Understand Roadside Assistance Cover In Car Insurance

Car insurance is the first thing that comes to your rescue in the event of an accident or theft. It is also applicable to roadside emergencies. If you love to take long road trips to exquisite places, then you must consider adding a roadside assistance cover with your car insurance scheme. Roadside assistance cover is an essential add-on for non-travellers too. This article explores all the aspects of a roadside assistance cover, what it includes and how it is beneficial for car insurance owners.

What Is A Roadside Assistance Cover?

As the name suggests, roadside assistance refers to any service provided by the insurance company in the event of a roadside emergency like a car breakdown in the middle of a journey. It helps you avail of 24/7 emergency assistance when you encounter operational difficulties with your vehicle mid-journey or even at home. An RSA cover can be purchased separately while buying comprehensive car insurance policies.  When a breakdown occurs, policyholders having roadside assistance cover get immediate assistance like dispatching a mechanic or arranging for towing services to the nearest garage by the insurance company. 

What Is Included In Roadside Assistance Cover

The RSA cover typically includes a variety of services aimed at addressing common roadside emergencies:

24x7 Car Assistance: If you face a major breakdown with your vehicle and there is no scope for any roadside assistance available nearby, having a roadside assistance cover can be a godsend. 

Towing Services in Car Insurance: If your vehicle cannot be repaired on-site due to mechanical or electrical failures, the RSA cover will arrange for towing to the nearest garage.

Flat Tyre Assistance: RSA helps replace flat tires with a spare tire if available.

Dead Battery Support: In case of a dead battery, assistance is provided to jump-start the vehicle.

Fuel Delivery Service: If you run out of fuel or are low on fuel, RSA can deliver a limited amount of fuel to get you to the nearest gas station.

Lockout Service: If you lock your keys inside your car, RSA can assist in unlocking the vehicle.

On-Site Car Repair: Some plans may include minor repairs performed by a mechanic on-site.

Provision of spare keys: Many times, it so happens that in the event of a vehicle breakdown mid-journey, car owners often tend to lock themselves out of the car in a state of panic. For this reason, a spare key is included in the RSA cover in car insurance.

Benefits of Having Roadside Assistance

• Peace of Mind: Knowing that help is just a phone call away can alleviate stress during unexpected breakdowns.
• Cost-effective: While there is an additional premium for RSA, it can save money on towing and emergency repair costs.
• Non-Claim Service: Utilizing RSA services does not count as a claim against your policy, preserving your No Claim Bonus (NCB) and keeping premiums lower in the future16.
• 24/7 Availability: Most RSA services are available around the clock, providing assistance whenever needed34.

How to Access Roadside Assistance

To use roadside assistance, policyholders must typically call a dedicated helpline provided by their insurance company. They will need to provide details about their location and the nature of the problem. The insurance provider will then coordinate the necessary help.

What Is Not Included In Your RSA Cover?

While RSA covers many situations, there are limitations based on individual policies. Common exclusions may include:

Drunk driving: If policyholders are in an inebriated state at the time of the vehicle breakdown, insurance companies are within their rights to refuse roadside assistance services.

RSA can be used as a last resort: Meaning that if you have an RSA cover and your vehicle breaks down mid-journey in an area where roadside assistance facilities are within a reachable distance, then the insurance company is not liable to help you.

Absence of a driver’s licence: Every driver must ensure that they carry the accurate documentation at the time of availing roadside assistance from their insurance company. Failure to do so gives the company to forfeit services.

Additionally, a car insurance company has all the right to deny assistance in the following situations.

• Services beyond a certain distance from your home or predetermined limits.
• Coverage for pre-existing issues or regular maintenance needs.
• Costs incurred for repairs that exceed the coverage limits set by the insurance provider.

Conclusion

Roadside Assistance cover in car insurance is an invaluable resource for drivers facing unexpected vehicle issues. By adding this feature to your policy, you gain access to essential services that can help you get back on the road quickly and safely. When considering car insurance options, evaluating whether to include roadside assistance can significantly enhance your overall driving experience and provide peace of mind during travels.