Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance is a paid membership that can dispatch towing and common roadside help across Canada and the U.S. The “best” plan depends less on marketing and more on how you actually drive: one main vehicle vs multiple vehicles, shared drivers vs solo, and how far you typically need a tow.
This guide breaks down current plans, towing limits, service-call rules, and the fine print that matters in real breakdowns-then compares Canadian Tire to CAA and to “free” roadside benefits bundled with credit cards.
Key Takeaways
- Canadian Tire sells both member-based and vehicle-based plans. Member plans follow the person; vehicle plans follow the registered vehicle. Choose based on how many vehicles you drive in a month.1
- Gold plan towing is up to 200 km per service call to a destination of your choice (within plan rules). Silver plan towing is shorter (10 km).2
- Wait 24 hours after activation for full coverage. Service within the first 24 hours can come with an admin fee and reduced towing distance.3
- Don’t pay twice: some drivers already have roadside help via a credit card (notably Triangle World Elite) or an auto policy add-on-coverage terms can be very different.6
- Know what counts as a “service call” and what is excluded (vehicle type limits, unattended vehicles, repeat non-emergency calls, off-road access).2
On This Page
- Quick answers
- Who this is best for (and who should skip it)
- Plans and how it works
- Current plan prices and limits (table)
- Coverage details to verify before you buy
- Cost and value: how to avoid paying twice
- Canadian Tire vs CAA (practical differences)
- Roadside via auto insurance vs membership
- How to use Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance
- Decision flow: pick the right option
- Common scenarios (what typically happens)
- FAQs
- Sources
Quick answers
Is Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance good in Canada?
It can be a strong value for drivers who want a simple dispatch service and predictable plan limits-especially if you mostly drive one primary vehicle or your household shares one registered vehicle. Service experiences can vary by region and peak demand (storms, holidays), so the best way to set expectations is to understand the plan’s limits and exclusions before you need help.2
Does it cover the car or the person?
It depends on the plan type:
- Member plans: coverage for registered members regardless of which vehicle they are driving or riding in (within plan rules).1
- Vehicle plans: coverage for the registered vehicle regardless of who is driving it (within plan rules).1
How much does it cost?
Canadian Tire’s paid plans are commonly advertised with regular annual pricing starting at $74.99 + tax for entry plans, with promotions sometimes shown online for lower amounts. Always confirm the current checkout price, taxes, and renewal terms for your province.14
How far will they tow?
Current Canadian Tire terms show Gold plans: up to 200 km per service call and Silver plans: up to 10 km per service call to a destination of your choice (within plan rules). Silver plans may also allow towing up to 25 km if you choose a Canadian Tire Auto Service Centre.2
Is it better than CAA?
Neither is “best” for everyone. The biggest real-world difference is usually coverage model (vehicle-based vs member-based), plus towing distance, service-call limits, and the local contractor network. If you often drive multiple vehicles (work car, rentals, borrowed cars), a member-based model can be more convenient. If you mainly drive one registered vehicle and multiple people drive it, vehicle-based coverage can be simpler.19
Fast plan pick
Who Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance is best for (and who should skip it)
Best fit
- Shared-vehicle households: vehicle-based coverage can reduce “who is the member?” confusion when someone else is driving.1
- Drivers who want a simple dispatch option: one phone number for towing, lockouts, boosts, flat tire help, and fuel delivery (subject to plan limits).2
- Urban and suburban drivers: Silver plans can be enough if your “typical tow” is short (but verify what you would do for longer-distance breakdowns).2
Consider alternatives when
- You need long-distance towing often: compare Gold vs CAA tiers carefully and confirm limits in writing.29
- You drive rentals, work vehicles, or borrowed cars regularly: member-based coverage is usually more flexible than vehicle-based coverage.1
- You already have roadside coverage elsewhere: credit card, auto policy add-on, or new-vehicle roadside-avoid paying twice by comparing the fine print first.6
Coverage exists is not the same as fast service
Roadside assistance is delivered through dispatch networks and local providers. In severe weather or peak travel periods, delays are possible. Build your plan around the towing limits and your safety plan, not just the annual fee.2
Plans and how it works
Plan types: Member vs Vehicle (and Family)
Canadian Tire markets three common structures:
- Member plans: coverage for registered members regardless of which vehicle they are driving or riding in (within plan rules).1
- Vehicle plans: coverage for the registered vehicle regardless of who is driving it (within plan rules).1
- Family plans: a multi-member version (useful for households with multiple drivers).1
Practical note: plan benefits still have eligibility rules. For example, terms can require a licensed driver to be present while service is being rendered and can exclude unattended vehicles.2
What counts as a service call
A “service call” is the unit that typically gets counted against your annual plan limit (for example, a tow, a battery boost, or a lockout). Canadian Tire terms also describe limits on how much time and how many service providers are included per call (Gold generally includes more equipment/time than Silver). If additional trucks, specialized equipment, or extra time are required, you can be asked to authorize extra charges before service proceeds.2
Activation and first-day limitations
Canadian Tire’s FAQ notes that service begins 24 hours after activation. If service is requested within the first 24 hours, an administration fee may apply and towing distance can be limited (for example, 10 km). Confirm the exact rule for your plan at purchase/activation.3
Where it works (Canada and the U.S.)
