RACV roadside assistance
Choose from three RACV roadside assistance policies and get access to RACV member discounts.
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
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 Care | Extra Care | Roadside 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 Care | Extra Care | Roadside Care | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | For any vehicle you're driving | Per vehicle | Per vehicle |
| Metro towing | 100km | 60km | 20km |
| Regional towing | 100km | 60km | To an RACV Service Centre |
| Minor parts allowance (in Victoria only) | $33 | $33 | No |
| Locksmith | $350 | $300 | $200 |
| Benefits within 100km from home | Up to $300 | Up to $240 | Up to $80 |
| Benefits over 100km from home | Up to $2,400 | Up to $1,400 | Up to $750 |
How does RACV roadside assistance stack up against other policies?
The table below compares RACV next to some of its competitors.
| Company | Cost per year | Joining fee | Callout limits | Need to hold a policy with them? | Lockout / Lost key | Out of fuel | Breakdown towing | Get quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | (Blue Membership) Roadside Care: $114 Extra Care: $186 Total Care: $255 | $0 | Unlimited | No | Total Care: Up to $350 | 5 litres | Total Care: Up to 100km in all areas | More info |
 | Included with a comprehensive policy | $0 | First 2 included | Yes | $150 | 10 litres | 50km in the city, 20km in rural areas | Get quote |
 | $89.95 | $0 | Unlimited | No | $125 | $15 | Up to 20km in metro and up to 50km in remote areas | Get quote |
 | $83 | $0 | Unlimited | Yes | $150 | Enough to reach the next petrol station | 20km in the city, 50km in rural areas | Get quote |
 | $113 | $0 | Unlimited | No | Yes | Yes | 20km in the city, towing to nearest NRMA centre in rural areas | Get quote |
 | $86 | $0 | Unlimited | Yes | $250 | $10 | 20km in the city, 100km in rural areas | More info |
 | Standard: $99 | $0 | Unlimited | Yes | Standard: $150 | Yes | 20km in the city, 50kms in rural areas | More info |
 | $95 | $0 | Unlimited | Yes | $250 | $10 | 20km in the city, 100km country | More info |
 | $95 | $0 | Unlimited | Yes | $250 | $10 | 20km in the city, 100km country | More info |
 | $84 | $0 | Unlimited | Yes | $250 | $10 | 20km in the city, 100km in rural areas | More 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.
More guides on Finder
-
Occupational therapy and health insurance
Find out how both Medicare and private health insurance cover occupational therapy to get the assistance you need.
-
Term Life Insurance in Australia
Find out how term life insurance actually works and receive quotes for cover securely.
-
2021 Jaguar F-pace R-Dynamic SE D300 Review
The Jaguar F-Pace has had a facelift and an overhaul inside for 2021, improving what was already an impressive package.
-
2021 Kia Sportage Review
In 2020, the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Nissan X-Trail all outsold the Kia Sportage. That's not to say this is a bad car; in fact, the motoring media reviewed it favourably.
-
2021 MG HS Review
MG's HS is a convincing mid-size SUV. It offers undeniable value, a well-designed interior, ample practicality and is a genuinely attractive car from the still fledgling brand.
-
2021 Genesis G80 Review
There is plenty to like about the 2021 Genesis G80 from its sharp and rather unique good looks to the level of equipment fitted as standard.
-
2021 MG ZS Review
It seems the ZST is really a jack of all trades kind of car. It looks good, is specced well, drives nicely and is acceptably practical.
-
2020 MG ZS EV Review
The MG ZS EV is generally held as an impressive first attempt at building an electric vehicle.
-
Australian drivers spent $78 million on roadside call-out fees over 2 years
Drivers without roadside assistance cover are spending millions of dollars on call-out fees, according to new research by Finder.
-
Best Electric Cars Australia
Here are some of the best electric cars in Australia in 2021.
Ask an Expert
