Your car won’t start. Or the tire is flat. Or your keys are on the driver’s seat and the door is locked. In Toronto, any of these can happen at 7 a.m. on a busy downtown street or at 11 p.m. in a quiet parking lot.
This guide explains what roadside assistance covers in Toronto, what each service costs, and how to get help quickly and safely.
Key Takeaways
- Four fixes cover most calls: battery boost, lockout, spare tire change and fuel delivery. Towing is the backup.
- Our starting prices: boost from $59.99, lockout from $85, tire change from $99.99, fuel delivery from $85 plus fuel.
- Check what you already have. Many insurance plans, credit cards, dealerships and auto clubs include roadside help.
- Ask for the total price and arrival time before you agree to send a truck.
- A tire change needs a usable, inflated spare. Fuel delivery prices do not include the fuel.
- Towing is regulated in Ontario. Operators must share their maximum rates and get your consent first.
- Help is available 24/7. Call (647) 568-9291.
What Is Roadside Assistance in Toronto?
Roadside assistance is an on-demand service that comes to you when your vehicle stops working. A technician arrives at your location and fixes the problem on the spot whenever possible.
In Toronto, it usually covers five things:
- Battery boost
- Vehicle lockout help
- Spare tire changes
- Emergency fuel delivery
- Towing
There are two ways to get it. You can pay per call, or you can use coverage you already have through your insurer, credit card, dealership or an auto club.
Emergency Roadside Service by South Toronto provides on-demand help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including holidays.
What Does Roadside Assistance Cover?
Most roadside calls come down to four problems. Each has a quick fix. Towing is the backup when the fix doesn’t work.
| Problem | Service | What happens | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dead battery | Battery boost | A technician restarts your engine with a portable power source | From $59.99 |
| Keys locked inside | Vehicle lockout | Your door is opened with specialty tools, without damage | From $85.00 |
| Flat tire | Spare tire change | The flat is removed and your spare is installed | From $99.99 |
| Empty tank | Fuel delivery | Gas or diesel is brought to your location | From $85 + fuel |
| Vehicle can’t be driven | Towing | Your vehicle is transported to a shop or home | Free estimate |
What roadside assistance does not cover
Roadside assistance solves the immediate problem. It is not a repair shop.
- Major repairs such as alternator, starter or engine work
- Buying new tires or a new battery (confirm with your provider)
- Changing a tire when there is no usable spare
- The fuel itself. You pay for the fuel you receive.
If the cause is bigger than a quick fix, we can tow your vehicle to the shop of your choice.
How Much Does Roadside Assistance Cost in Toronto?
Prices depend on the service, your location and the time of day. These are our starting prices:
| Service | Starting price | What can change the final price |
|---|---|---|
| Battery boost | From $59.99 | Location, time of day, vehicle type |
| Vehicle lockout | From $85.00 | Vehicle type, key system |
| Mobile spare tire change | From $99.99 | Spare condition, locking wheel nuts, location |
| Emergency fuel delivery | From $85 + fuel | Fuel type, amount, location |
| Towing | Free estimate | Distance, vehicle type, equipment needed |
Battery Boost: When Your Car Won’t Start
A battery boost uses a portable power source to restart a car with a drained battery. It is one of the most common roadside calls, especially in winter.
Signs you need one:
- The engine cranks slowly
- You hear rapid clicking when you turn the key
- Headlights and dash lights are dim
- Nothing happens at all
Our battery boost starts from $59.99.
A boost fixes a drained battery. It does not fix an old battery or a failed alternator. If your car dies again soon after, get the battery tested.
Vehicle Lockout: Keys Locked Inside
A lockout service opens your vehicle without damaging it. Technicians use specialty tools instead of force. Lockout service starts from $85.00.
Have these ready:
- Your photo ID
- Proof the vehicle is yours, such as your registration or insurance slip
- Your vehicle make, model and year
Reputable providers will ask for proof of ownership. That protects you.