Canadian Tire advertises 24-hour roadside assistance across Canada and the U.S., with towing to a destination of your choice within plan rules and distance limits.12
Current plan prices and limits (table)
Methodology for the price table
- Source: official Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance plan pages and plan comparison page, plus official Terms and FAQ.
- Date check: reviewed and updated for January 8, 2026.
- Pricing notes: prices shown online may include limited-time promotions; taxes vary by province; renewal pricing and rules can differ (including Quebec-specific renewal structure in the Terms).12
| Plan (paid membership) | Coverage attaches to | Service calls per year | Towing distance per service call | Typical advertised annual price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Member | Registered member | 3 | Up to 10 km | $74.99 + tax (promos may apply) |
| Gold Member | Registered member | 5 | Up to 200 km | $114.99 + tax (promos may apply) |
| Silver Vehicle | Registered vehicle | 3 | Up to 10 km | $74.99 + tax (promos may apply) |
| Gold Vehicle | Registered vehicle | 5 | Up to 200 km | $114.99 + tax (promos may apply) |
| Silver Family | Multiple registered members | 6 | Up to 10 km | $109.99 + tax (promos may apply) |
| Gold Family | Multiple registered members | 10 | Up to 200 km | $149.99 + tax (promos may apply) |
Where the numbers come from: service-call counts and standard prices are shown on the official plan comparison page, while towing distance limits and rules are defined in the Terms (including “up to 200 km” for Gold and “up to 10 km” for Silver, plus the Silver option of towing up to 25 km to a Canadian Tire Auto Service Centre).12
Secondary members and additional vehicles
Canadian Tire also lists pricing for adding a secondary member or additional vehicle under some plan structures. If you are trying to cover two drivers and two cars, always compare “one family plan” vs “one member plan plus add-ons” vs “two vehicle plans.”45
Coverage details to verify before you buy
Roadside services can look identical in marketing, but the Terms are where the differences live. Use this checklist before checkout.
Towing: the questions that prevent surprises
- Distance cap: Silver vs Gold towing distance per service call.2
- Destination rules: what counts as an eligible destination and whether “nearest repair facility” can apply in severe weather conditions.2
- Second tow on the same event: many roadside programs do not include “tow it again later” as part of the same service call (for example: shop to home, then home to shop).2
- Accident-related towing: some roadside services limit or exclude towing tied to insurance claims (collision/comprehensive) and treat those differently from mechanical breakdowns.2
- Vehicle eligibility: check weight limits and excluded vehicle types (for example, medium/heavy duty, certain specialty vehicles).2
Battery boosts, lockouts, flat tires, and fuel delivery
These are the most common calls. Also the most common “this didn’t work” outcomes:
- No spare tire: a “flat tire change” is only useful if your vehicle has a spare (or the proper inflator kit) and the necessary wheel-lock key/adapter is in the vehicle.
- Modern lockouts: some vehicles require specialized methods; terms can allow reimbursement up to plan limits if you call a locksmith when needed (with proper receipts and within program rules).2
- Fuel delivery: Gold terms describe delivery of up to a small amount of fuel (with additional fuel paid by you), while Silver can cover delivery but you pay fuel cost; confirm current wording before relying on this benefit.2
Reimbursement if no provider is available
If you cannot contact the program or there is no nearby provider, the Terms describe a reimbursement path with maximums by plan. For Canadian Tire, the Terms list reimbursement maximums of up to $45 per service call for Silver and up to $250 per service call for Gold, with receipt requirements and a 30-day submission window.2
The FAQ also outlines how to submit reimbursement and where to send claims (email or mail), and reiterates plan maximums by tier.3
Trip accident assistance (limited reimbursement)
Canadian Tire Terms include a “Trip Accident Assistance” benefit with specific eligibility rules and annual maximums, including distance-from-home requirements and receipt/police report requirements. If this benefit matters to you, read it word-for-word before assuming it will cover a hotel or rental car.2
Cost, value, and how to avoid paying twice
The quickest way to waste money on roadside coverage is to buy a membership while already having a similar benefit elsewhere-especially when the “elsewhere” benefit is stronger than you think.
