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    • The Top Roadside Assistance Programs in Canada: Free and Paid Options

    Experiencing a car breakdown or emergency while on the road can be a stressful situation. Whether you’re faced with a flat tire, running out of fuel, a dead battery, or even locking yourself out of your vehicle, roadside assistance programs can be real lifesavers.

    We’ve compiled a list of the best free and paid roadside assistance programs in Canada to help you choose the one that suits your needs.

    What Are Roadside Assistance Programs?

    Roadside assistance programs are designed to provide immediate help to drivers who encounter unexpected vehicle issues while on the road. These programs can be offered by various entities, including car manufacturers, full-service providers like CAA (Canadian Automobile Association), auto insurance companies, and credit card companies.

    While having roadside assistance is not mandatory, it offers peace of mind, as you never know when you might need help while driving.

    With these services, you can confidently hit the road, knowing that assistance is just a phone call away in case of an emergency or unexpected mishap.

    How Do Roadside Assistance Programs Work?

    Roadside assistance programs offer emergency services for vehicles stranded due to car-related problems such as flat tires, dead batteries, or mechanical issues that require towing.Here’s how these programs typically work:

    • When you encounter a problem on the road, you contact your roadside assistance provider through a toll-free number or a mobile app to report your situation.
    • You may need to provide information like your name, your vehicle’s exact location, its vehicle identification number (VIN), mileage, a description of the issue, and the type of assistance you require.
    • An authorized service provider will be dispatched to your location to provide the necessary assistance.

    Best Roadside Assistance Programs in Canada

    1. Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)

    • CAA is renowned for its extensive coverage, boasting a network of over 35,000 road service vehicles across Canada.
    • Services include towing, battery boosts, flat tire assistance, lockouts, out-of-fuel services, and more.
    • Membership plans range from CAA Everyday at $30/year to Premier at $149/year.
    • Contact CAA via phone, cell phone, CAA Mobile App, or their website.

    Pros:

    • Extensive coverage
    • Member discounts at partner companies
    • Travel benefits and discounts

    Cons:

    • CAA membership is non-transferable
    • Limited to four road service calls per year

    2. Canadian Tire

    • Canadian Tire provides emergency roadside services, including towing, battery boosts, flat tire changes, fuel delivery, and more.
    • Membership options include Silver, Gold, and Family Plans.
    • Prices start at $74.99 per year.

    Pros:

    • Comprehensive services and plan options
    • Different plans to suit various budgets

    Cons:

    • Some complaints about customer service quality

    3. Deluxe TD Auto Club

    • The Deluxe TD Auto Club offers 24/7 emergency roadside and towing assistance, including services like battery boosts, tire changes, and lockout assistance.
    • Membership is free with the TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card.
    • Call 1-800-265-1289 for assistance.

    Pros:

    • Unlimited dispatch calls for emergency roadside services
    • Reimbursement options for various situations

    Cons:

    • Income requirements to apply for the TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card

    4. BMO Roadside Assistance

    • BMO Roadside Assistance is available to BMO Mastercard cardholders and offers services such as battery boosts, emergency gas delivery, flat tire changes, and lockout services.
    • Call 1-866-731-4999 for assistance.

    Pros:

    • Coverage for any passenger vehicle, whether owned, borrowed, or rented
    • Available 24/7 across Canada

    Cons:

    • Income requirements to apply for the BMO credit card

    5. Beneva

    • Beneva is a Quebec-based insurance company offering roadside assistance services with car insurance policies for $35/year per vehicle.
    • Services include up to 4 service calls per year, lockout assistance, battery boosts, flat tire changes, and more.
    • Contact Beneva via phone, text, or online request.

    Pros:

    • 24/7 free roadside assistance services
    • Applicable anywhere in Canada
    • Free fuel delivery (up to 10 liters)

    Cons:

    • Limited number of service calls per year
    • Coverage excludes motorcycles, mopeds, and off-road vehicles

    6. Desjardins

    • Desjardins Roadside Assistance offers comprehensive coverage in Canada, including towing, locksmith services, flat tire assistance, and more.
    • Pricing varies depending on the number of vehicles registered.

    Pros:

    • Available anywhere in Canada
    • Includes free services like Identity Theft Assistance and Plan-a-Trip Assistance

    Cons:

    • Limited number of service calls per year
    • Coverage excludes motorcycles, mopeds, and off-road vehicles

    7. Intact Insurance

    • Intact Insurance offers optional roadside assistance coverage that can be added to your vehicle insurance policy.
    • Services include towing, battery service, flat tire changes, fuel delivery, and more.
    • Request service through the Intact Insurance App or call 1-844-428-2020.

    Pros:

    • Roadside assistance app for service requests
    • Coverage includes various types of vehicles

    Cons:

    • Limited number of service requests per year
    • Only available as an add-on to vehicle insurance

    8. Access Roadside Assistance

    • Access Roadside Assistance (ARA) offers multiple membership plans for different vehicle types, including cars, motorcycles, commercial trucks, and more.
    • Services include towing, battery boosts, tire changes, and more.
    • Membership plans range from Plus to Road King, with competitive pricing.

    Pros:

    • Coverage includes various vehicle types
    • 24/7 support across Canada
    • Savings and membership benefits from the reward program (included in Premium, Family, and Elite memberships)

    Cons:

    • Monthly plans have a non-refundable one-time activation fee

    9. Allstate Roadside Assistance

    • Allstate provides 24/7 roadside assistance programs in Canada with two plan options: Roadside Advantage and Platinum Elite.
    • Services include towing, battery boosts, tire changes, gas delivery, winching, and lockout assistance.
    • Membership fees apply.

