RACV roadside assistance review | Finder
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RACV roadside assistance

Choose from three RACV roadside assistance policies and get access to RACV member discounts.

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Gary Hunter
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RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance has three policies to choose from: Roadside Care, Extra Care and Total Care. When you buy a policy, you also become an RACV member, which gives you access to savings on lots of other things like Woolworths gift cards and movie tickets. Plus, it entitles you to membership discounts on other insurance products.

What does RACV roadside assistance cover me for?

An RACV roadside assistance policy comes with the following benefits:

  • Unlimited callouts. There's no annual cap on how many times you need help.
  • Flat tyre. They'll swap your flat or damaged tyre with your vehicle's spare.
  • Flat battery. Jump starts are also included, plus they'll help you buy a new battery if yours needs replacing.
  • Towing for your vehicle. Need towing? Depending on the policy you buy, you can get covered for up to 100km of towing if you break down in a regional area.
  • Free fuel. If you run out of fuel while in Victoria, RACV will bring some to you.
  • Locked out. Get someone to come out and help you back into your car. If they can't unlock your car, they'll contribute towards the cost of a locksmith.
  • Mechanical breakdown benefits. Get cash towards accommodation, car hire and taxis as a result of mechanical breakdowns.
  • Taxi benefits Australia-wide. Get money towards the cost of a taxi trip every time you break down.
  • RACV Membership. An RACV roadside assistance policy makes you an RACV member, which lets you access a bunch of offers and discounts from motoring to travel.

How much do RACV's policies cost?

The cost of an RACV roadside assistance policy can differ depending on the RACV membership you have. You'll be entitled to larger discounts each year you hold your membership for. These are the costs at the time of writing.

Total CareExtra CareRoadside Care
Blue$255 annually$186 annually$114 annually
Bronze$242.25 annually$176.70 annually$108.30 annually
Silver$229.50 annually$167.40 annually$102.60 annually
Gold$216.75 annually$158.10 annually$96.90 annually
Gold 50+$204 annually$148.80 annually$91.20 annually

How do RACV's roadside assistance policies differ?

Want to see how much more you get when you upgrade? Check out the differences below.

Total CareExtra CareRoadside Care
CoverageFor any vehicle you're drivingPer vehiclePer vehicle
Metro towing100km60km20km
Regional towing100km60kmTo an RACV Service Centre
Minor parts allowance (in Victoria only)$33$33No
Locksmith$350$300$200
Benefits within 100km from homeUp to $300Up to $240Up to $80
Benefits over 100km from homeUp to $2,400Up to $1,400Up to $750

How does RACV roadside assistance stack up against other policies?

The table below compares RACV next to some of its competitors.

CompanyCost per yearJoining feeCallout limitsNeed to hold a policy with them?Lockout / Lost keyOut of fuelBreakdown towingGet quote
RACV logo

RACV

(Blue Membership) Roadside Care: $114
Extra Care: $186
Total Care: $255		$0UnlimitedNoTotal Care: Up to $3505 litresTotal Care: Up to 100km in all areasMore info

Youi

Included with a comprehensive policy$0First 2 includedYes$15010 litres50km in the city, 20km in rural areasGet Quote

Budget Direct

$79.95$0UnlimitedNo$125$1515km in the city, 50km in rural areasGet Quote
coles logo

Coles

$83$0UnlimitedYes$150Enough to reach the next petrol station20km in the city, 50km in rural areasGet Quote

NRMA

$113$0UnlimitedNoYesYes20km in the city, towing to nearest NRMA centre in rural areasGet Quote

AAMI

$86 $0UnlimitedYes$250$1020km in the city, 100km in rural areasMore info

Allianz

Standard: $99$0UnlimitedYesStandard: $150Yes20km in the city, 50kms in rural areasMore info

GIO

$95$0UnlimitedYes$250$1020km in the city, 100km countryMore info
Suncorp logo new

Suncorp

$95$0UnlimitedYes$250$1020km in the city, 100km countryMore info

Apia

$84$0UnlimitedYes$250$1020km in the city, 100km in rural areasMore info

Can I get assistance if I break down in another state?

While RACV roadside assistance only operates inside Victoria, your cover still applies no matter where you are in Australia. RACV has partnerships with other companies so if you breakdown in a different state, you'll still be protected and entitled to the same benefits.

Can I get a roadside assistance policy with RACV if my car insurance is with someone else?

Yes. While RACV provides car insurance, unlike some providers, you're not obligated to go with them if you want to take out a roadside assistance policy. You are allowed to buy a standalone RACV roadside assistance policy.

However, RACV takes money off your premiums if you take out more than one insurance policy with them. When you take out two or more eligible RACV Insurance policies, you can get up to 10% off each one, so while you don't have to, it could be good value.

What do I do if my car breaks down?

If you break down, the RACV roadside assistance number is 13 11 11. Tell them your name, where your vehicle is and if possible, what happened. RACV will then register the job and send one of their mechanics out to help. If you're in Melbourne, you can also track the person that's sent out to you. When they arrive, they'll ask you some questions and try to work out what's gone wrong. If they can't fix it there and then, they'll arrange for it to be towed to a repairer.

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