NRMA Roadside Assistance review

Our verdict: Unlimited service callouts, generous towing limits and a slew of discounts and member benefits give you peace of mind at a hefty cost.

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Our verdict

  • NRMA Roadside Assistance comes with unlimited service callouts, towing if you need it and help if you've misplaced your keys.
  • NRMA Blue membership is included so you'll get access to discounts on fuel, entertainment and holidays.
  • NRMA's membership is pricey when compared to other providers and if you need extras like towing for larger vehicles, the costs can start to add up.

NRMA is Australia's largest member organisation and has been providing drivers roadside assistance, International Driving Permits, insurance, maintenance and registration services for almost a century. Below you will find information on the different NRMA Roadside Assistance policies available, along with what is covered in each and what isn't.

Compare NRMA Roadside Assistance cover options

Product AUFCI-RSA Call-outs (Unlimited/4 per year) Joining Fee Fuel Replacement Locksmith Cost per Month
Unlimited
No joining fee
$200
$26.99
From $26.99 per month.
Unlimited
No joining fee
$100
$21.49
From $21.49 per month. Includes 4WDs and SUVs.
Unlimited
No joining fee
$0
$11.39
From $11.39 per month. 24/7, nationwide coverage available.
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*Always read the PDS on the provider page before making a decision.
Finder Awards badge

Congratulations, NRMA!

NRMA received the following awards in the 2024 Customer Satisfaction Awards:

  • Roadside Assistance - Most Loved Brand (Winner)
  • 'Roadside Assistance - Top Value Brand (Winner)
  • Roadside Assistance - Legendary Service Brand (Winner)
  • Roadside Assistance - Trusted Brand (Highly Commended)

Finder survey: Have many Australians have called roadside assistance because of a dead car battery?

Response
Yes52.98%
No45.23%
I have never driven before1.79%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1006 Australians, December 2023

Read a more detailed review on

Flat Tyre

Everyday Care

Simple protection against the most common of breakdowns. Flat tyres, batteries and empty tanks are all covered with this standard policy from NRMA.
  • Unlimited callouts. You can access roadside assistance 24/7, 365 days a year.
  • Metro and country towing. NRMA will get you back home or to a mechanic across key metro areas. Plus, if you break down in a country area, towing to the attending NRMA country service centre is included.
  • Key lock-outs. NRMA will help you get back in your car if you've misplaced your keys.
  • Best for: Those who usually drive short distances and don't have anything in tow.
tow truck

Complete Care

Providing the same service of Everyday Care with additional benefits such as extra towing allowance and up to $100 towards a vehicle locksmith if NRMA can't unlock your car.
  • Breakdown travel assistance. Up to $3,000 a year for accommodation, car hire and onward travel if you have a major breakdown more than 100km from home.
  • Windscreen cover. 1 free windscreen chip repair is included plus you can save 30% on glass replacements.
  • Taxi cover. NRMA will cover your taxi or rideshare fare if you break down close to home and your vehicle needs to be towed.
  • Best for: All-round cover for those who sometimes travel long distances and often have things in tow.
mechanic

Ultimate Care

Complete cover for all roadside breakdowns. Offering all the benefits of Complete Care, with additional towing allowances and increased benefit limits when you need assistance.
  • Key replacement. Receive ​​up to $500 a year to cover the cost of a locksmith callout and replacement keys.
  • More towing. Up to 100km towing, even in remote areas or even further with major breakdown entitlements.
  • Increased benefits. You can get up to $4,000 for breakdown travel assistance and up to $200 for the cost of a locksmith service.
  • Best for: Those wanting total peace of mind or who often travel a long way from home.
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NRMA Roadside Assistance add-ons

Add-ons allow you to tailor your roadside assistance membership to further meet your specific needs. They help keep costs down as they're not all included in every plan but you can add them individually if it's something you need covered.
  • Key Plus ($36 per year). Offers an additional $500 per year to cover the cost to call out a locksmith and up to 2 replacement keys.
  • Pet Plus ($51 per year). Covers the cost of transporting your pet in the event of a breakdown, as well as accommodation.
  • Tow Plus ($15 per year). Covers you for an extra 10km of towing on top of your plan's allowance.
  • Vehicle Plus ($147 per year). Provides vehicle towing for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and up to 10 tonnes.
  • Windscreen Plus ($19 per year). Covers 1 free windscreen chip repair per year, 50% off any additional and a 30% discount on replacements.

