Royal Automobile Club (RAC)

In 1905, when automobiles were a novelty in Western Australia, a small group of enthusiasts saw the need for a support system. Led by figures like engineer Claude Williams Deane, importer Harry Dyer, and entrepreneur Richard Strelitz, the Automobile Club of W.A. was formed to help fellow motorists navigate the challenges of early car ownership, from a lack of mechanics to the need for better roads. The organization, now known as the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RAC), started by advocating for improved road surfaces and installing the state's first directional signs. It quickly became a core part of the Western Australian community. Over the decades, its services expanded far beyond roadside assistance, moving into home and contents insurance in the 1970s and later into finance, travel, and tourism. As a mutual organization, the RAC has always been owned by its members, reinvesting profits back into the community and services. A pivotal event occurred in May 2025, when the RAC announced a major strategic partnership with Insurance Australia Group (IAG). In a deal valued at over a billion dollars, IAG acquired RAC's insurance underwriting business. This move was designed to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment and ensure long-term stability. While IAG now manages the underwriting, the insurance products continue to be distributed under the trusted RAC brand, with the club maintaining its other diverse operations and its core mission to serve its members in Western Australia.