Roadside assistance programs can be lifesavers when your car breaks down or malfunctions while on the road.
From changing flat tires to towing, delivering fuel and jump-starting your battery, roadside assistance can get you out of a stressful experience.
I have rounded up the best free and paid roadside assistance programs in Canada to help you find the best program for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- The best roadside assistance programs in Canada include the Canadian Automobile Association, Canadian Tire, Deluxe TD Auto Club, and roadside assistance services from BMO, Beneva, Desjardins, Intact Insurance, Access and Allstate.
- The programs include battery jump-starts, flat tire change, door unlocking, emergency fuel delivery, towing, and winching.
- The annual cost can range from $50 up to $600 for premium plans with more coverage and include more services.
Best Roadside Assistance Programs in Canada
| Roadside Assistance Program | Cost | Services Offered |
| Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) | CAA Everyday – $30/year; Basic – $75/year; Plus – $119/year; Premier – $149/year | Towing service, battery boost, flat tire service, lockouts, out-of-fuel service, minor or temporary adjustments or emergency repairs, extreme weather conditions |
| Canadian Tire | Member Plans: Silver Member Plan – $74.99; Gold Member Plan – $114.99; Silver Family Plan – $169.99; Gold Family Plan – $289.99 Vehicle Plans: Silver Vehicle Plan – $74.99; Gold Vehicle Plan – $114.99 | Towing, battery boost, flat tire change, fuel delivery, lockout service, extrication and winching, trip accident assistance |
| Deluxe TD Auto Club | Membership is free if you get the TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card | Dead battery, tire change and gas delivery services; breakdown towing (to the nearest service centre); lockout service; winching services; personal transportation in the event of a mechanical breakdown |
| BMO Roadside Assistance | Free for holders of BMO credit cards that include roadside assistance | Battery boost, emergency gas delivery, flat tire change, lockout services, winching and towing services |
| Beneva | To qualify for free roadside assistance, purchase a car insurance policy for $35 per year. | Up to 4 service calls per year per insured vehicle, lockout assistance, battery boosting, flat tire change, vehicle recovery, towing in the event of a mechanical breakdown |
1. Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)
If you ever experience car problems while on the road, CAA has a network of over 35,000 road service vehicles ready to help you wherever you are in Canada. CAA is an automotive club with a yearly membership.
Considered the giant in roadside assistance, CAA offers a range of services you can avail of, including:
- Towing service
- Battery boost
- Flat tire service
- Lockouts
- Out-of-fuel service
- Minor or temporary adjustments or emergency repairs
- Extreme weather conditions
As for membership plans, you have options to choose from:
- CAA Everyday – $30/year
- Basic – $75/year
- Plus – $119/year
- Premier – $149/year
You can contact CAA through any of the following:
- Phone: 1-800-CAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357) throughout Canada
- Cell phone: *CAA (*222) toll free from a cell phone
- Request for assistance via the CAA Mobile App
- Request for online assistance at caasco.com/roadservice
Pros and Cons of CAA Roadside Assistance:
Pros
- Extensive coverage
- Member discounts at partner companies
- Travel benefits and discounts
Cons
- CAA membership is non-transferable
- Only four road service calls during a membership year
Related: CAA Travel Insurance Review
2. Canadian Tire
Canadian Tire is not just a retail chain offering automotive, sports and home products. It also provides emergency roadside services in Canada, including the following:
- Towing
- Battery boost
- Flat tire change
- Fuel delivery
- Lockout service
- Extrication and winching
- Trip accident assistance
Its plans cover the driver, the vehicle or the whole family. It provides two types of membership plans: Member Plans and Vehicle Plans.
The prices of Member Plans per year are (amounts do not include taxes):
- Silver Member Plan – $74.99
- Gold Member Plan – $114.99
- Silver Family Plan – $169.99
- Gold Family Plan – $289.99
Vehicle Plans:
- Silver Vehicle Plan – $74.99
- Gold Vehicle Plan – $114.99
You can contact Canadian Tire emergency roadside services by dialling #TOW or calling 1-888-727-7478.
