Do you frequently road trip on your bike? A long trip is indeed an exciting and adventurous experience, but it involves the risk of a sudden vehicle breakdown. Your journey may be interrupted for several reasons, like a tyre puncture, lack of fuel, battery issues, etc.
A comprehensive bike insurance policy may not be enough to cover your needs during such emergencies. Thus, additional coverage is required to safeguard your two-wheeler when it needs immediate services. Here comes the role of roadside assistance coverage.
Read on to learn more about this add-on!
What is a Roadside Assistance Cover for Two-wheelers?
As the name suggests, roadside assistance provides emergency assistance to an insured two-wheeler if it is stuck on the road due to an accident. Policyholders can purchase this add-on under their comprehensive bike insurance and avail of roadside assistance in exchange for monthly or yearly premiums.
You can avail yourself of this emergency assistance during a sudden breakdown. For instance, if your bike insurance includes roadside assistance coverage and it breaks down due to technical issues, you can contact the insurer. They will arrange roadside assistance to get your bike on track immediately.
What are the Benefits of Roadside Assistance Cover?
Roadside Assistance cover comes with the following benefits:
- Round-the-clock Assistance
You can get instant help at any time, from any location. The insurance company will send a mechanic from a nearby network garage to fix your bike so you can continue your uninterrupted journey.
If the issues are not repairable through roadside assistance, the mechanic will tow your bike to the nearby garage to provide the necessary services. The best part is if you have roadside assistance coverage, you don’t need to worry about getting a mechanic; your insurer will do everything.
- Cost-efficient
The premium of your comprehensive bike insurance policy increases when you buy roadside assistance coverage. However, it provides the right value for money in the long run. A small spike in the premium amount can cover you during an emergency, providing access to convenient services whenever needed.
- Peace of Mind
Knowing you have a backup during emergencies lets you travel anywhere with peace of mind. Roadside assistance cover assures you that your bike will receive the required mechanical support during the hours of need.
What are the Inclusions and Exclusions Under a Roadside Assistance Cover?
Roadside assistance includes the following coverage:
- Tyre Puncture
A sudden tyre blowout may keep you stranded in the middle of nowhere for hours. You may face severe inconvenience if you do not have an extra tyre or a garage nearby. A roadside assistance cover can help you escape such situations immediately by replacing the tyre or fixing the puncture.
- Battery Issues
If your two-wheeler stops in the middle of the road due to battery failure, you can contact the insurer immediately to avail of roadside assistance. They will arrange for mechanics to visit the location and jumpstart your vehicle within a minimum turnaround time.
- Fuel Assistance
You can contact the insurer for roadside assistance if your fuel tank is empty. They will arrange for a maximum of 5 litres of fuel to be sent to where you ran out.
- Coordinate with Nearest Hospital
Roadside Assistance not only aids with vehicle issues but also coordinates medical help if the vehicle owner gets injured. The insurance company will connect you with the nearest medical centre in case of an accident.
- Minor Services
Roadside assistance covers your vehicle in case of minor repair requirements. So, if you get stuck due to technical faults, contact your insurer to take advantage of this benefit.
- Towing Service
If your two-wheeler has major issues and cannot be repaired by providing roadside assistance, the insurer will arrange emergency towing services. The mechanics will tow your vehicle to the nearest garage and provide the necessary services.
Roadside assistance cover has some exclusions as well. Here are they:
- RSA (roadside assistance) is not valid if the bike owner does not have a license
- You cannot claim roadside assistance if you have consumed alcohol or taken drugs during the vehicle breakdown
- Your claim may get rejected if you have not informed the insurer immediately after the breakdown
- If your bike breaks down while racing or using it for illegal purposes, you cannot claim roadside assistance
- Lastly, you should have a valid and active bike insurance policy to claim roadside assistance coverage
Things to Consider While Buying a Roadside Assistance Cover
Here are a few factors to know before purchasing roadside assistance coverage under your comprehensive bike insurance policy:
- Coverage
Ensure the RSA includes essential services like towing, fuel delivery, and lockout assistance. These are particularly beneficial for frequent long-distance travellers.
- Pricing
Compare the premium for the RSA add-on with its benefits to ensure you get value for money. The cost must align with the level of service provided. You can use the bike insurance premium calculator from your insurer’s website to calculate the premium accurately.
- Availability
Before buying roadside assistance coverage, verify whether it is available in the areas you frequently drive through. This ensures you have support whenever and wherever you need it.
- Response Time
Opt for insurers known for quick and reliable response times. Prompt assistance can significantly reduce stress during breakdowns. To ensure your insurance provider offers prompt roadside assistance, you can check customer reviews and research their reputation.
Thus, a two-wheeler roadside assistance cover offers you much-needed aid during emergencies like a breakdown, puncture, etc. You can purchase this add-on under your comprehensive bike insurance policy and avail valuable repairing services without paying out of your pocket.
Choosing the right RSA cover enhances the utility of your bike insurance plan by providing comprehensive support during emergencies.
Also Read: How to Get a Second-Hand Bike Loan at Low Interest Rates
