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Is roadside assistance breakdown cover? roadside assistance, roadside assistance dublin, roadside assistance ireland Is roadside assistance breakdown cover? roadside assistance, roadside assistance dublin, roadside assistance ireland

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Is Roadside Assistance the Same as Breakdown Cover? Unpacking the Differences

Published 11th October 2024Read Time 9 min

Anyone who has ever had the displeasure of being left at the roadside because their car has broken down can appreciate just how important such assistance is. Whether driving to work, embarking on a road trip, or simply doing errands, an unplanned problem in your car can quickly ruin the day. This is where roadside assistance becomes crucial. But is breakdown cover the same as roadside assistance? Here we consider how interlinked these services are, what they include, and where they differ.

What is Roadside Assistance?

The roadside assistance is basically a remedy that is availed to on-road drivers when their cars get stopped due to any mechanical failure.. This roadside assistance initiates its job of quickly repairing the car right there on the roadside so that the driver can further continue his journey. In those events where the issue cannot be resolved on site, the vehicle will be towed to a nearby garage or elsewhere for repair.

Most roadside car assistance covers a wide range of common issues, including the following:

Flat batteries: In which the vehicle is jumpstarted by a service provider as a result of a run-flat battery;

Flat tyres: From punctures or other forms of damage, these can be quickly replaced at the side of the road.

Lost keys: In an event of locking yourself out of the car or loss of keys, the roadside assistance will facilitate access to your car or tow your vehicle to safety.

Fuel issue: Both in the case of running out of fuel and filling incorrect fuel in the car, roadside service can sort out the problem.

Breakdown cover generally includes:

Roadside assistance: · In the event of a breakdown, a mechanic is sent to the scene to assess the problem and attempt repairs.

Vehicle recovery: If your car cannot be repaired at the side of the road, it will be towed into a garage.

Home start: If you break down at home rather than on the road, a mechanic can be sent out to get your car started.

Onward travel: Sometimes, breakdown cover will cover a courtesy car or the public transport costs to get you to where you need to go.

What a Roadside Assistance and Breakdown Cover Merge

While many people refer to both as roadside assistance or breakdown cover, they actually relate to different elements of the service. The breakdown cover is, in essence, is the policy you take out ..  this enables you to the roadside assistance.

For example, when you purchase a breakdown cover policy from AA Ireland you are ensuring that in case your car breaks down, you will be able to enjoy the service of roadside assistance to get you back on the road in no time. All this means is that the breakdown cover is the safety net, while the roadside assistance is an action involved when you need help.

The breakdown cover would then be an insurance-like policy over and above all the above-mentioned, allowing the picking up of services like roadside assistance in case of any breakdown.

It follows that this form of protection will not leave you to your own devices the very moment a car failure occurs. The moment you purchase a breakdown cover policy, you are also paying for that sense of security-that should your car break down, all it would take is one phone call for help to arrive.

Why Roadside Assistance Matters

When your vehicle breaks down, time is of the essence. But nothing is as frustrating as being stranded on the side of the road, especially if you’re far from home or on the busy motorway. In any event, access to roadside assistance guarantees immediate peace of mind. You are covered by the knowledge that all you need to do is make a call and a team of experienced mechanics will not only come to your aid but also manage to either fix your vehicle right there and then or have it towed to the nearest garage.

This is important, especially if one drives in busy areas like Dublin, for example, where traffic can get quite heavy and breakdowns may cause immense delays. Roadside assistance in Dublin ensures that you do not face the hassle of being left stranded in a hazardous situation and helps reduce potential traffic problems that may be caused by your breakdown.

In rural areas across Ireland, roadside assistance is just as vital. You might find yourself on a quiet country road with no nearby garages or fuel stations. In such cases, having access to the best roadside assistance Ireland has to offer will ensure you that you’re never left alone without support, no matter where you are.

The Benefits of Roadside Assistance

The traffic-jammed streets of Dublin can be difficult to negotiate for any driver. With heavy flow of traffic, narrow spaces to park the vehicle, and continuous roadwork, a breakdown can never be ruled out for the vehicles in Dublin. In such a scenario, the facility of breakdown recovery in Dublin becomes very helpful. Be it going to work or enjoying a round of the city, there is always the satisfaction of knowing that expert assistance is available at the drop of a hat.

AA Ireland is fully ready for the breakdowns within the city. Skilled mechanics across Dublin plus response times above average, AA’s roadside assistance will get you back on the road in next to no time. From a flat tyre, lost or dead battery, to more serious mechanical issues, they will work quickly at resolving the issue and minimising any disruption caused to your day.

Roadside Assistance Across Ireland

Breakdowns do not just occur in cities. Whether you drive along beautiful countryside roads or on a motorway, roadside assistance in Ireland means wherever you may be, help is never too far away. With the AA’s nationwide fleet of patrols, there’s always a patrol team nearby prepared to help. This is all the more reassuring if you find yourself driving in remote parts where trying to locate a garage might prove to be quite a problem.

In the event of going on road trips or weekend breaks, the inclusion of roadside assistance in Ireland within your breakdown cover provides you with a safety net to take your trip hassle-free.

Choosing the Right Breakdown Cover

If you’re considering breakdown cover, you’ll want to think about what level of coverage will suit your needs. While basic policies might simply provide local recovery, more comprehensive plans may offer European-wide cover or overnight hotel stays if your car can’t be fixed straight away.

With AA Ireland breakdown cover plans are tailored to suit each client’s needs. Whether you’re the occasional driver in Dublin or regularly set off across Ireland, there is a plan that will fit your lifestyle.

Why Choose AA Ireland for Breakdown Cover and Roadside Assistance?

For over 100 years, AA Ireland has been coming to the rescue of motorists through its reliable and efficient roadside assistance services. With highly trained patrols who can get 8 out of every 10 cars back on the road at the roadside, there’s no better option when it comes to drivers nationwide: AA Ireland.

Breakdown cover from AA Ireland means you will benefit from:

Fast response times: Wherever you are in Ireland, whether that’s Dublin City Centre or the narrowest of country lanes, AA patrols are never too far away.

Extremely competent mechanics: All AA patrols are fully qualified and registered mechanics, fully trained in utilizing the most up-to-date diagnostic and repair tools.

Countrywide coverage: From the busy roads of Dublin to the more remote roads of rural Ireland, AA Ireland roadside rescue services are available everywhere.

Roadside assistance Dublin/Ireland: 24/7: Breakdowns can happen anytime, so at AA Ireland, they offer 24/7 roadside assistance, 365 days a year.

Having roadside assistance as part of your breakdown cover is a must for any driver. It gives you peace of mind and the surety that no matter whether one drives in Dublin or anywhere else in Ireland, at the time of need, it is always available. With AA Ireland, you’re not just choosing a breakdown service-you’re choosing a trusted partner to keep you on the road.

Want to know more or ready to join for breakdown cover with AA Ireland? Check out our website or give us a call today. We’re here to help you be safe on the road!