When your car breaks down on the road, it can be scary and frustrating.
But there’s good news: you can get emergency roadside assistance quickly and safely through various providers.
Roadside assistance is a support service for drivers who experience car problems like flat tires, dead batteries, overheating, or running out of gas.
This service is available through various providers, including your car manufacturer, your car insurance provider, independent service companies, and mobile applications such as Motolite RES-Q or AXA Rescue Line.
Some services are free for a limited time if you just bought your car.
Others are part of your car insurance plan, or you may need to pay a small fee for access.
What Roadside Assistance Is and Why It Matters
Roadside assistance is like having a mechanic just a call or tap away.
It covers common car issues that happen while driving.
These include:
- Flat tires
- Engine overheating
- Dead batteries
- Running out of fuel
- Getting locked out of your car
- Needing a tow to a repair shop
If your vehicle suddenly stops working on the road, this service sends a trained technician to help you.
The goal is to either fix the problem on the spot or safely bring your vehicle to a service center.
Many Filipinos don’t think about this service until something goes wrong.
But having a plan in place can make a huge difference when the unexpected happens.
What to Do During a Roadside Emergency
If you find yourself in a car emergency, here’s what you should do:
- Stay calm
Take a deep breath.
Panicking makes the situation harder to handle. - Pull over safely
If the car is still running, move it to the side of the road or shoulder.
Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. - Stay inside if it’s safe
If you’re on a busy road or highway, it’s safer to stay in your car while waiting for help.
Lock the doors and keep your phone nearby. - Call for help
Use your roadside assistance app, call your insurance provider, or contact an emergency service.
Common emergency hotlines include:
- AXA Rescue Line: (02) 8459-4793
- FPG Insurance: Contact your assigned hotline or check your policy
- BPI MS Insurance: Look for the emergency number printed on your card or policy
Knowing who to call before something happens gives you peace of mind.
READ ALSO: List of Common Road Emergencies and How to Handle Them
Who Is Eligible for Roadside Assistance?
If you own or drive a registered vehicle, you can get roadside help.
It doesn’t matter if your car is brand new or second-hand.
You may already be covered if:
- You bought a new car within the last 1 to 3 years
- You have a complete car insurance policy
- You are a registered Motolite battery user
- You signed up for an independent roadside plan
Even if your current plan has expired, many apps and companies allow you to sign up anytime.
Roadside Assistance from Car Manufacturers
If you recently bought a car, you may already have free roadside support.
Some car brands include this service as part of your purchase.
Here’s what’s commonly offered:
Toyota
Toyota vehicles usually come with one to two years of free emergency roadside assistance.
They sometimes even extend these services during peak seasons like Holy Week or Undas.
To request roadside help:
Toyota Roadside Assistance Hotline: (02) 857-8601
Available 24/7 for eligible Toyota owners.
Ford
Ford provides up to three years of 24/7 roadside help for new car buyers.
This includes towing, minor repairs, and emergency transport if needed.
To request assistance from Ford:
Ford Roadside Assistance Hotline: (02) 8459-4723
Ask your dealership for full details.
Each brand has its own rules, coverage period, and hotline.
Roadside Assistance from Insurance Providers
Many insurance companies include roadside help in their policies.
Sometimes it’s already included.
Other times, you need to pay a small fee to add it.
Some providers with strong roadside programs include:
FPG Insurance
They offer full support for breakdowns, including towing and on-site minor repairs.
Coverage depends on your specific policy, so review the benefits listed.
To contact FPG Roadside Assistance:
FPG 24/7 Roadside Emergency Hotline: (02) 5304-6000
Option for Motor Assistance available in the IVR
BPI MS Insurance
This company includes roadside assistance in its more complete packages.
If you are a customer, confirm what services are available and how to access them.
To request help:
BPI MS Roadside Assistance Hotline (via Ibero Asistencia): (02) 8876-4400
Before buying insurance, it’s good to ask:
“Is roadside assistance included? What’s the coverage limit?”
Using Mobile Apps for Faster Help
Mobile apps make it easier than ever to request help during a car emergency.
Motolite RES-Q App
This app is available for iOS, Android, and Huawei phones.
It helps you get emergency roadside support quickly.
Services include:
- Battery jumpstart or replacement
- Tire change
- Emergency fuel delivery
- Overheating support
If you use Motolite batteries, many of these services are free.
For others, there may be a small fee.
Steps to use the RES-Q app:
- Download and register
- Select your needed service
- Confirm your location
- Track the technician’s arrival in real-time
Emma by AXA App
This app also includes a roadside feature called Rescue Line.
It provides 24/7 support for towing, battery boosts, and flat tires.
All you need to do is log in and tap the type of help you need.
Simple and fast.
Tips to Stay Prepared on the Road
Even with roadside support, there are steps you can take to stay safer.
Save the numbers
Keep the emergency hotline of your insurance provider, app, or dealership saved on your phone.
You can also write them down in your glove box.
Check your insurance benefits
You may already be paying for roadside help without using it.
Look through your plan and see what’s included.
Keep basic tools
Have a flashlight, tire pressure gauge, and warning triangle in your car.
These can help you stay visible and handle small problems while waiting for help.
Charge your phone
Make sure your phone is charged before long trips.
Consider a car charger or power bank for backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use roadside assistance for someone else’s car?
Usually no, unless the car is registered under your name or added to your account.
Always check the terms of the provider.
2. What happens if my car breaks down in a remote area?
Most apps use GPS to find your location, even in rural areas.
Response time may vary depending on distance and coverage.
3. How much does roadside assistance cost if it’s not free?
Costs vary, but services like towing or battery replacement can range from 500 to 2,000 pesos.
Apps may offer cheaper packages.
4. Can motorcycles get roadside assistance too?
Yes, some providers now offer help for motorcycles.
Confirm with your insurance company or app if they cover your bike.
Conclusion
Nobody plans to get stuck on the road.
But it can happen to anyone, anywhere.
Having roadside assistance means you’re never really alone on the highway.
Whether your tire gives out or your battery dies, help is just a call or tap away.
So check your car policy.
Ask your dealer.
Download a trusted app.
Because when trouble hits, being ready makes all the difference.