Flat Tyre Assistance: 24/7 Roadside Help, Costs, Coverage

Flat tyre assistance is the on‑demand help you get when a puncture or blowout stops your car. It’s the practical stuff that gets you moving again: a technician can fit your spare, patch a repairable puncture, inflate and seal for a short hop, supply a replacement tyre, crack stuck wheel nuts, or arrange a tow if a roadside fix isn’t safe or possible. In Australia, this support is available 24/7 through mobile tyre services, roadside assistance providers, and towing partners—at home, work, kerbside or on the freeway shoulder.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to get help right now anywhere in Australia, what it typically costs, and what’s covered (and not) by roadside plans and car insurance. We’ll cover when you need towing, essential safety steps, limits of run‑flats, how mobile repairs work, what details to give when you call, and how to choose between a mobile tyre service, a membership plan, or a tow. We’ll also tackle rideshare and fleet needs, regional travel, EVs without a spare, fine print, and prevention tips.

What flat tyre assistance is and what it includes

Flat tyre assistance is rapid, on‑site help to get you safely moving again or transported to a workshop. In Australia, providers operate 24/7 and come to you at home, work or roadside. Depending on your situation, they’ll either fix the problem on the spot or organise a tow if a roadside repair isn’t safe or possible.

• Spare fitted: A technician swaps your wheel using your serviceable spare and torques it correctly.
• Puncture repair (if repairable): Mobile techs assess the tyre and carry out a proper repair when safe to do so.
• Temporary get‑you‑there solutions: Inflation or short‑term remedies to reach a tyre shop when appropriate.
• Replacement tyre supplied: Some mobile tyre services can deliver and fit a new tyre on the spot.
• Towing/transport arranged: If you have no spare, multiple flats, rim damage or an unsafe location, you’ll be taken to a nearby tyre outlet.

How to get flat tyre help right now in Australia

If you’re stuck with a puncture or blowout, the quickest path to flat tyre assistance is simple: get safe, then call a provider that can reach you 24/7. You can use your state motoring club (e.g., NRMA), an on‑demand mobile tyre service, or roadside assistance included with your insurer (AAMI, Allianz, Shannons, Youi). Many will either fit your spare, attempt a repair, supply a replacement tyre, or transport you to a nearby tyre store if a roadside fix isn’t possible.

1. Get to safety: Pull over well clear of traffic, hazards on, and note landmarks or the nearest exit.
2. Decide who to call: Your motoring club, your insurer’s roadside assist line, or a local 24/7 mobile tyre service.
3. Share key details: Exact location, vehicle rego/make, tyre size, spare status, wheel‑lock key location, and if you have multiple flats.
4. Confirm ETA and costs: Approve the call‑out, after‑hours surcharges (if any), and next steps (repair, spare fit, or tow).
5. Prepare the car: Apply the park brake, unlock wheel nuts if asked, clear boot access for the spare and tools.

Typical costs for flat tyre assistance in Australia

There isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all price for flat tyre assistance in Australia because costs depend on who you call, where you are, and what needs doing. Motoring club memberships and some insurer roadside options include the call‑out to change a serviceable spare or attempt a repair, but parts, tyres and some towing can be extra. On‑demand mobile tyre services often price a call‑out plus labour, with the cost of any replacement tyre added. After‑hours support is available 24/7, but surcharges and regional travel fees can apply, and if you have no spare or multiple flats you may be transported to the nearest tyre store.

• Call‑out and after‑hours: Base attendance fee, with possible night/weekend surcharges.
• Labour: Charge to fit your spare or repair a repairable puncture.
• Replacement tyre: Tyre price, plus fitting, balancing and valve; specialty/run‑flat sizes cost more.
• Towing/transport: Base hook‑up and distance; often to the nearest suitable tyre outlet.
• Location factors: Regional/remote travel time and access can add fees.
• Equipment issues: Missing wheel‑lock key or damaged studs can increase labour.

Tip: Minimise costs by keeping a serviceable spare, knowing your tyre size, having the lock‑nut key handy, and confirming what’s included (attendance, labour, towing limits) before you approve the job.

What roadside assistance plans cover (and don’t) for flat tyres

Most roadside assistance plans in Australia include flat tyre assistance as a core benefit. Expect 24/7 attendance, a wheel change using your serviceable spare, and, if you don’t have a spare or have multiple flats, transport to the nearest suitable tyre outlet. Some insurer-branded services and motoring clubs follow this approach.

• Usually covered: Fitting your serviceable spare at the roadside.

• Usually covered: Transport/tow to the nearest tyre store if no spare, multiple flats or repair isn’t safe.