Start with this overlap checklist
| Where you might already have roadside coverage | What to check | Common gotcha |
|---|---|---|
| Credit card benefit | Towing distance, number of calls, whether it follows you or a vehicle, activation required | Dispatch-only or different limits than a paid membership |
| Auto insurance add-on | Whether it is dispatch or reimbursement, towing distance, number of service events per year | Not “destination of your choice” or smaller distance caps |
| New-vehicle roadside / warranty | Duration, what failures are covered, whether towing must go to a dealership network | Restrictions on destination and coverage only during warranty window |
| Dealership service package | What is included vs what is marketed, renewal costs | Coverage tied to dealership servicing |
Triangle World Elite Mastercard: the big one to check first
Canadian Tire markets that the Triangle World Elite Mastercard includes a Roadside Assistance Gold Plan benefit and that the card has no annual fee (eligibility requirements apply).6
Important detail: the credit-card benefit documentation for that included roadside plan can list towing up to 250 km per service call to a destination of your choice (within Canada or the U.S.)-which can differ from the towing limit shown on current paid Gold plan terms. Treat your benefit certificate as the governing document for the included plan, and confirm the version tied to your card at activation.7
Other credit cards with roadside assistance
Some Canadian credit cards bundle roadside programs with annual fees (or “first year” fee rebates). If you already pay for a premium card, compare its roadside benefit against a separate membership before buying twice.12
Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance vs CAA (practical differences)
CAA pricing and plan details vary by region, so treat any comparison as a regional example and verify your local club’s page before buying. The table below uses publicly posted CAA plan details from a Canadian club region and Canadian Tire’s official plan terms.
| Category | Canadian Tire (paid Gold example) | CAA (example region: higher-tier plan) |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage model | Choose member plan or vehicle plan | Typically member-based |
| Service calls | 5 per year (Gold Member or Gold Vehicle) | Varies by plan (commonly 4 calls per year) |
| Towing distance | Up to 200 km per service call (paid Gold terms) | Varies by plan (example: 200 km towing on Plus tier) |
| Typical annual pricing | $114.99 + tax (promos may apply) | Varies by club and plan (example: Plus tier pricing shown publicly) |
| Best for | Drivers who want a Canadian Tire plan structure, including vehicle-based coverage options | Drivers who want member-based coverage and club-style benefits |
CAA example sources: CAA membership and towing distance details are published by regional clubs (examples include CAA North & East Ontario plan pricing and CAA South Central Ontario towing distance notes). Always verify your local club page for the plan you are considering.89
Service experience and towing rights (Ontario example)
In Ontario, towing and storage rules have tightened in recent years. CAA summarizes consumer rights such as: choosing who tows your vehicle and where it is towed, consent requirements before towing begins, invoice/receipt requirements, and limits tied to maximum rates published with the Ministry of Transportation portal.10
The Insurance Bureau of Canada also summarizes Ontario towing and storage rules and consumer rights, including reviewing consent forms and maximum rate schedules before towing begins and keeping copies of signed documents.11
Roadside assistance through auto insurance vs a membership
Many drivers can add roadside to an auto policy. Whether it is “better” depends on the fine print:
- Dispatch vs reimbursement: some programs send help directly; others require you to pay and submit receipts.
- Towing destination rules: an insurance add-on can be more restrictive than a standalone membership.
- Convenience vs flexibility: one bill can be convenient, but you may prefer a dedicated roadside program for clearer service limits.
Bottom line: if you already have insurance-based roadside, compare towing distance, number of events, lockout rules, and what happens in severe weather. Then decide whether the membership adds real incremental value.
How to use Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance (step-by-step)
Before you need it (two-minute readiness check)
- Save the roadside number in your phone and keep your membership details accessible.
- Confirm whether your vehicle has a spare tire and the wheel-lock key/adapter.
- Keep a phone charger, warm layer, reflective triangle or flares, and a small flashlight in the vehicle.
- Store a photo of your VIN and plate on your phone for faster dispatch.
When you need help (dispatch checklist)
- Get safe first: hazards on, move off the roadway if possible, stay visible.
- Call roadside: Canadian Tire provides phone contact information in its Terms (including the main assistance number).2
- Give exact location: highway name, direction, nearest exit, cross street, or a map pin.
- Describe the issue clearly: no-start, flat, locked out, stuck, tow needed.
- Ask what is included: confirm whether your situation will count as one service call and whether any extra charges could apply (special equipment, extra time).
- Document the basics: time of call, reference number (if provided), provider name.
If you end up paying out of pocket
Keep itemized receipts and submit reimbursement within the required time window if you qualify under the program’s reimbursement policy. Canadian Tire’s Terms and FAQ both describe the process and plan maximums.23
Decision flow: pick the right roadside option
flowchart TD
A[Need roadside coverage in Canada]
A --> B{Mostly drive one vehicle}
B -->|Yes| C{Many drivers use that vehicle}
C -->|Yes| D[Compare vehicle based plans]
C -->|No| E{Already have roadside on card or insurance}
B -->|No| F[Compare member based plans]
E -->|Yes| G[Compare towing limits and exclusions]
E -->|No| H[Price membership vs insurance add on]
D --> I[Verify towing distance and service call limits]
F --> I
G --> I
H --> I
I --> J[Choose plan that matches driving pattern and local availability]Common scenarios (what typically happens)
Dead battery in a parking lot
Roadside dispatch typically sends a boost. If the battery is failing, a boost might get you going once, but you may still need replacement. In cold snaps, assume delays are possible and keep warm while staying visible.
Flat tire with no spare
If your vehicle does not have a spare, a “tire change” may not solve the problem-towing may be the real solution. This is why you should verify what you carry (spare vs inflator kit) before relying on any roadside plan.
