An emergency can be defined as a situation where peoples’ lives could be endangered or the situation, if left unattended, could lead to a bigger financial loss. When you take out Comprehensive Car Insurance cover emergency roadside assistance is usually included as part of the benefits. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Check your policy to see if emergency assistance is included.

The assistance is usually only available within the borders of South Africa. An annual limit per car will apply and sometimes the number of incidents is also limited. This service is a great benefit, especially for women travelling on their own. Make sure that you always have the emergency assistance number stored on your cell phone. You will also receive a sticker with the towing details to display in your car.

The following incidents are covered under emergency roadside assistance—bear in mind that each incidence will have an applicable limit:

• Breakdown and towing to the nearest service provider—remember to use only authorized towing companies
• Storage
• Flat tyre, Flat battery, Keys locked in car
• Running out of fuel
• If away from home – hotel accommodation or alternative transport
• Car returned to you after repair

Accident, Medical and Home Emergency assistance can also be part of an overall emergency package.