Roadside Assistance: Comparing CAA vs Other Canadian Insurers – which policies include or bundle roadside aid.

Picture this: It’s -20°C on a Tuesday morning in Winnipeg. Your car won’t start, and you’re already late for work. Your breath forms clouds as you desperately turn the key, but all you hear is that dreaded clicking sound. What now?

If you’re like most Canadians, your first instinct might be to call CAA. After all, the familiar blue and white logo has been synonymous with roadside rescue for decades . But here’s the thing — in 2025, CAA isn’t the only game in town anymore. Major car insurance providers like TD Insurance, Desjardins, Belairdirect, Intact, and Aviva are rolling out competitive roadside assistance programs that might make you think twice about that standalone membership.

The question isn’t whether you need roadside coverage (spoiler: you absolutely do in Canada’s unpredictable climate). It’s whether the traditional CAA membership still offers the best bang for your buck, or if bundling with your car insurance makes more financial sense.

CAA: The OG of Roadside Help

Let’s give credit where it’s due — CAA has been rescuing stranded Canadian drivers since 1903. With over 35,000 contracted service vehicles across Canada and the US, they’ve built an impressive network that spans from downtown Toronto to the remote highways of Northern Ontario.

CAA’s membership tiers break down like this:

CAA Basic/Classic: $75-110 annually, 4 service calls, 10km towing
CAA Plus: $119-160 annually, 4 service calls, 200km towing
CAA Premier: $149-200 annually, 5 service calls, 320km on first call, 200km on remaining

All plans include the essentials: battery boosts, flat tire changes, lockout services, fuel delivery, and that famous 3¢/L discount at Shell stations . Plus, your membership follows you — not your car — so you’re covered whether you’re driving your Honda Civic or your friend’s pickup truck .

Best for: Frequent road-trippers, winter commuters, and anyone who drives regularly beyond city limits. The higher-tier plans are particularly valuable if you often travel between cities or venture into rural areas

What Insurers Are Offering Now

Here’s where things get interesting. Canadian car insurers have stepped up their roadside game significantly, often offering competitive coverage at a fraction of CAA’s cost.

TD Insurance arguably offers the most comprehensive package through their Deluxe Auto Club membership . Included free with the TD Cash Back Visa Infinite card (which has a $120 annual fee), you get unlimited service calls, 200km towing, and coverage for your spouse and children under 22 . That’s hard to beat when you consider the credit card’s other benefits.

Desjardins operates a standalone roadside program at $107 annually . You get 5 service calls per year with 10km towing, plus the flexibility to add it without needing Desjardins car insurance . Their customer service operates 24/7 with dedicated Canadian and US phone lines.

Belairdirect takes the budget-friendly approach at just $45 annually ($3.75/month). Four service calls per year, 50km towing, and a mobile app that lets you request help with pre-filled information . User reviews on Reddit suggest decent response times, though some report occasional app glitches.

Intact Insurance offers roadside assistance as a policy add-on . Four calls annually, 50km towing, and their app uses GPS to pinpoint your location automatically . Pricing varies by broker, but it’s typically competitive when bundled with auto insurance.

Aviva Canada includes roadside assistance as part of their comprehensive auto coverage . Available 24/7 across Canada and the US, though specific pricing and limits depend on your policy details

What to Ask Before Choosing

Before committing to any roadside program, get clear answers on:

Is it truly 24/7, 365 days? Some programs have limited hours or holiday restrictions
Does it cover family members or just the policyholder? CAA covers you in any vehicle; some insurance add-ons only cover registered drivers
Will using it affect my insurance premiums? Most insurers confirm roadside calls don’t count as claims, but verify this
What’s the real towing distance? 10km might sound adequate until you break down 15km from the nearest town
Are there trip interruption benefits? CAA Premier and some insurance programs offer meal/accommodation reimbursement for longer trips

The Bottom Line

CAA remains the gold standard for comprehensive roadside coverage, especially if you’re a frequent traveler or live in rural areas. Their extensive network, generous towing distances, and additional perks (fuel discounts, travel services, insurance discounts) can justify the higher cost for many drivers .

But for urban drivers who primarily stick to city limits, insurance company add-ons offer compelling value. Belairdirect’s $45 annual program or bundling with your existing auto policy can provide adequate coverage at a fraction of CAA’s cost .

The sweet spot might be somewhere in the middle. TD Insurance’s included Auto Club membership with their credit card offers CAA-level coverage at a competitive price point, especially if you’re already considering that particular card for other benefits .

You might not need roadside help every day — but when you do, you’ll want it fast, easy, and without surprise costs. Whether that means sticking with CAA’s proven network or exploring the competitive alternatives now available, the key is having coverage before you need it.

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