Roadside Assistance in the Philippines: What it covers and why you need it

Roadside assistance in the Philippines

For a Filipino car owner, roadside assistance is super essential, mainly because of the unique challenges they face. For instance, the scorching summer heat often leads to overheating of the engine, and the heavy city traffic and remote rural areas make emergency services crucial. In addition, the Philippines is known for traffic jams, and long-distance travel is pretty common here (both for leisure and work), thus making 24/7 help provision essential for car owners’ peace of mind.

In the Philippines, most car insurance providers offer a bunch of services to their clients, including -

• Towing
• Battery jump-start
• Tyre replacement
• Fuel delivery
• Lockout assistance

Furthermore, having roadside assistance by your side has two major benefits: first, it will save you from the high expenses associated with emergency services like hiring a private towing service and secondly, the response time of roadside assistance coverage usually range between 30 to 60 minutes, which is much less compared to private bodies.

So, does your car insurance policy include roadside assistance coverage? Go, check it out in the contract, and in case it doesn’t, go get it. However, if you are still not convinced, read this article to know why roadside assistance is essential, what it usually covers, and how you can choose the perfect insurance plan as per your requirements.

Roadside assistance - An overview

In the Philippines, roadside assistance is considered one of the most practical add-ons you can get included in your policy. While signing the car insurance papers, its inclusions might seem small, but in real-world situations, roadside assistance coverage has the potential to make a significant difference when the insured vehicle faces unexpected trouble.

What is roadside assistance, and how does it work?

Roadside assistance is an add-on service or coverage for your car insurance policy. It offers immediate help when the vehicle experiences an electrical or mechanical failure while on the road. This particular coverage connects the policyholder with a qualified professional who assists you with the emergency and gets you back on the road as quickly as possible.

The best thing about this coverage is its round-the-clock availability. Most policies offer 24/7 roadside assistance, i.e., regardless of when your car breaks down—whether during rush hour or the middle of the night—help is just a phone call away.

As for working, the process is pretty straightforward. Here’s how it goes -

• When the insured vehicle encounters an issue, the insurance provider is called at the provided hotline number.
• The insurer then assesses the situation and dispatches the appropriate help.
• Professional assistance will soon arrive at the shared location to resolve the issue; this involves on-site repair or transporting the vehicle to the workshop.

Wondering how insurance providers can provide such quick service? Usually, the insurance providers have a network of service providers ready to respond to various vehicle emergencies. Now, depending on your specific needs, the insurance company might send a tow truck to transport your vehicle to a repair shop or dispatch a technician to perform minor repairs like changing a flat tire or jumpstarting your battery.

Importance of roadside assistance for Filipino drivers

Vehicle breakdown is something you can’t predict. It can occur anywhere, at any time, leaving you helpless, confused, and frustrated. However, with roadside assistance coverage on your side, your worries won’t last for long.

Here’s how roadside assistance helps -

• Safety - This coverage won’t leave you stranded at unfamiliar places for long.
• Convenience - Professionals will take good care of your car, so you won’t get your hands dirty and do a temporary job.
• Savings - Without this coverage, services like towing and on-the-spot repair can burn a hole in your pocket when arranged independently.
• 24/7 availability - Emergencies don’t stick to working hours; this coverage, however, ensures you get the needed assistance at the desired hour.

Roadside assistance and car insurance policies

In the Philippines, a typical car insurance policy covers third-party injury/death along with damages from incidents like accidents, fire, theft, and natural disasters. What is usually left are minor but frequently occurring issues like a lockout, flat tyre, dead battery, and car running out of fuel. This essential gap in the car insurance policy is filled by the roadside assistance coverage. How? By offering quick, on-site help, thus acting like a friend in your time of distress.

Note that when it comes to roadside assistance, providers offer specific services and have certain limitations. Therefore, it is recommended to verify the policy inclusions beforehand to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Common roadside emergencies & roadside assistance coverage

Before we start discussing the common inclusion of roadside assistance coverage, it is important to have a look at the challenges faced by Filipino drivers on the road. These issues make roadside assistance a necessity for your car insurance policy.

It is a known fact that a Filipino driver faces numerous hurdles on the road, ranging from unexpected breakdowns to severe weather conditions. In such situations, getting professional help can take the matter from a major ordeal to a minor inconvenience.