Pros and Cons of Canadian Tire
Pros
- Comprehensive services and plans
- Different plans to choose from to suit your budget
Cons
- Some complaints about customer service quality
3. Deluxe TD Auto Club
The Deluxe TD Auto Club is a program that provides 24/7 emergency roadside and towing assistance to registered members. It offers the following emergency roadside
and towing services:
- Dead battery, tire change and gas delivery services
- Breakdown towing (to the nearest service centre)
- Lockout service
- Winching services
- Personal transportation in the event of a mechanical breakdown
A TD Deluxe Auto Club membership is free if you get the TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card. To avail of 24/7 emergency roadside assistance anywhere in Canada, call 1-800-265-1289.
Pros and Cons of Deluxe TD Auto Club
Pros
- Unlimited dispatch calls for emergency roadside services
- Reimburses payments to roadside assistance outside of the TD Auto Club membership
- Reimbursement options for traffic accidents or stolen vehicle emergency
Cons
- A $60,000 personal or $100,000 household annual income is required to apply for a TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card.
4. BMO Roadside Assistance
The BMO Roadside Assistance Program is provided to BMO Mastercard cardholders and offered by Dominion Automobile Association. BMO roadside assistance services include:
- Battery boost
- Emergency gas delivery
- Flat tire change
- Lockout services
- Winching and towing services
For roadside assistance from BMO, call 1-866-731-4999 24 hours/day from anywhere in Canada.
Pros and Cons of BMO Roadside Assistance
Pros
- Covers each cardholder while driving in almost any passenger vehicle (whether owned, borrowed or rented)
- Available 24 hours per day, anywhere in Canada
- Priority service
Cons
- Required minimum annual income of $80,000 (individual) or $150,000 (household) to apply for the BMO credit card that includes roadside assistance
5. Beneva
Beneva is a Quebec-based insurance company that offers insurance plans that include roadside assistance services anywhere in Canada. If you take out a car insurance policy, the program will cost $35/year for your car or truck.
The roadside assistance program from Beneva includes:
- Up to 4 service calls per year per insured vehicle
- Lockout assistance
- Battery boosting
- Flat tire change
- Vehicle recovery
- Towing in the event of a mechanical breakdown
To obtain roadside assistance from Beneva 24/7:
- Call 1 877 671-8352 or 1 866 833-0333.
- Text BENEVA to 1 833 878-0424.
- Submit a request online.
Pros and Cons of Beneva Roadside Assistance
Pros
- 24/7 free road assistance services for every Beneva-insured vehicle
- Applicable anywhere in Canada
- Free fuel delivery (up to 10 litres)
- The fuel delivery service includes the cost of the delivered fuel.
- Available anywhere in Canada
Cons
- Limited number of emergency service calls per year per vehicle
- Coverage does not include motorcycles, mopeds and off-road vehicles
6. Desjardins
The Desjardins Roadside Assistance offers comprehensive coverage for members anywhere in Canada and includes the following services:
- Towing
- Locksmith
- Flat tire
- Battery boost
- Fuel delivery
- Winching
The prices of Desjardins roadside assistance services are as follows (taxes not included):
- $98.89 for one vehicle
- $120.74 to register two vehicles
- $137.99 to sign up 3 or 4 vehicles
The plans include five emergency calls per membership year, regardless of how many vehicles you register.
For roadside assistance from Desjardins, call 1-866-644-8878.
Pros and Cons of Desjardins Roadside Assistance
Pros
- Available anywhere in Canada
- Comes with free services, including Identity Theft Assistance and Restoration, Plan-a-Trip Assistance and Auto Advice Assistance
Cons
- Coverage does not cover the cost of fuel
7. Intact Insurance
Roadside assistance from Intact Insurance is an optional coverage that you can add to your vehicle insurance policy. The prices depend on your selected deductible and your location.
