You’re stuck on the side of the road with a flat tyre, dead battery or empty fuel tank. Your car won’t start and you need help fast. If you’re an existing member, you need to know how to contact RACQ roadside assistance quickly. If you’re not a member yet, you’re wondering whether you can still get emergency help right now.
RACQ offers multiple ways to request assistance. You can call 13 1111, use the RACQ Roadside Assistance app, or request help online through their website. Non-members can purchase cover immediately and get help on the spot, though an additional fee applies.
This guide walks you through exactly how to request RACQ roadside help in any situation. You’ll learn the fastest ways to contact RACQ, what your membership covers, how much different cover levels cost, and what to do if you’re not yet a member. We’ll also compare RACQ’s pricing and benefits so you can decide if it’s the right choice for your needs.
What RACQ roadside assistance covers and how it works
RACQ roadside assistance provides emergency help when your vehicle breaks down or has a mechanical issue. Your membership covers common problems like flat batteries, flat tyres, lockouts, running out of fuel, and mechanical breakdowns. The service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across Queensland and throughout Australia depending on your cover level.
Core services included
All RACQ memberships cover on-the-spot repairs where possible. A patrol officer will attempt to fix your vehicle at the breakdown location, which solves most problems immediately. You also get towing services to a nearby repairer if your car can’t be fixed on the spot, though towing distance limits vary by membership tier. Lite and Everyday members receive basic assistance, while higher tiers like Everyday Plus and Ultimate Care include extras such as fuel delivery, accommodation costs, and extended towing distances up to 100 kilometres.
How the service operates
When you request help, RACQ assigns a patrol officer to your location. The system uses your GPS coordinates or the address you provide to dispatch the closest available patrol. You can track the patrol officer’s location and estimated arrival time through the RACQ app in real time. Wait times typically range from 30 to 90 minutes depending on your location, time of day, and demand levels.
Your membership covers both nominated vehicles and any vehicle you’re driving or travelling in as a passenger, giving you flexibility across different situations.
Step 1. Confirm your safety and membership status
Before you contact RACQ roadside assistance, your first priority is safety. Move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic if possible, then gather your membership information. This preparation speeds up the assistance process and ensures you receive help without delays.
Check your immediate safety
Pull your car to the roadside shoulder or the nearest safe area if you can still move it. Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers. Stay inside your vehicle with seatbelts fastened if you’re on a busy road or highway. Only exit the vehicle if you’re in a completely safe location away from traffic flow.
Always prioritise your safety and the safety of your passengers before making any calls or checking membership details.
Verify your RACQ membership
Locate your RACQ membership number before calling for help. You’ll find this number on your membership card, in the RACQ app, or in your confirmation email from when you joined. Have your vehicle’s registration number ready as well. If you’re unsure whether your membership is current, check the expiry date on your card or log into your account through the RACQ website.
Step 2. Request RACQ roadside help by phone, app or online
Once you’ve confirmed your safety and membership status, you can request RACQ roadside assistance through three different channels. Choose the method that works best for your situation. The phone option is fastest for urgent or dangerous situations, while the app and website are ideal when you want to track your patrol officer’s arrival in real time.
Call 13 1111 for immediate assistance
Phone assistance provides the quickest response for critical situations. When you call 13 1111, have your membership number and vehicle registration ready. The operator will ask for your exact location, the nature of your breakdown, and whether anyone needs medical attention. You’ll receive an estimated arrival time immediately after the call.
Use this method when you’re in a dangerous location, when a person or animal is locked inside your vehicle, or when you prefer speaking directly to someone. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Use the RACQ Roadside Assistance app
The RACQ app lets you request help with just a few taps. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store before you need it. Open the app and tap the "Request Assistance" button. The app automatically detects your GPS location, eliminating the need to describe where you are.
The app shows your patrol officer’s location on a map and provides real-time updates about their estimated arrival time.
You can also view your membership details, track past service requests, and access your digital membership card through the app.
Request help through the RACQ website
Visit the RACQ website and navigate to the "Request Roadside Assistance" page if you prefer using a computer or tablet. Log in with your membership credentials, then fill out the online form with your location, vehicle details, and breakdown description. The system confirms your request immediately and sends you an email confirmation with your job reference number.
This method works well when you have internet access but prefer not to wait on hold during busy periods.
Step 3. Get help if you are not yet an RACQ member
You can still access RACQ roadside assistance even without an existing membership. The service lets you purchase cover immediately and receive help on the same day, though you’ll pay an additional surcharge for immediate service. This option works when you need urgent assistance and want RACQ’s reliable service.
Purchase cover and request immediate help
Call 13 1905 to speak with a customer service representative who will process your membership purchase and dispatch a patrol officer. You can also visit the RACQ website and complete the online "Get Roadside Assistance" form. Select your preferred cover level, pay the membership fee plus the immediate service surcharge, and submit your breakdown details.
The immediate service fee applies on top of your chosen membership cost, but your new cover remains valid for 12 months from purchase.
Your new membership activates straight away and RACQ treats your request exactly like any member’s call. The annual cover you purchase includes all future breakdowns without additional surcharges.
Step 4. Understand RACQ cover levels and costs
RACQ offers six membership tiers with different coverage levels and annual costs. Each tier provides specific benefits, towing distances, and service inclusions. Understanding these options helps you select the right cover for your driving habits and budget. Compare the features against your typical vehicle usage to avoid paying for coverage you don’t need or finding yourself underinsured when you break down.
Compare RACQ membership tiers and pricing
RACQ roadside assistance memberships range from $89 to $515 annually, with no joining fees for any tier. The table below shows each level’s annual cost, towing distance, and key benefits.
| Cover Level | Annual Cost | Towing Distance | Lockout/Key Cover | Fuel Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday Lite | $89 | None | $0 | No |
| Everyday | $121 | Up to 20km | $0 | No |
| Everyday Plus | $199 | Up to 50km | $110 | Yes (10L, 3×/year) |
| Ultra Care | $252 | Up to 60km | $165 | Yes (10L, 3×/year) |
| Ultimate Care | $344 | Up to 100km | $300 | Yes (10L, 4×/year) |
| RV | $515 | Up to 100km | $600 | Yes (10L, 4×/year) |
Basic tiers suit city drivers who stay close to home, while higher tiers provide better value for frequent long-distance travellers or those who regularly drive in remote areas.
Choose your coverage level
Select Everyday Lite or Everyday if you mainly drive within metropolitan areas and rarely venture beyond the city. These options cost less but provide limited towing distances and exclude fuel delivery services. Pick Everyday Plus, Ultra Care or Ultimate Care when you frequently travel between cities, drive on highways regularly, or want comprehensive lockout and fuel coverage. Choose RV cover specifically if you drive caravans, motorhomes, or large recreational vehicles that require specialised towing equipment.
Key takeaways
RACQ roadside assistance provides 24/7 emergency help through three contact methods: call 13 1111, use the app, or request online. Non-members can purchase cover immediately and receive same-day service with an additional surcharge applied. Membership costs range from $89 to $515 annually depending on your coverage level and towing requirements. Before committing to RACQ, compare roadside assistance providers to find the most competitive rates and comprehensive coverage that matches your driving habits.
