When should you call for roadside assistance?

Bored kids getting restless in the backseat or being late for an important meeting – breaking down is never fun.

But did you know, breaking down isn’t the only reason to call roadside assistance? Take a look at what roadside assistance is and what else it covers. 

What is roadside assistance?

Roadside assistance is a breakdown service designed to help get your car moving again. Whether the car won’t start, a tyre’s punctured or you need some emergency fuel, roadside assistance can help get you back on the road and is particularly handy to have if you:

• aren’t great when it comes to car problems or repair issues,
• go on a lot of road trips,
• drive interstate,
• have an older car, or
• want convenience and peace of mind.

AAMI Roadside Assist is an optional cover you can add to your new or existing AAMI Comprehensive Car Insurance policy. It provides 24/7 Australia-wide roadside assistance.

Explore AAMI Roadside Assist

Reasons to call Roadside Assist (other than breaking down)

You wouldn’t hesitate to call roadside assistance for a break down, but what else does roadside assistance include?

Flat batteries

There are few things more frustrating than the ticking of a dead battery as you turn on the ignition. Whether your battery has died because you left your headlights on (oops), or it’s just old and worn out, we can jump start your car or arrange for an emergency car battery replacement.

Please note, the cost of the replacement battery isn’t covered by AAMI Roadside Assist.

Flat tyres

Let’s face it, changing a tyre can be tricky without the right tools or knowledge. And if it’s cold or raining? Forget about it! Why not let Roadside Assist deal with the elements. We’ll change your tyre with your car’s serviceable spare on the spot or, if necessary, tow your car to the nearest mechanic.

Emergency fuel

Have you played chicken with the ‘low fuel’ light and lost? It happens to the best of us. But that doesn’t mean abandoning your car and walking to the nearest petrol station. We’ll provide up to $10 worth of fuel, wherever you are, to help you get to the nearest servo.

Drive an LPG car? We’ll tow it to the nearest servo for you.

Towing your car

If your car can’t be mobilised roadside, we’ll tow your car to the nearest accredited repairer – up to 20kms from the breakdown location. If there is no accredited repairer within 20kms, we’ll tow the vehicle to the nearest accredited repairer up to 100kms from the breakdown.

Lost or locked-in keys

We all know that sinking feeling when you realise you’ve locked yourself out of your car. Or worse, you’ve lost your keys. If that happens, we’ll pay up to $250 to help you gain access to your car — either through locksmith services or having your spare key delivered.

How much does roadside assistance cost and how do I add it to my policy?

AAMI Roadside Assist is an optional extra and can be added to a new or existing AAMI Comprehensive Car Insurance policy for an extra premium.

When you get a new AAMI Comprehensive Car Insurance quote, just select the Roadside Assist Optional Cover. To add it to an existing policy, call us on 13 22 44. 

Why choose AAMI Roadside Assist?

AAMI Roadside Assist includes:

• 24/7 unlimited* roadside callouts
• Help no matter who’s behind the wheel
• Emergency fuel
• Help with flat batteries and tyres
• Help with lost or locked-in keys
• Towing

And if you’ve got the AAMI App, you can even track your mechanic on the way to help you!

When to make a car insurance claim

Roadside Assist can help get your car working again if it breaks down. Therefore, a callout isn’t considered a car insurance claim.

However, if you've been in an accident and your car needs to be repaired, you'll need to make a claim. Follow these steps to get started:

• If you’re at the scene of a minor accident, ensure the safety of you and your vehicle while you swap insurance details.
• If the accident is more serious or people are injured, call an ambulance and the police.
• Learn about what you need to make a claim.
• Make a claim online, or log on to the AAMI App and select the policy you'd like to claim on.

Make a claim

Read more:

• What to do when you lock your keys in the car
• Car maintenance: What to do before summer 
• Road safety: do you know the rules? 

Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as AAMI. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. The Target Market Determination is also available. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.

*AAMI Roadside Assist an optional extra only available in conjunction with AAMI comprehensive car insurance. Terms and conditions for coverage apply.