ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE COVER IN CAR INSURANCE

What is Roadside Assistance Cover in Car Insurance?

Roadside Assistance (RSA) in car insurance is an add-on that you can opt to include in your car’s comprehensive insurance policy. This add-on cover would be of great help whenever you need on-road car assistance. Whether it is a flat tire, a drained battery, or you meet with a small mishap, the 24x7 roadside assistance add-on cover ensures timely help in moments of trouble. 

The RSA cover typically provides services like towing, fuel delivery, emergency repairs, and much more, offering peace of mind during unforeseen breakdowns. Moreover, the good news is that availing of this service will not be accounted for as a claim, allowing you to preserve your No Claim Bonus while still benefiting from immediate assistance.

How RSA Cover Works in Car Insurance?

Once you have included this add-on car insurance, using it in times of need is very simple and easy. All that you have to do is give your insurance company a call when you need help. The insurer will provide you with the roadside assistance number when you buy this add-on cover. However, you should keep the policy details ready when help arrives.

Typically, roadside assistance for car will be available 24x7 and it includes the labour and conveyance costs. However, you must check with your insurer as regards the distance up to the company extends roadside assistance.

Features of Roadside Assistance Add-on

Roadside assistance car insurance add-on provides reliable assistance whenever and wherever needed. Following are some of the key features that make it an essential add-on cover for car owners.

24/7 Availability

Assistance under RSA is accessible round-the-clock, ensuring 24/7 support.

Nationwide Coverage

RSA cover enables assistance services across urban and rural areas, offering help even in remote locations.

No Claim Impact

Claiming RSA cover does not affect the No Claim Bonus (NCB), preserving the policyholder's benefits.

Ease of Access

RSA services can often be availed via a toll-free number or mobile apps by insurer providers, making the process quick and hassle-free.

Peace of Mind

Knowing roadside assistance is readily available reduces stress during emergencies, especially for long-distance or solo travelers.

 

How Can Use Roadside Assistance Cover in Car Insurance

 

Step 1. Before using services under RSA cover in car insurance it is important to get what services it offers. 

 

Step 2. Your insurer provides a dedicated helpline number for roadside assistance, you must keep this number saved in your for quick access.

 

Step 3. If you find yourself in a condition like car breakdown, contact the insurer helpline number and provide details like policy number, current location, and nature of the problem.

 

Step 4. The insurer will verify policy details to check if your car insurance policy has RSA coverage.

 

Step 5. After successful verification the insurer will dispatch necessary service at suggested locations by themselves or by third party. 
 

Inclusions of Roadside Assistance Add On Cover of Car Insurance 

Dead Battery

Roadside assistance can be availed if your car’s battery has issues and you are stuck somewhere on the road. The cover takes care of the labour and conveyance charges involved in providing help to you.

Flat Tyre 

Your car can have a flat tyre at any time, leaving you stranded anywhere. The RSA cover service provided by your insurer will be of great help to you. Roadside assistance involves arranging technicians to replace the flat tyre with the spare tyre.

Minor Repairs

Minor issues can crop up at any time. One fine morning, your car may not just start. Roadside assistance will be of great help during such situations as it organizes help for minor repairs.

Towing Facility

Roadside assistance in car insurance provides critical help in condition when your car becomes immobile due to breakdown or accident. The insurer provides quick assistance for transporting your vehicle to the nearest garage for repairs. RSA covers towing expenses and protects you and your car from potential risk of being stuck in an unsafe location.

Provision of Spare Keys

If you misplace or lose your car keys, RSA add-on cover assists you by arranging a spare key or unlocking the vehicle. Spare key provision ensures prompt help in emergencies of being locked out of your car.

Fuel Provision

In case your vehicle runs out of fuel, RSA cover offers immediate delivery of fuel to your location. Fuel provision reduces the risk of being stranded on the road, saving you from the hassle of finding a fuel station.

Alternate Vehicle

Provision of alternate vehicles under roadside assistance in car insurance eliminates the hassle of finding alternate transport vehicles in short notice. 

Medical Assistance

Insurance companies provide medical assistance under the Roadside Assistance (RSA) add-on cover. If the insured vehicle owner or passengers gets injured in an accident, the insurer arranges for an ambulance to transport them to the nearest medical facility.

Hotel Stay Arrangement

When a policyholder experiences a breakdown far from policy registered address and repair takes significant time, the insurer may arrange accommodation in a nearby partnered hotel.

 

Exclusions of Roadside Assistance Add On Cover of Car Insurance

Geographic Limits

Services under RSA cover are only available within the coverage area specified under policy documents. Breakdowns incidents happening in remote regions or international locations will not be assisted.

Pre-Existing Mechanical Issues

Breakdowns occurring due to pre-existing mechanical issues may not be eligible for RSA services.

Unauthorized Modifications

RSA may not cover breakdowns or issues caused by unauthorized modifications in a car which are not approved by the manufacturer.

Illegal or Reckless Activities

RSA is not applicable if the breakdown occurs due to reckless activities like drunk and driving or participation in illegal activities like race.

Commercial Use of Private Vehicles

RSA add-ons in private car insurance policies exclude vehicles used for commercial purposes unless specified in the policy.

Frequency Limit

RSA services have use limitations and can be availed for a specific number of times mentioned within the policy. Additional requests may not be entertained or could be chargeable.

 

Who Should Buy RSA Cover with Car Insurance

Road side assistance cover is particularly beneficial for certain groups of drivers based on their driving habits, vehicle usage, and personal circumstances. Here's a detailed look at who should consider buying an RSA cover with car insurance.

• Frequent Travelers and Long-Distance Drivers
• Urban Commuters
• Owners of Older Vehicles
• Inexperienced Drivers
• People Living in Remote Areas
• Women and Senior Citizens
• Luxury and High-End Car Owners
• Drivers in Harsh Weather Conditions

 

FAQs on Roadside Assistance Add-on in Car Insurance

How to Claim Roadside Assistance Cover?

Call your insurer's RSA helpline number, provide necessary details, and the insurer will dispatch the service provider once they verify your car insurance policy with RSA coverage.

 

Does RSA Claim Get Counted as Insurance Policy Claim?

No, RSA claims fall under the assistance service and not insurance claims leaving your car insurance policy claims unaffected.

 

Does RSA Claim Affect No Claim Bonus in Car Insurance?

No, as RSA is an add-on and you pay extra premium for this, it does not affect No Claim Bonus benefit in car insurance.

  

Is Roadside Assistance Available Nationwide?

Yes, most insurers offer RSA service across the country, but it is advisable to get confirmed geographic coverage before purchasing RSA add on under car insurance.

 

Does Roadside Assistance Cover Accidents?

Yes, RSA add on typically covers towing and immediate assistance in breakdown or accident, but it does not cover reimbursement for the damages caused due to accident.