Verizon’s next generation road assistance will help prevent common automotive issues

It’s 2015, and by now companies have found ways to use technology to improve many different aspects of life through the advent of technology. One area that hasn’t advanced very far — at least as far as carriers are concerned — is road assistance. It’s still mostly a quick call to a toll-free number in the event that you get into an accident or the vehicle breaks down.

Verizon’s looking to improve their own offering with today’s announcement of Verizon Vehicle. What you’re getting is a comprehensive suite of road assistance tools that’ll assure you’ll never be stranded in an unfortunate case of the roadsies.

Highlights of the service include GPS location for mechanics and tow truck drivers to find your exact location with ease, one-touch access to SOS and help, an automatic alert to Verizon in the event that the heads-up unit detects you may have been in an accident, and more. Here’s the full rundown:

• GPS-directed pinpoint Roadside Assistance for breakdowns, flat tires, overheating, a dead battery — anything that might require towing or immediate repair. Dispatches are made to the exact location of a disabled vehicle.
• Automatic Urgent Incident Alert System places a call to the Verizon Vehicle Member Care Center in the event of a suspected accident. Help is immediately dispatched to the location if an accident is confirmed or there is no response from the driver. The time saved can potentially save lives by delivering critical emergency assistance when a person may not be able to call for help.
• One-Button SOS Assistance immediately connects the driver to a live agent for emergency aid.
• Auto Health System with Predictive Diagnostics translates most “Check Engine” light occurrences into real terms, including the description and severity of the matter, the probable solutions for the problem — and the appropriate cost for the repairs. The system is also designed to provide early warnings relating to some vehicle functions, even before a warning light comes on, to help keep you off the side of the road.
• Mechanic’s Hotline is staffed with A.S.E. Certified Mechanics providing members access to immediate and unbiased information related to their vehicles, and a professional analysis of trouble they may be experiencing.
• Parking & Meter Tools help drivers find where they left their vehicle — using the Verizon Vehicle smartphone app — while also keeping track of how much time is left on the meter.
• Maintenance Alerts inform vehicle owners when scheduled maintenance is required. No more guesswork as to when to rotate those tires or change the oil.
• Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance guides drivers when reporting a theft and helps authorities recover the stolen vehicle.
• Travel & Repair Savings — Verizon Vehicle members will be entitled to substantial discounts on hotels, vehicle rentals, auto maintenance, repairs and related travel expenses.

It’s nothing you can’t already get from other third-party independent roadside services companies or something like OnStar that comes with a number of vehicles, but if you prefer to do all your bidding through your mobile carrier then this should be on your radar. It’ll cost you $14.99 per month for one car, and every other car you get hooked up beyond that will be another $12.99.

The heads-up mount kit is included in that cost so you won’t have to worry about any extra charges for hardware. To boot, it’s all available via pre-sale so you can sign up for it right now to make sure you’re one of the first ones in line for Verizon Vehicle once it launches later this year. The first month will be free and your billing won’t begin until your device has been delivered so don’t hesitate to sign up if you’re interested.