The program provides 24/7 assistance that includes the following:
- Towing service for your vehicle (up to a distance of 50 km)
- Battery service
- Unlocking your car doors
- Flat tire change or equipping your spare tire
- Fuel delivery (up to 10 litres)
- Winching
Get immediate roadside assistance by requesting service through the Intact Insurance App or call 1-844-428-2020.
Pros and Cons of Intact Insurance Roadside Assistance
Pros
- The program has an app that lets you request roadside assistance
- Roadside assistance coverage includes motorbikes, all-terrain and recreational vehicles and snowmobiles
Cons
- Limited roadside assistance service requests per year
- Cannot be purchased since it is only an add-on for your vehicle insurance policy
8. Access Roadside Assistance
Access Roadside Assistance (ARA) offers various membership plans for customers needing affordable plans. These cover a range of vehicles, including cars, trucks and SUVs, motorcycles and scooters, commercial trucks, RVs and trailers.
ARA services include the following:
- Towing service
- Battery boost
- Tire change
- Lockout service
- Fuel delivery
- Winch and recovery
- Breakdown
Membership plans include:
- Plus (for motorcycle and scooter owners) – $4.16/month or $49.95/year
- Basic – $5.83/month or $69.95/year
- Advantage – $8.33/month or $99.95/year
- Family – $13.33/month or $159.95/year
- Premium – $20.83/month or $249.95/year
- Elite – $41.33/month or $495.95/year
- Road King – $595/year
Members needing roadside assistance or dispatch can call Access anytime at 1-866-227-2213 or request online help/support by emailing [email protected].
Pros and Cons of Access Roadside Assistance
Pros
- Coverage includes commercial trucks (up to 1 ton load capacity), motorcycles and scooters
- Competitive pricing
- 24/7 support across Canada
- Savings and membership benefits from its reward program
- The reward program is included in the Premium, Family and Elite memberships.
Cons
- Monthly plans have a non-refundable one-time $35 activation fee.
9. Allstate Roadside Assistance
Allstate offers roadside assistance programs you can avail of 24/7 anywhere in Canada. The program comes with the following:
- Towing services
- Battery boosts
- Tire changes
- Gas delivery
- Winching services
- Lockout services
You can choose from the Roadside Advantage and Platinum Elite plans. Roadside Advantage costs $89 for the first year, while Platinum Elite costs $164 for the first year.
Pros and Cons of Allstate Roadside Assistance
Pros
- 24/7 assistance everywhere in Canada
- Up to 7 rescues per insurance year, depending on your chosen plan
- Coverage includes motorcycles or RVs
- No need to be an Allstate policyholder to benefit from the program
Cons
- Membership fees (up to $164 per year) and renewal charges (up to $179)
- For the fuel delivery service, members pay for the cost of fuel.
Best Roadside Assistance Programs from Car Manufacturers
10. Toyota Roadside Assistance
When you purchase a new Toyota vehicle, you get a New Vehicle Warranty & Coverage that includes 24/7 Toyota Roadside Assistance for free for 36 months and unlimited km coverage.
Its roadside assistance program includes:
- Mechanical breakdown towing
- Accident towing
- Battery boost
- Lockout service
- Fuel delivery
- Tire change
- Winching
If you prefer to extend your Extra Care Roadside Assistance coverage, it costs $98.95 plus tax for one year or $178.95 plus tax for two years.
For Toyota roadside assistance, call 1-888-869-6828 or request service online using this link.
Pros and Cons of Toyota Roadside Assistance
Pros
- Free roadside assistance for three years with unlimited kilometre coverage
- 24/7 rescue anywhere in Canada
Cons
- Any form of off-road use is not covered.
Related: Best Small Cars in Canada.
11. Honda Plus Roadside Assistance
Are you a Honda vehicle owner? You can benefit from the complimentary Honda Plus Roadside Assistance for three years/36,000 miles, starting from your vehicle’s registration date.
