We do not currently quote this product online, but to get a quote in under 15 minutes please give us a call.
What are you looking for?
Manage your policy and information directly with our self-serve options.
Haven't set up your account?
Quickly pay your invoice online using our secure payment system.
Manage on the go, download the BrokerLink Insurance App
6 minute read Published on Aug 3, 2026 by BrokerLink Communications
Have you ever been stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire and no help in sight, wishing someone would come to your rescue? Roadside assistance is that peace of mind you need when your vehicle becomes undrivable or unsafe. In this guide, we’ll explain what services are included, what’s not covered, how you can purchase roadside assistance coverage in Canada and how to compare plans to decide which one is right for you.
Roadside assistance services are designed to provide 24/7 support to drivers in emergencies. Plans can vary depending on the service provider (insurance companies, automakers, credit cards or membership organizations), but most share universal services, including:
Towing services: Towing services to the nearest service station or specific location up to a certain distance.
Battery boost: Battery services for dead batteries (jump starts and replacement services).
Tire services: Flat tire change following a blowout or other issue.
Lockout services: Lost your keys? Locked them in your car? Lockout services will get you access to your vehicle in no time.
Winching and extrication: Hauling vehicles out of snowbanks, mud and ditches if accessible.
Fuel delivery services: Gas delivery services if you run out of gas while driving.
Mechanical first aid (breakdown coverage): Basic troubleshooting by a licensed mechanic.
Additional perks some plans include:
Trip interruption: If you miss a trip or vacation due to an unforeseen vehicle breakdown, your provider may reimburse you for the costs of the missed portion of your vacation.
Pro tip: If you frequently drive in rural areas, winter conditions or long distances, adding roadside assistance to your auto insurance policy is recommended.
Roadside assistance programs can be a lifesaver in many unexpected scenarios. But there are some limitations you should know before you consider purchasing this coverage:
Accident towing: Towing services following an accident may not be included. This is typically covered by your insurance company.
Repair costs: Repair costs beyond basic roadside assistance services, such as parts and labour, are not covered.
Heavy or specialized towing service: Towing services for lifted, off-road or oversized vehicles may require specialized roadside assistance programs.
Repeated service calls: Repeated calls for the same issues, like multiple battery boosts for a battery at the end of its lifespan.
Towing past a certain distance: Towing outside of a certain distance or outside of your coverage zone is also restricted.
Pro tip: Always check your plan to determine what roadside assistance covers and doesn’t cover before asking your provider whether additional protection exists.
In Canada, there are several ways you can purchase roadside assistance:
Insurance companies: Most insurers offer roadside assistance car insurance policies as an optional add-on to your standard plan for an additional cost.
Credit card companies: Roadside assistance, similar to rental car coverage, is a type of coverage that many credit card companies offer. A few credit cards in Canada that currently offer roadside assistance include the TD Cash Back Visa Infinite, Triangle World Elite Mastercard and BMO Cashback World Elite Mastercard.
Automakers: If you recently bought a new car, your car warranty likely includes a roadside assistance service plan until your warranty runs out.
Membership service providers: CAA is the largest roadside assistance provider in Canada. Costs vary between provinces, but generally speaking, they have basic memberships and more advanced memberships. Canadian Tire is another company that offers a roadside assistance service. Again, there are multiple plan options that vary in price.
Cellphone/standalone apps: Some phone providers and apps offer pay-per-use or subscription roadside assistance. These options are convenient if you rarely need coverage, as there are no annual fees. Note that costs do tend to be higher than traditional channels.
Here's what you should know about roadside assistance:
Service provider
Pros
Cons
Insurance policy
Cost-effective, easy to add to your existing policy.
May not cover long-distance towing. If you don’t use it regularly, it may not be worth the additional fees.
Automaker/manufacturer
Tailored to your vehicle.
Ends after warranty. Only available for new cars.
Membership program
Comprehensive benefits, multi-vehicle coverage and longer towing distances.
Annual fees and pricing vary by tier/province.
Pay-per-use/app
No annual fees, on-demand service and GPS tracking.
Higher roadside assistance costs compared to traditional avenues.
