⚡ The Highway Nightmare
Imagine you are driving from Delhi to Jaipur. At 2 AM, your tire bursts or your engine overheats in the middle of nowhere. You call a local towing service, and they demand ₹5,000 because it's late at night. You call your car dealer, and they say: "We only offer free towing if it's a manufacturing defect."
This is where 90% of Indian drivers get stuck. But for just ₹200 to ₹500 extra on your annual insurance premium, you could have had professional help reach you for FREE.
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| Stuck on a Highway at 2 AM? |
Most people mistakenly believe 'Comprehensive Insurance' covers everything. It doesn't. It covers accidents and theft. If your car simply breaks down, suffers an electrical failure, or runs out of petrol, your standard policy pays ZERO.
This is why you need the Roadside Assistance (RSA) Add-on. It is the most valuable "small money" investment you can make for your vehicle.
Why Dealer RSA is a "Marketing Trap"
Many new car owners argue, "I don't need insurance RSA, my brand (Maruti, Hyundai, Tata) gave it for free!" While true for the first year, renewals are expensive (often ₹1,500+). Read the fine print:
- Limited Distance: Dealers often only tow to their own authorized workshop within 20km-40km. Insurance RSA usually covers a wider radius or to the "nearest repairer."
- Hidden Charges: Dealer RSA often charges for the mechanic's "visiting fee" or "consumables." Insurance RSA is typically all-inclusive for the service call.
- The "Accident" Clause: Dealer RSA may refuse to tow if you had a crash (claiming it's an insurance matter). Insurance RSA covers you regardless of the cause.
What exactly do you get for ~₹300?
It represents 24x7 peace of mind. A robust RSA add-on from insurers like HDFC Ergo, ICICI Lombard, or Acko generally includes:
⛽ Fuel Delivery
Ran out of petrol? They bring 5 liters to your location (you pay actuals for the fuel only).
🔋 Battery Jumpstart
Left the lights on? A technician arrives to jumpstart your dead battery.
🔑 Key Lockout
Locked your keys inside? They help you retrieve them or fetch your spare set.
🏨 Accommodation
Stranded far from home? Premium plans cover a 1-night hotel stay while repairs are done.
It Doesn't Kill Your Bonus!
This is the biggest secret in the Indian insurance industry. Utilizing your Roadside Assistance service is usually NOT considered a "Claim."
You can call RSA multiple times a year (check policy limits, usually 4 times) for a flat tire or battery issue, and you will STILL retain your 20% to 50% No Claim Bonus (NCB) discount upon renewal. It is categorized as a service facilitation, not an 'Own Damage' claim.
Chief Editor’s Verdict
If your car is less than 10-15 years old (insurers may decline older cars), NEVER renew your insurance without ticking the RSA add-on box. For the price of a movie ticket, you are buying a safety net for 365 days.
Next time you are on an aggregator like PolicyBazaar, ensure the 'RSA' filter is active. It is arguably the best value-for-money upgrade available.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute insurance or financial advice. Insurance premiums and RSA add-on costs vary based on car model, age (IDV), and location (Zone). Some insurers do not offer RSA for vehicles older than 10 years. Service availability depends on the insurer's network reach. Always read the Policy Wordings and Terms & Conditions carefully before purchase.
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