15 Roadside Assistance Quote Comparisons for Aussie Drivers

Basic roadside assistance for Australian drivers costs between $80 and $130 a year in 2025—money many people assume is already wrapped into their car insurance. It usually isn’t. If you break down without a membership, towing alone can wipe out that amount in minutes.

A roadside assistance “quote” is simply the membership price (and any joining fee) you’ll pay up-front, plus the limits that come with it: how many call-outs you get, towing distance, state or nationwide coverage, and value-adds such as battery replacement, emergency fuel or motel allowance. Pay-per-call providers muddy the water further, so we’ve marked those separately.

Figures below come straight from provider websites, Product Disclosure Statements and phone checks made in July 2025; they will change, but the comparison method remains sound. Below you’ll find fifteen of the most-requested roadside assistance quotes laid out side by side—pick the cover that matches your budget and driving habits.

1. Budget Direct Roadside Assistance

If you’ve ever punched “Budget Direct roadside assistance quote” into Google you’ll know the Brisbane-based insurer leads with price. But does the low sticker figure stack up once you add the fine print? Here’s the boiled-down detail.

Price Snapshot

• Introductory web special: $76.46 for the first 12 months (15 % online discount already applied).
• Works out to about $1.47 a week—cheaper than a large flat white.
• No joining fee, but a 12-month minimum term applies.
• The price is uniform across Australia; only GST variations for Norfolk Island/Christmas Island bump it up a touch.

Key Inclusions & Limits

• Towing: 20 km in metro areas / 50 km in regional zones per incident.
• Unlimited mechanical or electrical call-outs (non-accident).
• Jump-start, flat-tyre swap (with your spare), up to 10 L of emergency fuel, basic lock-out help (up to $150 parts/labour).
• Nationwide contractor network covers passenger vehicles under 3.5 t GVM.

Pros, Cons & Ideal Drivers

Pros

• Hard to beat on first-year price.
• Consistent national coverage, handy for interstate holidays.

Cons

• Renewal jumps to the full $89.95 unless another promo is running.
• No discounts for insuring multiple cars or adding family members.

Best for city commuters and students chasing the absolute cheapest annual cover.

How to Get a Firm Quote

1. Head to Budget Direct’s “Roadside Assistance” page and enter rego, make and postcode.
2. Confirm vehicle weight and tyre size (for jack compatibility).
3. Before paying, ring 1300 306 560 and ask about the unpublished seniors card rebate on the first-year fee—staff will apply it manually.
4. Save the confirmation email; it doubles as your digital membership card.

2. NRMA Roadside Assistance

NRMA’s yellow vans have been rescuing stranded motorists for more than 100 years, and the brand still fields the biggest patrol fleet in the country. That coverage does come at a premium, so read the figures carefully before locking in a roadside assistance quote.

Price Snapshot

• Everyday Care: $136.68 a year (or $11.39 p.m.)
• Complete Care: $257.88 a year (or $21.49 p.m.)
• Ultimate Care: $323.88 a year (or $26.99 p.m.)
• Pay monthly for convenience—no interest, but a $10 processing fee per policy year.
• Joining fee: $55 for drivers outside NSW/ACT (often discounted in winter promos); waived for existing NRMA insurance policy-holders.

Coverage & Extras

• Towing: 20 km metro / 50 km regional on Everyday, 100 km on Complete & Ultimate (unlimited to the “nearest NRMA service centre” if you upgrade roadside tows).
• Up to $190 battery replacement credit, delivered and fitted roadside.
• Free windscreen chip repair (one per year).
• Interstate reciprocal rights with RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC and RACT after 90 days’ membership.

Pros, Cons & Ideal Drivers

Pros

• Largest dedicated patrol force—average metro response under 35 minutes.
• Long-distance towing on higher tiers beats most competitors.

Cons

• Steepest pricing in our list.
• 48-hour “cooling in” period before you can claim (unless you pay a $120 immediate-assist surcharge).

Best for holidaying families and regional road-trippers who value long tows and nationwide perks.