The program also covers the following:
- Emergency roadside service
- Emergency lockout service
- Winching service
- Mechanical breakdown towing
- Trip interruption benefits
- Traffic accident services
- Emergency message service
- Dealer locator service
- Trip planning service
You can contact the Honda Plus Roadside Assistance at 1-800-465-PLUS (7587).
Pros and Cons of Honda Plus Roadside Assistance
Pros
- Free roadside assistance until the factory warranty period expires
- Two gallons of free gas if you use the fuel delivery service less than twice in a year
- Roadside assistance request through the HondaLink app
- Available throughout Canada
Cons
- Honda car issues can lead to expensive repairs and breakdowns not covered by the road assistance program.
- Once your factory warranty expires, free roadside assistance service also stops.
- A Honda extended warranty for roadside assistance may be more expensive than a third-party warranty.
12. Ford Roadside Assistance
Every Ford vehicle purchased in Canada includes Roadside Assistance for five years/60,000 miles. Coverage for this complimentary service starts from the original warranty start date.
The service includes:
- Mechanical breakdown tow
- Accident tow
- Towing of electric vehicle to the nearest Ford EV-certified dealer or your home residence
- Flat tire changes
- Battery boosts
- Winching
- Key lockouts
- Fuel deliveries
The Ford Roadside Assistance is available through the FordPass mobile app or by calling 800-241-3673.
Pros and Cons of Ford Roadside Assistance
Pros
- Available anywhere in Canada
- Comes with a Roadside Assistance App
- The program comes with a free, customized Travel Planner through regular mail.
Cons
- Does not cover environmental damage
- Assistance from private citizens is excluded from coverage
13. GM’s OnStar Safety & Security Plan
OnStar is an in-vehicle safety and security system offering roadside assistance, automatic crash response and stolen vehicle assistance.
When you purchase an OnStar Safety & Security Plan for $29.99/month or $299.90/year, you also get an automatic crash response, the OnStar Guardian app and roadside assistance, which includes the following:
- Emergency towing to the nearest dealer
- Emergency fuel delivery
- Flat tire changing
- Lockout services
- Battery jump-starts
To contact OnStar roadside assistance services, call the provider toll-free at 1.888.4ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827) or push your blue OnStar button.
Pros and Cons of OnStar Safety & Security Plan
Pros
- Roadside Assistance is included when you download the Guardian app.
- Getting emergency roadside assistance can be done through the app.
- The service includes specially-trained emergency medical dispatch-certified advisors who provide help during medical emergencies.
Cons
- Only properly-equipped vehicles with an eligible service plan can avail of the roadside services.
- After four roadside services in a year, additional charges apply.
14. Hyundai Roadside Assistance
Hyundai offers peace of mind with complimentary roadside assistance for new vehicle warranties. All 2015 models and later include roadside assistance for five years/unlimited km, while all 2014 units and older get three years/unlimited kilometre.
Services include:
- Towing services
- Flat tire replacement
- Spare key delivery
- Emergency fuel delivery
- Battery jump-starts
- Mechanical first aid
- Winching and extrication
You can contact Hyundai Roadside Assistance 24/7 at 1-800-268-9958.
Pros and Cons of Hyundai Roadside Assistance
Pros
- Free roadside assistance for up to five years with unlimited mileage
- Up to 10 years of roadside assistance for Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Hyundai vehicles
- 24/7 roadside assistance anywhere in Canada
Cons
- First-year free roadside assistance applies to only a few models. Fees may apply for other Hyundai models.
What Are Roadside Assistance Programs?
Roadside assistance programs protect drivers from sudden vehicle failures or other emergencies while driving, such as a flat tire, running out of fuel, a dead battery or getting locked out of your car.
These programs are offered by car manufacturers, full-service providers (like CAA), auto insurance and auto services through credit card companies.
