Are Roadside Assistance Memberships Worth it in New South Wales?
Roadside assistance is a service designed to help when your vehicle unexpectedly breaks down. Whether a membership is worth it, however, comes down to your personal circumstances. NCM Towing & Transport provide a 24 hour roadside service across Newcastle for motorists who need stand alone roadside assistance. Below we look at the pros and cons of a road side assistance membership and how it compares to standalone services.
Features of Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance is a service for motorists who become stuck due to vehicle breakdowns. Started in Australia by motoring clubs, it functions as a safety net for issues like mechanical failures, flat tyres, dead batteries and empty fuel tanks. The primary function of roadside assistance is to get you back on the road, with services typically including:
● Towing
● Flat tyre replacement
● Battery jump-start or replacement
● Fuel delivery
● Overheating aid
● Lockout assistance
When unexpected roadside breakdowns or incidents occur, roadside assistance can offer a lot of peace of mind and reduce the stress of the situation. Considering the distances between destinations in Australia, a 24 hour roadside service can also be a lifeline when you find yourself stranded with a vehicle that doesn’t work.
Determining the Cost-Benefit of Roadside Assistance
Analysing the cost-effectiveness of roadside assistance memberships compared to paying for individual services when you need them can be difficult. The cost of roadside assistance varies widely depending on the level of coverage and provider. You can pay anywhere from $50 a year for the minimal basics to over $300 annually for comprehensive coverage.
Each provider has different pricing tiers and services. It’s up to individual motorists to compare the options and decide what suits them based on their lifestyle. Frequent travellers, such as those who drive every day for work, may see the value in comprehensive coverage. Those who seldom drive may be better off paying for individual services as the need arises.
Coverage Limitations
Keep in mind there may be limitations and exclusions in roadside assistance memberships. Common examples include mileage restrictions, service call limits and geographical coverage gaps. Ensure you scrutinise plan details to ensure they align with your specific needs and driving habits.
Assessing Potential Savings
Roadside assistance memberships can lead to significant savings. Motorists who unexpectedly break down can avoid higher on-the-spot towing and service fees. Keep in mind that if you don’t drive often, you’ll still be paying potentially hundreds each year for a road side assistance membership service that you never use.
Tips on Making a Decision
Whether a roadside assistance membership is a worth while investment ultimately depends on your personal circumstances. In many cases, alternative options like insurance add-ons or standalone services may be more cost-effective in the long run. When deciding, consider factors such as:
● Your budget constraints
● Age of your vehicle
● Typical driving distance: Are you likely to break down on a remote road?
● Vehicle reliability: Is your car prone to breakdowns?
● Unknown or poor maintenance history, such as with second hand vehicles
● Local climate and weather conditions: Is your vehicle likely to overheat?
● Mechanical knowledge: If you don’t know how to change a flat tyre or jump start a battery, roadside assistance may be a better option for you.
Even without a roadside assistance membership, dedicated local companies like NCM Towing & Transport provide a standalone24 hour roadside service. This includes all the essentials like jump starts, new batteries, emergency fuel delivery and flat tyre roadside assistance.
Call Now for24 Hour Roadside Service in Newcastle
NCM Towing & Transport are here to help motorists 24/7 across Newcastle and surrounding regions of New South Wales. Whether you need your vehicle towed or flat tyre roadside assistance, we’re available to help. Call 0482 774 429 or contact us online.
