RACQ Roadside Assistance
Verified408 reviews
What a wonderful helpful service this is!! Today i had to travel from Cairns past Mareeba & had an issue with the car. The bloke from Mareeba RACQ is a legend. Was prompt, & fixed the problem so well we were able to drive back to Cairns. Absolutely love this bloke his attitude knowledge & top cracker service made us feel safe & very satisfied after feeling helpless & distressed... Thank you Mareeba Roadside Assist
Last week, I called the RACQ call centre to inquire about the warranty for a battery I bought from them 20 months ago. I explained to the operator that I had just replaced my alternator and wanted to check if the battery was still under warranty. He said the battery has a 24 to 36 month warranty period, but he couldn't confirm if it was covered… Read more
until an RACQ patrol checked it.
A few days later, my car wouldn't start and the battery was dead. I called RACQ again and gave the patrol the exact same information I gave the call centre. The patrol immediately explained the warranty was void because I changed the alternator. He pointed out it is common for alternators to need replacing between 100,000 and 150,000 kilometres.
Here are my issues with this service:
1. Why wouldn't the call centre operator know and advise me the warranty was void due to the alternator change? If they had simply told me, I would have asked my mechanic to replace the battery while the car was still at the workshop. This lack of information ended up ruining my weekend plans.
2. I have bought at least three batteries from RACQ over the last few years, mostly when my vehicles were in the 100,000 to 180,000 kilometre range. I was never once advised to check the alternator. I have been replacing batteries every few years when a new alternator might have fixed the root cause. I accept this isn't strictly their duty, but it is frustrating.
I didn't get my warranty claimed, which is fair under the terms and conditions. However, I didn't buy my replacement battery from RACQ because of this disjointed experience, despite being a roadside assistance customer for 16 years.
Today, I drove to Local Batteries Super Store and had the battery replaced with one that includes a 50 month warranty.
Got a puncture while driving today, first time ever while actually driving. Due to almost loss of the control of the car (70km speed zone), I was quite rattled by the time I could pull over. Tried to join RACQ online but the payment didn’t go through so I was prompted to call. Finally after transfer, transfer, transfer they couldnt tell me why &… Read more
weren’t actually interested that I was distressed on the side of the road. After almost 30 minutes just trying to sign up for assistance I told them not to bother & started to change the wheel myself. Thankfully a lovely man passing by stopped to help me…a true Angel! Restored my faith and eased my anxiety immensely. Now I see that Budget Direct does 24/7 Roadside assist for under 1/3 of the cost of RACQ. Won’t be calling them again!
Reviews with attachments
Exceptional Customer Service from Nisar 9th December phone call. Great advice, extreme levels of Customer Skills. Some people just have it. Great work RACQ! Andre
Fast and Reliable – Fast and reliable. I use the app to request help. Never had a problem.
Ignorant driver blocks my driveway and stops my business from operating while he unloads a car that wont start – Had a driver pull up in our driveway which is a common thoroughfare for 5 units. I asked him to move so that he wasn't stopping our business operations. the driver ignored me and proceeded to spend 15 minutes in the driveway unloading a car, meanwhile we had to cease our operations as we could not access the doors to our unit. When I pointed this… Read more
out to the driver his reply was "what am i supposed to do", I said "wait your turn like everybody else" he ignored that (too) and walked away.
Quite a disgusting attitude from the driver and yet another reason to be a member of Budget Direct Roadside Assistance as apposed to these clowns.
Fantastic service – The call out fellow John was fantastic. Very thorough and professional...and good sense of humour in what was for me a difficult circumstance !
What is this? – I bought a brand new car almost one year ago. It came with complimentary roadside assistance for one year. The 12 months are almost up. I got a letter from RACQ Roadside Assistance asking me to pay $106 for roadside assistance. That was it. It didn't state whether I was on RACQ Everyday Lite, RACQ Everyday, RACQ Everyday Plus, RACQ Ultra Care,… Read more
RACQ Ultimate Care or RACQ RV. What is this? What's included in your service? No, I'm not going to ring these jokers. I have better things to do.
Latest follow-ups
My car broke down this evening11/2/26 I contacted RACQ and the mechanic arrived with in 30 minutes top bloke he checked my car & organised a tow truck . The tow truck arrived and picked the car and took it to my mechanic. Both the RACQ mechanic and the tow truck driver did an amazing job thank you guys . Regards, Izac Show reply
Follow-up · The repair wasn’t expensive I’m lucky to deal with GLT Car Centre in Capalaba ( Peer is honest& awesome) The water pump was issue My car broke down @ Wynnum Wolves Football Club The RACQ mechanic was amazing and the tow track driver is great , apart from the breakdown my experience was great Cheers , Izac
Positive reviews
First time user Our car won't start tonight which was annoying as we just got fish n chips. Phoned for help and CHRIS came to our rescue. He checked the car out and found our battery had died. We were so happy it was a easy fix. He replaced the battery and explained all the warranty. I was so impressed with his professional manner and knowledge he was absolutely awesome bloke for speedy repair.
