Roadside assistance cover in motor insurance

Rajiv Kumar

Rapid urbanisation and growth in disposable incomes has altered the lifestyle of the current Indian working population. From embracing the smart personal technology gadgets to exploring new destinations in and around the country and across the globe, this generation is keen to ensure that no stones are left unturned and every activity is enjoyed with fervour within the limited timeframe. This is evident with the rise in exploring remote locations during the weekend, just on the outskirts of the bustling metro cities, away from the noise and fast-paced life. To do so, a private car is considered to be the most preferred mode of transport for such short weekend exploration. This trend is also seen among the younger generation who prefer two-wheelers for such frequent excursions.

A journey abruptly halted due to mechanical breakdown of your vehicle can dampen the spirits and leave you stranded in between. Though repair of a flat tyre can be manageable by the vehicle owner by replacing it with the spare tyre in the car, other instances of vehicle malfunctioning require vehicle inspection by an expert at an authorised workshop. To address such perils, a roadside assistance motor add-on cover proves valuable in such dire situations where seeking assistance service seems a Herculean task.

Let us understand the scope of assistance services extended to vehicle owner under the roadside assistance cover on payment of additional nominal premium over and above the basic motor insurance cover.

Towing assistance

If your vehicle is immobilised due to an accident or a mechanical/electrical breakdown, towing assistance is provided to the motor vehicle to take it to the nearest service centre, your home or the police station as per the need of the situation. Towing is free up to 50 km. Additional cost of towing service has to be borne by the insured @ Rs 25 per km or @ Rs 80 per km if a flatbed truck is used for towing your vehicle.

On the spot repair

Minor electrical or mechanical faults which are capable of being immediately repaired on the spot and which doesn’t demand much time and efforts are usually taken care of by roadside assistance team then and there. In case the vehicle battery is facing issue and is unable to function, a battery jump-start service is extended to the customers. Depending on the roadside assistance opted, you get certain number of on the spot services absolutely free within the distance covered in our scope of services across India.

Flat tyre service

Since most of the vehicles carry a spare tyre to get rid of the problem of flat tyre, the possibility of having one or more tyres flat can leave a vehicle stranded on road is rare.

Though one cannot rule out the possibility of encountering such rare incidences where one or more tyres are flat/punctured. Roadside assistance covers help in flat tyre’s repair too. A vehicle technician is arranged to replace the flat tyre by a spare stepney at the location of breakdown free of cost within the distance covered in our scope of services across India.

Emergency fuel delivery

A faulty fuel gauge, bad memory or struggling with an engine consuming fuel more than expectation can halt your ride at a secluded place, far from a location of the fuel station. The fuel up to 5 litres is delivered by a vehicle technician arranged on actual chargeable basis.

Vehicle key service

In case of immobilisation of the vehicle, a duplicate key or vehicle technician is arranged to help you when the car key is lost or you accidentally lock it inside the car.

Pick-up of vehicle in case of driver’s disability

If the driver of the vehicle becomes disabled and cannot continue the journey, assistance is arranged to pick the vehicle and transport it to the desired location by road on its own power. The service is free up to 50 km and after that Rs 100 per hour is charged for this service.

Cab services

Roadside assistance also provides with an extra support by arranging a cab for you to reach your destination when your car breaks down mid-way. The rescue team takes care of your vehicle.

The fare of the cab services is chargeable @ Rs 500 for 5 hours. Beyond that the charge will be @ Rs 100 per hour or Rs 8 per km.

Alternate accommodation

In case of a severe breakdown that can’t be repaired on the spot, the roadside assistance cover might further help you, subject to availability, with an accommodation to stay, if the situation demands. It also arranges for food, water and first aid. This benefit is chargeable on actuals.

Shipment of spares

If the insured vehicle needs critical spares to be repaired on the spot, the arrangement is made for the shipment of spare parts to the location of breakdown. This benefit is chargeable on actuals.

The above assistance services rendered under a roadside assistance is not a regular maintenance programme and not restricted to a particular location. The benefits can be availed within the city of residence as well and even at home parking lot, roadside or highway, by just intimating the insurer through a call. Before opting for the roadside assistance cover, do study the scope of benefits opted and the process and conditions to avail the respective service for two wheelers and private cars. A customer cannot opt for a standalone service under RSA. All the above services are bundled under roadside assistance cover and can be availed as and when the need arises.

The writer is Head – Corporate Planning, Customer Service, Product Development and Operations, Universal Sompo General Insurance Co. Ltd. The views expressed in this article are his own