RAC Roadside Assistance Review

RAC isn’t the cheapest but drivers do get multiple options and strong benefits - including up to 300km towing on some policies.

Our verdict

Pros

  • RAC offers up to 200km in the city, 300km in rural areas (many brands have a cap of 100km or less)
  • Enjoy member perks, including discounts on insurance, fuel and movie tickets
  • With four policies to choose from, find cover that suits you and your vehicle

Cons

  • Even RAC's most basic policy is more expensive than many other brands we compared
  • RAC's premium policies are more than three times the cost of other basic brands
  • A hire car is only offered on RAC's top two tiers.

RAC roadside assistance options

RAC roadside assistance has a variety of options. Notably, you don't need to hold car insurance with RAC to get roadside assistance.

OptionsCost per yearJoining feeCallout limitsNeed to hold a policy with them?Lockout / Lost keyOut of fuelBreakdown towing
RAC Standard
$119
No joining fee
Unlimited
No
$0
No
20km in the city, 80km in rural areas
RAC Classic
$199
No joining fee
20km in the city, 80km in rural areas
No
$165
No
100km in the city, 200km in rural areas
RAC Ultimate
$295
No joining fee
Unlimited
No
$165
No
100km in the city, 200km in rural areas
RAC Ultimate Plus
$350
No joining fee
Unlimited
No
$200
Up to $50 a year
200km in the city, 300km in rural areas

This information is accurate as of February 2024

RAC caters to a wide range of drivers, with four different policy levels to choose from. The higher tiers have particularly strong benefits, including an impressive 300km towing limit, cover while driving any vehicle, and a hire car following an irreparable breakdown.

However, the lower-tier policies offer a similar level of cover to many other roadside assistance brands, despite being more expensive than the standard.

CompanyCost per yearJoining feeCallout limitsNeed to hold a policy with them?Lockout / Lost keyBreakdown towing
$199
No joining fee
20km in the city, 80km in rural areas
No
$165
100km in the city, 200km in rural areas
$110
No joining fee
Unlimited
No
$200
Up to 100km in metro, country(or back to attending Country Service Centre) and remote areas
$79.95
No joining fee
Unlimited
No
$125
Towing included, see T&Cs for limitations.
$86
No joining fee
Unlimited
Yes
$150
20km in the city, 100km in rural areas
GIO logo
Roadside Assist
$90
No joining fee
Unlimited
Yes
$150
20km in the city, 100km in rural areas

This information is accurate as of February 2024

FAQs

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Nicola Middlemiss is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance and insurance. She has contributed to Domain, Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine and Insurance Business Australia, offering in-depth insights into commercial insurance in the Australian market. Nicola holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Leeds and a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification, which complies with ASIC standards. See full bio

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2 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    KerryMay 6, 2023

    If a car breaks down say near the wa border and cannot be driven further and a tow truck is required for both the car and a caravan being towed by the said vehicle are the both vehicle and van covered for towing to the nearest town or is there a separate charge for the caravan

      AvatarFinder
      JamesMay 26, 2023Finder

      Hi Kerry,

      Great question. Many roadside assistance policies include cover for trailers or caravans; however, not all do. At the time of writing, RAC offers 4 options for roadside assistance. While 3 policies offer coverage for trailers/caravans, its entry-level Standard policy doesn’t.

      Also, keep in mind that policies typically specify a kilometre limit for how far you can be towed under your insurance after a breakdown. This is often around 50km in metro areas, and 100km in remote areas.

      For these reasons, it’s really important you read your policy wording with care. Be sure to reach out to the insurance provider directly if you’re unsure on what you’d be covered for.

      Best,

      James

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