Car Insurance for Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance, often referred to as breakdown cover, safeguards you against unexpected car troubles on the road.

Some car insurers offer free roadside assistance as part of their car insurance policy, including a limited number of free callouts per calendar year. Other insurers have roadside cover as an optional extra, usually with comprehensive coverage.

Roadside assistance typically covers various situations, including:

• Car breakdowns due to mechanical issues.

• Phone-based assistance to resolve problems remotely.

• Dispatching a mobile mechanic to the location.

• Towing the vehicle to a workshop for repairs if necessary.

How Roadside Assistance Works:

If you’re stranded, the process typically involves a few steps:

1. A phone consultation to troubleshoot your car’s issue remotely.

2. Dispatching a mobile technician if your problem persists.

3. Cover for towing your car to a repair workshop if on-site assistance fails. A surcharge may apply for towing beyond a specified distance.

Finding the Cheapest Roadside Assistance Policy:

When you’re comparing policies, consider more than just your annual premium. Think about how often you drive, and how reliable your car is for long and short trips. Tailor your choice to suit your specific needs:

• Stick with your current insurer for basic cover if you're happy with your comprehensive policy.

• Opt for higher-end cover with membership services like NRMA or RACV for premium services and perks.

• Consider standalone pay as you drive services if you prefer a per-callout payment model.

• If you enjoy perks, membership services like NRMA and RACV offer various discounts.

Exclusions and Considerations:

While roadside assistance is invaluable, it comes with certain exclusions, such as:

• Excludes coverage for accident-related damage.

• Battery replacements may incur additional charges.

• Some providers may have age limits for covered vehicles.

• Towing distances may be limited, with surcharges for longer distances.

• Pre-existing conditions may result in extra charges.

• Assistance may not be provided for unattended vehicles or commercial vehicles.

• Limits on vehicle size and weight may apply.

• Bogged vehicles may be assisted only if safe retrieval is possible.

• Surcharges may apply for breakdowns in remote areas.

• Extreme environmental conditions may impact service availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does roadside assistance count as a claim?

A roadside assistance callout typically does not count as a car insurance claim. However, frequent callouts may lead to premium increases by your car insurance provider.

Can I call a provider if I'm not a member?

Anyone can call roadside assistance providers for help, but a substantial service or joining fee may be required before they’ll dispatch their callout mechanic. This would be in addition to any other charges you’re required to pay.

Stand-alone companies may charge a flat rate per incident, potentially offering a cost-effective solution if you don’t drive - or break down - very often.

Can I get roadside assist if I'm not in my usual car?

Roadside assistance is usually vehicle-specific, ie, it covers your car, not the driver. Additional fees may apply if the specific vehicle in need isn’t covered for your callout.

Does roadside assistance come to your house?

Yes, most roadside assistance policies offer assistance at your home for issues like flat batteries or tyres.

Can you cancel roadside assistance?

Cancellation is possible at any time, but refunds are unlikely, except within the cooling-off period.

How do I renew my roadside assistance?

Renewal processes vary by provider, but in most cases, your cover will automatically renew unless you communicate otherwise.

What type of vehicles cannot be covered by roadside assistance?

Certain vehicles may not be covered due to their weight and height restrictions, including trucks, buses, taxis, limousines, rental or commercial vehicles, motorised homes, unregistered vehicles, tractors, and those used for racing or motor sports.

Conclusion

Understanding the ins and outs of roadside assistance is important for every driver. Experts can provide clarity on your cover options, ensuring you’re informed about this essential service.

Sources

Transport NSW

Vic Roads

Budget Direct car accident statistics ^Based on average premiums from GIO, Allianz, NRMA & Youi.

Paul Coughran is the General Manager of Emerging Verticals at Compare Club. Paul has over 20 years of experience across a wide range of industries including Banking and Finance, Telecommunications and Energy. Paul leads a team of trusted experts dedicated to helping individuals make informed decisions about their insurance and utilities needs.

Meet our car insurance expert, Paul Coughran

Paul's top car insurance tips

• 1

  Regularly compare your insurance policies – You could be paying for cover you don’t need. Shopping around every so often can save you a fair bit, maybe even hundreds each year.

• 2

  Don’t just look at the premium—check the excess too. While a higher excess might bring down your premium, remember you’ll have to fork out more if you do need to claim.

• 3

  Double-check what’s included in your policy. Extras like windscreen cover or roadside assistance might not be part of the deal and could cost you more.

• 4

  If you don’t drive much, consider usage-based insurance. Some policies base your cost on how much you actually drive, if you work from home or only use your car for short trips this might be a much better option.