What does each NRMA Roadside Assistance policy cover?

Everyday CareComplete CareUltimate Care
Unlimited service callouts
Metro towingUp to 25kmUp to 50kmUp to 100km
Country towingFree to country service centresUp to 50kmUp to 100km
Remote towing
Up to 100kmUp to 100km
Breakdown travel assistance
Up to $3,000Up to $4,000
Locksmith service
Up to $100Up to $200
Taxi allowance
Trailer, boat and caravan towing
Up to 2 tonnesUp to 2 tonnes
Vehicle weight (up to 3.5 tonnes)

Does NRMA Roadside Assistance have any exclusions?

NRMA won't cover any vehicle or trailer that is unregistered, unroadworthy or if it is being used for business or commercial purposes. Other factors that can disqualify you from cover are:

  • Attempted repairs or dismantling of your car
  • Damage from fire, accident, theft, flood or malicious damage
  • Financial loss or legal liability connected with a breakdown or accident
  • Use by an unlicensed or disqualified driver
  • Use in motor sports or competitions

NRMA can also deny further roadside assistance or towing if it deems the use of the service as unnecessary and excessive.

Does NRMA Roadside Assistance protect me in an accident?

No. Roadside assistance only provides cover for breakdowns and the benefits only extend to a point where you are safely off the road. You would still cover any costs and charges for labour or, in the event of an accident, legal liability. For protection against third party property or accidental damage, NRMA offers a range of car insurance policies to cover against such events.

What do I do if my car breaks down?

Pull as far off the road as you can, turn your hazard lights on and stay with your vehicle.

Call 13 11 22 for NRMA Roadside Assistance, which will provide over-the-phone support and send out a mechanic to get you back on the road or a tow to get you to safety.

Bottom line about NRMA Roadside Assistance

As Australia's largest member organisation with over 100 years under its belt, NRMA is a trusted name in the roadside assistance game. Its most basic membership will help you with big things like breakdowns and small slip-ups, like a locked key. Fork out for Ultimate Care and you'll get cover for towing even in remote areas and up to $4,000 for accommodation, car hire and onward travel if you have a breakdown far from home.

NRMA Roadside Assistance also gives you access to discounts on things like fuel, home and car insurance, electricity usage, car servicing and even movie streaming. If you use them, the savings could pay your membership fees off and then some but if you don't, you might find NRMA's plans are on the pricey side. Plus, if you're not yet a member and call for assistance, you'll still get help but will be up for an additional $206 fee.

While NRMA does have a lot to offer its members, you should compare other providers to make sure you get the right level of cover without paying for things you don't need.

FAQs about NRMA Roadside Assistance

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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Jason Loewenthal as part of our fact-checking process.
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Writer

Cristal Dyer is a travel writer at Finder. She has been writing about travel for over five years and has visited over 40 countries around the world. Cristal currently travels full-time, writing about her favourite cities and food finds, and she is always on the lookout for amazing flight deals to share. See full bio

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8 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    LynApril 28, 2024

    My Renault Captur is telling me my tyre pressure needs checking. I have no idea how to check tyre pressure. Will Roadside Assistance come to my aid? I am a member.

      AvatarFinder
      SarahMay 1, 2024Finder

      Hi Lyn,

      We can’t provide customer service for NRMA, but it’s definitely worth calling them to check. You can reach them on 13 11 11.

      Hope this helps!

    Default Gravatar
    IanApril 21, 2024

    Does nrma roadside assistance cover me in other states

      AvatarFinder
      SarahApril 23, 2024Finder

      Hi Ian, Yes, NRMA membership entitles you to national roadside assistance coverage. You can access reciprocal arrangements that NRMA has with other State and Territory motoring clubs across the country.

    Default Gravatar
    DavidApril 3, 2024

    Can l join NRMA Roadside Assistance with Victorian registration

      AvatarFinder
      PetaApril 10, 2024Finder

      Hi David, it depends where you currently live. If you’re located in Victoria then no but if you’re located within NSW or ACT then you should be able to join. Hope this helps!

    Default Gravatar
    HelenMarch 31, 2024

    How many tows allows with complete care, compared to Ultimate care?

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