Roadside Assistance Cover in Car Insurance Policy

What is a Roadside Assistance Cover in Car Insurance Policy?

RSA, the full form of which is Roadside Assistance is a cover that offers relief to the car owners in case of breakdown of their vehicle. The coverage can also be availed on a mechanical failure of the vehicle at home or on the road. We all know how frustrating it can be to be stuck in a place that we have never been before and with absolutely no access to a professional mechanic. This is why an RSA cover is so much recommended.

There are insurance companies that offer this cover as a part of their comprehensive car insurance policy. While another offer is as an exclusive add-on insurance cover that a policyholder can take if he/she wants.

8 Coverage provided under the Roadside Assistance Service 

Several incidents are covered by the Roadside Assistance scheme. Some of them are mentioned below:

1. Mechanical or electrical breakdown

In case of a vehicle breakdown on the road or even at your home, the insurance company will arrange for a mechanic who would repair the vehicle at the same site where the car broke down. The car owner will be helped by the mechanic with a battery jump start, replacing the flat tyre, and any kind of other minor mechanical or electrical repair that is needed. If the owner of the car is locked outside of the vehicle, the car will be picked up, and the spare keys will be delivered to him/her.

2. Towing 

If the vehicle that is insured, meets with an accident, the insurance provider will have it towed to the nearest network garage or an authorized service center, safely.

3. Fuel delivery 

If your car has run out of fuel, the insurance company will arrange for up to 5 liters of fuel which will be delivered to the place where the car is. However, some insurance companies set a particular limit on the number of times that the service can be availed by the policyholder during the term of the policy.

4. Accommodation

If the situation demands the car owner to be around the vicinity of the garage where the car is being repaired, the insurance provider will even arrange for that as well. However, it is the car owner who has to bear the expenses of the accommodation.

5. Alternate car 

While the insured car is being repaired, an alternate vehicle can be arranged by the insurance provider for the owner. However, this facility is provided by the insurance company to only one destination.

6. Medical coordination 

If the vehicle owner requires medical help after the immobilization of the insured vehicle, the insurance provider will make arrangements for that as well. Nevertheless, the expenses of the treatment, as well as medical costs, will have to be borne by the policyholder.

7. Convey an urgent message

Some insurance providers enable the policyholders to contact their families and convey urgent messages via conference calls.

8. Repaired car delivery 

Some insurance companies even take the step of helping in delivering the repaired vehicle to the address of the insured. This usually happens, when the policyholder is on a tour.

Do you need to choose the Roadside Assistance cover?

If your existing car insurance policy does not provide you with coverage for the RSA, you can get it separately. However, it all depends on the requirements of your insurance. The Roadside Assistance cover is apt for people who take their vehicles on long drives and those who are not experienced with the basic mechanical work for their vehicles.  RSA cover is also ideal for elderly drivers.

Age of the car

If you have a brand new car, you do not necessarily need the RSA cover as the car is already in its best condition. This facility might be offered by car dealerships for the initial years. The Road Assistance cover is mostly useful for people who own old cars.

Frequency of use 

If your car is frequently used for long-distance traveling, you should get this cover.

Convenience and affordability

If you choose convenience over anything else, then you should go for the RSA insurance cover. And if you also want to save some money at the same time, even then this is ideal for you.

What does an insurer do to manage timely assistance for a breakdown situation?

The insurance companies have a network of garages across the country that come with Roadside Assistance services for the policyholders. When the policyholder needs the service, the insurance company intimates the closest garage to the policyholder. The garage that is chosen for providing the service is based on the location, vehicle, and several other circumstances.

You can look for these insurance companies online and choose the insurer that is the best in the industry.