If you want reliable service when you need assistance with a car breakdown issue, day or night RACQ is the best service to call I've been with them for quite a few years now and know enough about cars to appreciate the friendly service. I've never waited more than 30 to 45 minutes which is not too bad for suburbia. Recently, I bought a new… Read more
battery which was supplied and installed by the technician who also reprogrammed my car's computer and it started first pop, and. they also take away the old battery. So I was thrilled about it all.
At other times I've had flat tires from people who place screws under them and have had them repaired on the spot if possible or changed a tyre which was driven on flat.
lI learned a.few.things and easy to pay via mobile EFTPOS. Thanks RACQ
Professional, supportive RACQ operator dealt with my distressing call re issue of not being able to reverse my 2mth old Toyota C-HR out of a tight spot at a holiday apt. car space at Mantra Sierra Grand - Broadbeach … Even though I tried multiple times … the bells & emergency braking contd. to thwart my efforts. Wonderful technician - Mal -… Read more
arrived with his calm, knowledgeable approach … & was able to successfully manoeuvre vehicle out …! A true gem on every level … ! Being an RACQ member for decades … has been a Godsend… but truly … if I owned an auto company I’d be head hunting him for my business in a heartbeat! Sincerely … thank you … Mal … Jan
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Negative reviews
I had a very disappointing experience with RACQ Roadside Assistance. I was there to help my friend with his car which was broken down. The lady I spoke with on the phone was very rude and unprofessional. During the conversation, she made comments about my English ability, which made me feel uncomfortable and discriminated against. Well I’m sorry… Read more
because it’s not my first language. I had never been in this kind of situation before, so I genuinely did not know what I was supposed to do. Instead of explaining things clearly and helping me understand, she just kept repeating the same questions even though I was confused about the purpose of them. I was already stressed because of the car situation, and instead of being patient and respectful, I felt judged and disrespected. Customer service staff should treat all members with understanding and respect, regardless of their language background. The only positive part of this experience was the young man who came to assist me. He was very helpful, professional, and did his job properly. I truly appreciated his support and attitude.
I kept my RACQ roadside assistance following the loss of my car when it was stolen and vandalised and written off by insurance because I was told they would cover the mobility scooter I was provided with to help with attending minor appointments and… Read more
events! I also paid for RACQ insurance on the scooter, which, instead of $60 advertised, cost $100.00 for the year! On Thursday just gone, I accidentally caught the scooter canopy in a low overhanging tree, bending the canopy, forcing the 4wheeled walker onto the ground and dragging it behind destroying one wheel! I phoned RACQ for help! No to Roadside assistance but we’ll put you through to insurance and after 2 extensive waits- we’re too busy- go on line or call tomorrow leaving me, a frail, vulnerable older person stranded on a footpath with no help! No thank you RACQ
Follow-up · RACQ roadside assistance stated this was an accident covered by insurance not by them and put me through to insurance line with a long delay to phone line and further wait to insurance line so before I spoke with anyone in insurance. a recorded message advised I should call back tomorrow! I only received help from RACQ after my neighbour picked me… Read more
I had to re-join RACQ tonight because our membership had lapsed, and I was absolutely shocked by this company’s business practices and its willingness to charge excessive fees in emergency situations. Not only did they charge the $109 standard membership re-activation fee, but because I needed assistance straight away, I was hit with an extra… Read more
$140 fee, almost 130 percent more on top of the membership. Of course I had to pay it, because my son was stranded in the dark alone and an hour from home … but that’s the whole point of having roadside assistance, but it feels like they take advantage of people in desperate situations.
Then to make matters worse, they couldn’t get the car started and it had to be towed, my son was then told it would be a further $170 because the location was over 20 km away.
Honestly, this is daylight robbery! At a time when everyone is struggling, this company is charging exorbitant fees on top of the membership price and capitalising on people in distress.
Really disappointed with how this was handled and how much it ended up costing under pressure. Quite frankly, they should be ashamed of themselves.
Recent reviews
Zane came to tow my daughters car this afternoon from Brisbane airport at air park 2 he went over and above board to get car onto tow truck took about 2 hours due to position of a concrete pole which made it hard persistence paid off it was very Challenging but finally got car in right position to get car onto truck Thank you Zane for your help it was really appreciated ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had an outstanding experience with Andrew (RACQ car 29) who came to assist me with my car battery replacement. From the moment he arrived, he was incredibly friendly, polite, and patient. He took the time to clearly explain everything and made what could have been a stressful situation feel easy and manageable. What truly stood out was his… Read more
willingness to go above and beyond. I was fully expecting to pay around $220 for a new battery, so it came as a complete surprise when he checked the system and let me know my battery was still under the 3-year warranty. He didn’t rush the process and was more than happy to take the extra time to confirm this for me, which ended up saving me a significant amount of money.
