A Guide to Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance provides essential support when your car breaks down and you can’t get back on the road. Whether you've misplaced your keys, run out of petrol, or need a tow, having a roadside assistance plan can help you navigate unexpected situations.

You might already have access to roadside assistance without realising it. Coverage may be available through your:

• Car insurance provider

• Membership with the Automobile Association of Singapore (AAS) or other organisations

• Car manufacturer

• Mobile service provider

• Credit card benefits

Adding roadside assistance to your existing car insurance, credit card, or mobile plan is often the most cost-effective way to access coverage, rather than purchasing it separately from a provider like AAS.

>> More: Car insurance in Singapore

What does roadside assistance cover?

Roadside assistance services vary by provider, but they typically include:

• Towing. 

• Changing a flat tyre. 

• Fuel delivery. 

• Locksmith services. 

• Battery jump-start. 

With a roadside assistance plan, you usually pay a monthly or yearly fee for coverage. When you require assistance, services are either provided at no additional cost or at a reduced rate.

Another option is pay-per-use roadside assistance. Instead of paying for coverage annually regardless of whether you use it, you only pay when you actually need help.

Where can you get roadside assistance in Singapore

If you’re considering purchasing a roadside assistance plan, it’s important to evaluate where to get coverage. Below are several options to help you decide which provider best suits your needs.

Insurance companies

Many insurance providers offer roadside assistance as an optional add-on, typically available when you purchase a comprehensive car insurance plan. Coverage limits and the number of service calls allowed per year vary by insurer, so it’s best to check with your provider for specific details.

While not all insurers include roadside assistance, many offer it as part of their coverage options: 

• DirectAsia: Offers 24-hour roadside assistance as an optional benefit with their Comprehensive, Third Party Fire and Theft (TPFT), and SOS car insurance plans. Services include help with flat tyres, dead batteries, and fuel delivery. 

• AIG Singapore: Provides free 24-hour towing and roadside assistance with their AutoPlus plan. This includes aid for minor issues like flat tyres or batteries and towing services after a breakdown. ​

• Income Insurance: Features the Orange Force, an accident response team available to assist policyholders in the event of an accident, ensuring safety and guiding on subsequent steps. ​

• Allianz Insurance Singapore: Offers complimentary 24/7 roadside assistance for both accidents and breakdowns with their Allianz Motor Protect policy, ensuring support whenever needed. ​

• Budget Direct Insurance: Provides a 24/7 emergency assistance web-app, allowing motorists to seek help during accidents, breakdowns, or flat tyres, with features like GPS for easy location tracking. ​

• MSIG Singapore: Includes 24-hour automobile and medical assistance services in their MotorMax policies, covering emergency towing, roadside assistance, and vehicle repatriation. ​

>> More: Cheapest car insurance companies in Singapore

AAS and other member organisations

Membership organisations can be a costlier option for roadside assistance, but they come with exclusive benefits beyond just emergency services. With providers like the Automobile Association of Singapore (AAS) and Autobacs, motorists can access a range of perks, including roadside assistance, discounts on vehicle services, and car-related benefits.

AAS provides multiple membership tiers, with an Ordinary Membership costing $82 per year or $246 for three years, plus a one-time entrance fee of $33. Membership includes 24/7 roadside assistance, vehicle towing, battery replacement, and discounts on fuel, travel services, and insurance. AAS members can also extend coverage to their family members for an additional fee.

Autobacs, on the other hand, offers complimentary roadside assistance with free 24/7 towing services—but only if the vehicle is repaired at an Autobacs service centre. Members also receive a free 33-point vehicle inspection and free tyre repair and nitrogen top-ups when purchasing a set of four tyres.

If you prioritise comprehensive motoring perks and travel benefits, AAS may be the better fit. However, if you frequently service your car and want free emergency towing, Autobacs could be the more practical choice.

Car manufacturers

If you've recently bought a new car, you might already have complimentary roadside assistance included in your purchase. Many car manufacturers provide this service as part of their warranty, offering support for a specific duration or mileage limit. Here’s an overview. 

Telco providers

Singtel offers Car Protect Accident Assist, which includes accident assistance and emergency roadside services. In the event of an accident, policyholders can access a 24-hour towing service to an authorised workshop and receive further guidance through Great Eastern’s accident support hotline.

Unlike standalone roadside assistance plans, Singtel Car Protect Insurance is bundled with an insurance policy, offering both emergency support and financial protection in case of accidents. Coverage details and service availability may vary, so reviewing the policy terms is recommended.

Credit card company

Some credit cards in Singapore come with built-in roadside assistance, offering drivers an added layer of convenience in emergencies. If you hold a premium credit card such as the UOB Visa Infinite Metal Card or the American Express Platinum Card, you may have access to roadside dispatch services.

There’s usually no additional monthly or annual charge for this benefit, although the credit card itself may have an annual fee. Coverage details, service availability, and pricing vary depending on the card, so it’s best to review the terms and conditions of your specific card provider.

Should you get roadside assistance coverage?

Deciding whether to invest in a roadside assistance plan depends on your driving habits and existing coverage. If your car manufacturer or credit card already provides complimentary roadside services, you may not need an additional plan. Likewise, if you rarely find yourself in need of emergency assistance, paying out of pocket for occasional services might be more cost-effective.

That said, having a roadside assistance plan can offer peace of mind and potential savings, especially if you:

• Frequently go on long drives or road trips.

• Want access to extra perks that come with a membership.

• Have a daily commute that takes you far from home.

• Drive an older vehicle that may be prone to breakdowns.

• Prefer the convenience of immediate assistance.

Choosing a roadside assistance plan

Not all roadside assistance plans offer the same level of coverage or benefits. Here are some factors to consider:

How much does the plan cost, and what does it include? Are there any additional fees?

Roadside assistance plans can range from complimentary services provided by car manufacturers and credit card companies to paid memberships that cost anywhere from a few dollars to over a hundred per year. 

Some plans cover all services under the base fee, while others may charge extra for specific assistance. For instance, you might get free fuel delivery but still have to pay for the petrol. Additionally, policies may limit the number of manual labour hours or the distance a vehicle can be towed before incurring extra costs.

How many service claims can you have each year?

Some plans offer unlimited service calls, but many cap the number of claims per year. Once you exceed this limit, you may have to pay for each additional service. If you file too many claims in a short period, some providers may refuse to renew your roadside assistance coverage.

Are you covered if you were not in your car at the time of the incident? 

Coverage varies depending on the provider. Car manufacturers and insurers typically cover roadside assistance based on the vehicle, meaning only the registered car is eligible. However, membership-based organisations such as the AAS provide coverage for the individual, allowing you to request assistance even if you’re riding in someone else’s car.

Does the policy extend to others?

Some roadside assistance plans allow you to add household members for an additional fee, while others may provide coverage based on the registered vehicle or policyholder. If you're considering a plan through an insurance provider, credit card, or mobile service, check directly with the provider to confirm whether coverage extends to family members or other drivers.

Will these claims affect my car insurance rates?

If you purchase roadside assistance as an add-on to your car insurance policy, excessive claims could impact your premiums. However, using a standalone roadside assistance plan from a credit card provider or membership organisation won’t affect your insurance rates, even if you rely on the service frequently.

>> More: Compare car insurance plans