August 12, 2025

Imagine this: your car stops working on the highway at night, or a sudden flat tyre ruins your important trip. Scary, right? But wait! Some Indian credit cards come with a magic wand called 'roadside assistance' that can save your day. This perk offers help like towing your car, fixing minor problems on the spot, jump-starting your dead battery, or even delivering fuel if you run out — all at no extra cost and just a call away! What Exactly is Roadside Assistance on Credit Cards? Roadside assistance means the card company sends professional help if your vehicle breaks down or faces troubles during your journey. Usually, it is free for a few calls each year. Without it, you may pay Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 for these services individually. However, this help works mostly in big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Pune. Which Credit Cards Are Your Superheroes? ET Wealth and Card Insider reveal some great cards: - IDFC First Power+, Select, Wealth, Ashva, and Mayura: Get 4 roadside help calls a year worth Rs 1,399. Call 1800-572-3860. - ICICI HPCL Super Saver: 24/7 help all over India. Call 1800-419-1024. - ICICI Emerald Metal: 24/7 service in major cities, helpline 1800-419-1024 or 022-6787-2016. - IndusInd Tiger, Legend, Crest, Celesta, Signature: Assistance in big metros, call 1800-267-7777. Why You Should Care? Many ignore roadside help until stuck helplessly. Then panic kicks in. But with this service, experts rush to repair your car or tow it to a garage quickly, saving your time and money. Standalone plans can cost Rs 1,499 per year, so having it free with your credit card is a bonus! What Will They Do For You? Some cool fixes covered include towing your car if it can't run, fixing small electrical or mechanical faults, jump-starting your battery, changing a punctured tyre, unlocking your car if locked out, delivering emergency fuel, or even arranging a spare key. If your car is towed, some cards help book hotels or alternate transport. How to Get Help? Just call the special helpline of your card, give your name and credit card last four digits, show ID and vehicle papers. Once verified, help zooms over to you! Watch Out for These! No help if your car is badly maintained or deliberately damaged. Drunk driving or missing licenses? Sorry, no service. Illegal acts or car racing also disqualify. Using carelessly more than twice may lead to refusal. So, Should You Pick Such a Card? Adhil Shetty, CEO of BankBazaar.com, advises: "Choose a credit card that fits your lifestyle and spending. Roadside assistance is a great add-on but don't pick a card only for it since many insurers offer it too. Focus on rewards and benefits that matter most to you." In the end, having roadside assistance on your credit card is like carrying a knight in shining armor during your travels. It's a small perk that brings big peace of mind. Next time you hit the road, let your credit card be your savior—ready with a helpline and expert help for every flat tyre and dead battery crisis!

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Tags: Credit card, Roadside assistance, Car emergency, India, Car breakdown, Helpline,