Quote Tips

• Use the website postcode checker; some remote postcodes attract a zone loading of up to 8 %.
• Bundle at least one NRMA comprehensive or home policy and ask for the 15 % multi-product discount—the saving often wipes out the joining fee altogether.

3. AAMI Roadside Assist

AAMI pitches its roadside add-on as an easy bolt-on for customers who already insure their cars with the red-and-white brand. If you’re hunting for a new roadside assistance quote and you’re already paying AAMI for comprehensive cover, the maths can work in your favour.

Price Snapshot

• Add-on to an AAMI Comprehensive Car Insurance policy: $86.95 a year (no joining fee).
• Limited stand-alone option (WA, SA, TAS only): $112 a year + $40 joining fee.
• Pricing is flat nationwide; monthly payments just divide the annual cost—no extra surcharges.
• 12-month minimum term, but you can cancel any time and receive a pro-rata refund.

What You Get

• Unlimited call-outs for mechanical or electrical faults.
• 20 km towing in metro areas, 50 km regional.
• Emergency accommodation up to $80 a night for two nights if you’re more than 100 km from home.
• Jump-start, tyre change with your spare, 10 L of fuel, basic lock-out assistance.

Pros, Cons & Ideal Drivers

Pros

• One insurer, one bill—claims and roadside history live in the same portal.
• Unlimited call-outs outperform several rivals’ four-call caps.

Cons

• Only available to policy-holders in most states; NT and ACT miss out.
• Short towing limit means extra fees if you break down outside the city fringe.

Best for metro drivers who already hold AAMI comprehensive cover and value administrative simplicity.

How to Add the Cover

1. Log in to MyAAMI, choose the policy, and tick “Add Roadside Assist.”
2. Premium adjusts instantly; if you’re mid-term, AAMI charges pro-rata to renewal.
3. A 24-hour waiting period applies unless you pay the $99 urgent-assist surcharge.
4. Store the digital card in your wallet app—patrols scan the QR code roadside.

4. RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance

Victorians still treat the blue RACV badge as their unofficial passport to safe motoring. The club operates its own patrol fleet plus a deep roster of country contractors, which means response times stay respectable even on the Hume at 2 am. Prices are mid-pack, but the value really swings on how far from home you tend to roam—read the tiers before locking in a roadside assistance quote.

Price Snapshot

• Roadside Care: $119 a year
• Extra Care: $179 a year
• Total Care: $239 a year
• New-member joining fee $66 (waived if you hold an RACV insurance policy or are upgrading from bicycle/road service).
• Pay monthly at no extra cost; cancel anytime with a pro-rata refund.

Inclusions & Upgrades

• Unlimited call-outs on all tiers.
• Towing: 20 km metro / 60 km regional on Roadside, 100 km on Extra and Total.
• Country break-down more than 100 km from home? Total Care throws in a $110 taxi allowance or up to $2,000 accommodation/vehicle repatriation.
• Battery replacement supplied “at cost”; fitting is free.
• Basic locksmith assistance up to $150 parts & labour.

Pros, Cons & Ideal Drivers

Pros

• Best regional coverage in Victoria—350+ contractors west of Mildura to the Gippsland coast.
• Unlimited call-outs mean no mental arithmetic when the dash lights up.

Cons

• Interstate help on Roadside Care capped at one tow to the nearest reciprocal depot.
• Joining fee stings if you’re only chasing short-term cover.

Best for Melburnians who road-trip to the High Country or Great Ocean Road more than twice a year.

Getting the Quote

Jump on RACV’s interactive plan slider, punch in your postcode and vehicle age, then click “Compare.” Seniors Card holders score 10 % off—call 13 11 11 to have it tagged to your membership before checkout.

5. RACQ Roadside Assistance

Queenslanders put a lot of kilometres between towns, so it’s no shock that RACQ builds generous towing distances into its three-tier roadside program. Whether you’re ducking down the Bruce for a beach run or crossing the Barkly for work, knowing what each tier costs—and what it actually delivers—helps you lock in the right roadside assistance quote before you set off.

