What is assistance insurance in Poland (and Europe)?

We have already comprehensively described AutoCasco insurance and how to approach various situations related to mandatory OC insurance. Now it's time for another equally important voluntary insurance - roadside assistance. Alongside AC, it is one of the most commonly chosen car insurances that guarantees help in case of an accident or breakdown in Poland and/or Europe (depending on the variant and insurance conditions).

Read on to find out why it is worth considering "roadside assistance."

What is assistance insurance?

Roadside assistance insurance is a type of policy that offers drivers help in emergency situations related to their vehicle. It covers a wide range of services such as towing the car in case of a breakdown or accident, helping with minor repairs on the spot, delivering fuel, changing a tire, or assisting if keys are lost. Roadside assistance provides support in emergencies when the vehicle cannot continue driving, minimizing the stress and inconvenience of unexpected problems on the road. The aim of this type of insurance is to provide quick and effective help so the driver can return to their route or safely reach their destination as soon as possible.

Key components of good assistance insurance

Vehicle Towing Vehicle towing is one of the fundamental services offered under roadside assistance insurance. In case of a breakdown, accident, or other situations preventing further driving, the insurer provides transport of the vehicle to the nearest car repair shop or the driver's residence. This service covers personal cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles. Towing the vehicle allows for quick and safe removal of the damaged vehicle from the scene, which is particularly important on highways and expressways where stopping the vehicle poses a risk to other road users. Under the assistance policy, towing is carried out by professional towing companies, ensuring high-quality services and minimizing the risk of additional vehicle damage.

Replacement Vehicle A replacement vehicle is another crucial component of roadside assistance insurance. If the insured vehicle breaks down, is involved in an accident, or is immobilized for other reasons, the assistance policy can provide a replacement vehicle for a specified period. This allows the driver to continue their journey or perform daily tasks without major disruptions. The replacement vehicle is usually available for the duration of the damaged vehicle's repair, which can last from a few days to several weeks, depending on the extent of the damage. This service typically includes basic passenger car models, but in some cases, it is possible to rent higher-class or specialized vehicles. A replacement vehicle ensures continuous mobility and comfort for the insured, minimizing the inconvenience associated with the need to repair their own car.

Roadside Assistance (Tire Change, Fuel Delivery, On-Site Repairs) Roadside assistance is one of the key services under roadside assistance insurance, providing support in case of minor vehicle breakdowns. This service includes activities such as tire changes, fuel delivery, and minor on-site repairs.

Tire change is particularly useful in situations where the driver is unable to change the tire themselves, either due to lack of proper tools or skills. Roadside assistance provides professional help to quickly and efficiently replace the damaged tire on the spot.

Fuel delivery is another service that can be invaluable if the driver unexpectedly runs out of fuel during the trip. With assistance insurance, one phone call is enough to have the appropriate amount of fuel delivered, allowing the journey to continue without having to search for the nearest gas station.

On-site repairs cover various minor repairs that can be done without towing the vehicle to a repair shop. These may include electrical system repairs, battery problems, or other small mechanical issues. With quick and effective support, the driver can avoid long waits for help and quickly return to their journey.

Assistance in Organizing Various Services (Hotel, Babysitter, etc.) Assistance in organizing various services is an additional aspect of roadside assistance insurance that can be extremely helpful in emergency situations requiring extra organizational efforts. Under the assistance policy, the insurer offers support in arranging matters such as booking a hotel, finding a babysitter, or providing alternative transportation.

If a vehicle breakdown or accident forces the driver and passengers to stay overnight away from home, the insurer can arrange accommodation in a nearby hotel. This assistance includes both booking a room and covering the accommodation costs, ensuring a comfortable rest in a difficult situation.

Moreover, roadside assistance can help arrange care for children or elderly individuals traveling with the driver. In case of a vehicle breakdown or other incidents requiring a longer waiting period, the insurer can provide a babysitter to care for the youngest or oldest family members, ensuring their safety and comfort.

The assistance service may also include arranging alternative transportation if the vehicle repair takes longer. This could involve renting a car, organizing public transportation, or even hiring a taxi to ensure the insured can continue their journey or return home.

What to pay attention to when choosing assistance?

Towing Limit The towing limit is one of the key factors to consider when choosing assistance insurance. It is the maximum distance the insurer agrees to tow the vehicle in case of a breakdown or accident.

When analyzing offers from different insurers, it is worth noting how far the vehicle can be towed without additional charges. The standard towing limit is usually between 100 and 200 kilometers, but some policies offer towing over much greater distances, even without kilometer limits. This is particularly important for people who often travel long distances or move outside the country, where towing to the nearest repair shop may require covering a significant distance.

