Hi there everyone. Looks like a great forum for the inexperienced. I have just bought a 2013 Horizon Banksia and am about to embark on a road trip that I've allowed 2 years for. Got most of the admin completed but I'm keen to know the best (in terms of coverage and cost) roadside assistance plans. Are the various motoring organisations the best? I'd really appreciate any coments you have.
You are probably restricted by the state you reside. Certainly RACQ club membership requires a Qld residential address. Having said that, RACWA offer a non motoring membership to interstate visitors that gets things like WA park passes at half price. Whatever you get, go for top roadside cover, don't confuse roadside breakdown service with accident insurance and check the dimensions of your rig including weight, are covered.
Thanks dabbler. I actually have a comprehensive insurance policy but am interested to hear recommendations of a stand-alone plan/organisation that provides nation-wide coverage. The RACWA and NRMA say they do but I notice that the others are very state-centric.
I think what Dabbler is advising about is that you need to check with NRMA or whoever you sign up with, if they will tow/ load your caravan/car if you have a breakdown of the caravan, like a friend dropped the axle but it was not an accident, so he had to pay to get it trucked. Also if your van is too heavy they will not tow it if overweight.
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Chris & Sharyn.
Tea Gardens. NSW.
2015 VW Touareg V6 Air suspension, 2012 Jayco Sterling 21.
Welcome to the gang Toby, enjoy here and out in the playground.
I have RACV Total Cover that includes both Car and Caravan, my van is 2.7t and is OK. It covers me OZ wide. States etc outside VIC charge back to RACV.
I have used the service once last year and all worked well. The car was on the truck tray and van towed behind the truck However, a mate turned up just as we were about to leave and he ended up towing van directly to his property not to the mechanic place.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
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Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
RACWA have some sort of reciprocal deal with most of the other states similar motoring organisations. Had to use it once in Wentworth NSW and was attended to by the local NMRA people. Really good service. Had top level membership cover.
Thanks for the responses. I have just made a discovery though. Organisations such as RACWA have size limits for towing. Even though my van is in the right mass category, it is 6.1metres and their limit is 5.5 metres - no flexibility unfortunately I'm down to NRMA and RACV - I'll phone them tomorrow but their twing distance when away from the city is 100km. The RACWA is 350!
Keep the suggestions coming. Cheers
Officially they all have fixed limits but sometimes in areas serviced by contractors, there is flexibility. I certainly wouldn't rely on that though. They all use contractors, even where I live on the Gold Coast and it's our 6th largest city. Because the reciprocal agreements only cover basic roadside of the state where you need service, RACQ advice members to contact them first. They then do all the necessary behind the scenes stuff. In theory. Keep shopping so you're informed and hopefully it's never needed. I'll throw another one at you, have you thought about ambulance and emergency medical transport ? It's a another curly topic.
I am led to believe, that if you are a member of CMCA
You can obtain some sort of breakdown insurance from Ken Tame as an extra, of their normal policy
I am with CIL and they will tow my (mechanical broken down) vehicle, to the nearest mechanic, then from that point on, I am responsible for the cost
I was unable to find an insurance, that would completely cover me for mechanical breakdowns
If you do find one Toby, then let us all know please
I am led to believe, that if you are a member of CMCA You can obtain some sort of breakdown insurance from Ken Tame as an extra, of their normal policy