How Can We Use Roadside Assistance Cover in Car Insurance?

Roadside assistance cover in car insurance provides the essential support if your car breaks down unexpectedly while driving. It ensures that help is just a call away when you need it the most. This article explains how to use roadside assistance with your car insurance policy and outlines the services included so you can drive with peace of mind.Read more

What is Roadside Assistance in Car Insurance?

Roadside Assistance (RSA) in car insurance is an add-on cover that offers emergency services in case of a car breakdown, which can leave you stranded on the road. Whether it's a minor accident or a small repair, the roadside assistance cover will help you deal with such unforeseen circumstances without any hassle. You can purchase car insurance with roadside coverage at an additional premium when you buy or renew a comprehensive car insurance policy.

How Does Roadside Assistance in Car Insurance Work?

RSA in car insurance works by providing you the much needed help when your car breaks down and you can't drive. To use roadside assistance cover, you need to:

1. Contact your insurer via their 24x7 helpline.
2. If you have purchased car insurance from Policybazaar.com, you can contact our claim assistance team at 1800-258-5881 and our support team will help you connect with your insurer in no time.
3. Next, provide your car insurance policy number and vehicle information.
4. Share the exact location of your car breakdown via GPS.
5. Either your insurer's support team will assist you over the call to help you get back on the road or dispatch a technician/mechanic from their nearest network garage or service partner.

Benefits of Roadside Assistance in Car Insurance

The roadside assistance cover in your car insurance offers the following advantages:

• On-call Availability: RSA cover offers 24x7 assistance across most cities and even highways, which is highly beneficial when you often go on long drives or visit remote areas.
• No Unexpected Expenses: Roadside assistance offers coverage for most small repairs, so you need to have to pay out-of-pocket.
• Convenience: With RSA in car insurance, you won't have to arrange for a towing truck or find a mechanic yourself.
• Keep Your NCB: Since roadside assistance cover is not considered a claim, your No-claim bonus (NCB) in car insurance remains intact.

What is Included in Roadside Assistance in a Car Insurance Add-on?

Roadside assistance in car insurance covers the following car breakdown scenarios:

• Battery Breakdown: In case your four-wheeler stops due to some issues in your car's battery, a roadside assistance cover will help you get a technician for the battery jumpstart.
• Spare Keys: Losing keys is quite a common issue that we often face. In such a situation, your roadside assistance cover will arrange for the spare keys to be delivered to your location.
• Flat Tyre: Having a flat tyre is painful and not under anyone's control, especially when you have no mechanic near you. In these circumstances, road side assistance cover will help you by arranging for a mechanic at your location to change the flat tyre.
• Towing Services: There are also times when your car stops in between the road and is immobilised due to some mechanical or electrical failure. In such situations, having a roadside assistance add-on cover will be beneficial as it can help you get your car towed to the nearest garage for repair.
• Fuel Delivery: Running out of fuel in the middle of the road can be pretty daunting as there may be chances when you don't have extra fuel with you. The roadside coverage can also be helpful in such scenarios, as you can get fuel (up to a certain limit) at the place you are stuck and resume your journey.
• Minor Repairs: Minor repairs are also a part of road side assistance in car insurance. If your four-wheeler stops due to some small glitch, your insurer will send a technician to repair your car.

What is Excluded From the Roadside Assistance Cover?

RSA in car insurance typically does not cover:

• Cost of spare parts or consumables
• Non-mechanical faults (like software issues in EVs)
• Driving without a valid driving license or drunk driving
• Repeated breakdowns from the same fault
• Car breakdown outside the geographical limits of the policy

Essential Tips to Prevent Car Breakdown

Here is the checklist you should follow to avoid vehicle breakdowns while going on a trip:

• Check Engine Oil: Engine oil allows all the moving parts to function properly. In case the engine oil light comes on while you are driving, immediately pull over and check underneath your car. If there is any leakage, you shouldn't drive further since your vehicle may break down.
• Routine Service: Neglecting car service puts you and your car at a major risk. Hence, do not wait for a mechanic to tell you about fixing costly parts. Instead, prioritise your car's health by ensuring its timely service. It will help you avoid breakdowns.
• Drive Responsibly: Your vehicle's condition is determined by how you drive it. So, you should never hard start or stop your car to protect your brake pads and rotors. Also, stay clear of the clutch while driving since this can harm the bearings that are crucial for the clutch to function properly.
• Be Mindful of Warning Indicators & Noises: Neglecting any problem only worsens it in the long run. As soon as you hear an odd noise or find any change in the driving pattern, immediately drive your car to a nearby garage and explain the issue to the mechanic to avoid larger & more expensive problems in the long run.

Wrapping Up!

A roadside assistance cover in car insurance is essential for vehicle owners as it comes to your rescue when your car is stuck in the middle of the road. You can purchase this cover at a nominal premium along with your comprehensive car insurance.