• Usually covered: Basic help with stuck wheel nuts and accessing your spare.

• Sometimes included: An attempt at a mobile puncture repair where safe and available.

• Commonly not covered: The cost of a new tyre, wheel, valves or balancing.

• Commonly not covered: Long‑distance towing (beyond the nearest suitable outlet).

• Commonly not covered: Off‑road/unreachable locations or unsafe work areas.

• May attract extra charges: Missing lock‑nut key, damaged studs, specialty/run‑flat tyres.

Always check your plan’s limits (call‑outs, towing allowances, regional coverage) and what fees apply before you approve the job.

How car insurance treats tyre damage and when it’s covered

Car insurance and flat tyre assistance solve different problems. Roadside assist (including insurer-branded services like AAMI, Allianz, Shannons and Youi) helps you change a wheel or get a tow, but it typically doesn’t pay for a new tyre. Comprehensive insurance, on the other hand, can cover tyres and wheels when they’re damaged by an insured event—think collision, malicious damage or severe weather—as part of a broader claim. Simple punctures, slow leaks or blowouts from road debris are usually treated as wear and tear and not claimable on their own.

• Often covered (as part of a comprehensive claim): Tyre and wheel damage from a crash or impact.
• Often covered: Malicious damage or theft-related damage to tyres/wheels.
• Often covered: Storm, flood or fire damage that affects the tyres/wheels.
• Usually not covered: Routine punctures, gradual wear, ageing or previous damage.
• Usually not covered: The cost of a replacement tyre supplied during roadside attendance.

Rule of thumb: claim when the tyre damage is part of a larger insured event; use roadside assistance when it’s “just a flat.” Always check your PDS and excess before deciding to claim.

When you’ll need towing instead of a roadside repair

Most flats are solved by fitting your spare or a simple puncture repair. Towing is the safer choice when an on‑the‑spot fix can’t restore safe mobility. Providers will transport you to the nearest suitable tyre outlet if there’s no spare, multiple punctures, major damage or an unsafe work site.

• No spare or multiple flats: Tow to the nearest tyre outlet.
• Tyre beyond repair: Sidewall cuts, blowouts or shredded tread.
• Rim/hub damage: Bent rim, broken studs or suspension issues.
• Locked wheel nuts or no lock‑nut key: Wheel can’t be removed roadside.
• Unsafe location: Narrow shoulder, blind bend, heavy traffic or soft verge.

Safety steps to take when you get a flat or blowout

A puncture or blowout is unsettling, but a calm, methodical response keeps you and your passengers safe and speeds up flat tyre assistance. Your first job is safety; the repair comes second. Aim to stop somewhere wide, flat and visible, then call for help once you’re well clear of traffic.

• Stabilise the car: Grip the wheel, ease off the accelerator, and brake gently. Steer to the left shoulder or a safe side street.
• Make yourself visible: Hazards on, park brake set, wheels turned away from traffic. Use a warning triangle if you can do so safely.
• Pick safe ground: Choose a firm, flat surface; avoid soft verges, bends and narrow shoulders.
• Exit safely: Everyone out via the left side. Stand well off the roadway, ideally behind a barrier.
• Call for help: Note landmarks, nearest exit or kilometre marker, then phone your roadside provider or a 24/7 mobile tyre service.
• Prepare, don’t rush: Locate the spare and wheel‑lock key, but don’t attempt a wheel change if the location is unsafe.
• Protect the vehicle: Only drive a few metres if needed to reach a safer spot; don’t continue on the rim.

Can you drive on a flat tyre or run-flat? Limits and risks

If a tyre is flat, don’t drive on it. It’s unsafe, rapidly destroys the tyre, can bend the rim, and makes the car unpredictable under braking and cornering. Pull over somewhere safe, use your hazards, and request flat tyre assistance. If you must move, creep only a few metres to a safer spot and stop—then call for help or a tow to the nearest suitable tyre outlet.

• Standard tyres: Do not continue driving; fit the spare or get assistance.
• Slow leak: Treat as urgent—pressure can drop suddenly; stop and call for help.
• Sealant/inflator kits: Only a temporary aid to reach a tyre shop; monitor pressure closely.
• Run-flat tyres: Designed for short, low‑speed travel when deflated; always follow your vehicle handbook limits and arrange prompt inspection or replacement.

How mobile puncture repairs and wheel changes work

A mobile technician comes to you 24/7, makes the scene safe, and decides whether to repair the puncture, fit your serviceable spare, supply a suitable replacement tyre, or organise a tow if roadside work isn’t safe. For repairable punctures, they’ll restore safe pressure and test for leaks. For wheel changes, they use the correct jacking points, torque the wheel properly, and brief you on any temporary limits before you head off to a tyre outlet.

