What you need to know before signing up for roadside assistance cover?

Date : 22/06/2020
Read: 4 mins

A flat tyre can derail more than just your plans for the day. Choose an add-on car insurance policy that covers you from on-road worries such as low fuel, mechanical breakdowns, or electrical glitches.

What you need to know before signing up for roadside assistance cover?

A weak battery or a flat tyre can play spoilsport when you least expect it, enforcing an abrupt end to a leisurely weekend drive or routine commute. While cars today are exceedingly reliable, there’s always the off-chance that something could go wrong. And if it does, the odds of finding a mechanic can be slim, especially if you are out of town.

However, if you have opted for roadside assistance (RSA) as part of your car insurance plan, you can salvage the situation in a matter of minutes. Instead of walking around in search of a garage, you can have a trusted car mechanic come looking for you. All you have to do is call your insurance provider’s helpline number, and sit back and relax. They can even help you get word out to your family!

Roadside assistance is an add-on auto insurance rider that comes in handy if you face unexpected on-road car problems, such as an empty tank or a mechanical glitch. It is useful to supplement your existing two-wheeler or motor insurance plan with a roadside assistance rider, if it’s not already part of the standard coverage.

What do you get with Road Side Assistance cover?

Under roadside assistance, you can opt for a variety of covers depending on the risks you need to guard against.

On-the-spot repair: Mechanical failures are impossible to predict, given the wear and tear your car goes through every day. Roadside assistance helps you get assistance quickly, so you don’t need to fear that you’ll hold up traffic if the engine overheats and stalls, or if the gearbox malfunctions at a busy junction. You can effortlessly get your tyres changed or oil leaks fixed by professionals and carry on. Please note that this benefit is usually provided within city limits only. Check your car insurance rider policy wordings for a detailed list of exclusions.
Emergency fuel delivery: Imagine running out of fuel while far from your destination. Not a pleasant thought, is it? If you have a fuel-guzzling automobile or simply forgot to top up your tank, there’s still no reason to worry. Roadside assistance coverage provides for up to 5 litres of fuel to be delivered to your location on a paid basis.
Emergency towing: With roadside assistance, you can get on-call towing service to the nearest authorised service centre or network garage free of charge, in case of an out-of-the-blue car breakdown. However, additional charges may apply if you are stranded beyond the specified radius mentioned in the policy.
Alternative transport: You do not need to skip an important business meeting if your car suddenly breaks down. Roadside assistance coverage entitles you to a free cab ride to your destination.
Urgent message relay: It is natural for friends and family to worry if you have been left stranded. You can contact your loved ones through a conference call arranged by the insurance provider and let them know you’re safe.
Medical help: In case you need medical attention for minor cuts and wounds, you can count on your insurance provider to arrange for first aid. However, you may have to pay for it out of your pocket.

Is the roadside assistance rider worth the money?

A fair question! At a time when insurance premiums are steadily increasing, any additional auto insurance rider must be carefully weighed for the returns it provides. To decide whether roadside assistance is for you, compare the amount you would save annually, over and above what you spend on routine maintenance. Here are some factors to keep in mind when evaluating roadside assistance covers from various insurance providers:

Age of the vehicle: If you have just driven home a brand new car, roadside assistance benefits may be provided by the dealer initially. This means you can skip buying one from another provider or choose the more affordable of the two.
Frequency of use: If you travel to distant places on a regular basis, the probability of a breakdown is much higher. You must consider getting roadside assistance coverage to preclude its potential financial impact.
Convenience and cost: A professional mechanic or reputable garage is not always easy to find nearby, especially if it’s late or the weather is bad. Roadside assistance coverage can help you save big and avoid the hassle of having to find help by yourself. Understand what is IDV and Why Insured Declared Value is Important?

What do you get with Road Side Assistance cover?

Under roadside assistance, you can opt for a variety of covers depending on the risks you need to guard against.

On-the-spot repair: Mechanical failures are impossible to predict, given the wear and tear your car goes through every day. Roadside assistance helps you get assistance quickly, so you don’t need to fear that you’ll hold up traffic if the engine overheats and stalls, or if the gearbox malfunctions at a busy junction. You can effortlessly get your tyres changed or oil leaks fixed by professionals and carry on. Please note that this benefit is usually provided within city limits only. Check your car insurance rider policy wordings for a detailed list of exclusions.
Emergency fuel delivery: Imagine running out of fuel while far from your destination. Not a pleasant thought, is it? If you have a fuel-guzzling automobile or simply forgot to top up your tank, there’s still no reason to worry. Roadside assistance coverage provides for up to 5 litres of fuel to be delivered to your location on a paid basis.
Emergency towing: With roadside assistance, you can get on-call towing service to the nearest authorised service centre or network garage free of charge, in case of an out-of-the-blue car breakdown. However, additional charges may apply if you are stranded beyond the specified radius mentioned in the policy.
Alternative transport: You do not need to skip an important business meeting if your car suddenly breaks down. Roadside assistance coverage entitles you to a free cab ride to your destination.
Urgent message relay: It is natural for friends and family to worry if you have been left stranded. You can contact your loved ones through a conference call arranged by the insurance provider and let them know you’re safe.
Medical help: In case you need medical attention for minor cuts and wounds, you can count on your insurance provider to arrange for first aid. However, you may have to pay for it out of your pocket.

Is the roadside assistance rider worth the money?

Age of the vehicle: If you have just driven home a brand new car, roadside assistance benefits may be provided by the dealer initially. This means you can skip buying one from another provider or choose the more affordable of the two.
Frequency of use: If you travel to distant places on a regular basis, the probability of a breakdown is much higher. You must consider getting roadside assistance coverage to preclude its potential financial impact.
Convenience and cost: A professional mechanic or reputable garage is not always easy to find nearby, especially if it’s late or the weather is bad. Roadside assistance coverage can help you save big and avoid the hassle of having to find help by yourself. Understand what is IDV and Why Insured Declared Value is Important?