Price Snapshot

• Lifestyle: around $119 a year for everyday urban cover
• Plus Care: roughly $179 a year for longer regional tows
• Ultra Care: about $239 a year with bells-and-whistles repatriation
• Pay monthly at no loading, but non-members who call for help on the spot cop a $140 emergency surcharge on top of the plan fee.
• No separate joining fee; a 72-hour waiting period applies unless that emergency surcharge is paid.

Coverage Details

• Towing limits: 40 km Lifestyle, 100 km Plus Care, 200 km Ultra Care per breakdown.
• Up to $200 locksmith cover if your keys do a vanishing act.
• Pet transport benefit (up to $100) gets furry passengers home safely.
• Jump-start, tyre swap, 10 L emergency fuel and unlimited phone tech advice included across all tiers.

Pros, Cons & Ideal Drivers

Pros

• Market-leading long-distance towing on Ultra Care.
• Strong rural patrol network backed by RACQ depots and local mechanics.

Cons

• Immediate-help surcharge can double the first-year cost.
• Benefits drop sharply on the base Lifestyle plan.

Best for Queenslanders clocking serious highway kilometres—grey nomads, tradies and regional commuters.

Quote How-To

Hit RACQ’s “Build Your Membership” tool, punch in your rego, suburb and usual driving radius, then toggle between monthly and annual to see real-time pricing. Opt for direct-debit monthly if cash-flow matters; you can upgrade tiers mid-term without restart fees.

6. RAA Road Service (SA)

If your number plates wear a crow, chances are you already know the yellow RAA vans. The South-Australian-only club runs its own patrol fleet and partners with rural depots from Ceduna to Mount Gambier, so response times stay tight even beyond the Sturt. Before you lock in a roadside assistance quote, compare the three tiers and decide how far from Adelaide you typically stray.

Price Snapshot

• Standard: $129 a year (new members)
• Plus: $169 a year
• Premium: $219 a year
• No separate joining fee, but the published prices apply only to SA postcodes.
• Pay monthly at no extra cost; cancellation refunds are pro-rated.
• A 48-hour waiting period applies unless you pay the $100 immediate-assist surcharge.

Core Inclusions

• Unlimited mechanical call-outs on all plans.
• Towing: 20 km metro / 40 km regional (Standard), 80 km anywhere in SA (Plus), 200 km plus trailer/caravan tow (Premium).
• Up to $55 taxi reimbursement if your car can’t be made mobile.
• Reciprocal assistance with interstate auto clubs after 90 days’ membership.
• Jump-start, tyre change, 5 L emergency fuel, basic locksmith help ($150 cap) included across the board.

Pros, Cons & Ideal Drivers

Pros

• Dense patrol network covering 97 % of SA roads.
• Plus plan’s 80 km country tow hits the sweet spot for Yorke and Eyre Peninsula trips.

Cons

• Premium price climbs steeply for the extra distance.
• Cover is void once you cross the border unless your 90-day qualifying period has elapsed.

Best for South Australians who regularly venture beyond the Adelaide Hills but stay inside state lines.

Quote Steps

1. Visit the RAA “Road Service” page and enter an SA residential address—interstate addresses are rejected.
2. Choose tier, confirm vehicle under 3.5 t GVM, and select monthly or annual billing.
3. If you’re already broken down, tick “Immediate Assistance” to waive the 48-hour wait, noting the surcharge.
4. Save the digital card in your smartphone wallet; patrols can scan it roadside.

7. RAC (WA) Roadside Assistance

West Aussies drive some of the longest stretches in the country, so towing limits matter more than latte pricing. RAC’s three-tier program leans into that reality, offering progressively bigger kilometre allowances and a few desert-friendly perks. Before you lock in a roadside assistance quote, scan the numbers below and match them to your usual Perth-to-Pilbara itinerary.

Price Snapshot

• Standard: $119 a year if paid up-front, or $11.50 p.m. (extra $19.00 in admin fees over 12 months)
• Plus: $179 a year / $17.30 p.m.
• Ultimate: $239 a year / $22.90 p.m.
• No joining fee, but a $140 “on the spot” surcharge applies if you sign up after you’ve already broken down.
• Look for seasonal promos (e.g. 10 % off in April school holidays) and RAC Insurance bundle discounts.

