The insurer stated that the addition of Roadside Rescue is part of a broader effort to reduce barriers during times of stress on the road.
“As a leading insurer, we want to be there for New Zealanders in their time of need,” said Dean MacGregor, AMI executive general manager of supply chain and hub services. “We are committed to making things easy for our customers – whether that’s deploying our AMI HomeHub teams to assist immediately following a natural hazard event, getting vehicles repaired, serviced and back out on the road sooner through our AMI MotorHubs, for a jump start, a tow after a breakdown, or to make a quick tyre change via our nationwide AMI Roadside Rescue network – we are dedicated to being there to get our customers back on their feet as quickly as possible.”
MacGregor also noted the importance of customer preferences in shaping this development. “Our customers tell us they’re not interested in loads of form filling, extra ‘membership fees’ and discounts for services they’re never going to use. They just want access to fast, exceptional roadside rescue, where and when they need it.”
To mark the launch, AMI will run a temporary initiative named “Rescue Road” during upcoming public holidays. The service will provide free roadside assistance to all drivers, regardless of insurance provider, travelling along selected sections of State Highway 7 (SH7) and State Highway 7A (SH7A) between Waipara and Hanmer Springs.
The first Rescue Road service will operate from 5pmm May 30 until 6am June 3, over the King’s Birthday weekend. A temporary rest-stop, the AMI Driver Reviver, will also be available at the Hurunui Rest Area from 11am to 4pm on June 2.
The Driver Reviver stop is part of a community-focused road safety programme. Managed by AMI’s community risk team, the rest-stop operates in partnership with district councils, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, New Zealand Police, Hato Hone St John, and other local organisations. The programme encourages motorists to pause and rest when travelling long distances.
What unexpected roadside event have you experienced, and how did you resolve it? Share your experience in the comments below.
