Guidance on Reimbursement for Winter Weather Driving Assistance

Recent weather conditions have created travel challenges for all Midwesterners. After incidents that occurred during home visits (e.g., being stuck in a driveway), a few Heartland AEA staff members have required assistance during the day to perform their job duties. 

For situations caused by inclement weather, the Agency will reimburse for towing/roadside assistance while staff members are performing their job duties. (For this purpose, the work day is identified from the staff member’s arrival at their first work site to when they depart their last work site.) 

We request, however, that staff first pursue reimbursement through other coverage, such as "AAA" membership or through roadside assistance coverage that staff carries as part of their auto insurance policy. Often times roadside assistance coverage is provided during a car's warranty period. Staff should consider contacting their auto insurance company to see if roadside assistance coverage is available (sometimes referred to as “towing and labor”). The insurance coverage may cost as little as $1-2 per month per vehicle, and it generally covers the following: 

• towing to the nearest repair facility (or to a repair facility within a specified distance),  
• assistance in getting your vehicle “unstuck” from a snowy or icy roadway, 
• gas delivery,  
• tire changes and  
• unlocking the vehicle if the keys are left inside. 

If you have any questions about the cost reimbursement, contact Brian Whalen, Business Manager, or Kurt Subra, Chief Financial Officer.