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Roadside assistance is meant to help you when you need to tow your vehicle, change your dead battery, refuel, or if you’re locked out of your car. However, an online search or recommendation from a friend can overwhelm you with hundreds of companies offering roadside assistance.
Discover what makes Cartrack Protector one of your best roadside assistance options and choose the provider that is best for you, your vehicle, and your pocket.
In this article, you will:
Find out the what, how, and why of roadside assistance
Get a breakdown of the different types of roadside assistance
Understand the pros and cons of roadside assistance
See why it’s important to choose an affordable roadside assistance option
Roadside assistance is a service provided by a company, association, insurer, tracking company, or other private businesses to assist drivers with emergency and safety solutions when they experience a vehicle breakdown or other emergency while on the road. In such unexpected situations, drivers can ensure they get the help they need, wherever they are, by getting roadside assistance.
But did you know that roadside assistance providers are all around us whenever we are on the road? Here are the different types of providers available:
Car insurance companies: Many insurance companies offer their clients roadside assistance as a benefit of their premiums.
Vehicle tracking companies: Some tracking companies offer roadside assistance to ensure your and your vehicle’s safety, no matter where you are.
Membership clubs: Some associations and benefit clubs provide roadside assistance to members.
Toll route operators: For the safety and convenience of all toll-road users, some operators, like SANRAL, offer roadside assistance services to quickly respond to breakdowns or collisions, prevent further accidents and clear traffic.
Private businesses: Some private companies specialise in roadside assistance, offering towing, battery changes, and other mechanical assistance.
Vehicle manufacturers: For most newer models, your manufacturer may offer roadside assistance and towing service to their approved repair facility.
Banks and retailers: A few banks offer car financing and insurance services, and some retailers provide roadside assistance.
How roadside assistance works
Most roadside assistance services offer a membership where you can join a plan and pay monthly to get assistance by calling or texting your roadside service emergency line, which is typically available 24/7.
Here’s what you can expect from roadside assistance in an emergency:
A mechanic: Some providers offer a helper to investigate and repair the problem causing your vehicle to break down.
Battery: Get assistance with a battery jump-start.
Tyres: If you hit a pothole or get a puncture, you get assistance with a tyre replacement or vehicle towing.
Towing assistance: In the event of a vehicle breakdown or crash, you can get your vehicle towed to your home, repair shop, or any other location.
Fuel tank refuelling: If you run out of fuel, your roadside assistance company can bring fuel to you so you are not stranded on the side of the road.
Organising a locksmith: Have you locked your keys in your car or lost them? Your roadside assistance can arrange for a locksmith to help you.
Safe vehicle storage: Some providers offer overnight storage for your vehicle in case of an accident, breakdown, etc.
Vehicle repatriation or guarding: Some providers bring your broken-down vehicle back to you even if it is located across the border or guard it for you wherever it is.
Why get roadside assistance?
Roadside assistance is incredibly beneficial and ensures that you are not left stranded on the side of the road, especially if your family or loved ones cannot reach you or come to your support.
Imagine you are lost and driving in an unfamiliar area at night when you realise you do not have fuel in your car or your vehicle suddenly has a mechanical problem. Your safety is more important than anything else, and roadside assistance can protect you when life happens.
Cost Savings: The monthly subscription can help you save money on unexpected towing or emergency repair costs, which would be much higher if you suddenly had to pay it out of pocket.
Peace of mind: Roadside assistance protects you and your family and other loved ones.
There are even more reasons why roadside assistance is an advantage to you:
Fast response time: When you can’t reach your family or a friend for help, or if you need emergency assistance, then roadside assistance will come through for you.
Most roadside assistance plans are pretty comprehensive and cover various services, some of which you may have never thought you would ever need, like legal assistance.
What to look out for when it comes to roadside assistance
Based on our market research of the biggest roadside assistance companies in South Africa, here are a few things you should look out for when choosing a service provider.
The T&Cs of your coverage All subscriptions come with T&Cs so make sure you completely understand what your roadside assistance provider covers, the limits of your coverage, and what you may have to do if you need a particular service. Here are a few catches you may overlook:
Does your provider send a tradesman or repairer?
Are the costs for materials, parts, and additional labour included?
Is the towing cost covered in whole?
How many days do they store your vehicle for you? And what are some additional costs to this?
Is the cost of fuel covered if you need refuelling?
Do they cover flat tyres, batteries, or keys locked in the vehicle or lost?
If you are stranded somewhere far away, do they provide alternative transportation?
