Vehicle breakdowns, flat tires, and unforeseen accidents can happen to even the most cautious drivers. That's where roadside assistance services come to the rescue. Roadside assistance provides help when you’ve got problems on the road that leave you stranded.This is your guide to everything you need to know about roadside assistance services, from what they offer to how to choose the right one for your needs.
What is roadside assistance?
Roadside assistance is like having a guardian angel for your car. It's a service that provides assistance when your vehicle encounters problems on the road, leaving you stranded or unable to continue your journey. Roadside assistance can range depending on what your budget is, as well as who you choose as a provider. Most programs include the basics: towing within a certain distance, help with flat tires, and help with empty fuel tanks.
If you’re looking for something that offers more coverage, there are roadside programs with lockout services, on-the-go repairs, as well as additionals like trip protection coverage and RV coverage!
What does roadside assistance coverage cover?
Towing, flat tires, and empty fuel tanks are often just the beginning of what you’ll find as part of roadside assistance coverage. Towing expenses and distances will vary depending on the program, but can be as little as a 5 km tow, so make sure you know what you're covered for! Some programs will provide a flat tire repair, replacement, or just swapping out the spare. It’s important that you’re still prepared with emergency kits and tools, to be ready for whatever you’ll be left with after a call to your roadside assistance provider.
Most roadside assistance programs will bring fuel to you, but the differences will be in the cost to you afterwards. Some tiers of membership will only include a certain amount of fuel, or you may need to pay for the fuel itself as well as a charge for the service itself.
Some roadside assistance coverage works as a small mechanics garage! These options can include jump-starting your vehicle, or even a brand new battery, to get it running again. Minor roadside repairs are also included in some tiers of membership.
A few lesser known services that can be obtained through roadside assistance programs are lockout services, trip protection, flatbed carriers, and extrication/winching services. Winching will get your vehicle out of the ditch or unstuck from mud or other unforeseen conditions. Flatbed carriers can be used in extreme situations when a vehicle has been wrecked, or if an axle is broken. Depending on the program, some offer reimbursement or coverage for accommodations, travel, and meals due to a roadside issue. And maybe one of the most needed services: lockout services will get you back in if you get locked out!
How do you choose the right roadside assistance?
By carefully considering factors like coverage area, cost, response time, and customer reviews, you can choose the right roadside assistance service that best fits your needs. Choosing the right roadside assistance program will depend on your budget and services needed. You should also look at a number of other factors to make sure you find something you’ll be happy with. Consider what’s most important to you, and choose based on those priorities.
Compare the costs of different roadside assistance plans. Some are included as part of an auto insurance package, while others are offered by independent providers. Be aware of any additional fees or hidden charges. Before committing to a program, read the fine print about service limitations. Different services have different limits on the number of service calls allowed per year, the distance they'll tow your vehicle, and the type of vehicles they cover (e.g., motorcycles, RVs).
Ensure that the service you choose covers the areas where you frequently drive. Do you travel primarily locally and close to home? Or do you travel more extensively across the province, country, or continent? Check for the coverage across all of these areas, and if you need to consider changing your coverage if your travel needs change.
Emergencies don't always happen during business hours, so make sure that the service operates 24/7, 365 days a year, and that the service comes with the right attitude. Online reviews and asking friends or family for recommendations will point in the right direction for companies that are reliable and treat their customers well. Contact the provider's customer service to ask questions and assess their responsiveness and helpfulness. A reliable provider should be accessible and eager to assist.
Some providers offer extra perks like discounts on hotels, rental cars, or other travel-related benefits. These can add value to your roadside assistance plan. Depending on other memberships or credit cards that you have, you may already be eligible for some kind of roadside assistance program. Some automobile clubs, like CAA (Canadian Automobile Association), offer comprehensive roadside assistance as part of their membership benefits. There are also some credit cards that offer roadside assistance, like BMO and TD.
Who do we recommend for roadside assistance?
If you’re still not sure who to choose for your roadside assistance program, we have our top recommendations to share: BCAA and Canadian Tire.
No matter which plan you choose with BCAA , it will cost you less than $170 for an annual purchase. BCAA offers 24/7 roadside assistance across Canada and the US, and the membership travels with the driver - meaning that if your new driver is using a rental or a friend’s ride, they can still rely on BCAA to come to their rescue.
Canadian Tire also allows you to choose a membership that covers the driver across Canada and the US, no matter what vehicle they’re in. Canadian Tire’s least expensive Silver Member plan is less than $80 for an annual purchase, but the best bang for your buck comes through with the Gold Member plan, which comes in at just over $100 for an annual membership. With the Gold Member plan, drivers get up to 200 km of tow distance and up to $5 in emergency fuel if they are suddenly on “E”. If you’re wanting to make a family plan purchase, Canadian Tire has plans that cover up to 5 household members, and they also offer 24/7, on-demand services for non-members - although the cheapest service available is the same cost as their least expensive plan!
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Roadside assistance services are invaluable for drivers, as they provide peace of mind knowing that help is just a phone call away when you encounter unexpected car troubles on the road. Whether you're exploring the breathtaking landscapes of British Columbia or embarking on a cross-country journey, having reliable roadside assistance is a smart choice that ensures you stay safe and stress-free while on the road.