You're driving along the highway in the Philippines when suddenly you hear a strange noise coming from your car engine. You pull over to the side of the road and try to troubleshoot it, but eventually, you realize that you need some help. That's when you start looking for roadside assistance services. But what is roadside assistance? Why is it important? This article will provide all the answers.
What Is Roadside Assistance?
Roadside assistance is a service that assists drivers who face sudden and unexpected car problems while driving on the road. It includes services such as towing, jump-starting a dead battery, changing a flat tire, routine maintenance, providing fuel in case of running out and unlocking a vehicle if the keys are locked inside. This is important because it provides peace of mind for drivers who may find themselves in an emergency while on the road.
In addition to assisting on the road, roadside assistance services can also help with road work requirements. This includes helping drivers obtain permits for weight and size restrictions or dealing with other bureaucratic tasks that may be necessary to comply with local regulations. These services can provide valuable assistance to those unfamiliar with the local laws and regulations.
In the Philippines, having access to reliable roadside assistance services is especially important due to the country’s geography and infrastructure. The Philippines has more than 7,000 islands and over 200,000 kilometers of roads. This means that there are many remote areas where drivers may find themselves stranded without any help nearby. Roadside assistance services provide these drivers with a way to get back on the road quickly and safely.
What Does Roadside Assistance Cover?
Roadside assistance is a valuable service designed to help and support drivers who experience vehicle breakdowns or other road emergencies. This service typically covers two main categories: vehicle assistance and personal assistance. This section will briefly describe the benefits and services provided under these categories.
Vehicle Assistance
Towing service: If your vehicle breaks down and cannot be repaired on-site, roadside assistance will arrange for it to be towed to a nearby repair facility or your preferred destination within a specified distance.
Jump-starting dead batteries: In case your vehicle's battery dies, you can ask for a technician to jump-start your car, allowing you to get back on the road quickly.
Flat tire assistance: If you experience a flat tire, a technician can help replace it with your spare tire or, in some cases, provide a temporary solution like a tire inflation kit.
Fuel delivery: Running out of fuel is never a pleasant experience. In such cases, you may ask for a small amount of fuel to be delivered to your location, enabling you to reach the nearest gas station.
Lockout service: Accidentally locking your keys inside your vehicle can be frustrating. Roadside assistance can dispatch a locksmith or technician to help unlock your car without causing damage.
Minor mechanical repairs: Some roadside assistance programs may offer minor on-site repairs, such as fixing a broken fan belt or replacing a blown fuse, to help you get back on the road without needing a tow.
Traffic management services: In some cases, you may need help to navigate traffic and get back on the road. Traffic management services may include providing alternate routes, alerting traffic authorities of accidents or other road obstructions, and offering real-time updates on current traffic conditions.
Personal Assistance
Trip interruption benefits: If your vehicle breaks down while you're far from home, some roadside assistance programs may provide reimbursement for accommodations, meals, or alternative transportation during the time your vehicle is being repaired.
Emergency medical referrals: In case of a medical emergency during your travels, roadside assistance can provide contact information for local medical facilities or help arrange emergency transportation.
Legal assistance: Legal advice or referrals to local attorneys are provided in case you face a legal issue related to your vehicle or driving, such as a traffic management and accident investigation.
Lost or stolen key replacement: If you lose your car keys or they are stolen, you can ask for assistance in obtaining a replacement key or covering the cost of a new key up to a certain limit.
Travel planning and concierge services: Some roadside assistance programs offer travel planning services, including custom maps, trip itineraries, or destination recommendations. Concierge services may also include assistance with booking hotels, flights, or rental cars.
Emergency messaging: In case of an emergency, roadside assistance can relay important messages to your family, friends, or employer on your behalf, ensuring they are informed about your situation.
Roadside assistance coverage is an essential service for Filipino drivers. It provides peace of mind, knowing that you have someone to call for help during unexpected vehicle breakdowns or emergencies on the road. In the Philippines, several insurance companies offer roadside assistance coverage as part of their comprehensive motor insurance packages. Below are some of the top providers of roadside assistance coverage in the country.
