These credit cards offer free roadside assistance in India: Check full list and benefits

Time of India

a day ago

What is Credit Card Roadside Assistance?
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Benefit: 4 times a year roadside assistance worth Rs 1,399.
Helpline: 1800-572-3860.
Benefit: 24×7 roadside assistance across India.
Helpline: 1800-419-1024
Benefit: 24×7 roadside assistance in major cities - Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
Helpline: 1800-419-1024 / 022-6787-2016
Benefit: 24×7 roadside assistance in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru.
Helpline: 1800-267-7777
Why is Roadside Assistance important for you?
Which services are covered in Roadside Assistance?
Vehicle towaway service in case of breakdown/accident - Minor faults are repaired on the spot. If the issue persists, the car is towed to a nearby repair station.
- Minor faults are repaired on the spot. If the issue persists, the car is towed to a nearby repair station. Jump start or alternate battery - Assistance if your battery dies, including jump-start service or providing an alternate battery.
- Assistance if your battery dies, including jump-start service or providing an alternate battery. Tyre replacement - Help with changing a punctured or burst tyre. New tyres may be chargeable if no spare is available.
- Help with changing a punctured or burst tyre. New tyres may be chargeable if no spare is available. Unlocking service - Unlocking your car if keys are locked inside, whether accidentally or by a child/pet.
- Unlocking your car if keys are locked inside, whether accidentally or by a child/pet. Emergency fuel and other fluids - Delivery of fuel or essential fluids if your vehicle stops due to low levels.
- Delivery of fuel or essential fluids if your vehicle stops due to low levels. Breakdown support - On-site repairs for accidents, electrical, or mechanical faults, or towing to a repair facility if needed.
- On-site repairs for accidents, electrical, or mechanical faults, or towing to a repair facility if needed. Spare key arrangement - Assistance in arranging a spare key if yours is lost, misplaced, or broken.
- Assistance in arranging a spare key if yours is lost, misplaced, or broken. Alternate accommodation/transport - Hotel bookings, alternate transport, or car rentals if your car is towed.
How to claim Roadside Assistance?
Call the dedicated roadside assistance helpline for your credit card.
Provide your name and the last four digits of your credit card number for verification.
Show valid government-issued ID and vehicle documents matching the cardholder's details.
Once verified, a service team will be dispatched to your location.
Exclusions in Roadside Assistance to watch out for
Service is not available if the vehicle is poorly maintained or deliberately damaged.
Assistance will be denied if the driver is intoxicated or lacks a valid driving licence.
No coverage for vandalism, illegal acts, or participation in unlawful racing.
Repeated misuse of the benefit (more than twice) can result in refusal of service.
Should you go for Roadside Assistance?
If your car breaks down on the highway or you face a flat tyre in the middle of the night while travelling, having a credit card that offers complimentary roadside assistance can be a lifesaver. Some premium and co-branded cards in India now include this feature at no extra cost.Roadside assistance services help motorists in emergencies such as flat tyres, dead batteries, towing needs, fuel shortages, or minor repairs. When included as a credit card benefit, these services can be accessed via a helpline number and are typically free for a fixed number of calls per year. This can save you money and such services often cost Rs 1,000-Rs 1,500 per use when availed independently. However, one needs to keep in mind that these services are not available universally but only in few select major cities in India.ET Wealth Online has compiled a list of various credit cards offering roadside assistance, according to data from Card Insider.1.2.3.4.Many people ignore roadside assistance until they are stuck in an emergency, for instance, rushing to an important meeting when the car suddenly breaks down. In such cases, trained professionals arrive promptly, repair the issue on-site, or tow the car to the nearest service station, often at a fraction of the cost charged by local operators. Buying a standalone roadside assistance plan can cost around Rs 1,499 a year, but sometimes it comes along for free of cost with an insurance policy if your credit card doesn't offer it.Here's a list of services covered under roadside assistance:The main advantages of having roadside assistance are peace of mind, time saved during emergencies, professional help that can reduce costly repairs, and greater confidence while travelling, whether on long road trips or during daily commutes."Choose a credit card that is right for you based on your lifestyle and your spending patterns. At the end of the day, the rewards and benefits on the credit card, especially if it is a premium card, should be worth the annual charges. So make sure your card is relevant to you and gives you the best possible experience and convenience. For instance, if you mostly travel domestically, international lounge access or discounts on international hotel bookings may not be relevant to you. Similarly, the roadside assistance option is a valuable one that helps you in times of emergencies. However, most vehicle insurers provide this option, often bundled as a complementary offer with the insurance. So do not use this as a deciding factor to select your card. Instead, look at it as something good to have as an additional protection and select your cards basis the rewards and benefits that complement your lifestyle," says Adhil Shetty, CEO, BankBazaar.com.Before choosing which credit card with roadside assistance is best for you, review the terms, coverage cities, and limits on free calls. This feature, though often overlooked, can make a big difference in an emergency situation.