Being a JAF member gives you peace of mind on long drives.
Roadside assistance is included in car insurance policies, so you'll be able to manage even if you encounter trouble.
However, for things like flat tires, dead batteries, or running out of gas, JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) is very useful.
They come quickly and help immediately.
You'll definitely be glad you registered as a member.
We will explain what JAF is and how it can help you when you're in trouble.
Car and motorcycle traffic troubles
JAF 2020 Service Dispatch Statistics
| Rank | Reason for deployment | number | Composition ratio |
| 1 | Battery dead | 882,740 items | 41.69% |
| 2 | Tire puncture | 382,439 items | 18.06% |
| 3 | Wheel fall | 143,902 items | 6.80% |
| 8 | Running out of gas (during the Obon holiday in 2020) | 1,469 items | 2.46% |
Once winter is over, it's the perfect season for a drive.
In contrast, the vehiclesThe probability of encountering trouble increases significantly..
One common mistake people make when having trouble with their cars or motorcycles is,Battery dead, flat tire, running out of gasis.
According to 2020 statistics, battery failure and flat tires were the top two most common problems.
Some of you may have experienced a wheel getting stuck while driving on a mountain road leading to a campsite.
Running out of gas is also ranked 8th, indicating its high frequency.
Battery dead
I forgot to turn it off when I came out of the tunnel, and then went shopping.
When I got back, the engine wouldn't start.
Have you never experienced that? It must be disheartening.
During the peak of summer and winter, air conditioners are used more frequently, which puts a strain on the battery and makes it more prone to draining, so caution is advised.
punk
Unlike bicycle tires, car and motorcycle tires have wires inside, so they are less likely to burst while driving. (They can still burst if a hole is made in the sidewall.)
A common scenario with flat tires is when you park your car and then go to ride it only to find that the tire has gone flat.
This is because nails, glass shards, or other objects can get stuck in the air, causing it to slowly escape.
Modern cars don't come with a spare tire, so if you get a flat tire, you have to call roadside assistance immediately.
Wheel fall
Have you ever been on a single road leading to a campsite deep in the mountains and encountered an oncoming car, causing you trouble?
Some of you may have actually seen tires lying in gutters.
Even in such situations, you can rest assured if you're a JAF member.
Even if you're unfamiliar with the area, a smartphone app can detect your location and have someone come to you quickly.
JAF Smartphone App Registration Screen
Out of gas
Running out of gas is common on highways.
That's because on highways, the roads are monotonous, and you tend to forget to check your fuel gauge.
While some highway rest areas have gas stations, they are often surprisingly far apart, and you might run out of gas if you think you still have enough.
In rural areas, even when driving on national highways, it's common to find gas stations more than 20 km apart, so it's become standard practice to refuel when the fuel gauge drops to half.
When driving to a campsite in a rural area, you need to be careful.
What is JAF?
The official name of JAF is the Japan Automobile Federation.
Sales offices throughout JapanThere is a way to help when you encounter trouble while riding a car or motorcycle.One phone callThey will rush over to help.
In advanceMember RegistrationBy doing so,Receiving rescue at a discounted priceYou can.
Annual fee
| Membership fee | ¥2000 | Annual fee | ¥4000 | Total: ¥6000 |
| Membership fee (credit card payment) | ¥1500 | Annual fee | ¥4000 | Total: ¥5000 |
| Membership fee (5-year lump-sum payment) | \0 | Annual fee | \4000*5 years | Total: ¥20,000 (for 5 years) |
"My optional insurance also includes roadside assistance," I think.
However, the difference is that voluntary insurance covers the car, while JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) insurance covers the person.
In short, while voluntary insurance has limitations regarding the vehicle and the driver, JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) will handle any problems that occur while the member is in the vehicle.
This means you can use it even if you're riding in a friend's car.
It can be used even when renting a car, so it provides peace of mind when traveling by plane and then driving around at your destination.
I'll join JAF (Japan Automobile Federation).
Everything I've explained so far is something you can only receive if you become a member.
Register according to your budget.
JAF application page (link available)
JAF Membership Registration Application Screen
You can access the registration screen from the link above.
Carefully consider your driving environment and register accordingly.
Use it conveniently with the smartphone app (link included)
JAF Smartphone App Registration Screen
You can access the smartphone app download screen via the link above.
When you request rescue through the smartphone app, they will rush to your location using your location information, so you won't get lost even in unfamiliar places.
Since we can also see the location of the rescue vehicle, we can wait with less anxiety.
If used by a non-JAF member
| trouble | Non-member price | Member price | Trouble Summary | In the case of voluntary insurance |
| Battery dead | 13,130 yen | free | Emergency starting operations on public roads during the daytime. | Some usage limits apply. |
| punk | 15,230 yen | free | Emergency tire repair on public roads at night | Some exclusions apply. |
| Running out of fuel | 16,770 yen | free | During the daytime, refueling operations on expressways (excluding rest areas and service areas) | Some usage limits apply. |
| Wheel fall | 14,280 yen | free | Nighttime, on public roads, during the recovery operation. (If one tire falls off the road almost parallel to it) | |
| Getting stuck on snowy or muddy roads | 13,130 yen | free | During the daytime, the extraction work was carried out on a public road. (Tasks to be completed in 30 minutes or less) | Some exclusions apply. |
Please see the table above.
I've listed common problems and the costs associated with rescue operations for issues that often occur when camping.
With optional insurance, there are things that incur additional charges, and some things that are not covered at all.
Furthermore, while rescue services can be expensive for non-members, members can receive assistance free of charge.
Some of these can cost as much as three times the annual fee.
This is especially true if it's a 5-year contract.
Is it possible to buy a new car and not encounter any problems until the second vehicle inspection?
Take this opportunity to register as a member.
Various services will become cheaper
Becoming a JAF member not only provides roadside assistance, but also offers discounts at restaurants and other establishments.
Get a great deal while you're out for a drive!
Steak Miya
You can get a 10% discount at Miyagi Steak Restaurant.
Our homemade hamburg steak, served with our original "Miya no Tare" sauce, is a popular choice.
Set menus that include a wide variety of drinks and soups from the drink bar are also popular.
Kamadoka
Kamadoka specializes in chicken aged at freezing temperatures and kamameshi (rice cooked in a pot).
Get 10% off on food and drinks totaling ¥5500 or more per bill.
After enjoying lots of grilled meat at the campsite, how about some Japanese food to soothe your tired stomach?
Autobacs
You can receive a 5% discount off the displayed price.
I ran through the mountains and got covered in bugs.
I'd like to wash my car.
Get great deals on car washing supplies.
summary
What did you think?
For just 6,000 yen a year, you can access a variety of roadside assistance services that cover many of the problems you might encounter on your way to a campsite. If you register with the app, they'll come right away and respond quickly.
This insurance company offers low-cost coverage for problems that would be prohibitively expensive with only optional insurance, so take this opportunity to sign up after reading this article.
