Roadside Assistance in Car Insurance

Roadside assistance or RSA in car insurance is an add-on cover you can get when buying or renewing your comprehensive car insurance policy.

It can come to your aid if you are ever stranded at an unknown destination because of a vehicle malfunction. It offers a wide range of services for emergencies like mechanical or electrical failures, low fuel, flat tyres and minor repairs.

Important:

The car breakdown services are free to claim, but you will have to pay out of pocket to use these services. For example, the cost of the fuel for fuel delivery, taxi/cab fees for alternate transportation and repair costs at the garage will need to be borne by you.

In other words, your insurer facilitates the availability of these services and you pay to claim the service. This may seem like a drawback, but a key advantage to having this cover is the prompt and guaranteed availability of these services during an emergency.

Accommodation: In case of major breakdowns or accidents, the cover will offer access to hotel accommodation services. Only applicable in case alternate transport to get you home cannot be arranged.

Alternate Transport: For major repairs lasting for more than 24 hours, you are offered transport services back to your residence or to the nearest hotel or garage.

Guidance on Minor Repairs: If you do not have time to wait for a mechanic, your insurer may guide you on what to do through a phone call for minor repairs/defects.

Services are Not Counted as Claims: The services offered under RSA in car insurance are not counted as claims. So, any repairs done under this cover will not affect your No Claim Bonus (NCB).

Battery Breakdowns: Offers berry breakdown services and battery jumpstarts if your car breaks down.

Minor Repairs: The insurer will dispatch mechanics to do on-site repairs in case of malfunctioning parts, minor defects and other small repairs.

Flat Tyre: Flate tyre replacement/replacement services are offered if you get a flat tyre during your commute.

Towing Services: Towing services to the nearest garage or service centre are offered if you ever face an accident or breakdown. This is only offered if the car cannot be fixed on the spot.

Spare Key Provision: A spare key is provided in case you accidentally leave your keys inside your car and lock yourself out. The key is picked from your home and delivered to your location.

Fuel Delivery: RSA in car insurance comes with re-fuelling services in case your car runs out of fuel while travelling.

Services are not Claims: Car breakdown services offered under this cover are not seen as claims by the insurer. You can also only use these services for a limited number of times.

Only Offered as a Last Resort: The services are only offered as a last resort. For example, if you are able to take your car to a nearby garage without assistance, services will not be offered.

Breaches of Law: Any breakdowns, repairs or accidents that happen during traffic law violations will not be covered. For example, car breakdowns during drunk driving or repairs required when driving without a licence will not be covered.

Negligence or Intentional Damage: Repairs or breakdowns caused due to intentional damage or negligence on your part will not be covered.

If you are wondering how you can avail of your roadside assistance cover, it is a pretty straightforward process. All you need to do is reach for your phone and dial our 24/7 Toll-Free Number: 1800-266-7780.

Our dedicated team is available round the clock, ready to assist you in any way possible. You just need to ensure you have all your policy-related details handy.

The process of renewing your roadside assistance can be seamlessly done online. To renew roadside assistance follow the steps below:

Step 1: Navigate to the car insurance page on Tata AIG’s website.

Step 2: You will get a choice between new or renewal options.

Step 3: Select the renewal option.

Step 4: Enter all required details and select the insurance package required.

Step 5: Complete the purchase by paying the final premium amount.

Step 6: Receive an acknowledgement via email.

This is an add-on cover and will only be available for purchase under a comprehensive car insurance policy. You can not buy a car roadside cover if you have third-party car insurance.

You must pay an extra premium to get this add-on under your policy. It can increase your overall policy premium.

Certain insurers will only offer select service availability. Check the policy wording and ask your insurer about the services offered to ensure the services you need will be covered.

Using these services will not affect your accumulated NCB under your car insurance policy, as they are not counted as claims.

New drivers who are unaware of issues that a car may face.

Individuals who need to take frequent road trips for work.

Those who own old vehicles prone to these issues.

Drivers who cannot undertake minor repairs on their own.

You can buy roadside assistance on two specific occasions:

During the initial purchase of a new car insurance policy, where you have the option to include Roadside Assistance as an add-on

OR

You can purchase roadside assistance during the renewal of an existing car insurance policy.

Since roadside assistance coverage is an add-on, including it to your comprehensive car insurance policy will impact the premium.

It is essential to note that roadside assistance cover only facilitates the availability of service. The charges associated with availing these services need to be handled by you.

Suppose you require fuel delivery services; the services will be arranged for you, but you are required to cover the cost of the fuel. Similarly, in the case of towing, the expenses incurred at the garage or for the mechanic need to be covered by you.

Despite these charges, having roadside assistance cover offers significant benefits by minimising the inconveniences associated with vehicle breakdowns.

Although you still need to cover the expenses of fuel and mechanic services without the cover, having the cover ensures prompt assistance at your location. This reduces downtime and offers peace of mind during emergencies.

Visit our Car Insurance Page.

Enter your car registration number and click Get Price.

Fill out the application form and upload the required KYC documents.

Choose the roadside assistance cover from the add-on options.

Submit your application form and pay the insurance premium.

You will receive a PDF copy of your policy with roadside recovery insurance on your registered email after we have verified your application.

Further Reading:

You can also buy a roadside assistance cover during renewals if you did not get one on an initial purchase of a car insurance policy.

To claim these services, you simply need to contact us (your insurance provider) and explain what type of assistance you require.

Ensure proper engine oil levels

Maintaining adequate engine oil levels is crucial to prevent heat buildup and friction in the engine, ensuring optimal performance of all moving components. If the engine oil light illuminates, pull over immediately and inspect underneath your vehicle for any signs of oil leakage. Driving further with a potential oil leak could lead to severe engine damage and breakdowns.

Adhere to service schedules

Regular servicing is essential for both your vehicle and your safety. Proactively scheduling and attending service appointments aids in identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate. Prioritising timely maintenance helps keep your car in top condition and minimises the risk of breakdowns as well as the costs associated with repairs.

Adopt responsible driving habits

Your driving behaviour significantly impacts your vehicle’s overall condition. To preserve crucial components such as brake pads and rotors, practise smooth acceleration and braking. Avoid prolonged clutch engagement to prevent premature wear on vital clutch components.

Address warning warning indicators promptly

Ignoring warning signs or unusual noises can lead to escalation of issues over time. It is advisable to take prompt action by scheduling a visit to a trusted mechanic as soon as you detect any abnormal sounds or changes in driving behaviour. Prompt attention to potential problems can help prevent severe and costly issues from arising in the future.

Minimising unnecessary cargo weight

Overloading your vehicle with unnecessary items places undue strain on critical systems such as brakes and suspension while also adversely affecting fuel efficiency. It is best to refrain from carrying excess weight to maintain optimal vehicle performance and prolong the lifespan of your car’s components.

Anyone who takes frequent road trips can benefit from a roadside assistance cover under their Tata AIG car insurance policy. It strengthens your basic plan, facilitates a seamless journey to and from your destination and ensures a stress-free drive.

This cover can be extremely beneficial for frequent travellers. So, before buying one, we recommend reading through the inclusions and exclusions to make an informed decision.