If you’re ever stranded on the side of the road, there’s no need to panic. With a little help from your Amazon Echo, you can get the help you need in no time. Here’s how:
- First, make sure your Echo is connected to the internet and your car’s Bluetooth system.
- Next, open the Alexa app on your phone and select “Skills.”
- In the Skills section of the app, search for " roadside assistance ."
- Once you find it, click on it to open its settings. Under “General,” make sure that “Enable roadside assistance” is checked. Under “When enabled,” set a timer for 10 minutes and press OK to save your changes.
- Next, press and hold down the voice button on your Echo until it starts beeping loudly. This will activate Alexa’s emergency mode and allow you to speak commands directly to her. Ask Alexa to call roadside assistance and give them your location (including street name and number). Tell her that you need a tow truck or a ride home, and she’ll take care of everything from there! ..
Requesting roadside assistance from Alexa depends on the connected third-party app or skill that you’re using. Our favorites are Urgent.ly, AAA, and Blink Roadside.
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How to Request Roadside Assistance with Urgent.ly
Follow all of the prompts before tapping on “Save Permissions.”
After granting permissions, call on emergency services by saying, “Alexa, open Urgent.ly.” Alexa will then say “Welcome to Urgent.ly Roadside Assistance, do you have a flat tire?”
If you say no, Urgent.ly will ask you if you’re willing to receive a text message link for more info. Tapping on the link will bring you to a menu screen with different service options, including towing, auto lockout, jump start, and motorcycle tows. Clicking on any one of them will prompt you to enter basic information, such as your name, phone number, vehicle make/model, and address before you’re asked to enter credit card information.
Your card will not be charged before the service is complete.
From there, Urgent.ly will dispatch an emergency service technician to your location.
Requesting Roadside Assistance with AAA Road Service
Like Urgent.ly, the AAA Road Service skill offers real-time service for all types of emergency mishaps, including jumping batteries and extrication.
You can enable the AAA Road Service skill by visiting the AAA Road Service Alexa Skills page and clicking on the “Enable” button.
Once it’s clicked, AAA Road Service will request permission to access your device’s address and use location services, along with a request to link an active AAA membership by entering your membership number, last name, and home zip code. In addition to 24/7 roadside assistance, AAA membership includes exclusive savings at select partner locations and a free one-year membership for two family members.
Requesting Roadside Assistance with Blink Roadside
Unlike AAA, Blink Roadside doesn’t require a membership or subscription. Instead, it promises the same “wholesale roadside assistance used by most major car brands and auto insurers” with increased savings.
From there, all you need to do is tell Alexa what the issue is without having to refer to Blink Roadside. Some safe wake phrases include “Alexa, I have a flat tire,” “Alexa, my car battery died,” and “Alexa, my car ran out of gas.”
Roadside Assistance with Alexa Is a Godsend
Roadside Assistance using Alexa is an excellent way to stay safe on the road and call for help quickly in virtually any stranded situation as long as location services are activated. Of the three services, our nod goes to Blink Roadside Assistance for ease of use, wallet-friendly pricing, and no required membership or subscription.
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