At times, it may be more affordable or less affordable, let's find out!
Roadside breakdowns can be a stressful and anxiety-inducing experience. Whether it's a flat tire, an empty gas tank, or a mechanical failure, it can leave you feeling panicked and out of control. That's why having roadside assistance is a lifesaver for many vehicle owners, especially during winter when a breakdown can be even more dangerous due to harsh weather conditions. To make sure you're prepared for any situation, it's important to know some key information about roadside assistance.
Who are the most popular service providers in Canada?
There are a few providers that are well-known in Canada, including CAA, Canadian Tire, and more.
What services do I get access to with roadside assistance?
The services you get access to depend on the provider and the plan you choose, but some common services include towing, battery jump-start, fuel delivery, tire change, and lockout assistance.
Should I subscribe or pay only when I need it?
It depends on your personal preferences and driving habits. Subscribing to a plan can give you peace of mind and access to services 24/7, but if you rarely use your vehicle or drive in areas with good cell coverage, you may not need it.
Do I already have roadside assistance?
It depends on the make and model of your vehicle and any insurance policies you have. Some new vehicles come with roadside assistance included, and some insurance policies also include it as a benefit. Check your vehicle's manual or contact your insurance provider to find out.
Overall, having roadside assistance can give you peace of mind while you're on the road. It's important to consider your driving habits and the services you need to choose the right provider and plan for you.
What services come with roadside assistance?
Roadside assistance is an essential service for vehicle owners. When you're stuck on the side of the road due to a breakdown, such as a flat tire, engine failure, empty gas tank, locked keys, or being stuck in a ditch, the stress and anxiety can be overwhelming. This is where roadside assistance comes in, offering a lifeline for those moments when you need help the most.
Having roadside assistance means that you have a safety net in place, giving you peace of mind that you're never truly alone. If you find yourself in an emergency situation, simply call the service and a tow truck will come to your aid, getting you and your vehicle to safety. The tow truck driver may even be able to resolve the issue on the spot, so you can get back on the road and continue your journey. If not, they'll get you and your vehicle to a repair shop where you can get the necessary repairs done.
When considering whether to subscribe to a roadside assistance plan or only pay for it when you need it, it's important to check if your new car already comes with a limited roadside assistance package. It's also worth considering the peace of mind that comes with having the service available to you at all times, in case of an emergency.
Roadside assistance is an essential service for motor vehicle owners, offering peace of mind and quick relief in the event of a breakdown. A number of common issues can leave you stranded on the side of the road, including:
1. Flat tire: A flat tire can happen at any moment, leaving you in need of a replacement or repair. With the right roadside assistance service, you can expect quick and efficient help changing your tire or getting you a new one, so you can get back on the road as soon as possible.
2. Dead battery: and other engine issues: Engine troubles, such as a dead battery, can be frustrating and leave you feeling helpless. A reliable roadside service should be able to provide a battery boost or even a battery replacement, so you can get back to your daily routine without any additional stress.
3. Running out of gas: Running out of gas can be an embarrassing situation, but with a good roadside assistance service, it's not something to worry about. They can bring a few gallons of gas to you, so you can reach the nearest gas station and get back on the road.
4. Car lockout: Locking your keys in the car can be frustrating, especially when you're in a hurry. A car lockout service should be able to send a locksmith to help you quickly, so you can get back into your vehicle and get on with your day.
5. Stuck in a ditch: If you get stuck in a ditch, you may need a tow truck to get you out. A tow truck service should be able to dispatch a truck to your location and help you get unstuck, so you can get back on the road.
A reliable tow truck service can provide a solution for various roadside incidents, such as flat tires, dead batteries, engine failures, running out of gas, and even car lockouts. Their goal is to not only solve the problem, but also to bring you and your vehicle safely to either your home or a repair shop. This service can offer peace of mind and a sense of security to drivers. The sight of a tow truck bravely making its way through the snow to rescue a stranded vehicle on a cold winter evening in Canada is truly a comforting one.
What are the top emergency roadside service providers?
When you ask someone on the street to name a roadside assistance provider, it's likely that they'll mention CAA. They're the most recognizable brand in Canada, boasting over 6 million members on their website. However, they're not the only option available. Let's compare some other options.
CAA: is a dominant player in the Canadian roadside assistance industry with over 6 million members, according to their website. They boast an extensive fleet of over 35,000 towing vehicles, providing their customers with peace of mind and quick resolution to their roadside emergencies. The cost of CAA's Basic membership, which is suitable for short-distance commuters, usually starts at approximately $75 per year and comes with up to five emergency calls and towing services up to 10 km per call. For those who need a longer towing distance, CAA offers Plus and Premier memberships, costing around $120 and $150 respectively, with towing distances of up to 200 km and 320 km per call. Additionally, CAA provides its members with various insurance and travel discounts, making it a well-rounded option for roadside assistance.
