Roadside Assistance Edmonton: What It Covers & When You Need It
β‘ Quick Answer
Roadside assistance in Edmonton covers emergency services like battery boosts ($50β$85), flat tire changes ($55β$85), fuel delivery ($55β$75), car lockout help ($65β$95), and towing ($85β$250+). Most providers respond within 20β45 minutes across the city.
Edmonton Towing provides 24/7 roadside assistance with no membership required β just call and we dispatch immediately.
Being stranded on the side of the road in Edmonton is stressful enough without wondering who to call or how much it will cost. Whether your battery died in a Costco parking lot in Mill Woods, you have a flat tire on the Yellowhead, or you ran out of gas heading down the Henday β roadside assistance in Edmonton can get you moving again without the hassle.
But what does roadside assistance actually include? How much does it cost? And is it worth paying for a membership when you can just call a towing company directly?
This guide breaks down everything Edmonton drivers need to know about emergency roadside service β what’s covered, what it costs, who to call, and when it makes sense to skip the membership and go direct.
What Is Roadside Assistance?
Roadside assistance is a catch-all term for emergency services that help you when your vehicle breaks down or becomes undriveable β right where you are. Instead of arranging a tow to a shop for every small problem, a technician comes to you and often fixes the issue on the spot.
In Edmonton, roadside assistance typically includes these core services:
- Battery boost / jump start β Starting a dead battery on-site
- Flat tire change β Swapping your flat for a spare
- Fuel delivery β Bringing gas or diesel to your location
- Car lockout service β Unlocking your vehicle if keys are inside
- Towing β Transporting your vehicle to a shop when on-site repair isn’t possible
- Winching & recovery β Pulling your vehicle out of snow, mud, or a ditch
The biggest difference between providers is how you access these services β through a membership program (like AMA) or by calling a local company like Edmonton Towing’s roadside assistance directly.
What Does Roadside Assistance Cover in Edmonton?
Not all providers cover the same things. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what most emergency roadside service providers in Edmonton will help you with:
π Battery Boost & Jump Start
Edmonton winters are brutal on car batteries. When temperatures drop below -20Β°C, battery capacity can drop by 50% or more. A battery boost service sends a technician to jump-start your vehicle on-site β usually taking just 10β15 minutes.
π Flat Tire Change
A technician will swap your flat for your vehicle’s spare tire. If you don’t have a spare, they can tow you to the nearest shop. Edmonton’s pothole-ridden roads after spring thaw make this one of the most-requested services. Learn more about our tire change service in Edmonton.
β½ Emergency Fuel Delivery
Ran out of gas on the Henday or Whitemud? A fuel delivery service brings enough gasoline or diesel to get you to the nearest station β no tow required. This is far cheaper and faster than getting your car towed to a gas station.
π Car Lockout Service
Locked your keys inside your car? Our car unlocking service uses professional tools to open your door without damage β no need for a locksmith. This is especially critical in winter when being locked out can be dangerous.
π Emergency Towing
When the problem can’t be solved on-site β engine failure, transmission issues, severe accident damage β your vehicle needs to be transported. Edmonton Towing provides flatbed towing for safe transport of all vehicle types, including AWD and luxury vehicles.
πͺ Winching & Vehicle Recovery
Slid off an icy road? Stuck in a snowbank or ditch? Our winching and recovery service extracts your vehicle safely without causing additional damage β a common need during Edmonton’s long winter months.
How Much Does Roadside Assistance Cost in Edmonton?
Prices vary depending on the service, time of day, and your location within the city. Here’s what Edmonton drivers can typically expect to pay for road side assistance on a per-call basis:
π‘ Pro Tip
Many problems that seem like they need a tow can actually be solved on-site for much less. A dead battery costs $50β$85 to boost vs. $85+ to tow to a shop. Always describe your problem clearly when you call β a good company will recommend the cheapest solution first.
