Hi,

Is there a Canadian motoring organisation that I can join where they'll offer roadside recovery and breakdown for travelling across the whole country or is it only regional service on offer?

I'm new to Ontario, will be travelling mostly here but would like cover for other provinces too.

CAA

What he said with link.
CAA National

CAA Ontario would be your local CAA but gives Nationwide coverage.

Thanks for that.

I've just looked on their website and it's not clear if the cover includes travel to the USA.

I'll be going to over the border to New York, will I need to get a separate policy for the USA?

I think you'll need to call them. Canada is still in the period where you have to phone a number, listen to half an hour of elevator music, then talk to someone.

Headsets are your friend.

BCAA covers driving in the USA.

Thanks Jonboy E

I'll join BCAA, their website makes it clear, 24/7 cover anywhere in Canada and the USA.

Cheers

Without a BC address you might have difficulty. CAA Ontario has the same coverage you just have to look

With CAA’s network of over 35,000 independently contracted road service vehicles throughout Canada and the United States, CAA Members are never far from a helping hand. From getting a flat tire or running out of gas, to being locked out of your car or not being able to start it, your CAA Membership ensures you get the help you need when you need it most. Whether you’re the driver or passenger of your own car, a friend’s car or even a rental, you’re covered 24/7, 365 days a year.
Roadside Assistance & Towing Services - CAA South Central Ontario

That link is from the CAA South Central Ontario Region
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Quite a few new car warranties cover breakdowns, running out of gas, flat tyres, towing and the like - our Ford one does so for 5 years and covers travel in the USA (I believe). So you may already have cover!

Be cautious of the Ford breakdown cover - I had to use it on a number of occasions and each time Ford tried to wriggle out of it. They refused to arrange replacement vehicle cover as I was 5kms too close to home for the to cover to apply (I think you have to be over 100kms from home) and they wouldn't provide a courtesy car during several extended periods of mechanical failure as the vehicle hadn't been previously booked in for repair (how do you pre-plan a breakdown?).

Thanks Collie, I had thought of that, I'll be checking to see if I'm already covered. (Only had the car a few months)

If it's the individual who's covered as opposed to the vehicle then presumably you would be covered in a breakdown as a passenger in say a friend's car..?

With CAA yes. However if you have a limited number of calls, that's one used up.

We use SPOT Messenger with road side assist. SPOT SATELLITE MESSENGER :: HOME PAGE
Has lots of uses besides auto recovery and works where cell phones don't and has global coverage. Have called a few times, mostly for the kids, they know within a few feet there you are. If you get in an accident and press the 911, the appropriate service comes out for your location.

Thanks Aviator, very useful information.