Do you get medical emergency assistance?
It's important to know your provider has you covered, whether the issue is medical or mechanical. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so make sure you know exactly what you can get from your provider.
Response time and other services The truth is that when it comes to roadside assistance, you need a service provider that shows up for you whenever and wherever you are. Your provider should be available 24/7/365 for your safety and assistance, so a quick response is crucial. Many providers also limit the number of callouts you can make for certain services. When choosing a provider, clarify whether their coverage has a limited callout or whether they only cover a specific geographic area. Here are a few things to clarify when choosing a roadside assistance provider:
How should you contact them or request a service?
What is their typical response time?
Do they only cover specific geographic areas, and do they cover all roads?
Some roadside assistance providers offer additional services for clients, and some of these will help you out when you need them. Here are some non-standard services you could query about:
Do they make trustworthy referrals for repairs to mechanical failures?
Do they offer accommodation, taxi service, or vehicle rental if your vehicle is broken down more than 100 km from your home?
Do they ensure your additional passengers are assisted?
Affordability and costs The most important decision you can make regarding your service provider is whether the service is affordable, especially when you consider the total cost of ownership for your vehicle. If your car is covered by an insurance company, secured with a car tracking company like Cartrack,and under a maintenance or service plan, then expensive roadside assistance would only hurt your pocket. One of the smartest decisions you can make is to choose the best yet most affordable provider. One way to do this is to opt for roadside assistance as an add-on service with a tracking company like Cartrack.
Are you looking for the best roadside assistance? Introducing Cartrack Protector
Cartrack Protector is the best roadside assistance add-on feature you could opt for.
This roadside assistance feature is the best travel buddy and is available right at your fingertips. The Cartrack App allows you to access a range of Cartrack services that make your travel experience as comfortable as possible.
Here’s a quick step-by-step of how it works:
Contact us to get a Cartrack Protector.
Once your subscription is activated, download the Cartrack App.
In an emergency, open the app, select Protector, and choose the service you need.
Get contacted immediately by our agent to assist with arranging the service you need.
Simply pressing the button on the app will give you your crisis manager 24/7/365.
Have a look at the range of services Cartrack Protector offers you (T&Cs apply):
Roadside Assistance: This includes jump start, tyre change, locksmith, refuelling, and minor roadside repairs.
Family or friend contact: Cartrack will immediately message any family, friends, or workplace to communicate your urgent message free of charge.
Tow service: Get four trade tow services, including two call-out tow services and two accident tow services.
Additional services: Get courtesy transport and accommodation services for when you are stranded somewhere far from your home.
Legal services: Access 24-hour telephonic legal advice, bail assistance, assistance drafting a letter of demand, and direct legal consultation.
Emergency medical service: We help secure fast medical assistance for you and transport, and in addition to this, we can get you medical advice or referrals to crisis lines or medical practitioners as required.
Get Cartrack Protector: Reliable roadside assistance whenever you need it
6 frequently asked questions about roadside assistance
Is roadside assistance worth it? This service is 100% worth it, but only when you choose the right provider! Having roadside assistance reassures your safety and security, but go for an affordable option that gives you peace of mind, cost savings, and convenience.
What is the average cost of roadside assistance in South Africa? You can get roadside assistance for as little as R39 per month, while some cost over R1000 per month, depending on which company you choose. But you know what they say: cheap can turn out expensive because it costs you later. So don't go for the cheapest option you find online; choose the best and most affordable one, like Cartrack Protector.
What are the top 5 roadside assistance features? #1 Towing services #2 Battery jump-start #3 Flat tyre assistance #4 Vehicle lockout #5 Fuel delivery
What should I consider when choosing the right roadside assistance service? There are several factors you will want to consider before choosing a service:
The type of services offered: The provider should completely cover at least towing, flat tyre, and jump-start.
The roadside assistance coverage area: At least 40 km from your work, home, school, etc. should be covered by your provider.
The response time: Clarify your provider's average response time.
Cost and more costs: Weigh the benefits and costs, and make sure you know the limits of your coverage.
Reputation and reviews: Read the online reviews and ask for recommendations from others.
Technology features: With some providers like Cartrack, you get the mobile app with GPS tracking and other automated dispatch assistance.
What is a premium roadside assistance service? Premium roadside assistance services typically have comprehensive coverage, including various assistance options and other benefits.
Can I add roadside assistance to any insurance policy or car tracker provider? Absolutely! Cartrack is one of the best options for your roadside assistance service because Cartrack Protector is an affordable add-on service made available to all clients.