Safety first
If a child or pet is locked inside, call 911 first. Do not wait for a roadside technician.
Avoid coat hangers and wedges. They can scratch paint, tear weather seals and damage door wiring.
A key fob left inside a push-button vehicle is a very common lockout. Tell the dispatcher your make, model and year so the right tools are sent. Learn more on our vehicle lockout service page.
Mobile Spare Tire Change: Flat Tire
A technician comes to you, removes the flat and installs your spare. You don’t have to do it beside traffic. Spare tire changes start from $99.99.
For a spare tire change to work, you need:
- A spare tire that is in good condition and properly inflated
- The key for your locking wheel nuts, if your wheels have them
Check your spare now. Many drivers find out it is flat or missing only when they need it.
Compact spares are made for short distances at reduced speed. Many are rated for about 80 km/h. Check the label on the tire or your owner’s manual.
No spare, or a damaged one? A tow to a tire shop is the safest option.
Changing a tire beside traffic is dangerous. On busy Toronto streets, waiting somewhere safe for a technician is often the better choice. See our spare tire change service.
Emergency Fuel Delivery: Out of Gas or Diesel
Fuel delivery brings gas or diesel to your vehicle so you can drive to the nearest station. It starts from $85 plus the cost of the fuel.
Tips for a smooth fuel delivery:
- Tell the dispatcher your fuel type. Gas and diesel are not interchangeable.
- Ask how much fuel is included so you know what to expect.
- Refuel at the nearest station right after delivery.
- Be patient when restarting. Some engines need a few tries after running dry.
Electric vehicles can’t be refuelled at the roadside. An EV with an empty battery usually needs a flatbed tow to a charger. Read about our emergency fuel delivery service.
When You Need a Tow Instead
Some problems can’t be fixed on the roadside. You likely need a tow if:
- Your car still won’t start after a battery boost
- You were in a collision
- A tire or wheel is damaged and you have no usable spare
- The engine is overheating, leaking or making serious noises
- Warning lights come on and the vehicle loses power
Towing in Ontario is regulated. Since January 1, 2024, the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act (TSSEA) requires tow operators to be certified and to publish their maximum rates.
Operators must give you those rates when they ask for your consent to tow. Unless a police officer directs the tow, if you don’t give consent, there can be no charge for the towing.
Our TSSEA operator number is TO#007 065 572. You can view our maximum rates here. These are the most we may charge, not necessarily what you will pay, so ask the dispatcher to confirm your price.
Need a tow? See car towing in Toronto.
Pay Per Call or Use Coverage You Already Have?
Before you pay, check what you already have. Many drivers have roadside help and don’t know it.
| Source | What it often includes | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Auto insurance add-on | Battery boost, lockout, tire change, fuel delivery and towing, depending on the plan | Call limits and towing distance caps |
| Credit card program | Some cards include roadside help. One bank program covers battery boost, gas delivery, lockout and a flat tire change if you have a safe spare | You pay for the fuel |
| Dealer or new-vehicle warranty | Many brands include roadside help for a set period | Time limits and brand-specific rules |
| Auto club membership | Roadside help and towing for members | Annual fee and tow distance limits |
| On-demand, pay per call | Help when you have no coverage, or when your plan can’t reach you in time | Price per call |
Tip: Save your provider’s number in your phone today. Keep ours as a backup: (647) 568-9291.
What Affects the Price?
Roadside prices vary for a few reasons:
- Time of day. Nights, weekends and holidays can cost more.
- Distance. The farther the technician travels, the higher the cost can be.
- Vehicle type. EVs, AWD, luxury and low-clearance vehicles may need special equipment.
- Location. Highways, parking garages and heavy snow add difficulty.
- Complexity. Locking wheel nuts or a diesel fuel system can add time.
- Multiple services. A boost plus a tow is priced differently from a boost alone.
