Posted on Feb, 2020
What is Roadside Assistance in car insurance?
If you are looking for complete coverage for your car, then it is recommended that you invest in a
comprehensive car insurance policy. When you buy a comprehensive insurance policy for your vehicle, you
also have the option of purchasing different types of add-on riders by paying an additional premium, one
of which is a roadside assistance cover. But what exactly is this rider, and what does it cover? Let’s
find out.
What is roadside assistance in car insurance?
Roadside assistance is a popular add-on rider that you can purchase along with your comprehensive car
insurance policy. As the term suggests, this cover can help you get support or help if your car breaks
down in the middle of the road. You just need to call your insurance provider, inform them about the
type of service you need and wait to receive help. This assistance cover can come to your aid in case of
the following scenarios:
1. Your vehicle needs a tow
One minute, you may be driving your car and the next; it could just suddenly suffer an electrical or a
mechanical breakdown. In such a case, you may need to tow your vehicle to the nearest garage and get it
repaired. If you have the car roadside assistance cover, you can get your car towed to the nearest
garage, without having to pay any additional fee.
2. Your car tyres are punctured, burst, or need to be changed
Tyre puncture is a common issue that all car owners face. The tyres could also explode due to excessive
heat, which can cause quite a problem. In the absence of a spare tyre, you would find yourself in a jam.
Even if you have a spare tyre, you may not know how to replace it. In such a case, you can encash your
car roadside assistance rider and call for tyre change or replacement.
3. Your car needs a jump start
Another car breakdown service provided under the assistance coverage add-on rider is that of a
jumpstart. If your car’s battery suddenly dies down, you may need to give it a jumpstart. You can call
your insurance provider to send assistance for jumpstarting your car.
4. You’ve locked yourself out of your car
It is quite common for one to get locked out of their car absentmindedly, while the keys are well
inside, in the ignition. If such a situation occurs, you can call on your insurance provider to send a
mechanic with a Slim Jim, to help unlock the car without damaging it.
5. You run out of fuel
There is a possibility that you may even run out of fuel. It is especially stressful if you run out of
fuel in the middle of a highway or a place, there are no petrol pumps. In such situations, the insurance
provider sends you just enough fuel to help you reach your nearest fuel station.
Now that you know what is roadside assistance, you should consider adding this add-on rider to your
existing car insurance policy. The assistance coverage for roadside emergencies is undoubtedly one of
the best riders you can encash, especially when your car is damaged in an accident and needs a tow.
