Roadside assistance coverage: Meaning, benefits, services & more

Who doesn’t love going on road trips, especially in the bustling and scenic archipelago of the Philippines? Well, we sure do, and the one thing that we carry apart from food, water, and first-aid along is roadside assistance coverage.

Yes, roadside assistance coverage is an essential service for a vehicle owner. It offers needed support in the event of an accident, vehicle breakdown, or any other emergency, thus ensuring the safety and convenience of the car and everyone inside.

Today, we’ll be talking about this particular coverage in detail and explain to you why it is essential coverage for every vehicle owner to opt for. Here we'll be covering the benefits, services, and top providers of roadside assistance coverage in the Philippines. So, without any delay, let’s get started.

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Understanding Roadside Assistance Coverage

Under this section, we’ll be taking up two basic questions,

• What is roadside assistance coverage?
• Why is roadside assistance coverage important?

Let us start with answering the first question that calls for the meaning of roadside assistance coverage. In simple words, it is a service provided by insurance companies or dedicated service providers that offers help when an insured vehicle experiences a breakdown or other roadside emergencies. The help includes a range of services such as towing, battery jump-starts, flat tire changes, fuel delivery, and more.

As for its importance, in a country like the Philippines where traffic jams and long-distance travel are a given, having roadside assistance can be a lifesaver. It ensures that drivers are not left stranded and can receive prompt help, minimizing inconvenience and enhancing safety.

It is a fact that in the Philippines, the need for such services is a must due to the country's diverse geography, from bustling cities to remote rural areas, where vehicle breakdowns can leave drivers in precarious situations. Moreover, the weather conditions here, including heavy rains and typhoons, can exacerbate driving challenges, making reliable roadside assistance even more crucial.

Advantages of Roadside Assistance Coverage

Having roadside assistance coverage in your auto insurance package can prove very beneficial, as it brings along several benefits including,

Immediate help during emergencies

One of the most significant benefits is the immediate support during emergencies. Whether you’re stuck in the middle of a busy street in Manila or a remote area, roadside assistance ensures help is just a call away. This immediate service will help prevent complications like being stranded in unsafe locations or worsening vehicle damage by attempting to drive it home/garage.

Peace of mind

Knowing that you have a safety net provides ample peace of mind to a car owner. Whether you’re commuting daily or planning a long road trip, having roadside assistance means you’re prepared for the unexpected. Such peace of mind is invaluable and is widely appreciated by parents transporting children, business travelers on tight schedules, or anyone who values security and reliability.

Cost saving

Roadside assistance can save you from the high costs of emergency services. Towing, for instance, can be expensive if arranged independently, but with such coverage, these costs are often included or significantly reduced. The best part is, that services like fuel delivery and battery jump-start are offered for free (no additional charge), meaning substantial savings compared to the out-of-pocket expense. Right?

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Service inclusion in roadside assistance coverage

Roadside assistance coverage includes quite a few useful services that come in handy during a car breakdown or accident. A few common services are included in the coverage -

Towing service

If the insured car cannot be repaired on-site, towing services will transport it to the nearest garage or your preferred location. Now, it is known that distances between towns and cities in the Philippines are often vast, and towing services for broken-down vehicles here prove particularly beneficial. Further, it ensures that your vehicle is handled professionally and reaches a location where it can receive proper repairs.

Flat tyre assistance

Flat tyres are common and can be a hassle. Roadside assistance can help change your tyre or tow your vehicle if necessary. This particular service proves useful on rural roads or during late hours when finding immediate help might be challenging.

Battery jump start

A dead battery can leave you stranded, but with roadside assistance, you can get a quick jump-start to get back on the road. Further, given the tropical climatic conditions in the country, such issues are very common making the service a necessity.

Lockout service

Imagine a situation, where you accidentally lock your keys inside your vehicle. Worry not, roadside assistance can help you gain access without damaging your car. It offers a quick and safe solution i.e., regaining car access.

Fuel delivery

Running out of fuel is inconvenient, especially in remote areas. Roadside assistance can deliver enough fuel to get you to the nearest gas station. This particular service is a lifesaver, especially on long provincial highways where gas stations are quite far apart.

Guide to choosing the right roadside assistance coverage

Not every car and driver are the same, not every situation is the same. It is therefore very important to wisely pick the right roadside assistance coverage so that when needed, it is there to help. Here are a few points to keep in mind when making a call -

Assess your needs first

Before buying roadside assistance coverage, it is essential to first consider your driving habits, the age and condition of your vehicle, and your daily travel routine. These factors will help determine the level of coverage needed. For example, older vehicles may require more comprehensive coverage due to a higher likelihood of breakdowns.

Compare the providers

For maximum benefit look out for various providers and compare their services, response times, and customer reviews. This will help you find a reliable provider that meets your needs. Online forums and review sites are valuable resources for measuring customer satisfaction and service quality.

Check coverage limits

Once you have assessed your needs and shortlisted a competent insurance provider, it is time to check coverage limits and see whether or not they suffice your requirements. We’d recommend checking the towing distance covered and limits on service calls per year. Some providers offer unlimited service calls, while others may have a cap, which could influence your decision based on your driving patterns.

Read the fine print

It is advisable to understand the terms and conditions of the coverage before making a final call. Look out for any exclusions or additional fees that may apply. Some services might have specific conditions, such as fuel delivery being limited to a certain number of liters or towing services only being available within a particular radius.

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How to avail roadside assistance coverage

A car owner can easily avail of roadside assistance coverage when he/she is stuck in an unfortunate situation like an accident or car breakdown. Here’s what needs to be done to get the benefits of the coverage -

Step 1 Contact the provider

When the need arises contact your roadside assistance provider using the contact number provided in your policy. On the call, provide your location and a description of the problem. Many providers offer a mobile app for easy and quick service requests.

Step 2 Wait for assistance

Once contacted, the provider will dispatch a service vehicle to your location. Response times can vary, but providers strive to reach you as quickly as possible. It's advisable to stay with your vehicle and ensure you’re in a safe location while waiting.

Step 3 Receive the service

The insurance provider’s team will provide the necessary assistance, it may be towing, battery jump-start, or any other service included in your coverage. For safety, it is advisable to ask for identification from the service personnel to ensure they are from your provider, especially if you are in a vulnerable location.

Roadside assistance coverage providers

The Philippines’s insurance market is loaded with roadside assistance coverage providers, however, there are a few names that top the chart. The list includes -

Standard insurance: They provide extensive roadside assistance coverage, ensuring drivers receive prompt help. Their services include towing, minor on-site repairs, and emergency fuel delivery.

BPI MS Insurance: It offers comprehensive roadside assistance services as part of its auto insurance packages. Their services include towing, battery jump-start, flat tyre replacement, fuel delivery, and more.

AXA Philippines: With its wide network AXA Philippines offers car insurance plans with services like battery replacement and emergency fuel delivery.

Malayan Insurance: Known for its reliable service and quick response time, this provider offers a range of roadside assistance services, including towing, battery jump-starts, and lockout service.

 Bottom line

Roadside assistance coverage is a crucial service that enhances the driver's safety and convenience. With the right coverage, vehicle owners can enjoy peace of mind knowing that help is available during emergencies.

Also Read: All you need to know about towing coverage in the Philippines