Roadside assistance – A service that is helpful during a car breakdown
If you’ve ever been stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire or a car that just won’t start, you know how stressful and inconvenient it can be. That’s where roadside assistance comes to the rescue. In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of roadside assistance, explaining what it is, how it works, and why it’s a service that every car owner should consider.
What is Roadside Assistance?
Roadside assistance is like having a guardian angel for your car. It’s a service offered by insurance companies that provides you with help when you encounter unexpected car troubles. Whether you’re dealing with a flat tire, a dead battery, or any other mechanical or electrical issue, roadside assistance service ensures that help reaches you promptly.
How Does Roadside Assistance Work?
Using roadside assistance in car insurance is a breeze. When you find yourself in a sticky situation, all you need to do is make a call to your insurer, and they’ll dispatch a trained crew to your location in no time. Most of the time, these services are free as they are part of your insurance coverage, but there might be instances where you have to cover certain expenses out of pocket, like if you run out of fuel.
For example, if you unexpectedly run out of fuel, you’ll need to foot the bill for refueling. In some cases, you might require a taxi or even accommodation services, and your roadside assistance can arrange for those too. This service becomes especially invaluable during the monsoon season when breakdowns are more likely. However, it’s crucial to thoroughly understand the details of your on-road car breakdown service cover with your insurance provider to ensure it meets your specific needs.
What’s Covered Under Car Roadside Assistance?
Roadside assistance is a comprehensive service that can come to your rescue in various ways. Here are some key benefits typically included in roadside assistance coverage:
- Towing
When your car experiences a major breakdown, your insurance company will arrange for a towing service to transport your vehicle to the nearest network garage or an authorized service center.
- Accommodation Benefits
If your car breaks down or is involved in an accident more than 100 kilometers away from your home, your insurance company may cover the cost of accommodation for up to one day.
- Minor Repairs
Roadside assistance services can provide minor repair services on the spot to get your car back in working condition.
- Flat Tire Assistance
If you find yourself with a flat tire while on the road, the roadside assistance add-on will arrange for a tire replacement.
- Spare Keys Assistance
In the unfortunate event of losing your car keys or having them stolen, your insurance company can arrange for the pickup and delivery of spare keys to your location.
- Emergency Fuel
If your car runs out of fuel, roadside assistance will arrange for fuel delivery to your specified location.
- Drained Battery
In the case of a breakdown due to a flat or drained battery, the insurer will make arrangements for battery repair or replacement.
- Taxi Benefits
Roadside assistance can help arrange free transportation for all passengers in your car to a single destination within a 40-kilometer radius from the breakdown or accident spot.
- Legal Advice
In the event of an accident, you can receive free legal advice from a legal advisor over the phone.
- Telephonic Breakdown Support
For minor mechanical issues, you can request free telephonic assistance from a mechanic. This guidance can help you address minor problems on your own.
Who Should Opt for Car Roadside Assistance?
Roadside assistance is particularly valuable for the following groups:
Frequent Travelers: If you often find yourself on long journeys, especially in remote areas, the risk of a breakdown increases. Roadside assistance is a boon for frequent travelers.
Owners of New Cars: If your car is brand new or less than 5 years old, protecting it with roadside assistance ensures that even in remote or hard-to-reach areas, help is just a call away.
Individuals with Limited Mechanical Knowledge: For those who aren’t well-versed in car mechanics, a breakdown in the middle of nowhere can be daunting. Roadside assistance provides peace of mind, knowing that professional help is available.
Add-On Features of Roadside Assistance in Car Insurance
Roadside assistance comes with several useful add-on features:
Alternate Transportation: If your car breaks down and you need transportation to a garage or accommodation, this add-on can arrange for cab services.
Claimless Claim: Using roadside assistance doesn’t affect your No Claim Bonus (NCB). It’s not considered a claim on your insurance policy.
Tele-Guidance: For minor repairs, you can seek telephonic guidance from a mechanic, allowing you to attempt fixes on your own.
Accommodation: If your car breaks down far from home, you can request accommodation services while your vehicle is being repaired.
Conclusion
When your car breaks down unexpectedly, especially in an unfamiliar or remote location, getting back on the road can be a challenging ordeal. Roadside assistance services or car towing acts as your reliable companion during such unforeseen breakdowns. It provides you with the support and assurance you need to tackle the unexpected with confidence. Due to its emergency service the size of vehicle roadside assistance market is growing rapidly. Every year the graph of new RSA service providers is increasing globally.
So, if you’re a car owner, consider adding roadside assistance to your insurance policy. It’s not just a service; it’s your lifeline when you’re stranded on the side of the road. With roadside assistance, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing help is just a phone call away, making your journeys safer and less stressful.