The Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RAC) is a motoring club and mutual organisation, offering motoring services and advice, insurance, travel services, finance, driver training and exclusive benefits for their members. As an independent voice for road users in Western Australia, the RAC is concerned with all aspects of road and community safety.
History The Automobile Club of Western Australia was founded on 1 July 1905 with a gathering outside Government House.The Automobile Club of WA The West Australian 3 July 1905 page 9The Automobile Club of WA Western Mail 8 July 1905 page 65 It started signposting roads, a function it would continue to perform until 1975, and creating maps of the state for motorists and encouraged local authorities to improve road surfaces and push for lower city-driving speeds.RAC Milestones over the years Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia115 years Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia
In 1922, it is given Royal Patronage, becoming the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia. In 1926 a roadside assistance service was launched in Perth. In 1947, the RAC entered the insurance market.
In May 2025, the RAC announced it proposed to sell the manufacturing components of its insurance division to the Insurance Australia Group.IAF enters strategic alliance with the Royal Automotive Club of Western Australia Insurance Australia Group 15 May 2025 In December 2025 the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission opposed the takeover on the grounds that it would result in a substantial lessening of competition.ACCC opposes IAG's proposed acquisition of RAC WA's insurance arm Australian Competition & Consumer Commission 11 December 2025 The RAC stated its intention to support IAG's application under the new competition regime commencing in 2026.ACCC opposes sale of RAC WA's insurance arm to Sydney-based IAG ABC News 11 December 2025
Services
Roadside assistance – breakdown assistance Finance – car, personal and travel loans Insurance – home, contents, car, motorcycle, caravan, boat, landlords, renters Home security – home security systems Tourism and travel – escorted and unescorted tours, accommodation bookings Auto services – vehicle repair and service centres Member service centres – a network of retail outlets providing RAC Travel products and other merchandise Parks and resorts – a network of holiday resorts (chalets, caravan and camping sites) in Western Australia Retirement living - under the St Ives Brand in Western Australia Innovation - RAC owns BetterLabs, comprising a corporate venture capital fund and a venture studios business
Advocacy The RAC is an important advocate for its members and the WA community on issues such as road and vehicle safety, fuel pricing, road funding, transport planning, energy and the environment.
Corporate The RAC headquarters is located at 832 Wellington Street, West Perth. A number of floor paving tiles recognise the contribution of notable Western Australians to the RAC and motoring in Western Australia.
Publications From 1951 until 2007, Road Patrol was the RAC's in-house magazine.Road Patrol National Library of Australia catalogue entry It was succeeded by Horizons.Horizons National Library of Australia catalogue entryHorizons Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia
Sponsorships Since 2003, the RAC have sponsored WA's only 24/7 emergency rescue helicopter service.
In September 2018, the RAC took over the naming rights for the Perth Arena.Perth Arena Name Change to RAC Arena Perth Arena 20 August 2018Perth Arena to be RAC Arena after $10 million naming rights deal PerthNow 19 August 2018
RAC is also the "Official Road Safety Partner" for the Fremantle Football Club.
References
External links
Official website