What’s Covered

• Towing: 10 km metro / 50 km regional on Standard, 100 km Plus, 200 km Ultimate.
• 5 L free fuel, jump-start, tyre change, and locksmith up to $165.
• Caravan or trailer tow included on Ultimate.
• Optional caravan assist add-on ($43 p.a.) extends towing to 200 km on lower tiers.

Pros, Cons & Ideal Drivers

Pros

• Massive state patrol network from Albany to Karratha.
• Ultimate’s 200 km tow is WA’s most generous mainstream inclusion.

Cons

• Base plan’s 10 km metro tow feels stingy in sprawling Perth.
• Monthly payment loading adds nearly 16 % over annual.

Best for long-haul WA drivers who want certainty between roadhouses.

Get the Quote

Jump online, enter rego and postcode, then toggle the payment frequency slider to see the true annual cost. If you already hold RAC Home or Car Insurance, ring 13 17 03 and quote your member number—staff can stack multipolicy discounts that rarely show up in the web calculator.

8. Allianz Roadside Assistance

Allianz sits in the middle ground on price but throws in a few perks that don’t appear on rival plans—handy if English isn’t your first language or you juggle more than one car.

Price Snapshot

• Stand-alone annual fee: $109 (July 2025 rate).
• Concession card-holders save 10 %, dropping it to about $98.
• Prefer to fly solo? A pay-per-call option costs $89 plus towing at $4.40 /km beyond the free radius.
• No joining fee, but a 48-hour waiting period applies to new memberships; waive it by paying a $120 urgency surcharge.

Features & Limits

• Towing: 25 km metro / 50 km regional per breakdown.
• Unlimited nationwide call-outs for mechanical or electrical faults.
• 24/7 interpreter service covering nine languages.
• Unlimited technical phone advice, 10 L emergency fuel, jump-start, tyre change, basic locksmith ($150 cap).

Pros, Cons & Ideal Drivers

Pros

• Huge national contractor pool via Allianz Global Assistance.
• Interpreter line ideal for new Aussies or international students.

Cons

• 50 km towing ceiling can hurt in the outback.
• Urgency surcharge pricey compared with peers.

Best for multi-car households in metro areas wanting solid baseline cover and language support.

Quote Guide

Grab a quick Allianz roadside assistance quote via the two-minute online checkout, then ring 1800 010 536 to stack a multi-vehicle 15 % discount—not advertised on site.

9. Suncorp Roadside Assist Add-On

Suncorp keeps things straightforward: one flat add-on price that bolts to any of its three Comprehensive Car Insurance tiers. For drivers who already bank with the orange brand, getting a fresh roadside assistance quote can be as quick as ticking a box at renewal.

Price Snapshot

• $94.90 a year Australia-wide (July 2025 rate)
• No joining fee, no minimum term beyond your insurance policy
• Monthly premiums just divide the annual cost—no extra loading

Coverage

• Towing: 20 km in metro areas, 50 km in regional zones
• Up to four call-outs per policy year
• Jump-start, tyre change, 10 L emergency fuel, basic locksmith help ($150 cap)
• Unlimited 24/7 phone diagnostics from qualified mechanics

Pros, Cons & Ideal Drivers

Pros: Single bill with your insurance, zero joining fee, generous phone support.
Cons: Four call-out cap; towing limits modest for country motorists.
Best for budget-minded city drivers who already hold a Suncorp comprehensive policy.

How to Add

During your online quote, flick the “Add Roadside Assist” toggle, or log into MySuncorp and activate mid-term—premium is pro-rated and cancellable anytime with a matching refund on unused days.

10. Woolworths Everyday Roadside Assist

The green-dot grocer has quietly built a national roadside club that mirrors its supermarket promise: simple, flat pricing and a few loyalty perks. If you’re chasing a no-frills roadside assistance quote that earns Everyday Rewards points on the side, this one is worth a look.

