Average response time of less than 1 hour*

* Based on GPS Tracker data across the wider Auto & General roadside network between the dates 11/2021 and 04/2023.

Roadside Assistance Solved® with Budget Direct

Flat Batteries

Don't let a flat battery get you down. If your battery dies, we'll either jump-start your vehicle or you can pay for a new battery to get you back on the road in no time.

Breakdown Tow

If your vehicle breaks down, we can help out by towing you up to 20 km from the breakdown location or 50 km round trip from the contractor's depot.

Unlimited Callouts

We're always here to help which is why during your 12-month policy period, you're entitled to an unlimited number of callouts, subject to our fair use policy.

Flat Tyres

Flat tyres are never fun, but that's why we're here. If your car has a flat tyre, we can change it with the spare in your car, free of charge.

Emergency Fuel

Ran empty? We'll give you a $15 top-up of fuel if you run out so you can head to the nearest petrol station to fill up.

Key Rescue

If your keys are lost, stolen or locked in your vehicle, we can help you get into your car or arrange a taxi or courier to fetch a spare key (total cost up to $125).

Free Advice

Get total peace of mind with unlimited access to our technical phone assistance where our experts can help you diagnose the problem to get you up and running again if your car breaks down.

GPS Tracking

Whether you need a replacement battery, jump-start or key rescue, we won't leave you in the dark. With Roadside Assistance, you can follow your roadside contractor's location and estimated time of arrival as they approach.#

For further information about Budget Direct Roadside Assistance cover, please read our terms and conditions.

#Tracking available in selected regions only.

What's covered by Roadside Assistance?

Budget Direct Roadside Assistance covers you if you're left stranded - within our service area - for one or more of the following reasons:

  • Flat batteries
  • Minor mechanical or electrical fault
  • Flat tyres
  • Key locked in vehicle or lost keys
  • Empty fuel tank requiring emergency fuel

What's not covered by Roadside Assistance?

However, some exclusions do apply. In general, we don't provide callouts for:

  • 4WD-only areas
  • Remote or inaccessible areas
  • Circumstances due to you not using reasonable care
  • Emergency or life-threatening events or situations
  • Circumstances outside the service limits

Terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply. For further information about Budget Direct Roadside Assistance cover, please read our terms and conditions.

Why Choose Budget Direct Roadside Assistance?

If you buy Roadside Assistance with Budget Direct, our support network will make sure both the car and the driver are being taken care of with:

24/7 unlimited callouts for roadside assist Australia-wide

More than 2,700 service providers Australia-wide

Average response time of less than an hour*

GPS tracking of your roadside assistance service provider#

* Based on GPS Tracker data across the wider Auto & General roadside network between the dates 11/2021 and 04/2023.

# Tracking available in selected regions only.

Become a Member

Get Roadside Assistance for just $76.46 with your 15%‡ standalone online discount – the equivalent of less than $1.75 a week – with no joining fee.

Find Out More

The information on this page is a summary only. For more details about Budget Direct Roadside Assistance products, please read our terms and conditions.

Roadside Assistance FAQs

What does roadside assistance cover?

Budget Direct Roadside Assistance covers you if you’re left stranded – within our service area – for one or more of the following reasons:

  • flat batteries
  • minor mechanical or electrical fault
  • flat tyre
  • keys locked in vehicle or lost
  • empty fuel tank requiring emergency fuel.

If we can’t get you moving again quickly with an easy fix over the phone, we’ll dispatch either a roadside contractor or a tow truck to assist you (within our service limits).

When can I start using my roadside assistance?

You can start using your Budget Direct Roadside Assistance for breakdowns that occur 48 hours or more after purchasing your membership.

If you require assistance before then – or help at any time with a pre-existing condition – a non-refundable service charge of $110 will apply, in addition to your annual membership fee.

How quickly can I expect roadside assistance?

It will depend on a number of factors, including your location and road conditions.

If possible, we’ll SMS you a link to a map showing the real-time location of your Budget Direct roadside contractor as they approach the breakdown area; and their estimated time of arrival (ETA).

This tracking service is available in selected areas only: If it’s not available in your area the contractor (or tow-truck operator) will instead call to let you know they’re on their way and, if necessary, update you on their ETA.

Our goal is to get you back on the road as soon as possible.

Can I get roadside assistance if I'm not already a member?

Yes, even if you're not a Budget Direct Roadside Assistance member, you can still call us for help if your car breaks down.

Non-members are required to pay a non-refundable service fee of $110, in addition to an annual membership fee of $89.95.

Once you're a member, you're entitled to unlimited callouts for assistance.~

Read more about immediate roadside assistance

How does roadside assistance work?

When you call Budget Direct, we’ll ask you a series of questions about your vehicle to narrow down the likely cause of the breakdown (unless it’s obvious).

If we’re unable to pinpoint the problem and/or get you moving again quickly with an easy fix over the phone, we can dispatch either a roadside contractor or a tow truck to assist you.

If we send a contractor, they will in most cases be able to mobilise your vehicle; in the unlikely event they can’t, we can arrange for your car to be towed.

For more details, please read our Roadside Assistance terms and conditions.

Broken down? Call for help anywhere across Australia 24/7

With our national network of more than 2,700 service providers - including mobile mechanics, battery specialists, locksmiths, tow-truck operators, and tyre repairers - you'll get peace of mind that you're never too far from help.

Call 1800 514 448 day or night.

Roadside Assistance Knowledge Base

Terms and conditions

§ Roadside Assistance will commence 48 hours after the purchase of the Roadside Assistance policy. If you need assistance within 48 hours – or help at any time with a pre-existing condition – a non-refundable service charge of $110 will apply, in addition to your annual membership fee.
~ Subject to our fair use policy, which is explained in our terms and conditions.
# Tracking available in selected regions only.
† Based on a survey of Budget Direct Roadside Assistance customers conducted between July 2022 and September 2023.
~~ This Promotion is only open to Eligible Entrants who hold an existing Eligible Budget Direct Policy that has passed its cooling-off period. Subject to these Terms and Conditions, Eligible Entrants who purchase an additional, new Eligible Budget Direct Policy receive one (1) entry for the chance to win 1 of 15 cash prizes equal to the value of their new policy’s first year’s premium capped at $2000 (Prize). The Promotion commences 12:01am AEST on 1st February 2024 and ends at 11:59pm AEST on 26th February 2024 (Promotion Period). The Policy must remain active, paid-up and valid for up to 30 days from purchase date of the policy, depending on the policy type (Cooling Off Period). The Prize will be drawn at 2.29 pm (AEST) on 29th February 2024. Prize winners will be notified within 7 days of the draw and their names will be published here within 28 days of the draw. The Prize will be paid by electronic transfer. The Prize winners must pass their new policy’s cooling-off period to be eligible to receive the Prize and continue to pay their premium for the Policy despite winning the Prize. Eligibility and participation criteria apply. The Promotion is not open to customers renewing or varying their existing policies with Budget Direct and excludes policies purchased through a third party aggregator platform. Employees and the immediate families of the promoter or service providers directly involved with the Promotion are ineligible to enter the promotion. See full terms and conditions. Promoter: Auto & General Services Pty Ltd (ABN 61 003 617 909), PO Box 342, Toowong QLD 4066. NSW Permit No. TP/01203, ACT Permit No. TP 24/00069, SA Licence No. T24/67.

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