Benefits of Roadside Assistance Cover in Car Insurance

Posted on: Feb 19, 2019 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Benefits of Roadside Assistance Cover in Car Insurance

Roadside assistance cover, or emergency assistance cover, is an add-on to your car insurance policy that provides help in case of a breakdown or other roadside emergencies.

It can be a lifesaver if you're ever stranded on the side of the road, and it can save you a lot of money on towing and repair costs. Let us quickly take a look at the details of the roadside assistance cover.

What is Roadside Assistance Cover?

In simple words, roadside assistance cover means a professional technician comes to your rescue when your car breaks down in the middle of the journey, leaving you stranded.

The primary objective of this service is to provide immediate assistance and on-the-spot repairs, enabling the driver to continue their journey without undue delay.

This coverage is particularly useful for those who undertake long journeys or have busy schedules, as it minimises disruptions caused by unexpected vehicle breakdowns.

Let us understand what it covers to get more clarity on whether you should opt for it or not.

What is Covered Under Roadside Assistance?

The exact services under roadside assistance cover vary from plan to plan. However, most plans will cover the following:

• Minor repairs: In case of a minor problem, the customer is assisted over a phone call. Sometimes, minor glitches cause the vehicle to stop and can be taken care of by the driver himself/herself if guided properly.

• Towing service: If, due to any mechanical or electrical fault or in case of an accident, the car becomes immobilised and can't be repaired on the spot, then proper arrangements are made for the vehicle to be towed to the nearest garage for servicing.

• Battery breakdown assistance: In case the vehicle is immobilised due to a rundown battery and needs a jumpstart, a technician is sent to start the motor vehicle by appropriate means.

• Flat tyre change: If you get a flat tyre, a technician will come and change it for you.

• Fuel delivery: If you run out of fuel, a technician will come and deliver it to you.

• Spare keys: Another common problem is when the driver loses the key or the key doesn't work. In those cases also, the service provider will send a person to your place of residence and get the keys for you.

• Travel arrangement/Taxi service: While the insured vehicle is undergoing repairs, the policyholder can avail of taxi services to his office/house. This facility is, however, provided to only one destination.

• Accommodation arrangement: If the car owner wants accommodation near the garage where the vehicle is being repaired, arrangements are made by the insurance company.

Some roadside assistance plans also include other services, such as rental car reimbursement, etc. To avail of these services, you must opt for a roadside insurance cover. The good news is that now you can opt for these car insurance online.

What is Not Covered Under Roadside Assistance?

Now that you are clear on the inclusions of the roadside assistance cover, let us also briefly discuss the exclusions, so that there is no room for any confusion. The exclusions are:

• Not Considered as a Claim: The roadside assistance cover doesn't count as a "claim." The policy allows the insured to utilize it as specified in the policy documents.

• Last Resort Usage: Roadside assistance is only applicable when there are no alternative options available to the insured. If the policyholder could manage to take the car to a nearby garage independently but still requests assistance, the insurer won't provide support.

• Intoxicated Driving: Incidents where the driver is under the influence during the breakdown won't be covered by the Roadside Assistance Cover.

• Absence of Driver's License: Cases where the driver lacks a valid license during the breakdown won't be covered by the insurer.

Benefits of Having a Roadside Assistance Cover

There are many benefits to having roadside assistance cover. Here are a few of the most important ones:

• Peace of mind: Having roadside assistance cover can make you feel at ease while you're on the road. You don't have to worry about being stranded if your car breaks down.

• Cost savings: Roadside assistance can save you a lot of money on towing and repair costs. You won't have to pay for a tow truck or a mechanic if your car breaks down.

• Convenience: Roadside assistance is convenient. You don't have to worry about finding a tow truck or mechanic. You can just call the roadside assistance number and they will send someone to help you.

• Flexibility: Roadside assistance plans are flexible. You can choose a plan that aligns with your needs and budget.

Now that we are aware of the benefits it offers, let's take a look at the factors that must be considered before opting for roadside assistance cover.

Factors to Consider Before Opting for Roadside Assistance Cover

• The cost of the plan: Roadside assistance plans can vary in price. It's essential to compare plans and prices before you choose one.

• The coverage: Not all roadside assistance plans are created equal. Make sure you read the fine print to understand what is and isn't covered.

• The deductible: Some roadside assistance plans have a deductible. This is the amount of money you have to pay before the plan kicks in.

• The limits: Roadside assistance plans often limit the number of services you can use and the distance you can be towed. Make sure you understand the limitations before you choose a plan.

Conclusion

Roadside assistance cover is a valuable add-on to your car insurance policy. It can save you a good amount of money and hassle in the event of a breakdown or other roadside emergency. Insurance companies like HDFC ERGO partner with a network of trusted brands that provide roadside assistance services. The service provider sent for your assistance is picked based on location, vehicle, and other circumstances.

If conditions like the age of the vehicle, range of commuting, and convenience are suitable, having this CAR INSURANCE ADD-ON COVER is quite beneficial as it can save you a tremendous amount of service fees. Usually, roadside assistance services cost around the range of Rs 1000 to Rs 5000; depending on the roadside assistance plans, one opts to cap the number of services needed and the size of the geographical area covered.

While Roadside Assistance ensures immediate help, having Zero Depreciation car insurance can guarantee quality repairs without compromising on the value of your vehicle. So that is also something you can consider.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

This blog has been written by Mr. Mukesh Kumar recommends "getting your two wheeler insured from HDFC ERGO, a brand serving more than 1.5 crore+ customers. With overnight repair services and more than 7600+ network garages, you can be assured of help in event of any damage to your vehicle.

A Guide to Dealing with Car Breakdown

Steps to Download a Car Insurance Policy Document

How to Get A PUC Certificate for Your Vehicle?

KYC Process in Car Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

Differences Between Car Insurance and Warranty