While it is not mandatory, it can be vital for your peace of mind, especially as you never know when you may need roadside assistance.
With this service, you can drive more confidently, knowing that you can get quick help when you encounter an emergency or an unexpected situation that can happen while on the road.
How Do Roadside Assistance Programs Work?
Roadside assistance programs provide emergency services to vehicles stranded due to car-related problems like a flat tire, dead battery or a mechanical issue that needs towing services.
If you are in a roadside assistance program and experience car problems while driving, you only need to contact your road assistance provider to receive immediate help.
The way roadside assistance programs work depends on the provider. If you experience an issue while on the road, you would typically contact your road assistance provider through a toll-free number or via an app and report your situation.
Depending on the program, you may need to provide information, such as your name, the exact location of your vehicle, its vehicle identification number (VIN), car mileage, description of the issue and the roadside service you need.
An authorized service provider will be dispatched to your location to provide the needed roadside assistance service.
Best Credit Cards With Roadside Assistance in Canada
TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card
The TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card offers emergency road services with Deluxe TD Auto Club Membership. It also lets you earn 3% cash back dollars on qualifying grocery and gas purchases and 1% on all other purchases.
Benefits include unlimited dispatch calls for emergency roadside services like towing, tire changes, lockout services and battery replacement. In a roadside emergency, you can call 1-800-265-1289 for 24/7 assistance.
Cons include an annual fee of $139 and high annual income requirements ($60,000 for personal or $100,000 for household).
Triangle World Elite Mastercard
If you are a Triangle World Elite Mastercard cardholder, you are entitled to the Roadside Assistance Gold Plan membership that comes with the card. Choose between the Gold Member Plan (which provides protection for drivers) and the Gold Vehicle Plan (which protects your registered vehicle regardless of who is driving it).
Roadside assistance services include five service calls every year, an unlimited number of tows to any Canadian Tire Auto Service Centre, accident towing, battery boost, fuel delivery, lockout service, flat tire change, and extrication or winching.
With this card, you can earn 4% at your favourite stores, 3% at grocery stores, 1% everywhere else and 5¢-7¢ per litre at the pumps.
Disadvantages of this option include no coverage for motorcycles, motor scooters, all-terrain vehicles and more. There is also a required minimum annual income of $80,000 (individuals) or $150,000 (household) to apply for this card.
You can dial #TOW on your mobile phone or call 1-888-727-7478 to avail of 24/7 roadside assistance services.
BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard
The BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard features free membership with the Dominion Automobile Association (DAA) and their free BMO Roadside Assistance Program (basic coverage).
This card, with an annual fee of $120, lets you earn 5% on groceries, 4% on transit, 3% on gas, 2% on recurring bills and 1% on all other purchases. There is no limit on how much cash back you can earn.
The roadside assistance program, a $69/year value, covers up to four service calls per year per member and includes battery boosts, a flat-tire change, towing, lockout service, winch service and emergency gasoline delivery.
Motorcycles, off-road vehicles, commercial trucks and all recreational vehicles are not covered in the program. Also, you need a minimum annual income of $80,000 (individual) or $150,000 (household) to be eligible.
You can get the roadside assistance services by calling 1-866-731-4999.
Click here to learn more about how to choose credit cards that offer free roadside assistance.
What Do Roadside Assistance Programs Cover?
Most free and paid roadside assistance programs include battery boosts or jump-starts, flat tire changes, door unlocking, emergency fuel delivery, towing in case of car breakdown, winching and a specific number of service calls per year per member.
These services come with limits. Usually, they set maximum towing distances, have a specific number of fuel deliveries, and provide only a certain number of service calls per year and more.
Most providers offer coverage for members and whatever vehicle they drive (whether owned or rented). Only a few provide coverage for motorcycles, scooters and commercial vehicles. A few others offer free gas on top of free fuel delivery.
So, it pays to research roadside assistance programs, what services they provide and the scope of their coverage.
