The first voice-activated Amazon Alexa skill for roadside assistance is now available. The Blink Roadside skill allows Alexa users to get help by uttering common roadside request phrases like, “Alexa, I have a flat tire” or “Alexa, my car won’t start”. These phrases launch the skill.
Agero, a digital-first vehicle solutions company, created the skill leveraging their extensive network of service partners and digital customer experience. This is the same technology that is used by automobile clubs, manufacturers, and insurance carriers.
The technology services 100 percent of the zip codes in the U.S. This makes Blink Roadside the broadest offered roadside assistance service in the nation.
Drivers can use Amazon Alexa for thousands of skills.Photo courtesy of Chevrolet
The company charges a flat fee for service, which it says saves customers money on services that often can top $100. Payment options for these services are available for Amazon Pay so no additional log-in names or sign-ups are required.
The Blink Roadside skill isn’t confined for used in the vehicle. It’s availble on all Alexa-enabled devices. According to the company, when initiated, the Blink Roadside skill “will offer to connect customers with highly-trained Agero representatives and a comprehensive digital service experience, including status update notifications and links to live service truck tracking delivered to customers via text message.”
Customers will need to grant the skill permission to use real-time location information of their Alexa device.
Some of the skill activation phrases include:
- “Alexa, I have a flat tire”
- “Alexa, I need someone to jumpstart my car”
- “Alexa, my car ran out of gas”
- “Alexa, I need roadside assistance for my car”
- “Alexa, my car won’t start”
- “Alexa, my car is broken down”
“Our goal at Agero is to make it easy for motorists to get help when they have a breakdown,” said Raj Behara, vice president of engineering and chief technology officer, Agero. “Working with Amazon to create this innovative, out-of-the-box assistance capability for Alexa is a reflection of that mission, and part of our ongoing commitment to digitally transform and dramatically simplify the roadside experience for drivers.”
Agero currently protects more than 115 million vehicles, servicing approximately 12 million annual breakdown and accident events – that’s nearly 1,400 events an hour. Agero’s roadside services are available to drivers of two-thirds of new passenger vehicles, two-thirds of the top auto insurance carriers, and many others.
