I can’t even remember how long I’d been with the NRMA; for years and years, I’d faithfully paid for roadside assistance and used them for my comprehensive car insurance without a thought about switching.
Because, frankly, I was just too complacent about shopping around for better prices. I took it in good faith when they told me I was on the maximum no-claim bonus rate, plus their customer service had always been top-notch, I thought.
That was until about a month ago, when I had a flat battery as I was headed out at 7.30am, and had to call for NRMA roadside assistance. That went smoothly; the technician showed up within the hour, got my vehicle started, then he helpfully advised that I could get a free battery recharge service at the NRMA service centre in Rockdale, which was within walking distance from my place.
But, he warned, I would need to allow up to 4 hours, because that’s how long it would take to recharge it fully.
I had a delivery to do for my business, but I figured I could push it to 1pm, so I drove up to the NRMA Rockdale Service Centre and booked it in. It was about 8.45am by the time I spoke with the counter staff and was advised that no, they would need more than 4 hours; it would be more like 6 hours, which meant I was looking at closer to 3pm.
I figured they were probably just playing safe, but worst case scenario, should it take that long I could still make the delivery by late afternoon (it was a 90-minute round…
