Roadside assistance is a vital safety net for drivers — especially if you’re renting a car in an unfamiliar city or planning to travel across regional areas in Queensland or New South Wales. Whether you run out of fuel, get a flat tyre, or accidentally lock your keys in the car, roadside assistance can help get you back on the road quickly.
At Alpha Car Hire, we provide 24/7 roadside assistance coverage with every rental vehicle — so you can travel with peace of mind.
What Is Roadside Assistance?
Roadside assistance is an emergency support service designed to help drivers when their vehicle becomes inoperable due to common issues like:
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Flat batteries
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Flat tyres
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Keys locked inside the car
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Mechanical breakdowns
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Running out of fuel
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Towing needs (due to non-driving-related issues)
It’s especially important for rental drivers who may be far from help or unsure of local services.
What’s Covered by Alpha’s Roadside Assistance?
Here’s what’s included with Alpha Car Hire’s roadside assistance:
| Service Type | Included? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical faults | ✅ Yes | Engine issues, brake failures, etc. |
| Tyre replacement | ✅ Yes | If spare tyre is available & accessible |
| Jump-start for flat battery | ⚠️ Fee applies* | Free only if caused by mechanical issue |
| Locked keys inside | ⚠️ Fee applies* | Covered if Protection Plus is purchased |
| Out of fuel | ⚠️ Fee applies* | Assistance available, refueling charge applies |
| Towing (non-driver fault) | ✅ Yes | Towed to nearest Alpha location |
| Towing (driver negligence) | ❌ Not covered | Includes off-road use or accident due to driver error |
*These issues incur an additional call-out fee (~$180) unless you’ve purchased Protection Plus.
Optional Protection: Add Peace of Mind
We offer Protection Plus for just $5.50/day, which waives common roadside assistance call-out fees for:
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Lockouts
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Flat batteries (due to lights left on, etc.)
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Tyre issues
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Empty fuel tanks
✅ Recommended for longer trips, remote destinations, or drivers unfamiliar with local road rules.
📞 How to Request Roadside Help
If you run into trouble during your rental, follow these steps:
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Pull over safely and switch on your hazard lights.
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Call our 24/7 Roadside Hotline: The number is printed on your rental agreement and vehicle key tag.
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Have your details ready:
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Vehicle rego/plate number
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Your current location (use GPS or a landmark)
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Description of the issue
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Wait safely until assistance arrives. In metro areas, help typically arrives within 30–60 minutes. In remote areas, it may take longer.
📍 Where Is Roadside Assistance Available?
We offer 24/7 roadside coverage in:
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Greater Brisbane
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Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast
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Sydney Metro
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Melbourne Metro
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Major regional highways (subject to mobile coverage and accessibility)
🚫 Please note: Remote or unsealed roads (such as 4WD trails or national parks) may not be covered under standard assistance. Always check your route in advance or consult our team.
❌ What’s Not Covered?
Roadside assistance does not apply when:
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You’ve breached the rental agreement (e.g. driving off-road or under the influence)
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Damage was caused by negligence or misuse
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You’ve declined additional protection and the issue is non-mechanical
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You abandon the vehicle without authorisation
Refer to your rental agreement for full terms and conditions.
🧠 Real-Life Scenarios
Here’s how roadside assistance works in real rental situations:
🔐 Locked Keys in Car (Without Protection Plus)
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Fee: $180 call-out
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ETA: 45 minutes (urban area)
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Waived if Protection Plus was added
🛞 Flat Tyre (Spare Available)
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No cost if you’re using the provided spare
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Call Alpha if unsure how to change the tyre or if the spare is missing
🛢 Ran Out of Fuel on Pacific Motorway
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Call for fuel delivery (fee applies if no Protection Plus)
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Advise your approximate location or nearest exit number
✅ Final Tips for Alpha Car Hire Renters
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📲 Save the roadside assistance number before driving off
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🛣️ Avoid unsealed roads unless authorised
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📷 Take photos before and after driving if damage occurs
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🔑 Always double-check for your keys before locking the car
Conclusion
Roadside assistance offers a safety net for drivers, providing peace of mind and minimizing inconvenience in unexpected situations. With advancements in technology and a growing focus on sustainability, roadside assistance is poised to become even more efficient and environmentally friendly in the years to come. Choosing the right plan can ensure you’re prepared for whatever the road throws your way.
Alpha Car Hire’s Roadside Assistance: Peace of Mind on the Road
Alpha Car Hire offers roadside assistance to ensure a smooth and worry-free rental experience. Their program provides help in case of unexpected car troubles you encounter while driving their rental vehicles.
How to Access
If you encounter trouble with your Alpha Car Hire rental vehicle, follow these steps to access roadside assistance:
- Contact Alpha Car Hire: Locate the phone number for roadside assistance, which should be provided in your rental agreement or displayed on a sticker in the vehicle.
- Provide Details: Inform the roadside assistance representative about your location, the nature of the problem you’re facing, and your vehicle information (make, model, and license plate number).
- Awaiting Assistance: The representative will provide an estimated arrival time for the service technician or tow truck.
Don’t let car trouble disrupt your next adventure! Book your Alpha Car Hire rental today and enjoy peace of mind on the road with their comprehensive roadside assistance program. Visit their website or call them now to learn more and reserve your car!