Skip to content
Get a quote
Tracking explained

Roadside Assistance Explained

Roadside assistance gets you moving again, or towed to safety, when your car breaks down.

Updated 26 September 2026 · TrackerPrices SA

Quick answer: Roadside assistance is a service that helps when your vehicle breaks down: jump-starts, flat tyres, lock-outs, fuel delivery and towing. In South Africa it is often included with car insurance, some bank accounts, vehicle finance, new-car warranties or tracker packages.

What is usually covered

  • Battery jump-start.
  • Flat-tyre change.
  • Locked-out assistance.
  • Emergency fuel delivery (you pay for the fuel).
  • Towing to the nearest approved repairer, usually with a distance limit.
  • Sometimes accommodation or car hire after a long-distance breakdown.

Where to get it

Check your car insurance, bank account benefits and new-car warranty first; you may already have roadside assistance. Some tracker providers include or sell roadside assistance with their packages, and the AA offers membership plans.

When you break down

  1. Move off the road safely and switch on hazard lights.
  2. Stay in the vehicle with doors locked if the area is unsafe.
  3. Call your roadside assistance number and give your exact location.
  4. Only accept help from the service provider you called.
FAQ

Common Questions

Is roadside assistance included with car insurance?+

Often, yes. Check your policy schedule for the number and limits.

Do tracker companies offer roadside assistance?+

Some do, as part of a package or as an add-on. Ask when you request a quote.

Compare car tracker quotes

Tell us your vehicle and area, and we will send you prices from the providers that cover you. Free, with no obligation.

Get a quote