Costco's Roadside Assistance: (Unavailable Currently): In addition to providing bulk products like family-sized jars of pistachios, Costco also offers its members the option to avail of its discounted roadside assistance services. For an annual fee of approximately $70, you can get coverage. However, this service requires a Costco membership which comes with its own yearly charges. The Standard Plus plan provides four emergency calls each year, and it comes with a tow range of 100 kilometers. Costco also offers an alternative, a 1-year membership to their Vengo Emergency Roadside Assistance plan for a cost of $75.
Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance: As one of Canada's biggest retailers in automotive products, it makes sense that they would also offer a roadside assistance program. Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance basic Silver Member Plan costs $70 and includes three emergency calls, as well as a towing range of 10 kilometers. For those needing more services, the Gold Member Plan is available for an additional $30 and provides five emergency calls and a towing range of 200 kilometers. There is also the option to consider a Silver or Gold Family Plan.
Is it better to subscribe to roadside assistance or pay per use?
When it comes to roadside assistance, it is often something that people don't think about until they are in a situation where they need it. It's essentially an insurance policy against being stranded with a vehicle that won't cooperate. However, unlike insurance, you only pay for it when you need it.
When it comes to cost, basic roadside assistance is relatively affordable, usually costing around $7 a month or $70 a year. The service can come with different levels of towing coverage based on distance, with basic plans typically offering around 10 kilometers of towing, while premium plans might offer up to 200 kilometers of towing. For those who travel long distances frequently, a premium roadside assistance plan might be a necessary expense.
If you prefer to pay for assistance on the spot, short-distance towing services can range from $60 to $100 per tow, and that's if you're lucky. Towing longer distances will usually come with an additional cost per kilometer, and the size of your vehicle, as well as the time of day, may also factor in with additional charges for after-hours or weekends. All in all, a one-time tow truck call could set you back up to $300 in the worst-case scenario.
Even if you don't need a tow, but simply need a jump start, this service will still typically cost you between $50 and $70, but it would be covered under any roadside assistance plan.
When deciding whether a roadside assistance plan makes more sense for your budget, there are a few questions to consider. How often do you drive your car? Are you mostly driving locally or are long-distance travels in your plans? Has your car let you down in the past, and do you expect it to in the future? Do you live in an area with a lot of snow? If you do, it might be more convenient to have just one phone number to call in the event of being stranded in the cold.
Overall, it's essential to consider your driving habits and the likelihood of needing roadside assistance when deciding whether to purchase a plan.
Do I already have roadside assistance?
TTN Roadside Assistance Canada: The Importance of Having a Roadside Assistance Plan
Roadside assistance is an essential service that every car owner should have, especially in Canada where harsh weather conditions and remote areas can make it difficult to get around. When purchasing auto insurance, most providers offer an option to add roadside assistance, often with an additional line on the insurance bill. However, if you declined this option, you still may be covered through manufacturer and extended warranties or credit cards.
Manufacturer and Extended Warranties in Canada
If you recently purchased a new car, you may already be covered for roadside assistance through the car's factory warranty. Most manufacturers have their own roadside assistance programs that can be found in the owner's manual or by contacting the dealership or manufacturer's customer service. The programs usually run concurrently with the powertrain warranty (usually 5 years/100,000km) and can be attached to the powertrain or comprehensive warranty. If your car is used, the factory warranty and roadside assistance may have expired, but you may have purchased an extended warranty that covers towing costs to the repair shop and may also include fuel delivery, oil delivery, and battery boost services. To determine if your extended warranty includes roadside assistance, review the warranty documents or contact your warranty provider.
Credit Cards with Roadside Assistance
Credit cards are increasingly offering insurance and services, including roadside assistance, to attract customers. This coverage can save you money compared to purchasing roadside assistance from companies like CAA, which can cost around $70-$100 per year. Some of the top credit cards with roadside assistance include:
TD Cash Back Visa Infinite: This card offers 24/7 coverage and unlimited service calls through its Auto Club membership. It covers almost every situation and provides up to $200 in meals and accommodations if you get stuck somewhere.
Triangle World Elite Mastercard: This rewards card is perfect for those looking for automotive benefits. It offers the Roadside Assistance Gold Plan with towing, fuel delivery, and 24/7 coverage, as well as Canadian Tire Money benefits and gas savings at select stations, including Husky.
BMO Cashback World Elite Mastercard: This Mastercard offers up to four service calls per year with a 10-kilometer towing range. The annual fee is $120 compared to the Home Trust card's $0 fee, so be sure to weigh the cost when deciding on a card based on its roadside assistance plan.
By having a roadside assistance plan, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing that if your car breaks down, you have access to help 24/7. Whether you're covered through your auto insurance, manufacturer or extended warranty, or credit card, having a plan in place is an essential part of being a responsible car owner. Consider subscribing to TTN Roadside Assistance Canada to have access to the best coverage and services, and never get stranded on the side of the road again.
Conclusion
In conclusion, subscribing to roadside assistance is a valuable service that can provide assistance when traveling on the road. While some insurance companies offer it as an option, it can also be included in the factory warranty for new cars or extended warranties for used cars. Additionally, credit cards have jumped on the bandwagon and are offering their own roadside assistance services, which can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing it separately. With the increasing number of options available, it is important to research and compare what each provider offers, to ensure that you are receiving the best coverage for your needs.
