Pay-per-use roadside assistance rather than NRMA / RACQ / ALLIANZ etc

Cheemeister on 01/05/2018 - 21:25
Last edited 01/05/2018 - 21:25

Hi Ozbargainers,

We haven't had to use our NRMA roadside assistance memberships for a while now, and I'm thinking we may be better off without it. So, I reckon I should prepare myself in case I do need NRMA-like help. What is a good way to get a reasonably priced, quick response roadside help if I need:

  • to break into the car,
  • to diagnose and maybe fix some mechanical problem,
  • towing,
  • ???

Gotu.com.au looks ok, at around $77-$95 per callout, although they don't do mobile mechanics. Any experience with them? Anyone recommend a way to quickly and cheaply get a mobile mechanic while I'm stuck on the side of the road? Any other suggestions?

Automotive

Comments

  • dcep on 01/05/2018 - 21:31

    you want 24/7 ?

    or daytime mobile mechanic

    check lubemobile

    • Cheemeister on 02/05/2018 - 09:28

      I don't need anything right now, but if perchance I'm is stuck on the highway at 2am I'd like to know who I'm able to call who can tell the difference between a seized water pump, blocked thermostat or just low coolant :)

  • mskeggs on 01/05/2018 - 22:28

    I have had the same thought and looked into it.
    These guys have no joining fee, so I think you can join when you need the call out.
    https://www.ultratune.com.au/ultra-roadside/

    My partner ended up using the NRMA a few times last year (ran out of petrol twice!) so I didn't cancel it yet, so can't comment if this is a good plan or not.

    EDIT: reread the T&Cs. Cover starts 48 hours after you buy it unless you pay $125 Immediate Assistance Fee. Probably still worth it if you go years without a call out.

    • qwerty on 01/05/2018 - 22:33

      https://www.ultratune.com.au/roadside-standard-assist-terms-…

      Roadside Assistance services will only commence two (2) full business days after the commence date of the policy, (the Application Period). Service and benefits for any incident, which occurred prior to joining or occurred during the Application Period will be subject to the payment of an Immediate Assistance Fee of $125.00 (inc GST) in addition to the policy fee. Ultra Tune reserves the right to reject any policy at it sole discretion.

    • Oz8argain on 02/05/2018 - 10:25

      lol was the gauge broken?

  • No on 01/05/2018 - 22:29
    +1

    Donno about the other ones but with RACWA you can join when your broken down on the roadside, it'll cost you a joining fee, membership fee & a fee for using the service in the first 48 hrs (which from memory was $50).

    • payton on 01/05/2018 - 23:17

      $98 for RACQ if you join at time of breakdown, 'no joining fee' tho
      Spend a night in the car instead of paying $98, who will take up the challenge

  • o53djz7qTPY4der on 02/05/2018 - 05:36

    Allianz is like $90 a year.

    • Cheemeister on 02/05/2018 - 09:34

      $99. That's not bad. However, between the two cars, we'd maybe need their services once every 3-4 years (that's $600-$800 of membership fees), so if I can get similar service on a pay-per-use basis I'd rather do that.

  • Aussie89 on 03/05/2018 - 09:39

    Not sure where you are based but I'm in Sydney and I used these guys last week when my battery died:
    https://www.roadsideresponse.com.au

    They came out within 30 minutes. Reasonably priced and come out on the spot.

    • dcep on 03/05/2018 - 09:41

      what's the damage $$ wise ?

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