Roadside Assistance in Car Insurance – 24×7 RSA Cover Benefits

If you have a car or are planning to buy one, you may come across the term roadside assistance. Roadside Assistance (RSA) is a coverage that offers much-needed relief to the vehicle owner whose vehicle breaks down or has a mechanical failure. Without the cover, it can be overwhelming for the vehicle owner to be stranded in unfamiliar places without any access to a mechanic. In such a scenario, having an RSA cover is extremely handy. Usually, the RSA cover is an inherent part of most comprehensive car insurance plans. While having third party insurance is compulsory, having comprehensive car insurance is essential to provide broad insurance coverage for your vehicle. However, standard comprehensive car insurance plans do not offer RSA; you need to buy it as an add-on cover with your base car insurance policy.

What is Covered Under RSA?

Once you understand the meaning of RSA, the next step would be determining its inclusions and exclusions. Here are some common incidents covered in RSA:

1. Fuel delivery

If you have car insurance that includes RSA and run out of fuel, the insurance company will arrange up to five litres of fuel for you. They will have the fuel delivered to your location. The exact quantity of the fuel and the number of times the service can be availed varies based on your policy terms and conditions. *

2. Mechanical or electrical breakdown

If your vehicle has broken down on the road or at home, the insurance company will arrange for a mechanic to repair it at the site of the breakdown immediately. You can either jump-start your car or tow it to the nearest service garage. The common changes often include minor electrical or mechanical repairs, battery issues, or replacement of a flat tyre. *

3. Alternate vehicle

If your car is undergoing repairs and you need to reach your destination urgently, or it will take too long, you can contact your insurance company. Your insurance provider will arrange an alternate vehicle to ensure that you reach your destination. *

4. Towing

If your vehicle insurance includes RSA and is involved in an accident or breakdown, your insurance company may arrange the towing for you. Your car may be towed to a nearby network garage or any other authorised service centre. *

5. Medical assistance

If your insured vehicle is immobilised and you need urgent medical assistance, you can contact your insurer. They will arrange it for you. However, the medical bills and the costs of treatments are usually borne by the policyholder or their health insurance provider. *

6. Arrangement of a hotel stay

If your car is being repaired and taking too long, you can contact your insurance company. Depending on the scenario, your insurer may arrange a hotel stay near the garage where your car is being repaired. However, depending on the policy’s terms, the accommodation cost may be borne by you or your insurance company. *

What are the Exclusions of Roadside Assistance?

Knowing the policy exclusions are equally important as knowing what is covered. Here are some of the common things exclusions in the cover:

1. The insurance company offers policyholders a fixed number of times when they can file for a claim. If you have exhausted the number of times, you can take an RSA coverage, your claim might be rejected. *
2. The claim will be denied if your car is used for racing or any other illegal activities. *
3. The RSA claim may also be rejected if the repair is done without informing the insurance company. *
4. If the driver is found to be drunk, your car insurance coverage may be denied. *
5. The insurance will only be valid if the driver is found with a valid driving license. *
6. If you can carry your car without the assistance of the insurance company and still attempt to use the assistance of your insurer, you may not get the required coverage. *

How to Claim Car Insurance for Breakdown with Roadside Assistance Cover?

If your car breaks down unexpectedly, RSA in car insurance makes sure that you get the help you need quickly. Here’s how to claim roadside assistance:

1. Call your insurer

Find the 24×7 RSA helpline number in your policy document. Call the number and explain the issue you are facing, such as a flat tyre or a dead battery. Provide your exact location.

2. Share your details

Give your car’s registration number, policy number, and a brief description of the problem to the representative.

3. Request the service

Specify the type of assistance you require, whether it is towing, fuel delivery, or on-the-spot repairs.

4. Wait for help

After verifying your details, the insurer will send a team to assist you at the location you shared. RSA full form is Roadside Assistance, and it complements your first party car insurance by covering breakdown emergencies. It provides services like towing, lockout help, or minor repairs are taken care of, so you can continue your journey without stress. Having RSA as part of your car insurance policy offers convenience and peace of mind in unpredictable situations.

How to Buy Roadside Assistance Add-on?

Purchasing an RSA insurance add-on is straightforward and enhances your car insurance policy.

1. Check availability: Confirm that your insurer offers the RSA add-on for your policy.
2. Purchase online: Log in to the Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company’s website. While renewing or upgrading your policy, select the RSA add-on.
3. Pay the premium: The additional cost for RSA is nominal compared to its benefits.

Once purchased, the RSA cover provides 24×7 support for breakdowns, including towing, fuel delivery, and repairs. Adding this feature to your policy is an excellent way to get hassle-free travel.

Features & Benefits of the RSA Cover

The RSA in car insurance comes with several useful features:

1. Towing services

Covers the cost of towing your car to the nearest authorised garage if it cannot be fixed on-site.

2. On-the-spot repairs

Provides quick fixes for minor issues like flat tyres or battery problems to get you back on the road.

3. Emergency fuel delivery

Makes sure you’re not stranded if you run out of fuel unexpectedly.

4. Lockout assistance

Helps if you accidentally lock yourself out of your car. These benefits make RSA insurance a valuable add-on, providing help during emergencies and offering uninterrupted journeys. It saves you from unnecessary stress, offering convenience and peace of mind while driving. With services available 24×7, RSA makes sure you are never alone during roadside troubles.

Factors to Consider Before Buying A 24x7 Car Breakdown Assistance Cover

Before purchasing a 24×7 roadside assistance (RSA) cover, evaluate these key factors:

1. Coverage

Check the services included, such as towing, fuel delivery, and lockout assistance. If you take long trips frequently, these facilities will be a lifesaver.

2. Cost

Compare the premium charged for the RSA add-on with its benefits to get value for money.

3. Availability

Make sure 24×7 RSA is available in the areas you frequently drive through.

4. Response Time

Look for insurers known for quick and reliable response times.

5. Compatibility

Verify whether the RSA add-on complements your existing first party car insurance policy. Choosing the right RSA cover makes sure you are protected against unexpected breakdowns, enhancing the overall utility of your car insurance plan.

Conclusion

The RSA cover comes in handy during emergencies. However, it is vital to know that the insurance company's assistance must be paid for and is not covered under most car insurance plans. For example, if you use the fuel provision under your RSA cover, your insurance company will provide you with the required fuel. However, you will have to pay the charges for it. Also, keep a check on your car insurance renewal by paying premiums on time. *

FAQs

Which car insurance is best for roadside assistance?

The best car insurance for roadside assistance is one that includes a comprehensive RSA insurance add-on. It should provide services like towing, minor repairs, fuel delivery, and lockout assistance with 24×7 availability across the country. Check the insurer's response time and service coverage before purchasing.

What is 24x7 roadside assistance?

24×7 roadside assistance is a service included in car insurance that offers round-the-clock help during breakdowns. It covers emergencies like towing, fuel delivery, flat tyre repairs, and lockouts. This makes sure you are not stranded and receive timely support no matter where or when the breakdown occurs.

What is the difference between roadside assistance and roadside recovery?

Roadside assistance offers quick fixes, such as at the breakdown point, for less serious problems, including flat tyres and dead batteries. In contrast, roadside recovery refers to moving the vehicle to the closest authorised garage. If the matter cannot be repaired at the breaking point, such services provide quick help in emergencies.
*Standard T&C apply
**Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under the motor insurance policy.
***Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.
****Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.