• Secure and assess: Hazards on, safe ground, quick inspection of tyre and rim.
• Diagnose the issue: Locate puncture, check sidewall damage, confirm spare and lock‑nut key.
• Choose the fix: On‑site repair, spare fit, replacement tyre (if available), or tow.
• Repair process: Remove the object, prepare the hole, install a proper repair, reinflate and leak‑test.
• Wheel change: Jack at factory points, swap wheel, torque nuts, stow the damaged wheel.
• Final checks: Set pressures, explain speed/distance limits (space‑saver or temporary repairs), outline next steps.

What information to provide when you call for help

The right details help dispatch the closest crew, bring the correct gear, and set accurate ETAs. If you’re on a busy road, give your location first, then the rest once you’re safe. Have these ready before you call or tap a roadside app.

• Exact location: GPS pin, nearest cross street, freeway direction/marker.
• Vehicle details: Rego, make/model, colour, transmission (for towing).
• Spare/tools status: Serviceable spare, jack, and wheel lock‑nut key location.
• Tyre info/problem: Size (photo if unsure), run‑flat, puncture or blowout, multiple flats, rim damage.
• Safety context: Shoulder width, traffic, night/weather, safe to work roadside.
• Account details: Roadside membership/insurer policy number and best callback number.

Choosing between mobile tyre service, roadside membership and towing

The right flat tyre assistance depends on urgency, safety and what you already have. Start by asking: is it safe to work roadside, do I have a serviceable spare, and do I hold roadside cover through a motoring club or my insurer? Mobile tyre services shine when you need an on‑the‑spot tyre supplied or a repair at home, work or kerbside. Roadside memberships are great value for spare‑fits and short tows. Towing is the smart call when the location or damage makes roadside work risky.

• Choose a mobile tyre service when: You’ve got no spare, want a tyre supplied/fitted on the spot, or need out‑of‑hours help at home, work or roadside. Confirm ETA, tyre size availability and total costs before approval.
• Use a roadside membership when: You have a serviceable spare and want included call‑outs. If a fix isn’t possible, they’ll transport you to the nearest suitable tyre outlet under plan limits.
• Request a tow first when: The shoulder is too narrow, you’re on a bridge/tunnel/freeway danger zone, wheel nuts are locked/missing the key, the rim or suspension is damaged, you’ve got multiple flats, or you’re remote and a safe repair isn’t feasible.

Flat tyre assistance for rideshare, taxi, courier and business fleets

For rideshare, taxi, courier and business fleets, downtime hurts earnings and service levels. Flat tyre assistance should be 24/7, Australia‑wide, with priority dispatch, the ability to fit a serviceable spare, attempt a repair, supply a replacement tyre on the spot, or transport the vehicle to the nearest suitable tyre outlet when roadside work isn’t safe.

• Set up coverage: Fleet roadside or insurer roadside on every vehicle; confirm call‑out limits, towing to nearest outlet, and regional access.
• Use mobile tyre partners: Prioritise providers that carry common sizes after hours and can handle multiple flats.
• Standardise equipment: Serviceable spare or tyre kit, lock‑nut key location, tyre sizes on file, pre‑approved spend limits.
• Protect passengers and loads: Drivers prioritise safe stops; arrange passenger transfer or delivery hand‑off before tow.
• Tight admin: Require itemised invoices, job photos and ETAs for compliance and downtime tracking.

Regional and remote travel: response times, coverage and costs

Australia’s distances and patchy reception mean flat tyre assistance outside metro areas takes longer and can cost more. Many providers offer 24/7 cover, but crews may travel from the nearest town and will transport you to the nearest suitable tyre outlet rather than your preferred workshop. Expect travel surcharges, after‑hours loadings and extra kilometres for towing beyond any plan limits—always confirm availability, ETA and pricing before you approve the job.

• Expect longer ETAs: Crews may be dispatched from hundreds of kilometres away, especially at night.
• Coverage limits: Help generally applies to accessible, safe, formed roads; off‑road/private tracks are often excluded.
• Towing rules: Usually to the nearest suitable tyre outlet; extra distance attracts per‑km fees.
• Regional surcharges: Call‑out plus travel time/return‑trip charges and after‑hours rates are common.
• Tyre availability: Uncommon sizes may not be on hand; a serviceable spare avoids delays.
• Location detail matters: Share a GPS pin, kilometre marker, nearby roadhouse and your travel direction.
• Plan ahead: Carry water, hi‑vis, a charged phone and keep your lock‑nut key accessible while you wait.

