Does Car Insurance Cover Towing and Roadside Assistance in Ontario?
You're sitting in a parking lot at White Oaks Mall with a dead battery, or maybe your car won't start after grocery shopping at Masonville. Before you call for help, you're wondering: will my insurance cover this?
It's a fair question. Roadside emergencies cost money, and if you're already paying for car insurance, it makes sense to know what's included—and what isn't.
Here's what you need to know about insurance coverage for towing and roadside assistance in London, Ontario.
Is Roadside Assistance Included in Standard Car Insurance in Ontario?
Short answer: not automatically.
Your basic Ontario auto insurance policy includes mandatory coverages like Third Party Liability and Accident Benefits, but roadside assistance isn't one of them. It's an optional add-on that you have to purchase separately.
Most insurers offer roadside assistance as an endorsement (sometimes called OEF 35 or similar, depending on the provider). It typically costs between $20 and $60 per year—less than the price of a single tow.
If you didn't specifically ask for it when you bought your policy, you probably don't have it.
What Does Roadside Assistance Coverage Usually Include?
When you add roadside assistance to your policy, here's what most plans cover:
- Battery boosts (jump-starts)
- Flat tire changes (using your spare)
- Fuel delivery (if you run out of gas)
- Lockout service (when you lock your keys in the car)
- Towing (usually up to a set distance or dollar amount)
The towing portion typically has limits—often 100 km or $200–$300 per incident. If you break down on Highway 401 near Byron and need a tow to a shop in downtown London, that's usually covered. But if you need a long-haul tow to Woodstock or St. Thomas, you might pay the difference out of pocket.
Does Comprehensive or Collision Insurance Cover Towing?
Maybe—but only in specific situations.
If your car is damaged in an accident and you have Collision coverage, your policy may cover towing to a repair shop. Same goes for Comprehensive coverage if your car is damaged by theft, vandalism, or weather (like a tree falling on it during a storm in Hyde Park).
But if your car simply breaks down mechanically—dead battery, flat tire, engine trouble—your Collision and Comprehensive policies won't help. Those coverages are for damage, not mechanical failure.
What If I Don't Have Roadside Assistance on My Policy?
You have options:
Pay out of pocket. Call a local towing company like EMS Towing at (226) 476-4176 and pay the service fee directly. It's straightforward, fast, and you're not locked into a membership or plan.
Use a third-party membership. CAA, Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance, and similar services offer standalone plans. These work independently of your insurance and can be worth it if you drive an older vehicle or long distances regularly.
Check your credit card benefits. Some premium credit cards include roadside assistance as a cardholder perk. It's worth checking before you pay for a separate plan.
How Much Does Roadside Assistance Cost Without Insurance?
In London, Ontario, here's what you can expect to pay for common roadside services:
- Battery boost: $60–$100
- Tire change: $70–$120
- Lockout service: $75–$130
- Fuel delivery: $60–$100
- Towing: $100–$200+ depending on distance
If you only need roadside help once every few years, paying as you go might make more sense than a yearly insurance add-on or CAA membership.
Should You Add Roadside Assistance to Your Car Insurance?
It depends on how often you drive, where you drive, and how reliable your vehicle is.
You might benefit from coverage if:
- You have an older car that's more likely to break down
- You commute long distances (like daily trips on Highway 402 or 401)
- You don't have family or friends nearby who can help in a pinch
- You want the peace of mind of a single phone number to call
You might skip it if:
- You have a newer, reliable vehicle under warranty
- You already have CAA or another roadside plan
- You rarely drive outside London city limits
- You're comfortable paying for service only when needed
Adding roadside coverage to your insurance is cheap—usually less than $5 a month—but it's not mandatory. If you're on the fence, call your broker and ask what's included and what the limits are.
What to Do If You Need Roadside Help in London, Ontario
If your car breaks down and you're not sure whether you have coverage:
- Check your insurance documents. Look for a roadside assistance endorsement or call your insurer to confirm.
- If you have coverage, call the number on your policy. Most insurers have a dedicated roadside line.
- If you don't have coverage, call a local tow company. EMS Towing offers battery boosts, lockout service, and highway recovery across London, Lambeth, Westmount, and beyond. We're available 24/7 at (226) 476-4176.
Don't wait on hold with your insurance company if you're stuck on the side of the road. A quick call to a local towing service gets you help faster—and you can sort out reimbursement later if your policy covers it.
Can You Get Reimbursed for Towing if You Paid Out of Pocket?
Sometimes, yes.
If you have roadside assistance on your policy and you paid for a tow yourself (because you couldn't reach your insurer, or it was faster to call a local company), you can usually submit a claim for reimbursement.
You'll need:
- A receipt from the towing company
- Proof of payment
- Details about the breakdown (date, time, location, reason)
Your insurer will review the claim and reimburse you up to your policy's limits. Keep in mind that reimbursement isn't guaranteed—it depends on your specific coverage and the circumstances.
Final Thoughts: Know What You're Covered For Before You Need It
Most people don't think about roadside assistance until they're stranded in a Costco parking lot or stuck on the 401 with smoke coming from under the hood. By then, it's too late to add coverage.
Take a few minutes to review your auto insurance policy or call your broker. Ask whether roadside assistance is included, what the limits are, and whether it makes sense for your situation.
And if you ever find yourself needing help in London, Ontario—whether it's a dead battery in Byron, a flat tire near White Oaks, or a breakdown on Highway 402—EMS Towing is ready to assist. Call (226) 476-4176 anytime, day or night.
For more information, check out our FAQ page or learn about our services in St. Thomas and Woodstock.
Need roadside help right now?
Call EMS Towing 24/7: (226) 476-4176