Roadside emergencies faced by drivers:

• Engine overheating - During the summer months, overheating of vehicles is a common concern.
• Flat tyre - Poorly maintained roads with potholes and debris can damage tyres, along with suspension and alignment.
• Battery malfunction - Battery failure can occur without any visible potential cause (look out for the warning sign). This can be particularly problematic in remote areas with no nearby assistance.
• Vehicle lockouts - This unfortunate incident with your car can happen to anyone.
• Vehicle damage - While the summer sun can harm the engine, floodwaters during the monsoon can damage the vehicle. Such conditions often require towing services to prevent further harm.

In all these situations, roadside assistance offers critical safety benefits to the car owner in the form of quick access to qualified professionals and services like towing, jump-starting, and fuel delivery.
Services included in roadside assistance

Most roadside assistance plans provide comprehensive support to stranded drivers. We suggest that every policyholder should know the services covered under the policy to make an informed choice and know what to expect in case of an emergency.

While roadside assistance packages in the Philippines can vary, they typically offer the following services -

• Towing service - Vehicles stuck in challenging situations often require crane services for rescue. Most insurance providers offer standard towing to the nearest accredited repair shop.
• Battery jumpstart - Roadside assistance typically includes battery jump-start services, allowing you to drive to the nearest battery dealer for a replacement if necessary. After receiving a jump-start, it is advisable to have your battery checked at a repair shop, as a jump-start is only a temporary solution.
• Flat tyre replacement - Flat tyres are among the most common roadside emergencies. With this service included in roadside assistance, professionals will replace your tyre, saving you the trouble of doing it yourself.
• Fuel delivery - Running out of fuel is an unexpectedly common issue. Roadside assistance services deliver enough fuel to reach the nearest petrol station.
• Lockout assistance - If you accidentally lock your keys inside your car or lose them completely, lockout services offer access to professional locksmiths who can unlock your vehicle without causing any damage.
• Emergency repair - Many roadside assistance services cover basic on-site repairs for mechanical issues.

Tips to select the perfect roadside assistance plan

Selecting the perfect roadside assistance coverage for your car insurance in the Philippines requires careful consideration of several factors. The list includes -

Assessment of Your Driving Habits: Consider how often and where you drive. If you frequently travel long distances or regularly drive in remote areas, you'll require more comprehensive coverage.

Vehicle’s Age: Your vehicle's age is significant here. Compared to new cars, older ones have a higher likelihood of breakdowns and typically need more extensive coverage.

Coverage Limit: Do check the towing distance covered in each plan, along with the number of service calls permitted annually.

Provider's Reputation & Response Time: Compare providers based on their customer feedback and service quality. Remember, response time is vital; look for companies that offer prompt assistance.

Read the Fine Print, Know the Exclusions: Read the terms and conditions thoroughly before finalising your decision. Check for any exclusions or additional fees.

Insurance companies with good roadside assistance

• BPI MS Insurance - 24-hour roadside assistance with unlimited accident-related emergency towing.
• FPG Insurance - 24/7 roadside assistance with towing coverage up to ₱4,000 and vehicle recovery using crane services up to ₱8,000 per event.
• OONA Insurance - 24/7 Road Assist stands out with generous towing limits up to ₱8,000 and vehicle removal using crane services up to ₱10,000.
• Standard Insurance - Its Roadside Assistance Program (RAP) features towing coverage up to ₱5,500 for breakdowns and vehicle removal services up to ₱15,000.
• Mercantile and SGI Philippines - Offers comprehensive roadside support through its Auto Assistance Program, covering towing, vehicle removal, overnight accommodation, and minor on-site repairs.

Bottom line

Roadside assistance is a crucial component of a car insurance policy in the Philippines. The extensive service this coverage offers is unmatched, especially during expected breakdowns. Furthermore, the country's extreme weather conditions, poor roads, and remote locations make this a necessary emergency support for Filipino drivers. However, while selecting roadside assistance coverage, take into account your driving habits, vehicle age, and typical routes covered. Also, make sure your roadside assistance covers six key services, including towing, battery jump-starting, tyre replacement, fuel delivery, lockout assistance, and minor mechanical repairs.

FAQs

Q1.) Is roadside assistance automatically included in my car insurance policy?
Ans. It is not necessary; it depends on the insurance provider and the policy picked.

Q2.) Can I call for roadside assistance from remote areas?
Ans. Absolutely. However, some providers have some area limitations, so check that out with your insurer.

Q3.) How long does it take for roadside help to arrive?
Ans. Roadside assistance service usually arrives in 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the traffic and location.

Q4.) Is there a limit to the usage of roadside assistance services?
Ans. Most plans have usage limits per year. It is recommended to check your policy.