    Pros:

    • 24/7 assistance available across Canada
    • Up to 7 rescues per insurance year, depending on your chosen plan
    • Coverage includes motorcycles and RVs
    • No need to be an Allstate policyholder to benefit from the program

    Cons:

    • Membership fees and renewal charges apply
    • Members pay for the cost of fuel in the fuel delivery service

    Best Roadside Assistance Programs from Car Manufacturers

    10. Toyota Roadside Assistance

    • When you purchase a new Toyota vehicle, you receive complimentary New Vehicle Warranty & Coverage, including 24/7 Toyota Roadside Assistance for free for 36 months and unlimited kilometers.
    • Services include mechanical breakdown towing, accident towing, battery boosts, lockout services, fuel delivery, tire changes, and winching.
    • Extended coverage is available for a fee.

    Pros:

    • Free roadside assistance for three years with unlimited kilometer coverage
    • 24/7 assistance anywhere in Canada

    Cons:

    • Off-road use is not covered

    11. Honda Plus Roadside Assistance

    • Honda vehicle owners can enjoy complimentary Honda Plus Roadside Assistance for three years/36,000 miles from the vehicle’s registration date.
    • Services include emergency roadside assistance, lockout services, winching, mechanical breakdown towing, trip interruption benefits, and more.
    • Contact Honda Plus Roadside Assistance at 1-800-465-PLUS (7587).

    Pros:

    • Free roadside assistance until the factory warranty period expires
    • Two gallons of free gas if the fuel delivery service is used less than twice in a year
    • Roadside assistance request through the HondaLink app
    • Available throughout Canada

    Cons:

    • Honda car issues not covered after factory warranty expires
    • Honda extended warranty may be more expensive than third-party options

    12. Ford Roadside Assistance

    • Every Ford vehicle purchase in Canada includes Roadside Assistance for five years/60,000 miles, starting from the original warranty start date.
    • Services include mechanical breakdown towing, accident towing, flat tire changes, battery boosts, winching, key lockouts, fuel deliveries, and more.
    • Access Ford Roadside Assistance through the FordPass mobile app or by calling 800-241-3673.

    Pros:

    • Available anywhere in Canada
    • Roadside Assistance App for service requests
    • Free, customized Travel Planner included

    Cons:

    • Doesn’t cover environmental damage
    • Private citizen assistance not included

    13. GM’s OnStar Safety & Security Plan

    • OnStar offers an in-vehicle safety and security system with roadside assistance as part of the Safety & Security Plan, available for a fee.
    • Services include emergency towing to the nearest dealer, fuel delivery, tire changes, lockout services, battery jump-starts, and more.
    • Contact OnStar at 1.888.4ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827) or use the OnStar Guardian app.

    Pros:

    • Roadside Assistance included with the Guardian app
    • Emergency medical dispatch-certified advisors for medical emergencies

    Cons:

    • Requires properly-equipped vehicles with eligible service plans
    • Additional charges apply after four roadside services in a year

    14. Hyundai Roadside Assistance

    • Hyundai offers complimentary roadside assistance for new vehicle warranties in Canada, covering five years/unlimited kilometers for 2015 models and later, and three years/unlimited kilometers for 2014 and older units.
    • Services include towing, flat tire replacement, spare key delivery, fuel delivery, battery jump-starts, mechanical first aid, and winching.
    • Contact Hyundai Roadside Assistance 24/7 at 1-800-268-9958.

    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 assistance anywhere in Canada

    Cons:

    • First-year free roadside assistance applies to only a few models

    Best Credit Cards With Roadside Assistance in Canada

    1. TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card

    • The TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card offers emergency road services through the Deluxe TD Auto Club Membership.
    • Earn 3% cash back 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.
    • Annual fee of $139 and income requirements apply.

    2. Triangle World Elite Mastercard

    • Triangle World Elite Mastercard cardholders receive the Roadside Assistance Gold Plan membership, which provides protection for drivers and registered vehicles.
    • Services include five service calls per year, unlimited tows to Canadian Tire Auto Service Centres, accident towing, battery boosts, fuel delivery, lockout service, flat tire changes, and extrication or winching.
    • Income requirements and limitations on vehicle types apply.

    3. BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard

    • The BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard offers free membership with the Dominion Automobile Association (DAA) and their BMO Roadside Assistance Program (basic coverage).
    • Earn cash back on various categories of purchases.
    • Roadside assistance covers up to four service calls per year, including battery boosts, flat tire changes, towing, lockout services, winch service, and emergency gasoline delivery.
    • Income requirements and limitations on vehicle types apply.

    What Do Roadside Assistance Programs Cover?

    Most roadside assistance programs cover common issues such as battery boosts, flat tire changes, lockout services, fuel delivery, towing, and winching. However, coverage can vary, and some providers may charge extra for specific services or have limits on the number of service calls, towing distances, and other forms of assistance. While most programs offer coverage for various vehicle types, some may exclude motorcycles, mopeds, or commercial vehicles. A few providers even offer free fuel on top of fuel delivery.

    It’s essential to research the specific services and coverage offered by each roadside assistance program to ensure they align with your needs.

    How Much Do Roadside Assistance Programs Cost?

    The cost of roadside assistance can vary depending on the provider, the type of vehicle, the number of registered vehicles, and the selected subscription plan. Costs can range from free (included with a car’s factory warranty, insurance, or credit card benefits) to fees ranging from $50 to $600 for premium plans that cover commercial vehicles and offer extensive services and benefits.
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