It is also worth checking whether the towing limit applies to a single intervention or is an annual limit covering all towing incidents throughout the year. The amount of this limit can significantly affect insurance costs, so it is important to match it to your individual needs and driving style.

Minimum Distances from Home/Breakdown Location Minimum distances from home or breakdown location are another important aspect to consider when choosing assistance insurance. Many policies specify a minimum distance from the residence for assistance services, such as towing or roadside assistance, to be available.

For example, some assistance insurances may require the vehicle to be at least 20-50 kilometers from the residence for the insured to use the offered services. This is important because breakdowns and accidents can also happen near home, and not every insurer covers the cost of assistance in such situations.

Similarly, some policies may specify a minimum distance from the breakdown location for services like towing to a repair shop. This may mean that if the breakdown occurs very close to the repair shop or residence, assistance services may be limited or unavailable.

Exclusions Other exclusions are also important to carefully analyze when choosing assistance insurance. Exclusions are situations in which the insurer is not obliged to provide assistance services, which can affect the scope of protection offered by the policy.

Typical exclusions may include:

• Lack of a valid technical inspection: If the vehicle does not have a valid technical inspection, the insurer may refuse to provide assistance.
• Driver's intoxication: If the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the insurer may not cover the costs related to assistance services.
• Negligence-related breakdown: If the vehicle breakdown results from the owner's negligence, such as lack of regular maintenance or repairs, the insurer may refuse assistance.
• Improper use of the vehicle: If the vehicle is used for purposes other than its intended use, such as participating in races or other extreme activities, assistance services may not be available.
• Wrong fuel: A breakdown caused by refueling with the wrong type of fuel may not be covered by assistance.
• Geographic conditions: Some policies may exclude assistance in specific regions or countries. It is important to check if the insurance covers all planned travel routes.
• Temporary exclusions: Some assistance insurances may have waiting periods, during which assistance services are not yet available after purchasing the policy.

Before signing an insurance contract, it is essential to carefully review the terms and exclusions to avoid unpleasant surprises when assistance is most needed. Choosing a policy with minimal exclusions and clear conditions allows for greater peace of mind and confidence that help will be available when needed.

Coverage Area (Does it work abroad?) Coverage area is one of the key elements to check carefully when choosing assistance insurance, especially for people who frequently travel abroad. The coverage area specifies the territory where the assistance policy is active and where the insured can rely on support in case of a vehicle breakdown or other emergencies.

Some assistance policies offer coverage only within the country, meaning all services, such as towing, roadside assistance, or providing a replacement vehicle, are available only within Poland's borders. This is a sufficient solution for people who rarely travel outside the country.

However, for those who often travel abroad, it is important that the assistance policy also covers other European countries. In this case, the insurer provides help in case of a vehicle breakdown or accident even outside Poland's borders, which may include towing to the nearest repair shop, organizing accommodation, or other services depending on the policy terms.

When choosing assistance insurance with international coverage, it is important to pay attention to the specific countries covered by the policy, as it does not always include all European states. It is also important to check if there are any additional requirements or restrictions for using assistance services abroad, such as the need to notify the insurer of the trip before departure.

Car Rental in the USA or Other Non-European Countries - What Then? Renting a car in the USA or other non-European countries can pose an additional challenge regarding assistance insurance. Standard assistance policies offered in Poland and Europe typically do not cover protection on other continents, so it is important to check the terms of your policy and the possibilities of extending coverage before departure.

When renting a car in the USA or other non-European countries, it is crucial to ensure the rental vehicle is adequately insured. Most car rental companies offer various insurance packages, which may include:

• Liability Insurance: Covers damages caused to other people or property in an accident caused by the driver of the rented car.
• Collision Damage Waiver/CDW: Covers repair costs for the rented vehicle in case of collision or damage.
• Theft Protection: Protects against costs related to the theft of the rented car.
• Roadside Assistance: It is worth checking if the rental company also offers roadside assistance services such as towing, roadside help, or providing a replacement vehicle in case of a breakdown.

If you plan to rent a car outside Europe, it is also worth considering purchasing additional travel insurance, which may cover a wide range of assistance services, including medical, legal assistance, and support in case of problems with the rented vehicle.

How do I recommend choosing assistance?

In my career, I have often talked to clients who took assistance insurance lightly. Despite advice or conversations, it often ended up choosing the smallest package (because it's voluntary), and then in case of a breakdown, they were surprised - but how come there is no towing?

Insurance companies usually offer several variants (e.g., like in HDI - standard, gold, gold+), which differ in terms, so it is essential to carefully check the offer, consider whether you will travel, how often you use the car, if it may break down - and accordingly choose the scope of insurance. The premium is often the final factor when choosing insurance, although it shouldn't be. It's better to think about whether saving 50 PLN now won't result in spending an additional 1000 PLN in case of a breakdown!

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