BPI MS
BPI MS, a subsidiary of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, offers comprehensive motor insurance packages with roadside assistance coverage. Their Auto Premier plan includes 24/7 emergency roadside assistance, towing services, personal accident insurance, and more. Some of the benefits provided by BPI MS's roadside assistance coverage include:
Towing services up to PHP 3,500 per event
Battery boosting and jump-start assistance
Flat tire assistance and replacement
Emergency fuel delivery (cost of fuel not included)
Lockout assistance
Minor on-site repairs
FPG Insurance
FPG Insurance, formerly known as Federal Phoenix Assurance Company, offers comprehensive motor insurance policies with 24/7 roadside assistance coverage. Their Auto Shield Plus policy provides various benefits, such as:
Towing services up to PHP 4,000 per event
Flat tire assistance
Battery boosting and jump-start assistance
Lockout assistance
Emergency fuel delivery (cost of fuel not included)
Personal accident insurance
OONA Insurance (formerly MAPFRE)
OONA Insurance, previously known as MAPFRE Insular, offers 24/7 roadside assistance coverage under their comprehensive motor insurance packages. Their coverage includes:
Towing services up to PHP 8,000 per event
Flat tire assistance
Battery boosting and jump-start assistance
Emergency fuel delivery (cost of fuel not included)
Lockout assistance
Minor on-site repairs
Standard Insurance
Standard Insurance is another provider of comprehensive motor insurance policies with roadside assistance coverage in the Philippines. Their Auto Security Plus plan offers benefits such as:
Towing services up to PHP 5,500 per event
Flat tire assistance
Battery boosting and jump-start assistance
Lockout assistance
Emergency fuel delivery (cost of fuel not included)
Personal accident insurance
What Are the Factors to Consider When Choosing Roadside Assistance Coverage?
When choosing roadside assistance coverage, there are a few factors you need to consider:
Price - You'll want to look for a plan that fits within your budget. Some plans may offer more comprehensive services, but could come at an additional cost; while others may be more affordable, but provide only basic coverage. It's important to weigh these options before making your decision.
Range of Services Offered - Read through the fine print and understand exactly what type of services are provided with the plan you choose. Ideally, it should cover all the common problems related to vehicle breakdowns as well as some personal assistance such as medical or legal help.
Network - It's important to look for a plan that offers the widest possible network of service providers and repair shops to get help quickly when needed.
Why You Need Roadside Assistance Coverage
Roadside assistance coverage is an essential add-on to your auto insurance policy, providing you with peace of mind and protection when you're out on the road. This coverage offers a range of services designed to help you in case of vehicle breakdowns or emergencies. Here are some of the key benefits of having roadside assistance insurance/coverage:
Towing Services - One of the primary benefits of roadside assistance coverage is access to towing services. If your vehicle breaks down and cannot be fixed on the spot, a tow truck will be dispatched to transport your car to the nearest repair shop without any extra cost, up to a specified limit.
Jump-Starts and Battery Service - A dead battery can leave you stranded, but with roadside assistance coverage, you can receive a jump-start or even a replacement battery if needed. This service can save you time, money, and the hassle of finding someone to help you.
Flat Tire Assistance - Changing a flat tire can be challenging, especially if you don't have the necessary tools or experience. With roadside assistance coverage, a professional will come to your location and change the flat tire for you, ensuring you can get back on the road quickly and safely.
Lockout Service - If you accidentally lock your keys inside your car, roadside assistance coverage can help. A locksmith will be sent to your location to unlock your vehicle without causing any damage, saving you the expense and inconvenience of breaking a window or picking the lock yourself.
Fuel Delivery - Running out of gas can be both embarrassing and inconvenient. With roadside assistance coverage, you can have fuel delivered directly to your vehicle, allowing you to continue your journey without needing a lengthy detour to find a gas station.
Trip Interruption Coverage - If your car breaks down far from home, roadside assistance can help cover the costs of lodging, meals, and alternate transportation while your vehicle is being repaired. This benefit can help make an unexpected breakdown less stressful and more manageable.
24/7 Availability - Roadside assistance coverage typically offers 24/7 support, ensuring you can access help whenever needed. Whether you're driving late at night, on a weekend, or during a holiday, you can have peace of mind knowing that assistance is just a phone call away.
Roadside assistance is essential to driving in the Philippines and can provide invaluable peace of mind when dealing with unexpected issues related to your car or truck. With a reliable provider, you'll have access to immediate emergency services that can help you out whenever you find yourself in a pinch.
A subsidiary of MPT Mobility, Savvice Corporation is in the business of providing reliable roadside assistance services across Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) expressways to motorists 24/7, including towing and fuel delivery services. SAVVICE ensures that motorists have access to any help they might need while on the road. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.savvice.com.ph/.