Keys locked in the car
Lockout help can be included, but modern vehicles can complicate entry. Terms can allow reimbursement in some lockout scenarios (within plan limits and documentation rules).2
Tow to a shop or home
The practical outcome depends on your plan’s towing distance cap and what counts as an eligible destination. For long-distance towing, Gold tiers are usually where the value shows up because one long tow can exceed the annual membership cost.
FAQs
Is Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance available across Canada?
It is marketed as available across Canada, with service also described for the U.S., but response times and contractor availability vary by region and peak demand.12
What is the biggest difference between member plans and vehicle plans?
Member plans attach coverage to the registered member; vehicle plans attach coverage to the registered vehicle (within program rules). Choose based on how many vehicles you drive and how many people drive the same vehicle.1
How long after activation can I use the service?
The FAQ states service begins 24 hours after activation, and service in the first 24 hours can come with an admin fee and reduced towing distance (confirm at purchase).3
How many service calls do I get?
Service-call limits vary by plan tier and structure (member vs vehicle vs family). The plan comparison page lists the service-call counts per plan.1
What is the towing distance for Silver vs Gold?
Canadian Tire’s Terms list towing distance limits of up to 10 km per service call for Silver and up to 200 km per service call for Gold (and Silver may allow up to 25 km to a Canadian Tire Auto Service Centre).2
Is Canadian Tire roadside included with a Triangle credit card?
Canadian Tire markets that the Triangle World Elite Mastercard includes a Gold roadside benefit and that the card has no annual fee (eligibility requirements apply). Confirm the benefit terms you receive at activation because benefit documents can specify their own towing distance and rules.67
How do reimbursements work if I arrange my own tow?
The Terms describe reimbursement when you cannot contact the program or no provider is available, with maximums by tier and receipt requirements. The FAQ also explains submission steps and timelines.23
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not a quote, contract, or legal advice. Coverage, exclusions, pricing, and dispatch practices can change and may differ by province and plan. Always confirm details on the provider’s official plan pages and Terms before you buy or rely on coverage.
Update note
- Last updated: January 8, 2026
- Verified plan types, towing distance limits, activation rules, and published plan pricing from official plan pages and Terms.
Sources
- Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance – Plan Comparison: https://roadsideassistance.canadiantire.ca/pages/plan-comparison
- Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance – Terms & Conditions: https://roadsideassistance.canadiantire.ca/pages/ctra-terms-conditions
- Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance – FAQ: https://roadsideassistance.canadiantire.ca/pages/faq
- Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance – Silver Member Plan: https://roadsideassistance.canadiantire.ca/pages/silver-member-plan
- Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance – Gold Member Plan: https://roadsideassistance.canadiantire.ca/pages/gold-member-plan
- Triangle – Triangle World Elite Mastercard (no annual fee): https://triangle.canadiantire.ca/en/credit-cards/triangle-world-elite-mastercard.html
- Triangle World Elite Mastercard Roadside Assistance Gold Plan (benefit PDF): https://media.ctfs.com/optional_products_documents/World_Elite_Roadside_Assistance_EN.pdf
- CAA North & East Ontario – Membership (example regional pricing): https://caaneo.ca/membership/
- CAA South Central Ontario – Estimated Wait Times (includes towing distance notes by plan): https://www.caasco.com/auto/roadside-assistance/estimated-wait-times
- CAA South Central Ontario – Towing Rights: https://www.caasco.com/advocacy/government-relations/towing-rights
- Insurance Bureau of Canada – Ontario Towing & Storage Regulations: https://www.ibc.ca/issues-and-advocacy/regulation/ontario-towing-storage-regulations
- Rates.ca – Credit cards with roadside assistance (Canada): https://rates.ca/resources/top-credit-cards-roadside-assistance-canada
About the Author: ALAN ISIK
I recently signed up for Canadian Tire roadside assistance . Don’t waste your money.
I called and requested a tow. I needed to be towed to my garage as my battery died. In order to diagnose the problem, the car needed to be towed with a dead battery so my garage could diagnose the problem. The tow truck driver shows up . He refused to tow it and insisted on a boost. I told him no. He made every excuse not to tow my car. He told me, I would need to bring a dolly in here to get your car out. He had no dolly.. He also said there was too much snow. I have pictures and there wasnt. I own a CRV, a dolly is required to tow it.
I called their customers service and spoke to a supervisor. She tellsme roadside assistance is for is just for getting the vehicle back on the road quickly. She also told me the vehicle needs to be able to start before a tow can be done. So they never run into a situation where a vehicle has no power to a battery?
She had no answer for me. I canceled my membership and was refunded 19.99.
Don’t sign up with them. Just don’t.
Ya like so many others, after reading all the negative ct experiences, i will stick with bcaa to gift to my kids…
So terrible service my husbands car broke down by the road 8 am while he was coming home from work from north. And now it’s 5:30 almost they haven’t picked him up … if it was winter he would die out there . And every time he calls they say 1h 2 h 30 min . Such BS company never ever chose this service . Terrible if you are strained in cold winter little secluded you will die out there waiting for them
Wow, I was thinking of buying a Gold membership but the comments here are all negative, so won’t buy one now.
