Have you experienced a car break down on your way to work? Or a flat tire in the middle of a highway? What did you do?
Most of the car owners have definitely experienced this nightmare. In certain cases like a flat tire, you can manage to change it yourself. But, “cars are complicated automobiles”, which requires professional assistance. These rescuers are called Roadside Assistance.
Roadside Assistance are services that assist motor vehicle when they experience roadside emergencies such as lockout, flat tire, dead car battery, out of fuel or when you find your vehicle stuck. Although the services vary between providers, here are some common services provided.
Types of roadside assistance
We never expect an emergency, but it is important for us to be aware of the most common types of roadside assistance services.
1. Lockout service: When you leave your keys inside your car, this service helps you to unlock your vehicle without causing damage.
2. Flat tire service: Though you are capable of changing a tire yourself, it is safer to get a professional to avoid risks.
3. Battery fault service: This service helps to replace your dead battery and get you back on the road safely.
4. Fuel delivery service: No matter how precautious we are, we still end up running out of petrol once a while. Instead of panicking ourselves, it’s important to immediately call up for assistance.
5. Extrication service: These services help to remove your vehicle safely, when it’s stuck in pits or mud during rainy days.
Two interesting benefits of roadside assistance
Yes!
You gain two benefits from this service!
The first benefit is something that you are very familiar with, which is receiving emergency assistance if your vehicle experiences a roadside emergency. The list of services were discussed in the previous paragraph.
Secondly, when you are a roadside assistance policyholder, you don’t need to pay for the cost of an unexpected breakdown, as long as it is within your policy limit. This is because you have already paid a fee or premium to the service provider. Again, this depends on the policy you choose and the plan it covers. For instance, if your plan covers changing a flat tire, then you do not need to pay for this service. But for some cases like fuel supply, you have to bear the fuel expenses. However, roadside assistance ensures immediate service to rescue yourself from emergency situations.
Did you know?
When you buy car insurance, you also enjoy the facility of Roadside Assistance.
Most of the car insurance companies join hands with businesses that provide roadside assistance. This is an add-on-cover which comes with the basic policy, and it differs between insurance companies.
Which companies offer roadside assistance?
Most insurance companies offer roadside assistance as an add-on to their motor insurance. The benefits vary according to the type of policy purchased within the motor insurance.We have outlined the basic benefits provided by auto insurance companies below.
*Information provided in the table may vary according to respective companies and policies. Download the pdf here!
Why is roadside assistance important for me?
Just imagine: You are driving alone at night and suddenly you feel a vibration along with a loud flapping sound of your tire going flat. Without roadside asssitance, you will be helpless and try to change the tire yourself in the dark which could be risky too. Having roadside assistance ensures your safety and is a quick rescue.
Apart from that, roadside assistance is very important for young drivers with new licenses, eldery drivers, drivers with small children, physically disabled drivers,long distance drivers and people living in remote areas. If you find yourself in these categories, it is important for you to get one.
Interestingly, this coverage also cuts down your cost! Roadside assistance services from the insurance coverage are inexpensive compared to the cost of private service providers.
Does roadside assistance affect insurance?
It is very important to know how these services affect your insurance rates.
You get different benefits for different policies, but when you face standard roadside emergency situations like lockout, flat tire, dead car battery or out of fuel, the roadside assistance will provide you partial or full payment for these services. This is called Roadside Claim.
Now the question is will my claims increase my insurance rates?
The answer is it depends on how you use it. The insurance rates will not be affected if you use your emergency roadside coverages infrequently. But if you are going to call for assistance regularly, your rates may change depending on the respective insurers i.e. excessive claims could affect your rate.
Can you get roadside assistance without being a member?
If you are not a member you are still eligible for roadside assistance, but you will need to pay a full amount for all the services provided and will not be privileged to enjoy the membership benefits.. Thus, instead of forking out money from your pocket, it is wiseable to get a roadside assistance membership
Being a member, accesses you to enjoy the privileges offered which includes free towing, roadside repairs, battery and fuel delivery and accommodation assistance. You get to claim for the services provided based on respective service providers.
Can I use my roadside assistance for someone else?
Again this depends on the policies offered in the market.Certain roadside assistance provides their members the facility to the actual member, and not the vehicle. In this case, even if you are travelling in your friend’s car, you can use your card to get service for their vehicle. This goes the same for the case when your friend has a membership card and is travelling in your car.
Conclusion
Living in an era where cars are an essential tool of our daily activities, it is very important for us to have them insured and protected with its add-on services such as roadside assistance. Thus get a good plan for your car as soon as possible and enjoy a hassle free travelling anywhere!
