Emergency-proof your wallet!

Everyday emergencies aren't just frustrating, they can also be a major drain on your wallet! Fortunately, there are easy steps you can take now to avoid paying a bundle in the future on everyday emergencies like...

- Gabrielle Lichterman

Vehicle towing

If your car breaks down, you could face a hefty towing bill just to get to the repair shop. "With hooking up, transporting and unloading, the cost can range from $75 to over $150, depending on distance and other factors,' says Elizabeth Martineau Dupuis, Director of Education at the Towing and Recovery Association of America.

The good news? Some insurance policies cover these charges. And if you recently bought a car from a dealership, it may have come with complimentary roadside or towing service. Adds Martineau-Dupuis, "Some credit cards and cellphone carriers offer roadside assistance services at a reduced or fixed cost." If you're not covered by any of these, consider adding a roadside assistance plan to your car insurance policy (they start at around $14 per year), which can save you on towing, battery jumps and other car emergencies.

Getting locked out