Raymond Hunt May 6, 2018
My experience with Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance started Sunday morning because I was supposed to have my car back Sunday morning to have a water pump installed. This morning I went out to start the car to drive to Canadian Tire Newmarket to finish the work they had done Saturday. Saturday the car would not start and I was assured that the problem was fixed by Canadian Tire, but in trying to start the car nothing happened, so I called Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance around 8:05 and explained I need to have the car in Newmarket by 9 am, I was told 45 minutes. I called them back after an hour and a half and they said maybe three hours. I said this is unacceptable and a attendant said he would call Abrams and call me back. I waited and waited but no call back from Roadside so I called Abrams and they said one hour. Two hours later the driver showed and took my car to Newmarket for repairs.
I don’t understand why this company that sold me a GOLD MEMBERSHIP for Canadian Tire Roadside assistance didn’t have the experience or consideration to call me back to let me know what is going on with my service call. Would I tell my family and friends to purchase Roadside Assistance through Canadian Tire? I couldn’t do that to them. Do I expect a call or compensation from Roadside Assistance? no
Worst experience ever!! Their service agent said “I don’t care”!!! What, they are supposed to care and take care of you . . . ?????
I had bought the Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance family plan thinking this was the best thing ever given the cost . . .BAD IDEA!!! After a couple of months of purchasing this plan, my son called for his van which broke down on the night of Feb 9/23. They firstly, told him his van was too big . . . then said there would be a delay and then continued to offer many excuses why they couldn’t come help him . . . (the tow truck was stuck, was delayed, had another job, and after waiting over night and many hours, waiting all the next day, they then said it would take another 3 hours . . . Jeeze . . wt_)
So, my husband called to express his concerns and asked what was going on but, during the recorded conversation, the agent said to him, “I DON’T CARE” . . . WHAT . . . . what kind of service is this??????
We still had CAA coverage for a couple of days. Giving up on Can Crappy Tire, my husband called CAA, they said they would be there is 30 minutes no questions asked!!! Did so, and the van was taken to the garage for repairs! Now Jesus, that is customer service!!
We had been with CAA for many years and only switched to save money . . . wasn’t worth it to switch for sure!! Don’t buy the Can Tire CRAPPY Roadside Assistance!!
CAA has always been prompt, courteous and we never ever encountered such disrespect, so, back to CAA we go!!
We were soooo unhappy, the Can Tire Crappy Roadside assistance gave us a full refund!!
Deeply regret having left CAA but, just signed back up with them again. They are more expensive but, DEFINITELY WORTH IT!!!
Don’t use this service!!it is a scam!! They take your money and then refuse to supply a towing company! I had to find my own as told by agent on phone and they would reimburse me in ,6-8 weeks?? Contacting better business bureau and reporting them as they are totally misleading the public and taking people’s money and cannot supply the service they are advertising!
I have a Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance Gold membership and I’ve recently had problems on the road with a car. I called to the service for the first time. They promised to the call back in 10 minutes. But they called back after more than 2 hours. I began to ask why they left us on the road for so long, and so on. The operator simply hung up and they did not give us any help. Now we will register with another company. With this company, money is wasted. I wouldn’t advise anyone to dealing with them.
Was considering Cdn Tire, will stick with CAA after reading these reviews. Slight extra cost is definitely worth reliable service.
I have had Costco Roadside Assistance and CAA but never have I been more happy than with Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance. Not only do they give you a free oil change & similar discounts and services, they’re much cheaper. Just a couple of days ago (Covid 19 era), my battery died. I called them thinking it would be hours, if they helped me at all. I waited less than 20 minutes for boost. A1 Towing in Carleton Place, Ontario did the boost with a smile while I waited. Also, they’re much easier to work with and don’t put you through the ringer with all the questions. Just call the number given and your name & phone number & you’re good to go. Super happy & impressed.
I was a Gold Plan member and it says that it offers 5 services calls. Unfortunately, this is not completely as they advertise.
Our engine died and we were able to get it towed with little issue to the mechanic. Since it was unable to be fixed, we were looking to get it towed to another place and they wouldn’t tow our dead vehicle because they said that it was being used “as a transportation service”. I had just renewed with them for the year and only used it the one time, which to me says that I had 4 more tows available. This was not the case and we had to pay for the second tow out of pocket.
It felt very misleading and I was informed that it was written in the fine print upon the purchase. Since I purchased on the phone with a sales representative, I was not informed of this information at all. Very disappointing. I do not recommend this service.
I have the free membership from having the Elite Card. I’ve carried the card for years and have never needed it but after reading the reviews here I won’t even bother carrying the card anymore. I can call CAA if I have an emergency and can join ‘on the spot’ when their tow truck shows up. “Free” isn’t worthwhile if it jeopardizes your safety or the safety of your loved ones. Just another CT “flash in the pan”.
Called their service. Was told an hour. Waited 70 minutes. The tow truck left me ABANDONED on the side of a dark country road in the freezing cold. Why ? I didn’t have my insurance paper on me in the car…. I sent them a picture of my son’s insurance slip, but it wasn’t enough for them. So I left abandoned…. wtf ??? I called back and canceled member ship. This was in my first month of “service”. Never again !! And shame on you Canadian Tire !
