Your car breaking down midway or experiencing mechanical problems on the road or at home, can become an extremely stressful situation. Being stuck in an unfamiliar place without access to mechanics can be frustrating.
However, you can keep yourself cushioned against such unanticipated troubles with Roadside Assistance (RSA) cover. Some car insurance companies offer this protection as an integral part of a comprehensive car insurance policy. Others offer it as an optional extra insurance cover for car owners. Next time when you buy car insurance, make sure you discuss these details with your agent.
What is covered in roadside assistance coverage?
Mechanical / electrical breakdown – This covers sudden and unforeseen failures of mechanical or electrical components. With roadside assistance cover, insurance policyholders can get help with changing a flat tire for free or having repairs done in case of a breakdown. If the vehicle owner is locked out of the vehicle, a spare key will also be provided and delivered. Or if the insured vehicle is involved in an accident, the insurance company will tow it to the nearest network garage or authorised service centre.
Hotel accommodation – If necessary, the insurance company will arrange accommodation for the car owner in a hotel near the garage where the vehicle is being repaired.
Alternative vehicle – The insurance company will arrange an alternative vehicle/taxi that the car owner can use for the insured vehicle.
Medical coverage – If the car owner needs medical treatment or assistance due to an accident, the car insurance will cover most of the costs associated with this.
Emergency communication tools – Some insurance companies help policyholders contact families and provide emergency information through conference calls.
Transporting the repaired vehicle – Some insurance companies help transport the repaired vehicle to the insured location if the breakdown happens away from home. This can be very helpful in situations such as travelling on a road trip and encountering car trouble.
Rules for roadside assistance
When it comes to roadside assistance, car insurance policies typically cover costs for jump-starts, towing, tire changes and other services related to mechanical issues. Some policies may even include coverage for lockout service if your keys are locked in the car, while some do not cover fuel delivery, locksmith services, or anything related to an accident. So, here are some exceptions you should be aware of when claiming roadside assistance:
- The claim will be rejected if the vehicle is used for racing or other illegal activities. The driver must follow the vehicle manual.
- Insureds can use roadside assistance benefits as per the document, so this requirement is not considered.
- Insurance will not cover collisions if the driver is drunk.
- If the insured can drive the vehicle to a nearby garage without assistance and tries to use assistance, the insurance company will not cover it.
Why choose roadside assistance cover?
If your comprehensive car insurance policy doesn’t offer you RSA cover, you can choose it yourself. It all depends on your insurance needs. Roadside assistance coverage is useful for those who use their vehicles for long distances and who are not familiar with basic repairs for their cars. It can also prove to be very useful for elderly drivers.
Frequency of use: Roadside assistance is a great option if you often find yourself in need of help on the road. For instance, if you have an older car or are prone to breakdowns and flat tires, roadside assistance could be just what you need to get back on track quickly.
Peace of mind: With roadside assistance cover, you’ll never have to worry about being stranded along the side of the road with no help in sight. Knowing that you can rely on your policy for timely service and repairs gives you peace of mind when driving.
Cost savings: Roadside assistance coverage offers cost savings compared to having to pay out-of-pocket for services like tows, fuel delivery, jump-starts, tire changes and lockouts. It’s especially beneficial if you don’t have an emergency fund that could cover these expenses.
Convenience: Roadside assistance is convenient and often faster than having to find a service provider on your own. Many companies have 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can get help when you need it, any time of day or night.
Tips to know
Roadside assistance is often included in some types of car insurance policies. It can be a great help if you ever find yourself stuck on the mid-road with no way to get your car running again. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when dealing with roadside assistance coverage:
- Make sure you know exactly what is covered when you buy a car insurance policy. Roadside assistance can often include towing, tire changes, jump starts, fuel delivery, and lockout services.
- Check with the car insurance company to see how buy car insurancelong the coverage lasts for roadside assistance. Most policies will only cover you for a certain number of miles or days before needing to renew your coverage.
- Don’t forget to call for help as soon as you experience any problem on the road. Don’t wait until you are stranded to call for help – it may be too late by then.
- When calling for roadside assistance, give as much detail as possible about your car’s current location and the problem you are experiencing. This will help the service provider get to you faster and more accurately.
In conclusion, when you buy car insurance, it is highly beneficial to buy roadside assistance coverage. Make sure you know exactly what all is covered under the policy and have a plan in place for calling for help as soon as you experience an issue on the road. Don’t hesitate to contact your car insurance provider if you have any questions about your policy or the coverage it provides. With a bit of knowledge and preparation, you’ll be ready for anything coming your way. Good luck!