Who appreciates inconveniences during their travels? But they are unpredictable and leave you in a spot at times. Imagine you are on a road trip and you have a flat tyre on your bike in the middle of nowhere. Who shall you approach for help? Do you have the necessary tools it takes to fix it? The answers to these questions might not always be a ‘yes’ but since having an insurance is mandatory, it can be utilised during these times.
There are two types of bike insurance plans that can be purchased – third-party and comprehensive. A third-party has limited scope since it only offers coverage for liabilities due to third-person. On the other hand, a comprehensive insurance policy protects your vehicle along with any injuries caused to you too. Moreover, this compressive plan can be fine-tuned using add-ons to perfectly fir your insurance requirement. On such add-on is the roadside assistance add-on.
What is roadside assistance cover?
As the name suggests, a roadside assistance add-on provides with necessary support for any breakdowns during your travels. Being stranded on an unknown road is not only inconvenient, but also dangerous. From towing facility to necessary on the spot repairs, there are a host of different services covered under a roadside assistance cover. Since roadside assistance is an optional feature to add to your existing comprehensive cover, it is seen to slightly increase the two wheeler insurance price.
How does roadside assistance work?
When you find yourself stuck in such a situation with no accessible help, you need to contact your insurance company on the number specified in your policy document and share your location details. The insurer will then send a team of trained technicians to assess and fix the problem if it is possible. If it is something that requires you bike to be taken at a service station, towing facility is also provided. Generally, these services are free, but in some cases, you might be required to pay an additional amount. Some insurance companies also offer taxi and accommodation service if required.
What are the considerations to keep in mind before buying?
Most insurance companies offer a roadside assistance add-on, but following considerations should be kept in mind when buying one –
- Age of your bike: As your vehicle’s age increases, mechanical as well as electrical issues are bound to happen. An older bike is more prone to electrical failure in monsoon than a new bike. Considering that, some insurance companies may be reluctant to offer this add-on facility for older bikes and if they do, they might charge a higher insurance premium.
- Services available: When purchase a roadside assistance plan, do read its term of service. Some plans have a limitation on the number of times this service is included as part of your insurance policy. To be aware of such limitation is essential so that you are not stranded in the middle of the road.
- Coverage of the plan: The price of this roadside cover differs and is primarily based on the factors mentioned above, age and the included services. However, the route of your travel is also a critical factor based on which the plan must be purchased. If the insurance company has a limitation on its service, say up to 50 kms from city limits and you specifically require for road trips, this coverage may not be useful. Hence, read the terms of coverage thoroughly before finalising your purchase.
When it comes to maintaining your bike, the onus of it lies on you, but when it comes to helping in times of distress, a roadside assistance programme will suit you the best. So why wait for your two wheeler insurance renewal, get it today!