I have a Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance Gold membership and I’ve had to call for a tow truck a couple of times. The first time I called them I was told there would be a tow truck in 45 to 60 minutes. I had my 3 year old with me(which I told them), stopped on the side of the QEW, weather was getting bad, it’s winter, snowing, cold, no heat in the car, late at night and nowhere near home. It took them 3 hours to get there. I kept calling them every now and then and they kept telling me the tow was around the corner so the last time I told them to stay on the line until the truck got there, if it was around the corner!
The second time I called for a tow truck around 7am on Tuesday morning. They told me a tow truck would be there in 2 hours, it took 5 hours! The tow got there at noon. I called them a few times and they kept telling me it would be there in 20mins, half an hour, etc. When the driver finally got there I asked him and he told me they’d just called him a few minutes before. So, somebody was lying. Based on the 2 instances I’d say CT was lying. I have already had enough of their crap and I’m considering making a switch as soon as my membership is up. I wouldn’t advise anyone to sign up with them. I’ve been told CAA is faster and more efficient.
Huge waste of money and time!!! Ridiculous!
First time i spent 7 hours on the side of the road waiting to get help. Today I got a flat tire and called and called and the stupid machine kept answering saying they could not assist me. To send them receipts for reimbursement!! The whole point of paying this company is to not end up paying out of pocket and than waiting weeks to get my money back if i even do.. and the paper work added on top of dealing with a broken down car!!! Absolutely disrespectful to a customer that has paid over $200 and when in need just left stranded on the side of the road! Unacceptable, ridiculous, frustrating!! I can not stress this enough!! Dont give your moneh to this company!!! It is a fraud!! Go with CAA! Do NOT get into a contract with Canadiantire roadside assistance please!!! Protect yourself, and pick a company who will actual come through with their part of the contract and be there when needed! This is definitely NOT a company that can be relied upon or trusted!
Canadian tire automobile towing membership is now a joke in 2017 you would get 250 km of towing now in 2021 you get 200 km of towing as well I tried to book a tow truck this morning at 9:00 a.m. and the tow truck could not show up till 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. the local toe company where I live said that they were busy which they always say that because they don’t want to do any of the toast recognition targets they say they don’t make any money I will never get another clean toddler with a membership again because it’s tied to one specific vehicle I only got it because of the extra 50 km for towing and the 5 toes per year on a pause of note I will say the gentleman who came at 1:00 p.m. today to tell my vehicle was polite and on time.
Last saturday, on February 4, 2023, Halifax had a low of -39C. I had trouble starting my automobile in the morning. When I phoned Canadian Tire Roadside Central at 1-888-727-7478, a voicemail advised me that no attendants were available because of the high volume of calls. The phone was answered after a very long 34 minutes with a voice message asking me to type my Roadside ID.
I did that, but their inability to identify my ID was shocking. Up until the point that my call was disconnected, I kept typing. Then, when I attempted to browse their website, there was no chat feature. They responded to my email TWO DAYS LATER, essentially saying “I am sorry for the inconvenience.” I requested to have my subscription cancelled because I truly didn’t need a service that I couldn’t get in touch with when I needed it due to a high amount of calls. I was disappointed to hear that my subscription “will be on June 2023 as per our cancellation policy and your request.”
Unbeliavable!!! How were they unprepared for that since the weather forecast warned for many days that the temperature will drop significantly on February 4, 2023? Canadian Tire Roadside has profoundly let me down. The worst part of not receiving assistance when I most needed it was hearing that I couldn’t cancel my subscription “as per our cancellation policy and your request.”
Total waste of money you don’t even get a single service what they are mention on website and customer care was horrible they don’t know what this service regarding and I would recommend to go for Different option instead of wasting your dollars on them.Total useless.
I called for a Tow Mar 30 / 20 for my 06 F350 single axle and was told that they do not include 3/4 or 1 ton pick ups in their plans and that i should of seen the policy in the fine print. Most of the pick ups here are 3/4 or 1 ton. Very useless manager that i spoke to on the phone and will never renew with them again. Told him he was a poor manager when all he could say is i should of read the fine print.
I have been considering Cdn Tire’s roadside assistance but, after reading these comments, I will stick with CAA. Sometimes I have had to wait for 30 minutes, sometimes only 5. They obviously have a better network than Cdn Tire. CAA calls you back to let you know how far away the tow truck is. They have been very courteous and professional over the years.
