US Insider

Richard Holland on Safer Roads, Smarter Coverage, and What’s Next for Nation Safe Drivers

Richard Holland on Safer Roads, Smarter Coverage, and What’s Next for Nation Safe Drivers
Photo Courtesy: Richard Holland

By: Dylan Gray

“I could probably predict with about 93% accuracy what the next two years’ worth of repair bills would look like for those cars.” With that data-driven claim, Nation Safe Drivers CEO Richard Holland set the tone on BREAK/FIX by Gran Touring Motorsports. His focus is clear. He cares about safety, certainty, and service that works when it matters.

Two Engines: Risk Protection and Roadside Recovery

Richard explained NSD’s model in plain terms. “So we really offer two predominant categories of solution.” First is risk protection through F&I products that cover high-cost failures, from glass to infotainment to major powertrain issues. Second is nationwide roadside assistance that gets a disabled vehicle to safety fast.

The network is large and built for speed. As Richard put it, NSD “operate[s] with a network of about 50,000 tow providers from coast to coast.” The goal is consistent service quality and a fast handoff to certified repair shops. He framed the internal mindset with a simple image: “We want every one of our motorists to be pictured… as their little grandma on the side of the road.”

Why NSD Is Not AAA

NSD is not a consumer membership club. It is a fulfillment partner behind many brands. Richard described it this way: “We’re their fulfillment promise or their fulfillment partner.” That means an automaker, insurer, bank, or dealer can offer roadside benefits under their own brand, while NSD handles the response, dispatch, and logistics in the background.

The result is a B2B-first approach that scales across 1,400-plus partner programs. It also keeps the consumer experience aligned with the brand that sold the benefit.

What Gets Covered, What Does Not

On F&I, pricing varies by vehicle age, mileage, and risk profile. Richard was specific about the “sweet spot” for mechanical coverage: “We love that mid mileage, so call it a 40 to 80,000-mile car that is four to seven years old.” By contrast, ultra-exotics are poor fits for service contracts. Some track questions came up as well. Asked about events that exclude coverage, Richard was direct: “We don’t have that exclusion today.”

Towing scenarios can get complicated for enthusiasts who haul a track car. NSD plans for that. “Yep. We’ll call that a two-way tow.” If the tow vehicle fails, NSD can move the truck and the trailer to appropriate destinations under the policy.

Roadside 2025: Links, Maps, and EV Realities

Roadside today begins with fast digital intake. Call an 800 number or tap a partner app. You get a link that opens an app-like flow with live ETA and map tracking. NSD also puts membership credentials into the phone’s wallet for quick access. Richard called out, “The ability to put that card membership card in your wallet to your iPhone digital wallet.”

Electric vehicles are changing the field service mix. “The biggest change is probably the proliferation of EVs,” he said. Many EVs lack spare tires and are heavier, increasing exposure to road hazards. More of those incidents now require a flatbed recovery to a tire center rather than a quick roadside fix.

Human First, Tech Forward

AI is entering the workflow. Richard sees it helping with triage and decision support. But he set a boundary. “I mean, we’re bullish on it… I don’t think so,” he said about AI replacing human judgment. NSD trains agents for empathy and safety, backed by tools that speed reliable outcomes.

A late-night incident illustrated that standard. An NSD agent prioritized a customer’s safety at a risky location, stayed on the line, expedited a six-minute arrival, arranged towing, and ordered an Uber home. The customer later sent cookies as a thank-you.

What’s Next: Direct-to-Consumer Access

NSD remains B2B, but Richard previewed a new channel. “I would say stay tuned. In about two quarters’ time, we will release a direct-to-consumer roadside assistance.” That move would let stranded drivers find NSD directly for one-off events while partners continue to offer embedded benefits.

Richard closed with a nod to culture and continuity. He is mentoring rising leaders and fueling enthusiasm for motorsports across the company. The mission stays the same. Keep motorists safe, reduce financial shocks, and make breakdowns as uneventful as possible.

This article features branded content from a third party. Opinions in this article do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of US Insider.