Roadside assistance is one of those things you do not fully appreciate until you actually need it—and you never know when that might be. Whether you’re driving down the highway, on your way to work, or off on a road trip, unexpected things like a flat tire, a dead battery, or an empty gas tank can happen.
That’s where roadside assistance and car insurance coverage come together. Both are there to support you when you need it most. But do you know if your comprehensive car insurance includes roadside assistance? Let’s find out.
Does comprehensive car insurance include roadside assistance?
No, roadside assistance is not automatically included in your car insurance policy. Many insurance companies offer it as an optional car insurance add-on, but not all providers offer roadside assistance. In order to have roadside assistance coverage, you will need to add it to your policy or purchase it from another provider.
What does comprehensive car insurance cover?
Comprehensive car insurance is a type of car insurance that protects your vehicle from damage caused by things other than a collision. So if your car is damaged by winds, dented in a run-in with a deer, spray-painted by a vandal, broken into, crushed by a collapsing garage, or anything similar, comprehensive insurance has you covered. Here's what comprehensive insurance typically includes:
- Hitting an animal, like a deer
- Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes
- Fire
- Riots or vandalism
- Theft of the vehicle or certain attached parts
- Broken windshields
- Damage from fallen objects, like branches, rocks, or hail
Does insurance cover towing after an accident?
Not always. Some policies cover after an accident, but it’s not a standard feature. For your insurance to cover the cost of a tow truck after a collision, you’ll need to have collision coverage or all perils insurance added to your policy.
What is a roadside assistance program?
Roadside assistance is one of those must-haves that can save the day when you least expect it. Whether you are stuck without gas, have a flat tire on a quiet road, or accidentally locked your keys in the car, this coverage is there to help. And since emergencies do not follow a schedule, most roadside assistance services are available 24/7 to support you whenever you need it.
What does roadside assistance cover?
While programs can vary by provider, you can generally expect your roadside assistance to cover things like:
- Towing service
- Battery service
- Tire help
- Lockout services
- Winching and extrication
- Fuel delivery
- Trip interruption
- Breakdown coverage
While having roadside assistance can be super helpful, it does not cover everything. For instance, if you are driving a car that is not yours, it’s usually not included. There are also some limits, like a set number of service calls you can make each year and a maximum towing distance. Other conditions may apply as well, so it’s always a good idea to check the details of your plan.
Does breakdown coverage include any car?
It depends on your roadside assistance plan. Some plans include any type of vehicle, while other plans are limited to specific vehicles.
Who offers roadside assistance in Canada?
In Canada, one unique thing about roadside assistance is that you do not have to get it only from your auto insurance company. You can also buy into roadside assistance programs from third-party providers. For instance, some car manufacturers include complimentary roadside assistance when you buy a new vehicle, and many credit card companies offer it as well. There are several options, including:
CAA
Unless you're new to driving, you've likely heard of CAA. That's because CAA is Canada’s largest roadside assistance provider. While costs differ by province, they generally offer two types of memberships: basic and advanced. Basic memberships are great for short-distance commuters, while advanced memberships are better suited for those who travel longer distances more often. Plus, CAA has an impressive network of over 35,000 tow trucks across the country.
Canadian Tire Roadside
Canadian Tire also offers roadside assistance with several plan options at different price points. Each plan includes a set number of emergency calls per year and a towing limit based on distance in kilometres.
Access Roadside Assistance
Access Roadside Assistance offers a tiered membership throughout North America for roadside assistance coverage. Each plan includes a set number of emergency calls per year and a towing limit based on distance in kilometres.
Canada Direct Roadside Assistance
The Canada Direct Roadside Assistance tailored membership plan offers four calls per year and boasts a price cheaper than its competitors.
Various insurance companies
If you'd rather not get it through a third-party provider like CAA or Canadian Tire, you can add roadside assistance coverage directly through your insurance company. It’s usually available as an add-on to your auto insurance policy. Some insurance companies that offer roadside assistance in Canada include Desjardins, Intact Insurance, and Allstate.
To make sure you’re getting the best roadside assistance coverage at a competitive price, reach out to BrokerLink for a free quote. One of our licensed brokers can provide you with a quick, no-obligation quote and even compare rates from different providers to find the best option for you.
Various credit card companies
Like rental car coverage, roadside assistance is a perk that many credit cards offer. Some Mastercard and Visa cards, for example, come with complimentary roadside assistance. It’s worth checking to see if your credit card includes this coverage already. If it does not, you might want to call your bank to ask about other credit cards that do.
Dealerships
Some car dealerships in Canada also offer roadside assistance, so it’s a good idea to check directly with your local dealership to see what options they have.
Car manufacturers
Some car manufacturers, including Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai, include a roadside assistance plan with their warranties, so if you recently bought a new car, take a look at your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle purchase includes this service. If you’re having trouble finding the details, just call the dealership where you bought your car—they should be able to help.
For used cars, keep in mind that the roadside assistance or factory warranty might have expired, so it’s worth asking the seller about this upfront.
Why you should consider adding roadside assistance coverage
Breaking down on the side of the road is stressful and even a bit scary—it’s something many of us hope we never have to deal with, and it can be an expensive hassle. In those moments, we’re often not sure who to call or what steps to take, and there’s the added worry about things like tow truck scams.
With roadside assistance, you can relax a bit, knowing help is just a call away. If your car breaks down, you’ll have a reliable service to contact, and they’ll get to you quickly with trusted advice on what to do next and where to take your car. You won’t be stuck waiting for hours, and you’ll always have a backup plan.
Roadside assistance through your insurance means you’re covered for almost anything that might happen on the road, giving you full protection and peace of mind while driving.
How to get roadside assistance coverage
If you wish to purchase roadside assistance, you can start by contacting your car insurance provider to find out if they offer it. If they do not, you can work with an insurance broker to find you car insurance coverage that offers it.
You can also look into roadside assistance programs like CAA or Canadian Tire Roadside or talk to your dealership when purchasing a new vehicle. Plus, you can also check with your credit card companies to see if it's already included in any of your policies.
Learn more about car insurance with BrokerLink
Driving in Canada comes with its fair share of surprises, and sometimes you just need a helping hand. Luckily, there are plenty of roadside assistance programs ready to help you out with emergency services, transportation, and more to get you back on the road.
If you want comprehensive coverage and reliable service, BrokerLink can help you compare auto insurance options. We’ll work with you to find the best car insurance company offering a roadside assistance plan in Canada that fits your budget.
You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.
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