August 17, 2021: I have been a member of this Canadian Tire Auto Club company for many years , maybe more than 15 years and I dont remember if I ever claim anything. On August 17, 2021 I along with my family came back from a long flight to Toronto and when I picked up my car I noticed that my tire is flat. I asked my daughter , she is 17, to call them while I go to see if I can get any help. Two times they hung up on my daughter and finally after a long time on hold, a lady answered and she asked too many non sense questions, finally she said you have to wait for 90 minutes you may get some help, she even was not sure after 90 minutes I certainly get help. They don’t have any tow truck or service by themselves , they have to call other companies to get service. so they are simply irresponsible dispatching company that get money from people and not giving any service to them. This seems to be a fraud and fake company We were waiting for a few hours and nobody showed up and finally I paid a person who was taking care of the parking to call his friend to come and do the tire change for us. I and my family really were hurt emotionally and we still mentally are so sad and suffering of this and how they treated us. We have been paying them for many years that one time to use them and they didnt even care to answer our phone or giving us any services. Sorry I wrote long but I am so upset and emotional. Total waste of money you don’t even get a single service what they are mentioning on website and customer care was horrible they don’t know what this service regarding and I would recommend to go for Different option instead of wasting your money on them. Completely useless. I called the next day to talk with their manager, he promised me to investigate and somebody will call me but I have not received anything so far. I am not sure if there is anything we can do to stop this fraud and ripping off people legally. But if you guys want to take any action against this fraud please let me know here I will join you.
Canadian tire roadside assistance discrimates against people that drive 3/4 ton pickup trucks as a personal truck!!
Towed my truck last year, but this year was an issue !
TWO FACED LIARS!!!
CAA is the way to go.
In typical canadian tire fashion , another service that isn’t worth the paper it is written on!!!!
Like another reader, I was considering Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance but with all the negative comments I’ll pay a little more and stay with CAA.
Would not reccomend!! I’m not an official member, but I called for their OnDemand services. The tow truck arrived 20min earlier than they said, (before I had time to get to where my car was broken down), and left before I arrived! The driver didn’t pick up their phone when I called, and Canadian Tire still charged be $80 for a tow I didn’t receive. Called Customer Service, refused a refund. Never calling this business again.
Never go for Canadian tire Roadside assistance!
Canadian Tire road side assistance is just not waste of money. It is not for roadside even. it is whenever you are at home because delay time is always 2-3hr if you are lucky. It happened with me 3 times. It could be more than 5 hr. 24/7 calling is highly misleading. It is just for picking up phone. Today I needed help just for boosting. They are coming after 5 hr. They say if it is urgent call external roadside company who needs 75$ for boosting. Canadian tire does not even cover more than 45$ for this. Boosting is very basic think. Every time I call. They know one word. “Sorry” too many times.
Go for AMA or CAA. It is worth your time at emergency and during normal time. Roadside assistance is serious thing.
Do not let Canadian tire to play with this. Do not put your family in trouble. Do not waste your hardly earned money.
I have been a Road Side Assistance member for a number of years and have the gold plan. On Friday Jan. 12, 2018, I was pulled over by the police near 2092 Upper Middle Road East in Oakville and I told I turned right on a red light (true) and apparently that was not allowed (I did not see the sign). I turned off the engine (why waste gas) and kept the lights on while the officer wrote out the traffic ticket. Net effect: flat battery. I do not have a cell plan but the officer was kind enough to phone road side assistance and she was told I would have to wait 1 – 2 hours. I could not believe it. It was pouring rain which changed to sleet and then became a full blizzard and I waited and waited. A car does not have good insulation with temperatures sinking rapidly. Within 30 minutes I was cold. At the 1 hour 30 minute I could barely feel my toes. I saw ahead and saw a sign saying “open” and went into JazAuto…a used car dealer. The dealer let me borrow the phone and I telephoned to ask “Where was the truck?”. I was told it would come in 30 minutes if the weather did not get worse (it did). I was not amused because I had waited and waited. I ended up waiting another 1.5 hours and still there was no tow truck. The dealer was kind and let me stay in the building (otherwise you might have had someone with severe frost-bite or a corpse) and at 4:30 he volunteered to give me a boost. I had waited at that point 3.5 hours and no one turned up! I then took 2 hours to get to Simcoe as the weather was horrible. As soon as I got there and tried to calm down my husband, I telephoned Road Side Assistance and stated that I had finally received a boost and a tow truck was no longer required. The person on the other side said okay she would cancel the request. I asked when did the tow truck come. She told me I was still on the waiting list (5 and a half hours later) and could not tell me when the tow truck would have come if I was still on the side of the road.
I know the weather was bad but I am not an idiot either. I realize you can send out a tow truck on Highway 401 or on residential roads and service more people per hour than me, by myself half frozen on a side street with few places to seek shelter. There comes a point where there is a duty of care required beyond the profit motive. Apparently paying my membership over the years does not count. Currently the minimum wage in Ontario is $14/hr. I am cutting you a break and not charging you my usual hourly rate but I am expecting a cheque made out to me for $14 x 5.5 hours of no service = $77.00 I did not deserve to be left out in the cold literally. If there was no plan to help me (even if I got a membership for this reason), then I would have appreciated knowing that rather than being alone and cold and my husband terrified because he could not understand why a 3.5 drive would take more than twice that time.
If you are considering getting a membership, I would advise caution. I do not know if CAA is better or not but I am not impressed.
