Some car insurance policies come with a handful of useful extras and roadside assistance is often one of them.
Roadside assistance has the potential to be a lifesaver, especially if you get stranded somewhere without the tools or knowhow to fix the car yourself.
Every year roadside assistance providers help thousands of Aussie drivers, but before you pay extra for cover, check with your car insurance provider to see if it’s included as an extra in your policy.
Car insurance policies with roadside assistance available
The table below displays a snapshot of car insurance policies on Canstar’s database that offer roadside assistance, with links to providers’ websites. Please note the results are based on a driver aged 30-39 in New South Wales, so some products may not be available to you.
Roadside assistance FAQs
What is roadside assistance?
Roadside assistance is a form of protection for when your car breaks down unexpectedly. If you experience problems with your vehicle, you can contact your roadside assistance provider and ask for a professional to come to you onsite and even get a ride if needed.
There are a number of different services included in roadside assistance and what you can get will depend on your provider. The most common inclusions are:
- A replacement battery
- A towing service
- Change of tyres
- Emergency fuel delivery (usually no more than $15)
- Locksmith service
- Mechanical breakdowns
What does roadside assistance exclude?
Roadside assistance does not cover everything. Generally, roadside assistance only offers free services for breakdowns. For example, most providers don’t cover you for damage caused by a collision, although they may still tow your car for a fee.
Other key exclusions may include:
- No assistance for vehicles past a certain age
- Additional fees charged for a breakdown caused by a pre-existing condition
- Surcharges may be charged on call-outs to remote areas
- Providers may refuse service in extreme conditions
- No assistance for unattended vehicles
Check with your provider to see what you are and aren’t covered for.
Who offers roadside assistance?
At the time of writing, there are 31 car insurance providers rated by Canstar that offer roadside assistance, either as an optional or standard inclusion. Providers with this feature listed as ‘optional’ may charge a little extra.
In addition to insurers, roadside assistance is also offered by vehicle manufacturers, standalone organisations and app-based assistance providers like 24/7 Roadservices.
Am I covered nationwide?
Yes. Once you become eligible for roadside assistance you are covered across Australia, no matter where you are.
In the case of state-based providers, there are usually agreements in place with providers in other states to cover that area, giving you the same service you would otherwise get in your home state.
Shop around for car insurance providers
Roadside assistance can be a handy feature to have with your car insurance, and you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to providers that offer it.
But there are many other key features that can make a policy stand out. To look for policies that have the combination of features and price to suit you, check out what’s available:
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