The best way to avoid surprises is to get the total before the truck is dispatched.
What to Do When You’re Stranded in Toronto
Follow these steps in order:
- Get safe. Turn on your hazard lights. If you can move the vehicle off the road safely, do it.
- Call 911 if there is danger. Do this for injuries, a collision, fire, smoke or if your car is in a live traffic lane.
- Find your exact location. Note cross streets, a landmark or a highway marker. Share your phone’s location if you can.
- Describe the problem. Give your make, model, year and fuel type, and what happened.
- Ask for the total price and arrival time. Don’t agree to send a truck until you have both.
- Wait in a safe place. At night, stay in the vehicle with the doors locked unless it is unsafe to do so.
- Confirm who arrives. Check the driver’s name and the company on the truck before they begin.
How to Choose a Roadside Assistance Provider in Toronto
Look for these signs of a trustworthy provider:
- Gives you a price and arrival time before dispatch
- Works 24/7, including holidays
- Has a real local address and phone number
- Has reviews that describe real jobs and name real people
- Shows its TSSEA certificate number and published rates for towing
- Explains what is and isn’t included
Be careful with tow trucks that show up without being called. Ontario’s rules are meant to protect drivers from so-called “chasers,” which are opportunistic operators. Only accept a tow from a company you chose or that a police officer directed.
Where We Provide Roadside Assistance in Toronto
We serve all of Toronto, including:
Downtown Toronto, Little Italy, Parkdale, Midtown, Etobicoke, York, Scarborough, North York and East York.
Our office is at 40 Tyndall Ave #104, Toronto, ON M6K 2E4. See all service areas or read more about us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does roadside assistance cover in Toronto?
Roadside assistance in Toronto typically covers battery boost, vehicle lockouts, spare tire changes, emergency fuel delivery and towing. It solves the immediate problem so you can keep driving. It does not cover major repairs or replacement parts. Always confirm what is included before you book.
How much does roadside assistance cost in Toronto?
At Emergency Roadside Service by South Toronto, a battery boost starts from $59.99, a lockout from $85, a spare tire change from $99.99 and fuel delivery from $85 plus the cost of fuel. Towing starts with a free estimate. Final prices depend on location, time and vehicle, so ask for the total before dispatch.
Is roadside assistance available 24/7 in Toronto?
Yes. Emergency Roadside Service by South Toronto operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including holidays. Call (647) 568-9291 at any time.
How fast can a roadside technician arrive?
Arrival time depends on traffic, weather, your exact location and demand. We give you an arrival time when you call. Sharing your cross streets and a landmark helps the dispatcher send the nearest operator faster.
Do I need a membership to get roadside assistance?
No. You can pay per call without any membership. If you already have roadside coverage through your auto insurer, credit card, dealership or an auto club, check it first, because it may cover the call.
Does roadside assistance include towing?
Many plans include towing, but limits vary. With us, towing is a separate service with a free estimate. In Ontario, tow operators must give you their maximum rates and get your consent before charging for a tow.
What happens if my spare tire is flat or missing?
A technician cannot install a spare that is flat, damaged or missing. The safest option is usually a tow to a tire shop. Check your spare’s pressure now, before you need it.
What should I have ready when I call for roadside help?
Have your exact location and nearest cross streets, your vehicle make, model and year, a short description of the problem and your fuel type. Also say whether you have a usable spare. If you are in a parking garage, give the level and the posted clearance height.
Sources
- Ontario.ca, “Towing and vehicle storage requirements”: https://www.ontario.ca/page/towing-and-vehicle-storage-requirements
- CAA, “Ontario’s towing laws”: https://caaneo.ca/towingrights
- Desjardins, “Roadside assistance”: https://desjardins.com/en/insurance/auto/roadside-assistance.html
- BMO, “Roadside Assistance Program (Enhanced Coverage)”: https://www.bmo.com/pdf/EN_Roadside_Enhanced.pdf