Hi all,
this request refers to what roadside assistance services are available in Australia.
i am planning a lengthy trip from Eastern NSW to South Australia. Although I'm taking my 1965 Humber this time the question could equally apply to my older Jags so I guess it is legitimate on this forum.
I believe the car to be in good mechanical condition and has given excellent service but it is not possible to anticipate all emergencies.
The only truly valuable service to me is extended towing. If the car 'fails to proceed' and I can't get it going it is unlikely roadside service will. Many extras such as lock out protection, battery replacement, running out of fuel is of little interest to me.
My wife is a long time NRMA member and her X300 is covered.
If anyone has any thoughts or experiences to share I would greatly appreciate.
regards to all
Al
ps Very rough day here in the Snowy mountains, huddling in the workshop trying to free up the Double Six's gummed up injectors might be an option

 

Not sure on the NRMA, but our RAA offers extended towing and the details are "gone with the wind", but I have never used them,its just a warm and fuzzy thing I suppose.

When I picked up the X300R in Sydney, and drove it home, I came down the Hume, Ballarat, Adelaide.

Reasons:

Emergency phones at quite regular intervals on the Hume, and the traffic, HEAPS.

The other way, via the Hay Plains, NAH, nothing but you and the wildlife for many hundreds of kms.

Being an "alien" car to me, the extra kms were of no consequence.

Nothing happened of course, teh Cat just did what Cats do, but the forward planning was peace of mind.

I usually go the Hay Plains, hundreds of time, and no issues there either, but the cars were not "alien".

Good luck.

 

Alan it's probably worth contacting the NRMA as I think they have different cover levels such as unlimited towing, however like anything it's probably at a premium cost. I believe some insurance companies also offer cover.

 

Hi Alan,

Make sure you read the fine print.

I have basic RACV roadside Assist which is around $100 per year and offers up to 100 km's emergency towing.

About three years ago we were in Apollo Bay and the Jag would not start for love of money.

Although the RACV operator was very polite and as helpful as possible the 100 km's was to home OR the nearest RACV depot.

I was hoping to get the car to at least Geelong, but it was pointed out to me that the nearest depot to me was the local mechanic.......in Apollo Bay.

Said mechanic is the RACV guy who attended my stricken vehicle and he could only sympathize as if I wanted a tow, he could only tow it 800 metres back to his workshop.

So yep, I had an expensive tow back to Melbourne out of my own pocket.

Cheers and be aware,

Nigel

 

Two answers I guess.

Basic roadside assist comes with the insurance of you use NRMA/RACV Veteran/Vintage/Classic insurance. Probably not enough cover for you though.

We take premium roadside cover out in my wifes name. This means she is covered for any vehicle that she is in with all the extras (towing, hire cars, accomodation) and as we are together most of the time this means she is covered when by herself and the old cars are covered when she is present (if not , the above cover kicks in). This premium cover also allows you to nominate one specific vehicle (regardless of driver) so we nominate my truck to get premium cover for that also. First 100kms of towing are included (although we once had a 150klm tow and nobody sent a bill). Costs $250 ish

 

Seems like the same issues as to road service here in the USA and the insurance for it.

Very important to get the details.... Limits. Not always enough to get home from the point of break down. Been there!!!! Stockton to Walnut Creek in 2001. it took two coverages and money from wife's purse !!!!!! But, I sure was glad to get home... Great guy on the tow truck. It was hot... Dear departed provided icy cold cans of tea for his return... I downed one myself, durn near in one gulp...

Carl

 

When we got Nix husband extended our towing package to 200 miles as we do travel with her a bit. (It was an old Jag after all, and we all know how undependable those are!)

I did use towing, not nearly the 200 miles though, until everything Jag related was finally sorted. In fact the last 2 times it was Addie needed towing and that's been over a year.

As I don't write the checks I have no idea what it costs (we have a very strict division of responsibility here; I do the work, he writes the checks). But the peace of mind, knowing I can get the car, any of them, back to the barn is Priceless.
(';')

 

YUP!!!

Old cars and road service and cell phones go together....

Carl

 

I live in Hobart and am an RACT Ultimate Plus member. Returning home from a car rally our car broke down just outside Devonport. Rang roadside assistance and they sent a flat tow truck out, driver didn't even bother to look for any problems. Just took one look at the car and said too old mate, I don't have any parts to help. I can tow it to the nearest garage, a garage of your choice or your home.?

We told him we live in Hobart 360kms away, "No problem, do you mind if I pick up the wife and daughter? We can visit my wife's parents while we are down there."

Easiest return journey we have ever had and saved on petrol.

 

Aye, I have enjoyed You tube. The tow guys are moving to dour door trucks, so as to accommodate the stranded motorist and companions!!!

I just read one last night. also aquires old derelicts. this one aws an incomplete project of mixed heritage!!! Did not recognize the "growlers" on the hub caps...