Roadside assistance vs car insurance: what’s the difference?

Driving your vehicle around the Maltese islands gives you a real sense of freedom with access to stunning coastal and inland scenery. Being able to get into your car and travel wherever you want means you can live your life as you choose. 

Driving also comes with responsibilities, and one important obligation is the legal requirement to have at least Third Party liability insurance for your car if you drive on Maltese public roads. 

Maltese regulations require that all motorists need to be insured against their liability for injuries to third parties or passengers and for damage to third-party property resulting from using a vehicle on the road. 

However, what happens if your car breaks down at the side of the road? In these circumstances, roadside assistance cover is essential in order to get any issue identified and to help you get home or to a place that can fix your vehicle. 

In this article, we explore the benefits of roadside assistance and car insurance, asking what the difference is between the two so that you can choose policies that best support you and your vehicle. 

Contents

• What is roadside assistance in Malta?
• How does car insurance in Malta work?
• Roadside assistance vs car insurance: what’s the difference?
• Select your ideal motor protection insurance with GasanMamo. 

What is roadside assistance in Malta?

Roadside assistance is a service provided to ensure that you have support if your vehicle breaks down on the road. As the first point of contact if you have a car issue, the service provider will offer you a helping hand to resolve vehicle problems. 

Typically, roadside assistance can help with a range of issues, such as replacing fuel, mending or changing flat tyres and offering practical support if your car is stuck by the side of the road or in a muddy patch. 

Whether your car insurance policy will include roadside assistance cover and the extent of it will depend on the individual insurance provider, so it’s always a good idea to check the specifics with your insurance company when you take out a car policy.

 

How does Car insurance in Malta work?

Car insurance in Malta is generally offered over three distinct policies: Third Party Only, Third Party, Fire & Theft and Comprehensive. 

Third Party Only car insurance

Third-party only cover is the minimum level of motor insurance protection required by law, including in Malta. This type of policy covers your liability to other people for injury or damage to property arising from the use of your car.

Third Party Fire and Theft cover

This type of cover builds an additional layer on top of Third Party Only insurance. With this policy, you have protection in the case of loss or damage to your vehicle that’s caused by fire, explosion or from theft.

Roadside assistance cover can be added under both Third Party Only and Third Party Fire & Theft on request, and the payment of an additional premium.

Comprehensive cover

As the most advanced form of motor vehicle insurance, a comprehensive car insurance policy ensures your car is protected against many types of accidental damage. In fact, GasanMamo’s Comprehensive motor insurance policy includes roadside assistance at no extra cost. 

It also includes other types of coverage that increase your level of protection, such as personal accident insurance, loss of car keys, windscreen damage, medical expenses, the cost to hire a replacement car or coverage in the case of loss or damage to personal effects you carry in your car. 

Roadside assistance vs car insurance: what’s the difference?

A key point of contrast between roadside assistance and car insurance is that while car insurance protects against damage, theft and third-party liability, roadside assistance offers help when you have a vehicle breakdown.

For example, GasanMamo’s roadside assistance cover provides practical support for breakdowns, including:

• 24-hour breakdown and towing service all over Malta and Gozo.
• Free towing to any destination from any point of breakdown.
• Transport to your home if the vehicle is towed to a repairer’s site during the night.
• Replacement of battery on site (the cost of a battery is paid by you).

It’s essential to note that roadside assistance cover and the car insurance policy actually protect you and your vehicle in different circumstances. As a result, if you want to safeguard your car from any damage or gain compensation if it’s stolen, you need an effective car insurance policy. 

Additionally, if you want to access help if you break down unexpectedly, roadside assistance is completely invaluable. For many drivers, the thought of being stuck by the side of the road without any assistance creates stress. Therefore, having roadside assistance can help minimise worry if anything happens. 

To increase your peace of mind, it may be extremely useful to not only have car insurance but also roadside assistance cover for your vehicle. 

GasanMamo also offer roadside assistance cover when you drive your car abroad.  This is automatically included with the overseas cover on the car comprehensive policy (you must notify GasanMamo of the trip beforehand to be covered while abroad).

Select your ideal car protection insurance with GasanMamo

As a driver, you want to feel protected when you drive your car. You also want to know that your vehicle will be looked after and repaired if anything happens to it. That’s where GasanMamo can help you.

We have a wealth of experience in motor insurance policies for drivers of all ages. Why not take a look at our range of motor insurance policies and find one that suits you best?

We’re always here to talk through your requirements and help you get on the road and to your next destination without worrying about your insurance. 

Get in touch for a chat with our friendly team and discover how easy it is to sort out your motor insurance with us. 

GasanMamo Insurance is authorised under the Insurance Business Act and regulated by the MFSA.

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