How to Handle Breakdowns with Roadside Assistance & Car Insurance Support
You're rushing to work, picking up the kids or heading home after a long day – and suddenly your car breaks down. Fortunately, Roadside Assistance is a benefit included with most 1st for Women Car Insurance policies. It's all about helping you feel safe on the roads. Here is how we recommend you handle vehicle breakdowns – whether you've run out of fuel, locked your keys in your car, have a flat tyre, or aren't sure what’s gone wrong.
What to do if you experience a vehicle breakdown
The moment your car gives out, your safety is the top priority1. Pull over in a safe area if you suspect continuing to drive might cause further damage (strange noises, smoke, etc.).
Once your vehicle is stationary, assess the situation calmly and do the following:
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Turn on the hazard lights: Even if it’s the middle of the day, turning your vehicle's hazard lights on improves visibility.
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Stay in your vehicle: Don't get out of your car to see what the problem is. Instead, ensure all the doors are locked, and your windows are up. Call for help: Immediately contact Roadside Assistance. We recommend downloading the 1st for Women app that is useful for crash detction and emergencies.
Call roadside assistance services
1st for Women offers excellent Roadside Assistance as a standard benefit. It's a support system you probably don't ever think about until you're stranded on the side of the road. And then it is a lifesaver that protects your wallet. Because calling for help when you're hundreds of kilometres from the nearest town can be expensive without Roadside Assistance services. If you've never paid much attention to this benefit, here are some of the services our benefit can assist you with:
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Change flat tyres: They can either replace the flat tyre with your spare tyre or repair a puncture if possible.
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Jump starts: If the cause of the breakdown is a flat battery, they can give it a boost to get you going again.
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Fuel delivery: It's easy to overestimate how much fuel you still have and end up with nothing but fumes in the tank. They can deliver enough fuel to help you reach the next service station.
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Towing and a lift: If the breakdown is more serious — or you've been in an accident — they can arrange for a tow truck to tow your vehicle. They will also provide you with a lift to wherever you are heading.
Naturally, when calling for assistance, there is some information you will need to provide:
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Your membership number or ID number: This allows them to verify your coverage and your account information.
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Vehicle registration number: This helps them confirm it is the insured vehicle while also making it easier for them to identify you on the road.
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Details of the situation: Give them as much information as possible about what is wrong. This will help with ensuring the right type of assistance is sent out.
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Your location: Be as precise as possible; provide an address if you can, otherwise a road name and any landmarks to help them pinpoint your location.
The Guardian Angel on Call Roadside Assistance benefit from 1st for Women’s app will provide your precise location. You'll also be able to track the assistance provider — including tow truck — so you always know how far away they are.
Liaise with your Car Insurance provider
Once you're safe, contact your car insurer. Roadside Assistance doesn't automatically trigger a claim; you need to notify your insurer separately to initiate the claims process. And if your need for help was the result of an accident, fire damage or windscreen damage, a claim will be necessary.
Once you can, you will need to submit an accident report, including:
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Your policy number.
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Your vehicle registration: As with Roadside Assistance, this helps your insurer confirm it is the vehicle listed in your policy.
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Incident details: Clear description of the incident and other relevant information, including the date, time, and location.
Depending on the nature of the incident, you may also need to provide:
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A police report.
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Details of any other parties involved in the incident, including witnesses.
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Photographs or a video of the incident scene and visual evidence of the damage.
With 1st for Women, you can submit a claim by calling the Claims Department or, for maximum convenience, via the app.
You can't have vehicle repairs done until your claim is approved by your insurer. As part of the claim process, your insurer might arrange for an assessor to inspect your vehicle and the damage first. They will then ask you to get multiple repair quotes for comparison.
Not reporting the incident, or failing to gain approval for your claim before having your vehicle repaired could see your insurer reject your claim. Like Sarah—who gets caught in a hailstorm on her way home from work—you could find yourself in a costly situation after an accident. Sarah's car was damaged, requiring towing and windscreen replacement. Without contacting her insurer first, she arranged the repairs herself. This led to her claim being rejected.
Get First for Women roadside assistance and support
Don't let the fear of breakdowns hold you back. With the right insurance and support network, you can hit the road with confidence, knowing you have help on hand. Get a 1st for Women quote and experience the peace of mind that comes with exceptional safety support and Car Insurance.
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Sources:
[1] Women on Wheels: https://www.womenonwheels.co.za/tips/sa-women-in-danger-with-car-trouble-spot-these-8-issues-before-you-get-stranded/
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or medical advice.
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