Not all roadside assistance services are designed the same, which means you’ll need to compare coverage details and costs before making a decision. Here’s what you need to pay attention to:
Consider the following:
Towing distance: Towing distances can vary between roadside service providers. Some memberships cover you between 5 and 10 km, while premium plans can take you up to 200 km or more.
Service call limitations: Some memberships only offer a certain number of service calls per year, for example, 3 to 5 calls. Any other requests for emergency services will cost you an additional fee.
Coverage area: Confirm whether the plan applies to your province or across Canada, the U.S and internationally.
Network availability: In an emergency, quick roadside service is necessary. Compare response times between different roadside service providers.
Vehicle eligibility: Plans may restrict the type of vehicle coverage is available for. For example, trailers, commercial vehicles or heavy trucks.
You may want to take into account that:
Electric vehicles: If you have an electric vehicle, look for roadside assistance programs with flatbed towing and mobile charging support.
Winching and extraction conditions: Check what limitations roadside assistance coverages have in terms of towing your car out of snowbanks or ditches.
Trip interruption benefits: Some memberships cover hotel and alternative transportation costs following a breakdown.
Household and individual plans: Some CAA memberships allow you to add vehicles to your plan, which may be cost-effective if you have more than one vehicle.
Fine print: Always triple-check exclusions, mileage caps, fuel delivery costs and repeated-use penalties.
Drivers tend to request roadside assistance during the wintertime, given how frigid temperatures can become and what it does to our vehicles. Extremely cold weather can lead to things like:
Dead batteries.
Frozen fuel lines.
Loss of tire pressure.
Engine issues.
Beyond this, snowstorms and icy roads can increase your chances of sliding into a snowbank or ditch. Driving in rural areas of Canada also adds another layer of complexity. From longer wait times to severe weather conditions and longer towing distances outside of the city, these are all factors you need to consider when purchasing roadside assistance coverage.
So, what can you do today? Preparation matters. Drivers, regardless of where they’re located, should keep an emergency kit in their car with warm clothing, safety markers, food, water, flashlights and more. Just as important, make sure your roadside assistance covers rural and remote roads, highways and longer towing distances so you’re not left paying out of pocket when assistance arrives on scene.
Drivers of electric vehicles face some unique roadside assistance challenges that may not be covered by standard plans. One of the most common issues is running out of charge, which may require a tow to the nearest charging station. Unlike traditional vehicles, EVs should be towed using a flatbed truck to prevent damage.
Cold weather conditions can substantially reduce battery range and charging efficiency, which increases the likelihood of winter breakdowns. Therefore, when comparing options, EV owners should look for providers who specialize in EVs, offer flatbed towing and charging.
Here's what to do if your vehicle breaks down:
Get to safety: If you can, pull your vehicle to a safe spot on the side of the road and turn your hazard lights on.
Find your coverage details: Your roadside assistance card or mobile app will have your membership number and the number you need to call.
Call for help: Contact your roadside assistance provider and request roadside assistance or make a request through the app.
Share key information: Provide your location, vehicle details and the issue you’re experiencing.
Confirm timing and costs: Ask for an estimated time of arrival and whether additional costs apply.
Keep your phone nearby: Make sure your phone is on, so you can monitor updates.
Save receipts: Keep all receipts for possible reimbursement.
Roadside assistance costs will range by provider and province:
Insurance add-ons: Average of $50 to $180 annually.
Membership programs: $75 to $250 or more annually.
Pay-per-use: Range anywhere between $50 to $300 or more, depending on needs.
Many providers offer savings like:
Multi-vehicle discounts.
Discounts for EV drivers.
Savings when bundling your home, auto and roadside assistance policies.
For more information on how roadside assistance coverage works, contact BrokerLink today. We can answer all of your car insurance-related questions, including what roadside assistance coverage is, how it benefits you, and where you can purchase this type of coverage. We can also help you compare prices to ensure you get the most competitive rate.
Plus, as auto insurance experts, we can also give you all kinds of car insurance advice. Whether you want to know about the importance of checking for leaks or want to receive advice on ways that you can keep your rates low, the BrokerLink team is here.
Get an auto insurance quote
