Opinions on joining auto clubs for 24/7 Roadside Assistance

[D5W]

Hi there,

I recently purchased a used car (1996). Since there is no warranty or manufacturer roadside assistance plan left, what has been your experience with Auto Club's like Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance? How about Coast to Coast?

Any recommendations or warnings about certain auto clubs? Which one is best and why? I'm just thinking it might be worth getting it just in case of emergency? I don't drive too much, but with an old car and Canadian winters, I'm still debating the issue.

Any comments are greatly appreciated.

D5W

[sudenm]

I am a member of autoclub , it is ok but it takes atleast 60-90 mins to get the help from those guys , I heard CAA will be more quick in responding than the Canadian tire guys,

Hope it helps

[stevethewheel]

I've had CAA since I started driving. If you drive a lot, or drive an older car then it's worth it. One tow or boost that you pay for would cover more than the CAA bill in a year.

You don't have your location posted, but in Toronto it is getting really tough in the towing business and there are disreputable operators that are getting over $500 out of a breakdown through underhanded "service fees". By going with an autoclub it is unlikely you'll get ripped off by the operator, because they want to keep their connection.

As far as response times go...my experience is 30 minutes or less for a tow. A boost can take up to an hour if it is one of those cold mornings and 'everybody' needs a boost, otherwise 20-30 min.

Most auto clubs cover "you" no matter what car you are driving, so if you are in a friends' car and need help you can call them provided you were (or want to be) driving that car.

EDIT - when you are thinking about response time, consider that you might get faster response on a tow without being in the club, but you will likely pay 2-3 times the yearly club fee for the priviledge of being 30 min. sooner. On a boost you could get one 10-15 min. faster privately, but that will cost you about the yearly club fee to get.

[jerryhung]

This is a CAA vs. TD thread
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=220605

[Smoove]

Most auto clubs cover "you" no matter what car you are driving, so if you are in a friends' car and need help you can call them provided you were (or want to be) driving that car.


One exception is Canadian Tire -- they cover the car and anyone who drives it.