Understand Roadside Assistance Cover in Car Insurance

Posted on: May 29, 2020 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Understand Roadside Assistance Cover in Car Insurance

As the name suggests, a roadside assistance cover helps the driver when the vehicle breaks down in the middle of the road and requires assistance. Whether the breakdown happens due to a flat tyre, a small mishap or running out of fuel, roadside assistance ensures that you receive immediate help when you need it the most.

Roadside Assistance Add-on Cover

For a modest addition to the premium paid, you can get 24x7 support and say goodbye to all your worries. All you need to do is call the relevant helpline number when you need this service and get convenient assistance as long as the distance covered by your car is as per the policy’s terms.

How Does Roadside Assistance Work?

The roadside assistance cover is an add-on that you can opt for when you buy a comprehensive car insurance policy. Also called a breakdown assistance add-on, it comes to your rescue in case you need it. When you buy a new car insurance policy or are renewing an existing policy, you have the freedom to further enhance the coverage. At the time of renewal, you can choose roadside assistance cover when buying insurance online. In case you are buying or renewing the policy offline, you can tell the company executive or your insurance agent to include the add-on to your policy.

Keep in mind that choosing an add-on will add a little extra expense to your policy premium. However, do not let this refrain you from buying the extra feature. The roadside assistance cover can prove to be very helpful if you are stuck in the middle of nowhere.

What Does It Cover?

Many different unforeseen circumstances might crop up while driving, and you may require help if you are stranded. However, you need to know what situations or circumstances are covered by the add-on. These are as listed below:

1. Flat tyre

One of the most common reasons behind the breakdown of a vehicle is a flat tyre. The roadside assistance service helps in this case by replacing the flat tyre with the spare one in the vehicle.

2. Battery down

In case the car battery is down and needs a jump-start, such service is provided according to the manual of the vehicle.

3. Spare keys

In case you accidentally lock your keys inside your car or misplace them and require assistance, the roadside assistance service can be called to open the door of your vehicle using a long-reach tool. In case it doesn’t open, a locksmith may also be called to help.

4. Minor repairs

In case of a small mishap or when your vehicle requires a little tweak to run properly, roadside assistance can help by providing a mechanic to do minor repairs.

5. Towing facility

If the vehicle is not in a drivable condition, a towing facility will be made available for a limited number of km covered as per the policy. Beyond that limit, extra charges will be levied, and the vehicle will be towed to a mechanic.

6. Medical help

In case you require medical help, the roadside assistance service will coordinate to get you to the nearest hospital so that you can get emergency treatment.

7. Fuel assistance

In case you run out of fuel while driving, assistance will be provided with limited litres of fuel so that you can reach the nearest petrol pump. The fuel provided will be chargeable according to the current price of the fuel.

What Does It Not Cover?

For someone who drives around regularly, the roadside assistance cover is a smart choice. The coverage can keep things smooth and trouble-free even if your car breaks down. However, just like every insurance policy, there are some exclusions in roadside assistance cover as well. Keep in mind that the coverage will not be applicable in the following scenarios or have the following conditions:

1. Only a limited number of assistance (usually 4 per year) are available under the policy.

2. The number of times you can avail of fuel assistance is also limited. Refer to your policy for details.

3. There are limitations on the labour costs that are covered in the policy. Beyond the limits specified, additional payments have to be made in case extra service is availed.

4. No coverage is provided if the driver is under the influence of alcohol or found to be driving without a licence.

Factors to Consider Before Taking Roadside Assistance Cover

While the roadside assistance cover is very helpful, there are some important factors you must weigh before you opt for this cover. They are:

• The services available

You do not get an unlimited number of services when you have this cover. There is only a fixed number of times that you can call for roadside assistance. This is a very important factor to remember before you buy this cover.

• The vehicle’s age

Older cars are more likely to experience mechanical snags and breakdowns. Hence, motor insurance providers are often reluctant to extend the roadside assistance covers to vehicles that are more than five years old. If you have an older car, you may not be able to get this cover.

• The cost

Every extra add-on cover will push up the price of your car insurance plan. Check the cost of this cover and see whether it is feasible and fitting in your budget. Go for it only if it is financially viable for you.

Who should go for roadside assistance?

Accidents and mishaps can happen to anyone, anywhere. While you cannot always escape them, you can insure yourself against them and prearrange for help through the roadside assistance cover. Those who drive second-hand cars or old cars should get this add-on since the risk of a breakdown of an old car is higher than a new car. Also, people who travel often or need help with minor repairs and breakdowns should opt for this additional cover. It is also mandatory under law to have a valid MOTOR INSURANCE at all times.

FAQs

1. My car is six years old. Can I opt for the roadside assistance rider?

Most insurers in India do not allow cars beyond the age of five years to have roadside assistance coverage. However, check with your insurance provider as the rules are different for every insurer.

2. How expensive is the roadside assistance cover?

If you opt for roadside assistance as an add-on cover, you will have to pay an added premium. In most cases, the price is around 10% of the insurance premium.

3. Can I increase the number of services provided?

The clauses of the coverage are fixed. The insurance provider will mention how many services you can use. This is fixed and cannot be changed at any time.

4. Can I opt for roadside assistance with my third-party plan?

No, you cannot opt for roadside assistance cover if you have a third party car insurance plan. As is the case with all other add-on covers, this rider can also be added to a comprehensive plan alone.

Conclusion

The roadside assistance cover is very handy and useful. You should definitely consider getting it if you have a new car and live in a busy city. There are, however, some exclusions that you must be aware of. Get the cover and enjoy enhanced insurance protection that will help you and your vehicle.

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

Mukesh Kumar | Motor Insurance Expert | 36+ years of experience in insurance industry

A veteran in the insurance industry, Mukesh Kumar has the expertise of handling various functions like Business Development, Underwriting, Claims, Human Resources, Quality Management and Marketing. With rich knowledge of the industry, he loves to share his views on topics of insurance sector and takes special interest in educating people on advantages of having insurance.

Mr. Mukesh Kumar recommends "getting your two wheeler insured from HDFC ERGO, a brand serving more than 1 crore+ customers. With overnight repair services and more than 7,600+ network garages, you can be assured of help in event of any damage to your vehicle

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