His honesty, professionalism, and genuine care made a huge difference. It honestly felt like receiving an unexpected gift. I’m very grateful for his help and couldn’t be more impressed with the service I received. RACQ is lucky to have someone like him on their team.
I am over the moon about the amaaaaaaaazing service I've had today with RACQ!!!! First of all I locked my keys in my car! Robbie from Tully is my hero! An absolute legend for his unbelievable expertise at getting my keys out of the inside of the back of my van!!!!!! THEN! I got as far as Manunda and guess what? I broke down!!!!!! A guy from… Read more
RACQ came out and he was awesome also, diagnosed it as the clutch had gone. He was fantastic at organising a tow vehicle and also recommended a mechanic nearby who could fix my car ! Wow, Michael the tow guy was INCREDIBLY PROFESSIONAL AND I CANNOT RECOMMEND HIM ENOUGH FOR ANY JOB JUST LIKE THE PREVIOUS 2. THEY WERE ALL POLITE AND VERY CHEERFUL AND IVE HAD ONE OF THE BEST WORST DAYS IVE EVER HAD! REGO 898 BI8
My Mazda CX8 needed a new battery in Carindale. Dylan from Roadside Assistance was very efficient and friendly. Overall, an excellent experience with this company.
Always reliable and fix my issue. I’ve had multiple problems in the past and racq have always been able to solve the issue. Today, this is a post of great appreciation for Mahesh in Kingaroy. He not only attended my call-out, but looked after the towing of my car to my home and made sure everything was looked after. I felt completely confident with my car in his hands. Thankyou. Feeling very grateful.
Had an issue with our vehicle after leaving Bundaberg and rang RACQ.They sent us roadside assist from Avondale Auto. What wonderful service we received. Lent us a car to go into Bundaberg and pick up a hose needed and got it going for us again. Would certainly recommend this business for auto repairs.
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My work vehicle was stuck on a steep driveway only inches from a large tree. Called RACQ who attended pretty quickly. Ready Towing spent 2 hours working out logistics on how to manoeuvre my vehicle without causing damage to the vehicle which had slid very close to the tree. I am very grateful for their efforts in extracting my vehicle from a very precarious situation. Two guys Mitchelton job 7-9pm 03/02.
I wish a negative five-star was available!! I suddenly needed roadside assistance, phoned RACQ and discovered I had an issue with my membership renewal (despite auto payments). I've been a repeat, annual client of RACQ for over 20yrs, as were my parents. Instead of extending any goodwill to a long-term client, I was stonewalled with policies and… Read more
regulations. Whilst my car was stuck on a busy road, in the blazing heat I was forced to be on the phone for over an hour. The disgusting outcome was being then asked to back-pay my membership for 6mths (although never making a call-out request during that time). I was also told I needed to pay an extra $100 fee for now renewing my membership but needing roadside assistance under 72hrs. In addition, the cost of my replacement battery was over $300 with no option for any other cheaper battery.
The quality of RACQ roadside customer service could not be worse. They have lost a loyal customer spanning the past 20yrs. Do NOT use RACQ unless you like terrible customer service and extortion.
assistance since 2014. I forgot to review it and it was just passed the expiry date. Got an issue for my car with flat battery, called and asked for help. I was treated as a new customer to start a new membership plus a call out fee for $160. I asked if they can waive the call out fee and renew my membership from the time I should pay. The staff… Read more
who received the call asked me to be on hold, 10 minutes later, got back to me, although you have been with us 12 year, you still need to paid $229 including membership fee and call out fee. 14 years membership royalty means nothing, it's not even worth $100! It's just a joke. They are too big to care, too arrogant to care. Avoid any business with this company and go for the other company who cares about you.
Zane the tow truck driver on Northside of Brisbane was amazing. Arrived shortly after calling racq, Zane was fast, efficient, safe and super friendly. Top bloke.
Disappointed to say the least. Been a member for years and when I need them to fix my windscreen, I'm too far out and they are not to book any jobs out my way, inky 45 min. What is the point of paying yearly if I can't get help when needed
Very prompt service, A guy Clint came out customer service experience was the best. Found problem fixed the problem couldn't be happier what a good polite guy. 2
Had flat battery in my Mazda so phoned for assistance. Was told 60 mins which was OK but Antony turned up in under 10mins! He was amazing. Friendly knowledgeable and gave me umbrella to shade from sun ☀️ He is definitely an asset to your company. Awesome experience especially with Antony (patrol 75). Thanks
Don’t try to purchase this and definitely don’t pay extra to waive the wait period if your issue is a fuel leak. You will be told to ring 000 even if your specific situation is a non emergency and clearly not a fire hazard (very blasé about ringing 000 - “people do it all the time hee hee”). RACQ will take your $ and then refuse to do anything… Read more
further until you can prove it’s been assessed by the firies. Better off to get a mobile mechanic or organise a tow yourself directly (cheaper too). My workplace WHS team couldn’t believe I was expected to waste the firies time and the tow truck company certainly didn’t require me to do so.
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