What is roadside assistance?
Roadside assistance can help get you and your vehicle back on the road if you break down or are otherwise stranded, and may cover:
- Jump-starting your car if the battery is flat, or supplying a replacement battery
- Changing or inflating a flat tyre
- Paying for your car to be towed to a nearby mechanic
- Helping to unlock your car if you've lost your keys or locked them in your car
- Delivering you emergency fuel so you can drive to the nearest petrol station
How does roadside assistance work?
Roadside assistance can generally be purchased alongside a car insurance policy or as a standalone product.
Many roadside assistance providers offer 24/7 support. If you need to contact them for help, you’ll generally be asked a series of questions about your vehicle to see if the issue can be resolved over the phone. If it can’t, the provider will send someone out to your location.
Some providers also allow you to request help online or via a mobile app, and will offer assistance regardless of who was driving the vehicle at the time it broke down. Keep in mind you may have to pay for any parts or supplies you need.
What’s included as part of your policy will vary depending on the provider, so it’s a good idea to check what you will be covered for before you need help. It’s also important to read any relevant policy documentation, such as the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD), before signing on the dotted line.
How to find the best car insurance with roadside assistance
When comparing car insurance with roadside assistance, it’s important to consider the level of cover and the roadside assistance benefits on offer. The best policy for you will depend on your budget, driving habits and the level of cover you're looking for.
Some comprehensive car insurance policies include roadside assistance as standard, while some policies offer it as an extra add-on for an additional cost. It's also always worth checking whether any discounts are available. Some insurers specifically offer savings on car insurance for members of state and territory motoring clubs like NRMA, RACQ, RACV, and RAA, many of which also offer roadside assistance products.
Which car insurers offer roadside assistance?
Some of the insurers in Canstar's database currently offering roadside assistance options, either as standard inclusions or as add-ons, include:
- AAMI
- AHM
- Australian Seniors Insurance Agency
- Budget Direct
- Bupa
- Coles Insurance
- Commonwealth Bank Insurance
- Everyday Insurance
- GIO
- Huddle
- ING Insurance
- Ozicare
- Qantas Insurance
- Real Insurance
- Stella Insurance
- Suncorp Insurance
- TrueCover
- Youi
Looking for an award-winning product or to switch providers or brands? Canstar rates car insurance products based on price and features in our Car Insurance Star Ratings and Outstanding Value Awards. Our expert Research team recognise providers offering outstanding value. We also reveal which providers have the most satisfied customers in our dedicated Customer Satisfaction Awards.














































