Roadside Assistance for Electric Vehicles – Complete Guide

The demand for roadside assistance for EVs is increasing just as fast as the electric vehicles’ growing popularity. According to a report, sales for electric vehicles in India exceeded 2 million units across all vehicle segments in 2025, while electric car and SUV sales saw a 53% YoY growth by mid-2025. However, as more people switch to EVs, they are also encountering EV-specific issues, such as software glitches, dead batteries, or simply running out of charge. That is why roadside assistance for electric vehicles isn’t optional anymore. It is the quiet backup you hope you won’t need, but will be glad to have. This guide covers what it includes, why it matters, and how to get it sorted.

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What is Roadside Assistance (RSA) in EV Insurance?

Roadside Assistance (RSA) is an add-on cover you can include with your electric car insurance. If your EV breaks down due to battery trouble, tyre issues, towing needs, or even runs out of charge, RSA will send help to your location.

In EVs, where certain components differ entirely from fuel cars, a specialised support network becomes essential. Unlike petrol or diesel vehicles, you can't just recharge your EV with a fuel can in a minute. Rather, it takes a high threshold voltage to charge the EV, and it could take from 35 minutes to 24 hours, depending on various factors. Therefore, roadside assistance is a must for such situations.

Why it matters: Getting stranded in the middle of nowhere with a drained EV battery or an unresponsive system can be both inconvenient and unsafe. RSA covers that risk.

What is Typically Covered in RSA for Electric Vehicles?

Coverage varies slightly across insurers, but most RSA covers are designed to handle the common situations EV drivers are most likely to face. These include:

• Towing to the nearest authorised charging station or workshop.
• Minor mechanical or electrical repairs on-site, such as a blown fuse or faulty sensor.
• Battery jumpstart or access to mobile charging units.
• Tyre-related assistance, including flat repairs or wheel replacement.
• Key-related support in case of lockout or loss.
• Emergency fuel delivery for plug-in hybrids.

What this really means is, whether your car stops in a crowded street or a quiet parking lane, you will have help coming your way without delay.

What's Not Included in RSA for Electric Vehicles?

You must remember that roadside assistance is designed to step in when something goes wrong on the move, not to take over the role of your service centre. It does have its limitations.

Here's what usually isn't covered in RSA for EVs:

• The cost of spare parts or major replacements.
• Breakdowns caused by age, wear, or neglect.
• Incidents involving intoxicated or reckless driving.
• Repeat requests for the same unresolved fault.
• Collision damage—those claims fall under your car insurance, not RSA.

Another thing to keep in mind is that most RSA plans limit how many times you can take assistance in a policy year. It is worth checking these details before you add the RSA cover to your electric vehicle insurance policy.

Why Do Electric Cars Need Specialised RSA?

Electric cars operate differently from traditional petrol or diesel cars. They need specialised roadside assistance and technicians due to their potential issues and unique characteristics like electric charging systems and more complex diagnostic systems.

Here's what makes the difference:

• You can't solve a charging issue with a fuel can.
• EV systems run on high-voltage components that need trained hands.
• Tech-heavy parts like regenerative brakes or onboard diagnostics aren't made for roadside guesswork.

This is exactly why roadside assistance is specifically designed for electric vehicles.

How to Get Roadside Assistance for EVs?

There are various ways to secure roadside assistance for your electric car. The most common ones are as follows:

• Through your car insurance - Various insurers offer RSA as an optional add-on with comprehensive car insurance.
• From the carmaker - Most EV makers include roadside assistance for the first few years after purchase. However, the inclusions and tenure of electric car roadside assistance vary from one manufacturer to another.
• Through standalone providers - If your car is out of warranty or a few years old, you can still get an RSA cover from independent providers. These plans are flexible and work well when your insurer or manufacturer support has run out.

If you prefer one place to manage everything, including claims, service, and support, you must add RSA directly to your electric car insurance policy. It keeps things simpler, especially when things go south on the road.

How to Use Roadside Assistance for Your EV?

If your car breaks down unexpectedly during a trip, here's how you can claim roadside assistance for your electric vehicle quickly and easily:

• Step 1: Call the 24x7 RSA helpline number or contact the assistance through the insurer or vehicle manufacturer app.
• Step 2: Share your location and describe the issue.
• Step 3: Wait for help. A technician or tow vehicle will be dispatched to your spot within 30 to 90 minutes.
• Step 4: Minor fixes will be done on the spot, or the vehicle will be towed safely to the nearest workshop.

Pro Tip: Always keep your RSA number handy and enable GPS tracking when driving in new areas. Ensure all policy-related details are handy.

RSA vs. Comprehensive Car Insurance

These aren't substitutes; they complement each other. Have a look at the table below to find how they compare:

Should You Pay Extra for EV Roadside Assistance?

If you value peace of mind over a sum of money, paying for EV roadside assistance is a must.

Breakdowns aren't predictable. EV-specific issues (like thermal shutdowns or charging port failure) require more than just a wrench. That extra few hundred rupees yearly can save you hours of stress, especially on long drives or isolated routes.

In many cases, add-ons in car insurance like RSA, zero depreciation car insurance, or return-to-invoice cover are what make a policy more useful during a crisis.

What are the Things to Check Before Buying an RSA?

Not all roadside assistance plans for electric vehicles are created equal. Before signing up, ask yourself the following questions:

• Does it cover high-voltage EV systems?
• Is towing distance capped?
• How many claims are allowed annually?
• Are remote/rural areas covered?
• Does it include flatbed towing?
• Are labour and mechanic visit charges extra?

You must check the claim process too, especially if bundled with your car insurance online. Also, do read the policy terms and conditions carefully before purchasing a roadside assistance cover.

Drive Smarter, Not Stressed

EVs are built for the future. But your electric car insurance should also prepare for today's risks, especially for breakdowns, flat batteries, and locked charging systems.

Whether you are commuting to work or road-tripping across states, roadside assistance in electric car insurance isn't a luxury anymore. It is that low-cost backup plan you will thank yourself for later.