How Does Roadside Assistance (RSA) Cover Work for Car and Bike?

Many vehicle owners are familiar with the issue of getting stranded on a highway with a flat tyre or a dead electronic vehicle battery. What helps in such situations is a Roadside Assistance (RSA) add-on cover in motor insurance policies which is meant to take some of that anxiety away. RSA is essentially an emergency service you can call upon if your car or bike breaks down, gets a puncture, runs out of fuel, or simply refuses to start.

This cover is offered as an add-on, however, depending on your insurer it may already be bundled with your base policy or available as an extra cost.

In fact, in the case of two-wheelers, several insurers now offer RSA at no cost or for as little as Rs 1 to Rs 99.

What Does RSA Usually Include?

The idea of this cover is to provide quick help on the spot or, if required, arrange for your vehicle to be taken to the nearest garage. Typical RSA services include:

• Minor on-the-spot repairs

• Assistance in case of a flat tyre

• Battery jumpstart or replacement

• Fuel delivery (usually within a fixed limit)

• Towing after a breakdown or accident

Some insurers even specify whether towing will be done using a flatbed or a regular tow truck, depending on the plan.

Understand the fine print

Like most covers, RSA too has exclusions. For instance, it won’t apply if the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, doesn’t hold a valid licence, or is using the vehicle for racing or illegal activities.

Moreover, any deliberate damage, act of vandalism or failure to inform the insurer before taking help might also result in your claim being denied.

Coverage is also limited by distance, insurers set a maximum kilometre limit for towing. Beyond that, extra charges usually apply.

Industry data by Policybazaar shows adoption has almost doubled over the past year. A key reason is that insurers themselves are pushing awareness by making RSA cheaper, sometimes practically free, to get more people to experience it.

Why It Matters

Motor insurance generally comes into play after an accident or damage claim, but RSA is different. It is about real-time help when you are stranded, often in stressful situations.

That immediate relief, getting your tyre fixed, receiving a few litres of fuel, or having your bike towed safely, is what is driving the slow but steady shift towards adding RSA to motor policies.