Price Snapshot

• $99 a year anywhere in Australia (July 2025 rate)
• No joining or sign-up fee, and no price difference by state
• Monthly payments split the annual fee—no sneaky admin loading
• Everyday Rewards members pocket 3,000 bonus points when they join (worth $15 off groceries)

Inclusions

• Towing: 20 km metro / 50 km regional per incident
• Unlimited call-outs for mechanical or electrical faults
• Jump-start, spare-tyre fitment, up to 10 L emergency fuel, basic lock-out help ($150 cap)
• Australia-wide contractor network managed by Allianz Global Assistance

Pros, Cons & Ideal Drivers

Pros

• One flat price; no postcode loadings
• Grocery points soften the effective cost

Cons

• Towing limit modest for outback trips
• No accommodation or taxi allowance

Best for metro and regional shoppers who want fuss-free cover and love stacking Rewards points.

Quote Process

1. Log in to the Everyday portal or app.
2. Enter rego, vehicle weight (<3.5 t), and payment details.
3. Ensure your Rewards number is linked before checkout; points land within 14 days.
4. Digital membership card arrives via email—add it to your phone wallet for quick roadside ID.

11. Kogan Roadside Assistance

The online retail giant now sells breakdown cover alongside cheap gadgets. A quick Kogan roadside assistance quote shows razor-sharp first-year pricing, but you’ll want to eyeball the fine print before assuming it’s a forever bargain.

Price Snapshot

• $89.99 for the first 12 months when you buy online.
• Kogan First members save a further 10 %, dropping it to about $81.
• Renewal currently reverts to $109.99 a year (no loyalty discount).
• No joining fee; month-to-month option available with a $2.50 p.m. loading.

Coverage & Limits

• Towing: 50 km on your first call-out, then 20 km for any later incidents in the same membership year.
• Up to six call-outs annually.
• $150 battery or parts credit, jump-start, tyre swap, 10 L emergency fuel.
• Vehicles must be under 3.5 t GVM and 5.5 m long.

Pros, Cons & Ideal Drivers

Pros

• One of the cheapest entry prices on the market.
• Entire process is digital—no paper forms.

Cons

• Reduced towing distance after the first breakdown.
• Online-only support; no phone sales line.

Best for bargain hunters who drive mostly in metro areas and don’t mind self-service admin.

Getting the Quote

Download the Kogan Insurance app or hit the website, enter rego and postcode, apply any Kogan First discount code, and pay—cover activates instantly, handy if you’re already roadside.

12. Compare the Market – Quote Aggregator

If you’d rather let a robot trawl providers for you, Compare the Market’s quote engine is the quickest way to eyeball multiple roadside assistance prices in one hit. It’s handy for a ball-park “what will a roadside assistance quote cost me?” check before you start phoning individual brands.

How It Works

• Enter rego, postcode, vehicle age and usage into a single web form.
• The engine pings participating insurers and motoring clubs, then lists prices, towing limits and key extras side-by-side.
• Click “View Details” to jump to the provider’s site and finalise the membership.

Pros, Cons & When to Use

• Saves time—one form, several quotes.
• Completely free; the site earns commission, not you.
• Missing brands (NRMA, RACV) and promotional discounts mean the absolute cheapest deal may not appear.

Tips for Accurate Results

• Use the exact build year on your rego papers—some providers price by age bands.
• Note any accessories (bull bar, roof pod) that might affect towing eligibility.
• Always cross-check the Product Disclosure Statement on the provider’s site before paying.

13. Roadside Response Pay-As-You-Go Cover

Sometimes you only want backup when things actually go pear-shaped, not an annual subscription. Roadside Response is one of the few Aussie providers that lets you grab a pay-as-you-go roadside assistance quote on the spot, then walk away fee-free when the job’s done.

Price Snapshot

• One-off membership toolkit: $99 (keeps your details on file for future call-outs).
• Single call-out: $89 if you skip membership.
• Towing beyond the free radius billed at $4.40 /km (metro) or as quoted by the contractor (regional).
• No waiting period for PAYG jobs; membership carries a two-day stand-down unless you pay a $60 urgency fee.

Coverage Highlights

• Free towing 10 km metro / 20 km regional per incident.
• National contractor network active 24/7.
• Jump-starts, tyre swaps, 10 L emergency fuel, basic lock-out help included; additional parts charged at cost.