How Much Do Roadside Assistance Programs Cost?
The cost of roadside assistance depends on where you get the plan. Some come free under a car’s factory warranty, with an insurance plan, from extended warranties or as a credit card benefit.
The factors that affect roadside assistance costs include the type of vehicle, the number of cars you register and the subscription plan you choose.
Depending on your provider, the annual cost can range from free to $50 for a motorcycle and up to $600 for premium plans that cover commercial vehicles and include more services and benefits.
Pros and Cons of Roadside Assistance Programs
Roadside assistance programs offer valuable services when you experience car issues while on the road, like flat tires or mechanical breakdowns. But as with other services, it comes with advantages and disadvantages.
Pros of Roadside Assistance:
- Convenience. Roadside assistance offers 24/7 services, making it a quick and effective solution to typical car-related issues while on the road. You only need to contact your provider, and help will be on the way.
- Cost savings. When enrolled in this program, you can avail of services more affordable in a plan than when you individually purchase them. Towing services, for example, can be expensive if you request them separately. But it is often free with a roadside assistance membership.
- A broad range of services. Towing, flat tire changes, lockout assistance, battery jump-starts and fuel delivery are just some of the many services that roadside assistance programs offer.
- Peace of mind. Having roadside assistance 24/7 provides peace of mind, knowing you can call them anytime you need help. It also helps to ensure your safety during potentially dangerous situations.
Cons of Roadside Assistance:
- Coverage limitations. While roadside assistance comes with several services, some providers may charge extra for specific services or have limits on the number of service calls, the towing distance and other types of assistance.
- Cost. Roadside assistance is often affordable, but providers set limitations on the services they offer. This can result in the membership costs adding up in the long run.
- Response time. Service providers’ responses to service calls can vary. Depending on where you need the service and the availability of the provider, you may need to wait longer for assistance.
How to Choose the Best Roadside Assistance Program in Canada
When selecting the best roadside assistance service, the best choice would be based on individual needs and circumstances. Here are factors to consider when choosing a roadside assistance program that best suits you.
- Cost. Compare the prices of different roadside assistance plans, the annual membership fee, or other charges associated with particular services. Check for various membership options and family plans to find what you need.
- Existing coverage. You may already have some form of coverage through your car warranty, auto insurance or credit card features. Determine if the plan you are considering has coverages that overlap with your existing one.
- Coverage options. Check the services offered by different plans to ensure they include the most common incidents you may encounter, such as towing, flat tire assistance, fuel delivery, lockout service, battery boosts and winching.
- Other benefits. Some providers include extras like trip interruption coverage, discounts on travel services and rental car assistance. Check the extra perks they offer and see if they align with your needs.
FAQs
Yes. Toyota Roadside Assistance is available in Canada. It is free for 36 months and has unlimited kilometre coverage. You can call 1-888-869-6828 to find out more or request for online assistance.
AAA, the biggest roadside assistance company in the US, is available in Canada in over 3,500 partner locations. You need to present a valid AAA membership to be eligible for its services and benefits.
Roadside assistance in Canada can cost anywhere from $50 to $600, depending on the vehicle type. Premium plans cost more, but they cover commercial vehicles and have more extensive coverage and services.
The cost of towing depends on vehicle type, the distance, your location and the kind of tow truck your car needs. In Vancouver, towing a vehicle can cost between $95 and around $190 for a standard passenger vehicle tow. The price increases for longer distances. In Alberta, the average cost of a single tow is about $115.
Related:
We have Canadian tire roadside assistance through the credit card. One key point is that the credit card is a no fee card so you get Gold roadside assistance for FREE! which is my favourite price.
Previously when we paid for roadside assistance we used Canadian tire as they offered the per vehicle plan. At the time we had 2 vehicles and 4 drivers (us plus children). With CAA each person would need a plan.
@Susan: Agree. I have the free gold plan as well through their world elite mastercard and it saves me money compared to using CAA.