Roadside assistance - RACV or NRMA ?

Click_It on 01/06/2014 - 17:19
Last edited 02/10/2015 - 23:44 by 1 other user

We're moving to Victoria but only just over the border (Wodonga area), and whilst we'll be Victorians soon, we'll still be making a number of 7 hour trips back to Sydney & Gosford.

So I'm thinking, even though RACV would be the obvious choice for Victorians, perhaps in my case NRMA still makes sense. I think NRMA have a better interstate-reach than RACV would. Correct me if I'm wrong.

So whilst we may drive to Melbourne sometimes, most of the time the car will be within 20km of the NSW border and most long drives will be will into NSW heartland.

Happy to hear of alternatives too, NRMA is damned expensive at $102 and they want $185 for premium coverage (further tows etc).

I was tempted by that 24/7 National Roadside Assist deal on scoopon recently but then heard bad reviews about reliability so I'll stick with one of the big mobs I think.

Automotive Roadside Assistance

Comments

  • miss arrow on 01/06/2014 - 17:26

    http://www.racv.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/racv/internet/primary…

    Can I get roadside assistance if I breakdown interstate?
    Yes, should you be on a longer journey and your vehicle breaks down, RACV will contribute towards a pool of benefits such as accommodation, alternate transport and taxi fares to assist you while your car is being repaired.

    As an RACV Emergency Assistance member, you are also entitled to reciprocal rights, which means you will receive the same emergency assistance service that participating national and international automobile clubs offer their own members.

    —

    I know NRMA helped when I was in NSW - and I'm not a member with them :)

  • ozzybee on 01/06/2014 - 17:29

    Have you tried calling and chatting to someone from both companies? Maybe ask to speak with someone senior or even a manager.

  • snappy1234 on 01/06/2014 - 18:12

    I think you will have no problem staying with NRMA…but i know that it is normally straightforward to swap to another state(racv,racq etc.) last time i checked (carry over expiry-years of service etc)

  • Islund on 01/06/2014 - 18:12

    Allianz have a pretty good road service - I find them quicker to the breakdown.

  • mskeggs on 01/06/2014 - 19:20
    +2

    Choose the cheapest. They all use the same service crews..

    • OzJD on 02/06/2014 - 01:35

      ^ This.

      As an NRMA member, I've had call outs in VIC and SA exactly like a local would. Check the price and the coverage.

    • DealhunterMelbourne on 02/09/2015 - 10:21

      Really? I doubt very much that Allianz sends out an RACV truck…?

      • mskeggs on 02/09/2015 - 12:25

        The question was RACV or NRMA, who very much do use each other in border areas.
        I don't know about Allianz, but considering the local NRMA guy in many country towns is just a local mechanic, it would seem likely they use the same people in regional areas too.

  • GnarlyKnuckles on 02/06/2014 - 04:40
    +1

    My advice is to drive a reliable car, and do not pay for any roadside assistance, until you actually need it. Sure it costs more to join up 'on the spot' (ie., join up then use it straight away), but if you only need it once every two years or less, it's cheaper in the long run. And if you hardly ever use it, you save a lot by only joining when you actually need it.

    • Geewhizz on 02/06/2014 - 06:12

      Unless you're wanting more than the very basic level of cover, which these days includes very little towing. For anything more there is a 3 day wait. Even the most reliable cars can have hiccups from time to time.

    • Click_It on 02/06/2014 - 09:35

      We will have a near new car, I see your viewpoint and even mostly agree with it. My wife however wants some sort of cover and to be fair, this family car in question is mostly HER car so I can't really tell her we should save the money, she won't be happy with that suggestion, despite what you say makes some sense.

      I'm thinking to keep things simple, we'll just stay with NRMA despite them costing more. I know the wifey will be happy with that, gotta keep her happy :)

    • mskeggs on 02/06/2014 - 17:43
      +1

      My sister-in-law subscribed to this view. Then she locked her baby in the car. The cops smashed a $600 window to get her out. The NRMA would open it without damage.

  • spersephone on 02/06/2014 - 08:12

    I was pretty much exactly 100km from home and RACV ended up (after waiting for over an hour) coming and getting me and my car, and towing it around the corner to their depot. Leaving me still stranded a long way from home. I ended up getting my boyfriend to come and get me, and my mum to tow my car back as my RACV roadside assistance was pretty much useless for me.

    Since then, I have not renewed it, as I have people I can call to help me if I'm ever in trouble. If I was single and had no-one close by, I'd definitely want it, but you may find it isn't all that helpful.

    • Geewhizz on 03/06/2014 - 08:07

      But you don't HAVE to be towed to their depot. It would (should) have been your choice?

      • spersephone on 03/06/2014 - 08:11

        They didn't offer, they said they'd take me to the depot. I told them where I lived (outer northern suburb of Melbourne, I was stranded in Kyneton). I was pretty furious, I'd waited assuming they'd get me home at least, but they didn't even consider it. It was a Sunday night, about 7pm, dark, only the supermarket was open. Great place to be stuck waiting for help. This was around 10 years ago.

  • eatwell365 on 11/06/2014 - 20:10

    Joined RACV in case one day it privatises.

    • Geewhizz on 12/06/2014 - 07:19
      +1

      NRMA privatising bought us most of a new (second hand) car - came in handy because ours was on its last legs. We were both studying at the time and could barely afford to register it at the time, let alone replace it.

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