Breakdown stress is a very real factor in any driving situation. Just imagine this scenario: You’re stranded on the side of the road with a flat tyre, a dead battery, or worse – and no-one you call is answering their phone!
Today, with the state of South Africa’s roads (think of those tyre-busting potholes) having reliable roadside assistance could be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious safety risk. Being stranded on the side of the road isn’t just frustrating, it can be downright dangerous.
Thankfully, EMERGIVAC members get free access to our roadside assistance service as one of the many additional benefits of signing up with us.
Common Roadside Emergencies
Let’s be honest, our South African roads are unpredictable, to say the least! Even the most careful and organised drivers can run into trouble. Here are some common roadside emergencies that can leave you stranded and vulnerable:
- Flat Tyres: Potholes, sharp objects – they can and do lurk everywhere! A flat tyre leaves you vulnerable and unable to go anywhere.
- Battery Issues: On a cold morning, a dead battery can bring your day to a frustrating halt!
- Lockouts: We’ve all been there – you’ve locked your keys inside the car. Not only is it frustrating but it can be incredibly inconvenient.
- Running out of Fuel: This can happen to the most meticulous driver and leave you stranded in potentially unsafe locations.
- Minor Mechanical Breakdowns: Sometimes the most reliable car just lets you down. A fan belt snaps, a petrol hose breaks, or the brakes fail. But these small issues can have a big impact on your safety.
- Accidents Where Towing is Required: An accident is shocking and hugely upsetting. Dealing with its aftermath is stressful enough without worrying about how to get your vehicle off the road.
All these eventualities can leave you stranded and suddenly facing unexpected costs and disruptions to your day. This is where EMERGIVAC can help!
The Cost of Not Having Emergency Roadside Assistance
Let’s consider the real cost of going without proper roadside assistance. Firstly, call-out and towing fees can be eye-wateringly high, even for short distances. You’ll be faced with a hefty bill to get a breakdown service to come out and tow your car.
Secondly, unplanned breakdowns equate to lost time, missed appointments, and work disruptions. Your entire day can be derailed, leading to missed opportunities, added stress and lost revenue.
And finally, trying to sort it out yourself is not always safe, especially at night or on busy roads. Changing a tyre on a hectic highway shoulder or trying to jumpstart your car in a dangerous area can put you at great risk.
EMERGIVAC’s Roadside Assist Benefit
Our Emergency Roadside Assist comes as a free benefit of your EMERGIVAC membership.
- We’ve got your back when it comes to those initial costs, helping you get back on the road without breaking the bank.
- Our callout fee and first hour’s labour are covered up to R2,000 per year. We’ll send the right help for the job, whether you need a tyre changed, a jumpstart, or some fuel to get you to the nearest petrol station.
- We ensure rapid response via our EMERGIVAC App. No fumbling around for help in an emergency where every second counts! With our app help is just a tap away – no frantic searching for numbers or lengthy phone calls.
- Nationwide coverage. Whether you’re in the city or exploring the countryside, our roadside assistance network is there for you across South Africa. You can count on trained professionals to arrive and assist you safely and efficiently.
Whether you’re a daily commuter, doing the school run, or just popping to the shops, things can go wrong on the road at any time. You might not think about roadside assistance very often, but when you and your family really need it, you’ll be incredibly grateful it’s there!
With EMERGIVAC, you can drive with peace of mind, knowing help is just a tap away – on the road, at home, and beyond. Check out our different cover options to find the plan that’s right for you, or get in touch for friendly advice.
Frequently Asked Questions About; Is Roadside Assistance Worth It?
1. Is roadside assistance worth paying for in South Africa?
Yes, roadside assistance is worth it in South Africa, where road conditions and unpredictable breakdowns can pose safety risks. Services like EMERGIVAC offer fast, nationwide support for emergencies such as flat tyres, dead batteries, and towing—often saving you time, money, and stress.
2. What emergencies does roadside assistance cover?
Roadside assistance typically covers flat tyres, battery jumpstarts, lockouts, fuel delivery, minor mechanical issues, and towing after accidents. With EMERGIVAC, these services are included as part of your membership benefits.
3. How much can it cost without roadside assistance?
Without a roadside assistance plan, a single call-out and tow can cost hundreds to thousands of rands. Plus, the time lost from missed work or appointments adds to the financial impact. EMERGIVAC covers up to R2,000 annually, helping avoid these unexpected expenses.
4. What are the benefits of EMERGIVAC’s roadside assistance?
EMERGIVAC offers free roadside assistance to members, covering call-out fees, an hour of labour, and rapid response via a mobile app. Coverage is available nationwide, ensuring peace of mind whether you’re in a city or rural area.
5. Can roadside assistance help if I run out of fuel?
Yes, running out of fuel is a common roadside emergency. EMERGIVAC’s roadside assistance includes fuel delivery to get you safely to the nearest petrol station, helping you avoid being stranded in an unsafe location.
6. Do I need roadside assistance if I drive a new car?
Even new cars can experience flat tyres, battery issues, or lockouts. Roadside assistance acts as a safety net for any driver, regardless of the vehicle’s age. It’s especially helpful in emergencies when every second counts.
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