What are the benefits of joining a roadside assistance program?

This article has been updated from a previous version.

Did you know that in Canada there are 1,042,718 kilometres of public roads? That’s longer than a round trip to the Moon.

According to Statistics Canada, the average passenger vehicle in Canada logs 15,400 kilometres each year. Given the country’s harsh and unpredictable weather, along with long, unpopulated stretches between clusters, it can be quite easy to find yourself stranded by the side of the road — a long way from help.

Enter roadside assistance. There are many options to choose from for programs that will help out when you need it. Even if you’re comfortable changing a tire after a blowout, situations like locking your keys in your car, or having a car that refuses to start one morning in the dead of winter are bound to happen.

Who provides roadside assistance programs in Canada?

In Canada, roadside assistance programs are available from a variety of providers. There are four types of roadside assistance suppliers:

Auto manufacturers

Companies like General Motors and Ford Motor Co. offer roadside assistance programs, often bundled with the price of the car. Ford’s roadside assistance program is free for the length of a new vehicle’s powertrain warranty.

Other automotive companies like Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai provide complimentary roadside assistance with new vehicle purchases, as well. For instance, Toyota includes up to three years of free coverage, while Hyundai offers up to five years for newer models. These plans typically cover services across Canada and the United States, providing peace of mind for new car owners.

Associations, clubs, and retailers

These providers offer roadside assistance programs to members and customers, usually on an annual basis. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is a popular choice; the oval sticker is on 6.4 million vehicles in Canada. Retailers like Canadian Tire offer tiered plans through third-party operators, as well.

Financial institutions

Banks and insurance companies may also offer roadside assistance with their coverage. A primary advantage is the all-in-one approach: Bundling your home and auto insurance with roadside assistance from Desjardins, for example, might save you money.

Credit card issuers

Many credit cards, like the BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard offer handy perks like roadside assistance. They may also bundle roadside assistance with some of their premium offerings, or as a separate purchase.

Check with your bank, since products, rates, and benefits change frequently.

Read more: Top 3 credit cards with roadside assistance in Canada for 2024

What does roadside assistance include?

While each program differs in their unique offerings, here's an overview of the essential services typically included in roadside assistance programs:

Accident tows

In the unfortunate event of an accident, roadside assistance ensures your vehicle is towed to the nearest repair facility. This service is crucial in Canada, where driving conditions can be hazardous due to snow and ice, increasing the likelihood of collisions.

Battery service

A dead battery can be a common issue, especially during Canada’s harsh winters. Roadside assistance can provide a jump start or replace the battery on-site, saving you from being stranded in freezing temperatures.

Emergency gas delivery

Running out of gas is inconvenient and potentially dangerous, especially in remote areas. This service ensures a delivery of fuel to get you to the nearest gas station, a vital service when traveling through Canada’s extensive rural regions.

Emergency repair cheque acceptance

This unique service allows you to receive repairs without immediate payment, accepting a cheque or deferred payment as a temporary measure. It's especially beneficial in emergencies where cash or cards aren’t an immediate option.

Extrication service

If your vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, or a ditch, extrication services will help pull it out. This is particularly useful where snow and ice can easily lead to being stuck in precarious situations.

Flat tire assistance

Whether you're in the city or far from the nearest town, roadside assistance can change a flat tire or provide a temporary fix to get you to a service station.

Lockout service 

Locking your keys inside your car or having issues with your digital key is a frustrating experience. Roadside assistance offers lockout services to safely unlock your vehicle, allowing you to get back on the road quickly.

Towing service

In cases where immediate repair isn’t possible, towing services ensure your vehicle is transported to a repair shop. Whether navigating urban centers or remote highways, having a comprehensive roadside assistance plan can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and stress-free journey.

Related: Top 5 safety tips for winter driving in Ontario

How to choose a roadside assistance program

There are a lot of options. So how to choose? Here are three things you should note when comparing roadside assistance programs.

1. The services included in a program. Not all programs are created equal. At a minimum, a program should provide towing, jump start, lockout, fuel delivery and roadside tire changes. Some plans offer merchandise discounts and loyalty rewards at affiliated retailers.
2. Read the fine print on service caps. Most programs will cover four service calls per year; some offer more. Also, be aware of towing distance limitations, which may be capped at as little as 10 kilometres per call. Fuel delivery to your out-of-gas vehicle may not include the cost of the fuel itself. Some programs will put a dollar cap on towing. Lastly, always verify who is covered under the plan —whether it’s just you or includes any spouses and children driving the car being covered.
3. Geographic coverage is also a concern. If you travel to the U.S. frequently, you’ll want to make sure your coverage is North America-wide to avoid any service gaps.

How much does roadside assistance cost?

While cost is also a prime consideration when choosing a roadside assistance program, much like selecting a car insurance policy, the price tag shouldn’t be the deciding factor.

While basic plans can cost from about $50 to about $150, the value lies in the services offered. A premium plan, which can range anywhere from $50 to $600 with additional service calls or a larger towing allowance, could be worth paying more for, especially if you live or frequently drive in rural areas.

If you do a lot of rural driving, for example, the towing radius is more important than it is for someone who drives primarily in the city and is more concerned with bundling insurance or banking services.

Your vehicle’s mileage and driving habits also factor into determining the most appropriate plan.

And, of course, you should also think about the age and condition of your vehicle. If you drive an old beater, you’re more likely to need a roadside assistance plan than if your car is newer and still under the manufacturer’s warranty.

Almost every company that insures cars will offer roadside assistance as an add-on, and it may even be included in comprehensive insurance plans. A key advantage of choosing assistance through your insurer is access to their network of trusted roadside professionals.

However, if you opt to purchase roadside assistance through your insurer, make sure that using roadside assistance does not count as a claim on your insurance policy, which could inadvertently increase your premiums.

Read next: Does your car insurance cover you when travelling out of province?