MINI USA Officially Announces Roadside Assistance Smartphone Application
We broke this story earlier in the week with an exclusive look at the application and the ideas behind it. Today it is being officially introduced to the public.
Official Release: MINI USA announced today the introduction of a free app to MINI owners that allows access to roadside assistance with the touch of an icon. The new MINI Road Assist mobile application was developed by Allstate Roadside Services and is available for iPhone and select BlackBerry users. The app connects users to roadside assistance while automatically supplying the service provider with all relevant information about the vehicle, most importantly, its exact location.
“MINI owners appreciate technological innovation and will welcome the additional peace of mind that comes from having fast, easy access to the free roadside services provided during their warranty period,†said Jim McDowell, Vice President MINI USA.
Whether it’s for a battery boost or to replace a flat tire, the new MINI Road Assist app for iPhone and BlackBerry users puts control in the driver’s hand – and handset. Perhaps the best part, it eliminates the need for lengthy conversations about vital vehicle information and location and jumps directly to sending help after a short call.
To begin using the app, MINI owners will need to download it to their iPhone or compatible BlackBerry device. Step-by-step instructions guide users to enter their Vehicle I.D. (VIN), name, address and other details – even uploading a photo of their MINI. When a MINI owner needs roadside help, they simply launch the app, select their service need and press the “call†button. Their user information, vehicle location and service need are all transmitted automatically to customer service representatives – saving valuable time to get them motoring again as quickly as possible.
This feature utilizes global positioning system (GPS) technology, pinpointing a caller’s location to help customer service representatives identify the nearest available service provider and communicating their exact location. Once service is confirmed, the mobile app delivers the driver with the service provider’s name, an estimated time of arrival and an automated service follows up to ensure the issue has been resolved.
“As the exclusive provider of roadside assistance for MINI USA and a number of other prestigious auto brands, Allstate Roadside Services is proud to launch this application designed to enhance the MINI owner’s experience,†said Patrick O’Brien, president of Allstate Roadside Services.
It’s free to MINI owners and can be downloaded here: http://www.allstateroadsideservices.com/mini/
To access a video of the app and how it works, click the link:
http://www.youtube.com/miniusanews
All MINI USA owners have access to roadside assistance free of charge as long as the vehicle remains under warranty. Customers whose warranty has expired may still download the free app and use the roadside assistance for a fee set by the service provider.
<p>I just downloaded this to my iPhone 3Gs and it’s pretty good. It’s a great idea, if not a superb app. I’ve got a couple of suggestions for MINI, if that could be helpful.</p>
<p>I was hoping that the “My MINI” section would have more actual, useful information like service records, or key owner’s manual info like oil capacities and warning light information. As is, I’m not really sure what the point is other than a reference point for my VIN#. Making use of the phone’s location features for actual roadside assistance is great, as is being able to say what type of assistance I need — I just hope towing companies can usefully interpret this information.</p>
<p>The app could also benefit from embracing more of the UI conventions that people are used to with iPhone apps (specifically an upper left corner “back” button convention). I’m guessing they made a one-app-fits-all for several platforms — but it would be a lot more intuitive if it followed more closely to iPhone app UI standards IMO — then again, I haven’t experienced it on other smartphone platforms.</p>
<p>But overall, well done MINI. If this grew into an owner’s lounge app where I could make a payment and do the one or two other things the OL is good for, then I think they’d really have a winner!</p>
<p>Why no Verizon version!!!???</p>
<p>No VIN match for me. Wonder if that’s because I’m FAR out of warranty (03 MCS with $106K miles). Oh well, I’ll try again later.</p>
<p>Unfortunately it is not availble to Verizon customers. I am currently using a BlackBerry Storm and would load this application if it were available. Too bad.</p>
<p>I do hope they release one for the Android phones out there.</p>
<p>I can’t seem to find it in the app store. Any ideas on what to search for? I tried MINI USA. I tried Roadside Assistance. Road side. Assistance. Lot’s of things.</p>
<p>Allstate Roadside and you’ll get responses. You want Allstate Enterprises. Tap that and there is the App.</p>
<p>That is so weird that is only on AT&T. Since its just using data and GPS, I don’t see why it would be carrier specific unless AT&T is paying to be exclusive.</p>
<p>Mike – you can get it to load by browsing to the link (<a href="http://www.allstateroadsideservices.com/mini/" rel="nofollow">this one</a>), choosing the iPhone, and hitting “GET THE FREE APP”. That will take you to the app’s page in the App Store.</p>
<p>However, if you REALLY must go directly to it from the App Store, a search for “road assist” works for me too… or “Allstate Enterprises”</p>
<p>“No VIN match for me. Wonder if that’s because I’m FAR out of warranty (03 MCS with $106K miles). Oh well, I’ll try again later.”</p>
<p>It says for 2004-2012 MINI’s in the legal junk at the end.</p>
<p>Is roadside assistance free for those with MINI’s not under warrenty anymore, I can’t remember?</p>
<p>Found my answer in the legal stuff!</p>