4 membership-based clubs you can join as a car owner or enthusiast

Looking for a way to make new friends while you're on the road? We show you some great organisations you can join.

Cars aren't just for getting you and the family around. Let's take a look at some of the groups you can join to enjoy your driving time even more.

1. Motor Owner's Mutual

Mutuals are popular membership options for car owners, car enthusiasts, and even those just looking to buy a new vehicle. They offer vehicle products to safeguard your assets and lifestyle and include benefits (such as free roadside assistance) for members.

But what is a mutual?

It's a member-owned club that works to benefit the needs of its members.

Members are able to access a range of products, services and bonuses that allow them to ensure their rides are well taken care of.

It can be a more cost-effective way to ensure that your car has the protection it needs while on the road.

Motor Owner's Mutual (MOM) offers a range of different products to members, including loan repayment protection, total loss protection, return to invoice protection and mechanic protection.

MOM also provides all new members with free 12-month, 24/7 roadside assistance. More discounts and membership benefits are coming in the near future too so make sure you keep an eye on its website.

Membership is usually available via your local car dealership and some will offer it when you're purchasing your car. But if you didn't pick it up at the time, you can still visit later on to join.

2. Vintage car clubs

Vintage car clubs may be organised in a few different ways. Some are for vintage vehicles in general, regardless of make or model while others are organised around specific periods, companies or car types.

Organised tours and runs where drivers take to the streets and highways together are popular. Display days where drivers showcase their distinctive vehicles to the wider public are also common.

Formal membership usually offers benefits such as participation in club socials and outings plus the ability to buy club merchandise – but they can be much more involved.

Joining a vintage club can be a great way to learn more about the maintenance of your vehicle. It's an excellent place to source vintage or reproduction parts for your ride too.

Vintage car clubs can also let you access conditional registration schemes, which makes driving a less complicated process than might otherwise be possible with full registration.

The activities tend to be geared towards being family-friendly, encouraging a wider interest in the hobby rather than being "closed shops".

3. The Grey Nomads

It's easy to assume that a group like The Grey Nomads is geared at a senior demographic. But in truth, caravanners and campers of just about any age can benefit from joining.

If you're travelling around Australia on a regular basis, it can be a great membership in your back pocket.

By signing up, you'll gain access to a range of online resources such as an online forum and premium content. You can also score discounts at a range of businesses across the country and enter members-only competitions.

Importantly, you'll be able to access a friendly community while you're on the road. You get to source information from fellow travellers no matter where you're going.

4. Dashcam owner groups

Dashcams have enjoyed a huge surge in popularity in recent years. They're a handy tool for a variety of purposes, including:

• Keeping track of who's at fault if an accident occurs
• Increased car security
• Documenting interesting parts of your trip on the road
• Improving driving technique – especially handy for any L- or P-platers in the family
• Amateur cinematography

Groups are primarily concentrated on social media like Facebook or Twitter and there are a plethora of groups out there to join.

Members may organise periodic meet-ups or simply enjoy sharing footage of their latest journey with one another.

Learn more about protection products with Motor Owner's Mutual