EVs and cars without a spare: your options

Many EVs and newer cars ship without a spare wheel, so your flat tyre assistance plan shifts from swapping a wheel to restoring mobility or transporting you to the nearest suitable tyre outlet. Providers can attempt a temporary inflation/sealant fix if the puncture is minor, supply and fit a replacement tyre on the spot when available, or arrange appropriate transport when roadside repair isn’t safe or possible. Because EVs have specific jacking points and towing requirements, always let dispatch know it’s an EV and follow your handbook guidance.

• Use the supplied kit: Many cars include an inflator/sealant for small tread punctures—good for a short hop to a tyre shop.
• Ask for a mobile tyre supply: Some mobile services can bring and fit a matching tyre 24/7 if stock is available.
• Request transport when needed: If there’s sidewall damage, multiple flats or no safe shoulder, you’ll be taken to the nearest suitable tyre outlet.
• Flag EV specifics: Mention make/model and that it’s an EV so the right jacking gear and tow method are dispatched.
• Know your tyre size and lock‑nut key location: This speeds up sourcing the correct tyre and avoids extra labour.
• Plan ahead: Consider a space‑saver or full‑size spare option if available for your vehicle, especially for regional travel.

Common exclusions, surcharges and fine print to check

Roadside help is generous with wheel changes and short tows, but it isn’t a blank cheque. Before you approve a job, ask what’s included, where towing ends, and what extras apply. Always check your membership or insurer roadside PDS for limits, especially after hours and in regional areas.

• Tyre/parts not included: New tyres, valves, balancing and repairs are usually at your cost.
• Towing limits: Cover often ends at the nearest suitable tyre outlet; extra kilometres are charged.
• After‑hours/regional loadings: Nights, weekends, public holidays and long regional travel can attract surcharges.
• No spare/multiple flats: Expect transport to a tyre outlet; on‑the‑spot tyre supply may be extra or unavailable.
• Access and safety exclusions: Off‑road, unformed or private tracks, bridges/tunnels and unsafe shoulders may be declined.
• Vehicle constraints: Oversize loads, modified vehicles, caravans/trailers may need separate or higher‑tier cover.
• Lock‑nut and hardware issues: Missing lock‑nut key, seized nuts or damaged studs add labour charges.
• Run‑flats/special sizes: Limited availability after hours; premium pricing if supplied on site.
• Call‑out caps and second tows: Plans may limit call‑outs per year and charge for secondary tows or upgrades.
• Business use rules: Rideshare, taxi and courier use may require a business‑grade roadside option—check eligibility first.

Preventive tips to avoid flats and reduce downtime

Prevention keeps you earning and your schedule on track. A few habits dramatically cut puncture risk and make any stop shorter if it happens. Even with great tyres, flat tyre assistance is your safety net—so combine smart maintenance with a ready-to-go plan and you’ll spend less time on the shoulder and more time moving.

• Check pressures monthly (incl. spare): Use the placard PSI; low pressure invites heat and punctures.
• Inspect tread and sidewalls: Look for cuts, bulges, cords showing, and remove embedded screws/stones.
• Rotate and align: Regular rotations and wheel alignments help tyres wear evenly and grip better.
• Avoid kerb strikes and potholes: Slow down, steer squarely, and don’t mount sharp edges.
• Match load/speed ratings: Don’t overload; use tyres that meet your vehicle’s specs.
• Carry the essentials: Lock‑nut key, jack, gloves, torch, inflator/sealant kit and your tyre size noted.
• Mind construction zones: Keep distance from debris‑dropping trucks and choose cleaner lanes.
• Replace aged tyres: Rubber hardens with time—even with good tread, old tyres puncture easier.
• Plan remote trips: Verify spare condition, pack water, charge phones, and save your assistance number.

Key takeaways

A flat tyre is a hassle, not a disaster. Get safe, then call 24/7 help. Expect a spare fit, a repair if it’s safe, or transport to the nearest suitable tyre outlet when it isn’t. Costs hinge on call‑outs, after‑hours and distance, plus any replacement tyre. Roadside plans usually cover the attendance and wheel change; comprehensive insurance steps in when tyre damage is part of an insured event, not routine punctures.

• Safety first: Wide, visible stop; hazards on; exit left; stand well clear.
• Pick the right help: Mobile tyre service for on‑the‑spot supply; membership for value; tow when location/damage is risky.
• Know your numbers: Tyre size, exact location, spare and lock‑nut status speed things up.
• Confirm pricing: Call‑out, after‑hours, towing limits, parts.
• Prevent downtime: Pressures, inspections, rotations and a ready spare.

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