I have had a Gold plan for years and got service. However, My truck was towed by their service provider Kingsway towing Group, and they towed the 4×4 vehicle with a Dolly. The Dolly was blown on the Anthony Henday Hwy, and severe damage to the vehicle. The tow company operator told me they would fix my vehicle, so I did not take their insurance. My transmission and transfer case were damaged due to the blown Dolly because it was in the Park mode with a 4×4 option. They did not willingly pay the repair, and my vehicle cannot operate now. Canadian Tire Roadside was not compensated even though they made the issue. Deric Delcourt, the Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance Regional coordinator, is untrustworthy. He is the wrong person to deal with.
I am disable am I a gold member | had to pay 150 dollars of my own money because they couldn’t find anyone to change a flat tire
Did I ever get my money back answer is no. They said they would give me my money back phooney on them . I will not spend one cent with them.
we have had plan for years now through canadian tire and uased twice
the fist time was north and thursday in the gta
called because my wife had flat tire
the service provider dispatched damaged nuts and broke a stud, then towed her vehicle to a dealer
they said they needed to take the van to dealer as they were paying, but when i went to dealer the i discovered that i was paying
i would have preffered my personal mechanic and garage as so much cheaper but was given no choice
i called Canadian tire roadside assistance and complained but to no avail
we have to seriosly consider the plan we coose when renewal comes due
Horrible service..,buyCAS
Needed a tow but won’t tow it. Small Benz needed tow because of bad road conditions
It says they tow but would not do it,
Christmas time
SORRY I BOUGHT
I’ve had a Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance Gold membership for the past 22 months. This morning my truck would not start. I was pretty certain it was a dead battery. I called Cdn. Tire R.A. and was told a truck would be dispatched out of Niagara Falls. (I live in Fort Erie) and would be aprox. 45 minutes. After an hour and 45 minutes a called again. I was told they had a issue with the truck, but would be another 20 minutes. After another hour and a half, I called again. After a short hold, I was told that the rep had spoken to the 3rd parties dispatch, and would be another 15 minutes. I told the rep. to remove any auto renew option from my account, and made it clear that I would not be renewing my membership. His reply was, “I understand, thats business”. As it was; the tow truck driver ended up calling me at 2:15 in the afternoon, to confirm that I still needed assistance. He was in Grimsby, 45 minutes away. He arrived at 3pm to perform a 60 second boost. 5.5 hours after my first call for service. I’m switching to CAA in 2 months.
Thanks for all the comments. I was thinking about going with CT but after reading the comments, I will definitely pay more and go with CAA.
Thanks Canadian tire for sending Jesse from aaa. He was able to get our car out of a tough spot professionally. Sorely needed service on a day like today.
terrible service. I called in the mooring today and said to me that they will come in between 430 pm to 500. Accordingly I planed for other works. All on a sudden they call in my home phone number at around 1:30 pm and said that they are near my home. I was out of home right after our conversation because my schedule is 430 to 5 pm. My daughter informed me from home that there was call from road side assistance. i called Canadian tire road side assistance around 1:45 pm and the lady told me that they came to my house at 130 pm and I have to book the schedule again. I was middle of the work and all on a sudden i have been told that as because i missed the schedule (??? ) they don’t know when I will be scheduled again. Then I told the lady that I want to talk to your higher authority. She transferred the line to another person and that person told me that road side assistance people will come to me anytime after 5 pm. I called them again at around 615 pm . They replied that I have to wait 2 hours more . This is ridiculous and totally unexceptionable and unprofessional service.
Never ever again a Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance(
The worst! Bad faith business practices. After explaining my situation and listening to their “policy” it was agreed my car would be towed to the less than 50 km destination repair facility so I could get back on the road. It seemed right out of the gate they were jockeying for position to deny service with nuanced explanations of wanting to be transparent, which, as it turns out, they were anything but transparent. After a back and forth conversation it was agreed my car would be towed to the repair facility as long as I could provide documentation proving the repair facility was designated as a specialist for my make and model. I obtained the proof they requested. Satisfied I met their criteria I signed up for their gold membership that would fall short if it were categorized as a bronze membership. Sure enough they denied service wanting even further documentation. Conclusion…..misrepresentation and untrustworthy. Caveat emptor.
It is difficult not to be strident when thinking about such a shoddy company. Leading me to believe I would be towed less than 50 km I parted with my money in good faith only to learn bad faith is their modus operandi. Before I signed up I made sure every thing was a green light to utilize their towing service after a 24 hour waiting period. They denied service based on a flimsy excuse that was previously discussed., leaving me in a precarious situation. it was as if they were hedging their bets…they could have my money, but I would not have their service. A far cry from anything remotely reputable this so-called Roadside Assistance should be avoided at all, or any cost. Shameful!
This is the third posting. Perhaps I was too critical, so I hope they post this one. Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance is not for the faint of heart. These folks play hardball when it comes to denying you what they purportedly offer. Having done my due diligence in determining that I was eligible for a 48km toe when it came time to implement what I was assured of they balked and refused service. There are many words that come to mind as far as ratings go but I will just pick a few…..Misrepresentation and misleading Unreliable, They reneged on fulfilling what they assured me would not be a problem. It turned out to be a huge problem.You would be better off to push you vehicle to a destination rather than relying on their deception.