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You are here: Skip Navigation LinksHome > Lifestyle > Autos Articles > Getting the most out of your auto assistance
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR AUTO ASSISTANCE
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Stuck on the side of the road? It's always a good idea to have an auto breakdown service at hand if you happen to be stuck with a flat tyre or encounter other problems with your vehicle that leave you stuck on the road. Different carmakers have come up with auto assistance programs. Some insurers also throw in free auto assistance services with motor insurance policies.

"Get an auto breakdown services from an insurer"


What you get
There are perks that come with each membership but the crucial part of the service is the breakdown service. Most service providers include towing as well as other services such as simple roadside repairs and battery replacement. Usually your call to the service center will be met with several questions to determine the cause of the breakdown and whether repairs can be done on the spot. If not, your vehicle would probably be towed to the nearest panel workshop.

Towing however, is not always free- fees vary according to the location and towing distance. Even if you have to pay however, the amount is usually fixed at around RM 1.00 or RM 1.50 per kilometer so that you will not have to pay exorbitant prices. This may happen if you accept towing services from unscrupulous tow truck operators.

Other than breakdown services, subscribing to auto assistance services may make you eligible for other perks such as road tax & driving license renewals and discounts at partner companies.
 
What you need to consider
Most of the time, customers do not realise until it's too late that they have to make unexpected payment for breakdown services. To ensure that you get the best value for your money, always read the fine print. Which areas do they cover? What do they mean when they state "Free service"? This may only mean free referral services where they patch you through to the tow truck, but you still have to pay the towing fees. "Free battery replacement" may only mean free installation, not the battery itself (which costs an average of RM100).
 
Ask these questions before you decide on a particular breakdown service:
 
Does your vehicle have to be towed to a panel workshop or can you have it towed to a workshop of your choice?
If other people drove your car, is your vehicle still entitled to the service?
Where is the service extended? (rural vs. town areas)
How much does the service offer as reimbursement if you have paid for towing services?
If you used the service of a different tow truck operator, are you still entitled to claim for towing fees? How about claims for damages on your vehicle?
What is the response time of the tow truck operators?
If the workshop charges you an exorbitant amount, whom do you go to for arbitration?
 
The provider
When you are a helpless motorist, you can be at the mercy of mechanics and tow truck operators. While you are comparing benefits and cost, don't forget the all-important point of reliability and reputation. Many have complained of times when they had to wait endlessly for help to arrive.

Knowing whether the service providers control the quality of the mechanics or tow trucks is another important factor. Certain providers employ their own mechanics and have their own tow trucks. However, many insurers or carmakers do not run the service themselves because they do not have the expertise and resources thus they have tie-ups with third party administrators. Some company's function as matchmaking operations by having the customer call a hotline and the receptionist will put in touch with the nearest panel workshop. Since you have to bear the cost of repairs, make sure the mechanics are reliable and trustworthy and charge reasonable rates.

It is perhaps easiest and most cost-effective to get an auto breakdown services from an insurer- several companies provide the service with the purchase of a comprehensive motor insurance policy. However, if your insurer is providing the services, remember that your coverage is tied to your policy. And never choose the insurer solely for the breakdown services tossed into the package.

Always pick a company that you have confidence in because you will want to know that when you have claims, they are going to be settled by the insurance company.

For more information, please refer to Kurnia Auto Assist (KAA) for details on the auto assistance program offered.


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