Picture this: you’re cruising down the highway, enjoying your journey. Suddenly, your car grinds to a halt. Whether it’s a minor hiccup like a flat tire or a more serious mechanical issue, being stranded on the roadside can quickly turn your day sour.
This is where Roadside Assistance cover can be of great help. This add-on for your car insurance policy provides a safety net by offering on-ground assistance when your vehicle decides to call it quits unexpectedly. From jump-starting a dead battery to fixing a punctured tire, this cover ensures that you’re never left stranded and helpless on the roadside.
Why is it so crucial to have this add-on in your insurance arsenal? Well, for starters, it provides peace of mind. Knowing that help is just a phone call away can alleviate significant stress, especially during long journeys or in unfamiliar territories. Additionally, it can save you both time and money. Instead of scrambling to find a reliable mechanic or towing service, Roadside Assistance simplifies the process by dispatching help directly to your location.
In this guide, we’ll cover the nuances of the Roadside Assistance add-on, exploring its various benefits, coverage options, and how to make the most of this invaluable add-on.
What is 24×7 Roadside Assistance (RSA) Cover in Car Insurance?
Simply put, the Roadside Assistance add-on can be your lifeline on the road. It ensures that help is always within reach, regardless of the time or location. Whether you’re stranded in the dead of night or during rush hour traffic, RSA cover is there to rescue you from any automotive uncertainties.
This add-on is not an optional luxury but a practical necessity that can make all the difference when faced with unexpected roadside emergencies. The importance of adding this coverage to the base policy comes from the very fact that car troubles don’t operate on a 9-to-5 schedule. They can strike at any moment, leaving you vulnerable and stranded.
With RSA Cover, you can bid farewell to the anxiety of being left high and dry in the middle of nowhere. Whether it’s a battery failure, a flat tire, or even something as serious as engine trouble, help is just a phone call away. Moreover, the benefits far outweigh the nominal premium you’ll pay. From towing services to on-the-spot repairs, this cover ensures that you’re back on the road in no time, minimising disruptions to your schedule and saving you from hefty out-of-pocket expenses.
Also Read: All About Engine Protection Cover Add-On
What Is Covered Under Roadside Assistance Add-on?
1. Dead Battery
In case your car refuses to start due to a dead battery, Roadside Assistance add-on can have your back, providing jump-start services to get you back on track swiftly.
2. Punctured/Flat Tyre
Dealing with a flat or punctured tire can be a nightmare for any driver, especially in remote or unfamiliar areas. With this add-on, you can get prompt tire change or repair, regardless of location.
3. Empty Fuel Tank
Running out of car fuel in the middle of nowhere is a nightmare scenario. But this add-on also includes fuel delivery services, sparing you the hassle of searching for a gas station in unfamiliar territory.
4. Towing
When your vehicle faces a major breakdown, the last thing you want to worry about is arranging for towing services. Roadside Assistance cover takes care of this for you, ensuring your vehicle is safely transported to the nearest garage or repair facility.
5. Spare Keys
Locking our keys inside the car – it happens to the best of us. This add-on comes to the rescue by providing spare key delivery, saving you from the inconvenience and frustration of being locked out of your vehicle.
6. Arranging for Alternate Transport
In the event of a major breakdown that requires extensive repairs, the add-on can arrange for alternate transportation to ensure you reach your destination without further delay.
Recommended Read: All About Car Insurance Add-ons
Exclusions of Roadside Assistance Cover
- Coverage for accidents or collision-related incidents
- Restrictions on the types and sizes of vehicles covered (like commercial vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, or specific types of motorcycles)
- Off-road rescues or vehicles stranded in remote or inaccessible areas (assistance might be confined to well-traveled roads and highways or within a certain distance from service stations)
- Capping on the number of times you can avail assistance within a specified period
- Breakdowns resulting from pre-existing issues with your vehicle
- Service availability during extreme weather conditions, political unrest, or natural disasters can
- Certain non-mechanical services
Benefits of A Roadside Assistance Cover
- Availability of Emergency Help
From unexpected flat tires to sudden battery breakdowns, roadside assistance add-on ensures that help is always within reach when you need it the most. With a simple phone call, assistance is dispatched swiftly to your location, providing reassurance and support in times of distress.
- Peace of Mind
By opting for this add-on to your insurance policy, you can travel with confidence, knowing that you have a reliable backup plan in place. Whether you’re going for a long road trip or navigating daily commutes, the assurance of assistance in emergencies brings peace of mind like no other.
- Towing Service
In the event of a mechanical or electrical failure or even an unfortunate accident rendering your vehicle immobile, roadside assistance ensures that arrangements for towing to the nearest garage are promptly made.
Who Should Buy Roadside Assistance Cover?
This add-on is a necessary investment for their specific circumstances. While ideally, all car owners should consider adding this coverage to their standard insurance plans, certain individuals stand to benefit even more:
- For those who find themselves on the road often, whether for work or leisure, opting for 24×7 roadside assistance is a no-brainer. With unpredictable travel schedules, the need for assistance can arise at any moment.
- Not everyone is mechanically inclined or comfortable performing even minor repairs on their vehicles. For such individuals, facing a breakdown can be a daunting prospect.
- Those who frequently traverse remote or less-traveled routes are particularly vulnerable to unexpected breakdowns.
- Even if you’re not a frequent traveler or find yourself in remote areas, having Roadside Assistance can be invaluable if you lack mechanical expertise.
FAQs
Does roadside assistance cover unlocking cars if I’ve locked my keys inside?
Yes, roadside assistance add-on typically covers lockout services in the event of keys being locked inside the car. Qualified service providers assist you, either by unlocking the vehicle or arranging for spare keys to be delivered to your location. However, you should ask the insurer about any expenses incurred for the replacement keys.
Is roadside assistance cover worth spending money on?
This add-on is generally considered worth the investment. While the premium for this add-on is relatively low, the benefits it provides can be invaluable in times of roadside emergencies. From flat tire changes to jump-starting a dead battery, it can offer peace of mind and convenience, ensuring that help is just a phone call away when you need it most. Considering the potential costs and hassles associated with arranging emergency assistance independently, the modest premium for this add-on can be seen as a prudent investment.
Can I purchase this add-on with my third-party car insurance plan?
No, it is not possible to buy roadside assistance cover with a third-party or liability-only car insurance plan. This add-on can only be opted for with either a standalone own-damage policy or a comprehensive car insurance plan. If you’re seeking roadside assistance benefits, you would need to consider upgrading your insurance policy to include either of these coverage options.
What happens if my car breaks down late at night? Will the insurance company provide assistance if I have RSA cover?
Yes, most insurance companies offer roadside assistance cover that operates 24×7, ensuring help is available round the clock. You can verify whether your insurance provider offers 24×7 RSA before purchasing the add-on. This way, you can rest assured knowing that assistance will be available, even in the event of a late-night breakdown.
Will claiming for roadside assistance coverage affect my No Claim Bonus (NCB)?
Filing a claim under this add-on does not impact the NCB of your car insurance plan. NCB is typically associated with claims related to own-damage coverage and is unaffected by claims made for roadside assistance services.
