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Motor Insurance: Stranded On Highway And Roadside Assistance Failed? This Is How You Can Get Help

Motor Insurance: Roadside assistance is provided through insurance or dealers and is also one of the most popular premium add-ons. However, if it fails to help you while you are stranded on a highway, here's what you can do instead

Roadside Assistance Service In Motor Insurance

A motor insurance policy holder, who padded his protection with a popular additional rider, 'Roadside Assistance' thought he had covered all bases. His car, barely six months old, was backed by not one but two roadside assistance (RSA) services, one through his car insurance policy and another bundled with the dealer's package.

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So, when his vehicle broke down on the Meerut Expressway on a scorching Monday, he was not too worried, assuming the help was just a call away. But as the minutes turned into hours, his family including wife and their two-year-old daughter were left stranded on a highway with no help in sight.

What to do if you are left stranded on a highway?

In a post on LinkedIn, Akshit Chawla, CEO of Budgetree, a customer engagement enhancement platform, shared how he tried his RSA helplines - Zurich Kotak General Insurance and the automobile company's support line. However, neither responded in time.

Stranded near a sparsely populated patch of highway, the situation quickly turned uncomfortable. Passing trucks slowed down, some made mocking comments, and a few unknown men circled back on their motorcycles more than once. That eerie vulnerability on an open highway is something most city drivers never prepare for.

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That is when his wife dialled 1033, the emergency helpline run by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). And the response was immediate.

Within minutes, a NHAI patrol team reached the spot, helped assess the vehicle, and ensured the family was safe. Moreover, this cost him nothing - no forms, no paperwork. Just prompt help, covered by the toll charges we all pay while using national highways.

So, What Is 1033?

The 1033 Helpline is a 24x7 toll-free number operated by NHAI. It is designed to assist anyone travelling on India's National Highways, especially the tolled stretches. Whether it is a medical emergency, vehicle breakdown, accident, or even issues with FASTag or toll charges, the helpline connects you to real-time highway support, including ambulances, patrol vehicles, or cranes when needed.

It is multilingual, human-operated, and functional every single day of the year.

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Why Didn't Roadside Assistance Work?

Roadside assistance is provided through insurance or dealers and is also one of the most popular premium add-on. It typically includes help with flat tyres, jump-starting a battery, towing services, and more. But delays are common, whether due to third-party vendors, network limitations, or poor coordination.

Akshit's experience raises an uncomfortable but important question, what happens when your paid RSA service fails? And the answer lies in knowing your alternatives.

What You Can Do If RSA Doesn't Show Up

When stranded on a highway, and no RSA help, you should:

Call 1033 Immediately: If you are on a National Highway and facing an emergency or a breakdown, call 1033.

Check Your FASTag Sticker: The 1033 helpline is also printed on NHAI FASTags. It's not just for toll queries, the number connects you to the central helpline.

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Moreover, let someone know your location and what has happened, in case backup coordination is required.

However, it is important to know that the NHAI service is available "if you are stranded on a highway" whereas RSA service is instrumental in providing you assistance on city roads and wherever it is applicable. It can be particularly helpful during monsoon season wherein vehicles are more prone to breakdown on roads.

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