your search for the proper vehicle for you. It’s important to take your time while shopping for this major purchase and not to make any snap decisions.  Talking to a Mobility Specialist at United Access can help you through the process of finding the perfect vehicle for you.

Visit the United Access in Memphis, Tennessee online inventory of handicap lift vans 24 hours a day.

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