No one plans to break down and even if they did, they’d choose far more convenient places and times than where and when it usually seems to occur. Luckily, roadside assistance is more available than ever. Where once a couple organizations provided this service, now assistance is available through some automakers, national car service chains and even as a perk for upscale credit card programs. Here we look at a few of the big players, their services and prices at the time of publication.

Note that given Canada’s size, some remote areas may have reduced coverage, or one towing operator may act as an agent for several assistance providers.

Canadian Automobile Association

Nationally, the CAA has nine regional clubs with 140 offices. These nine clubs cover coast-to-coast, as some clubs, such as CAA Atlantic, cover regions rather than following provincial boundaries. At the time of publication, CAA Manitoba and CAA South Central Ontario were in discussions to merge. Coverage is good anywhere in Canada and the U.S.

Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance

Canadian Tire is a service chain and retailer with a heavy emphasis on automotive parts and accessories. Many locations provide full-service car repairs and this assistance plan includes unlimited tows to Canadian Tire service centres. Though Canadian Tire has no outlets in the U.S., its roadside assistance covers trips south of the border.

Costco Roadside Assistance

The membership club retailer Costco has sold tires and other auto accessories and many stores have tire rotation and service facilities on-site. While you must be a member to purchase a roadside assistance package, and your vehicle must be less than 12 years old, the rate for basic coverage is substantially cheaper than the major competition.

Dominion Automobile Association

Since 1948, the DAA has offered motorists support service, one of the old timers in the business, along with CAA. This London, Ontario-based service is used as a supplier by third-party providers who offer roadside assistance plans, such as banks and credit cards.