Pros, Cons & Ideal Drivers

Pros

• Zero ongoing fees; perfect for low-kilometre cars or backup to another plan.
• No postcode exclusions.

Cons

• Multiple breakdowns get expensive fast.
• Free tow distance is the shortest in this list.

Best for infrequent drivers or backpackers in rental vans who’d rather pay only when disaster strikes.

How to Quote

Call 1300 468 931 or jump on the live-chat widget, give rego, location and fault, then ask the agent to confirm per-km towing rates for your region—prices vary wildly outside capital cities.

14. Youi Roadside Assistance Add-On

Youi keeps things simple: a single roadside add-on price for customers already holding its comprehensive policy. Before chasing a Youi roadside assistance quote, remember the cover is tied to that policy—no stand-alone option.

Price Snapshot

• $99 a year when bundled with Youi Comprehensive
• No joining fee; monthly payments = annual ÷ 12
• Cancel anytime and receive a pro-rata refund

Key Inclusions

• Unlimited call-outs
• 50 km towing per event (car + trailer/caravan)
• Jump-start, tyre change, 10 L fuel, locksmith up to $150
• Nationwide help after a 72-hour stand-down

Pros, Cons & Ideal Drivers

Pros: phone quoting can shave a few extra dollars; caravan tow bundled by default.
Cons: cover only for existing Youi clients; 50 km tow feels light in the outback.
Best for drivers already enjoying a sharp Youi premium who want every service on one bill.

Quote Steps

1. Start or open your Youi car quote online or in-app.
2. Tick “Roadside Assist” in the add-ons list.
3. Need help inside 72 hrs? Pay the $110 urgent-assist fee.
4. Save the digital card to Apple/Google Wallet for patrol scanning.

15. Huddle Roadside Assistance

Huddle built its name on app-based car insurance and uses the same friction-free tech for breakdown cover. If you like planting trees every time a tow truck rolls, their carbon-offset pledge will appeal—but be sure the mileage limits match your travel plans.

Price Snapshot

• Flat $91 a year when paid up-front.
• Month-to-month option adds $2.75 p.m. admin, cancel anytime.
• $40 sign-up fee applies to petrol/diesel cars; automatically waived for EVs and hybrids.
• 24-hour stand-down unless you pay a $89 urgent-assist surcharge.

What’s Included

• Towing: 25 km per incident, metro or regional.
• Up to 25 L emergency fuel (or EV top-up).
• Jump-start, spare-tyre swap, locksmith cover to $150.
• Pet transport allowance $100 if you’re more than 100 km from home.
• All patrol vehicles’ emissions offset through Gold Standard projects.

Pros, Cons & Ideal Drivers

Pros

• Eco-friendly commitment and paper-free admin.
• Flexible monthly plan handy for short-term car owners.

Cons

• 25 km tow is slim once you leave suburbia.
• Smaller contractor network than the big motoring clubs.

Best for inner-city drivers and EV owners keen on green credentials over long-haul towing.

Getting the Quote

Download the Huddle app, enter rego and postcode, choose annual or monthly, and tick the “Need help now” box if already stranded (triggers the surcharge). The in-app wallet stores your digital membership card for patrol scanning.

Drive on with peace of mind

Across the fifteen memberships we checked, an Aussie roadside assistance quote will set you back anywhere from a one-off $89 “please tow me now” PAYG fee to about $324 for full-blown annual cover. Most drivers land somewhere in the $80-$180 band, but the number on the invoice is only half the story. What you really pay is a mix of:

• Towing distance (10 km to 200 km)
• Call-out caps (unlimited, four a year, or pay-as-you-go)
• Stand-down periods versus pricey “urgent assist” surcharges
• Joining fees and monthly-payment loadings
• Extras like batteries, accommodation, pet transport and caravan tow

Run those variables against your own driving habits—CBD commute, coastal weekender or cross-country haul—and read each Product Disclosure Statement before tapping “Buy”. With the right plan in your glovebox you’ll never stress about the next flat battery or bung tyre.

Want to trim your actual insurance bill as well? Grab a quick, obligation-free quote at National Cover and see what you could save.