AMA Membership vs. Calling a Towing Company Directly
Many Edmonton drivers assume they need an AMA (Alberta Motor Association) membership for roadside help. Here’s how the two options actually compare:
ποΈ AMA Membership
- Annual fee: $80β$175/year
- Limited calls per year (usually 4)
- Towing capped at 5β200 km (by tier)
- 3-day waiting period for new members
- Dispatches third-party tow trucks
- Extra benefits (discounts, travel insurance)
π Direct Towing Company
- No membership fee β pay per call
- Unlimited calls anytime
- No distance caps on towing
- Immediate dispatch β no waiting period
- Speak directly with the company
- Often faster local response times
If you need roadside help once or twice a year, calling a company like Edmonton Towing directly is often cheaper and faster than paying for an annual membership. However, if you drive long-distance frequently or want the extra travel perks, AMA can make sense.
β οΈ Important
New AMA memberships have a 3-business-day waiting period before you can request service. If you need help right now, you cannot sign up and call immediately. A direct towing company has zero waiting period.
When to Call for Roadside Assistance in Edmonton
Some situations are obvious β your car won’t start, you have a flat tire. But many drivers don’t realize roadside assistance near me services can help with situations like these too:
Dead battery in winter β The #1 reason Edmonton drivers call for roadside help. Below -20Β°C, batteries fail without warning.
Flat tire on a busy road β If you’re on the Yellowhead or Henday, changing a tire yourself is dangerous. Call for professional help.
Ran out of fuel β Especially common on longer stretches like the Henday or Highway 2. Fuel delivery is faster and cheaper than towing.
Keys locked inside your car β Happens more than you’d think, especially during winter warm-ups. Don’t risk breaking a window.
Slid into a ditch or snowbank β Common on Edmonton’s icy side streets. Winching gets you out without calling a full tow.
Engine warning lights β If your check engine light, oil pressure, or temperature gauge spikes, pulling over and calling for help prevents engine damage. See our guide on when to call a tow truck.
After a minor accident β Even a fender bender may leave your car undriveable. Accident towing handles insurance documentation and safe transport to a body shop.
What to Do While Waiting for Roadside Help
Once you’ve called for emergency roadside service, your top priority is safety. Here’s what Edmonton Towing recommends:
- Move off the road if possible β pull onto the shoulder or into a parking lot
- Turn on hazard lights immediately β visibility is critical, especially in winter darkness
- Stay inside your vehicle if you’re on a highway β it’s safer than standing outside near traffic
- Keep the engine running for heat if it’s safe to do so (unless you smell gas or see smoke)
- Share your exact location β drop a pin on Google Maps when you call
If you’re stuck in extremely cold weather, read our guide on what to do during a winter breakdown in Edmonton for detailed survival tips.
24/7 Roadside Assistance Edmonton
Fast dispatch β’ No membership needed β’ All services available
Does Your Insurance Cover Roadside Assistance?
Many Alberta drivers don’t realize their auto insurance may already include some form of roadside help. Here’s what to check:
- Collision coverage β Often includes towing after an accident
- Comprehensive coverage β May cover towing for theft, vandalism, and certain breakdowns
- Roadside assistance add-on β Usually $20β$40/year added to your policy
- New vehicle warranty β Many manufacturers include roadside assistance for the first 3β5 years
Even when insurance covers towing, the process can be slow β you call your insurer, they dispatch a third-party truck, and wait times can stretch to 60β90 minutes. Many Edmonton drivers prefer to call a local company first for speed, then submit the receipt for reimbursement.
For accident-related towing, check if your provider works with insurance-approved towing services that can bill your insurer directly.
π‘ Pro Tip
Check your credit card benefits too. Many Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards include complimentary roadside assistance for cardholders β even if you’ve never used it.
Edmonton’s Most Common Roadside Emergencies by Season
Edmonton’s extreme weather means different problems at different times of year. Knowing what to expect helps you prepare:
Winter accounts for nearly 60% of all roadside calls in Edmonton, with dead batteries being the single most common reason. If you haven’t had your battery tested recently, read our winter car battery guide to prepare.
How to Choose the Right Roadside Assistance Provider
Not all providers are equal. Here’s what to look for when choosing roadside assistance in Edmonton:
β 24/7 availability β Breakdowns don’t wait for business hours. Make sure your provider operates around the clock, including holidays.
β Transparent pricing β A reputable company gives you a quote over the phone before dispatching. If they won’t quote a price, that’s a red flag.
β Fast local response β Ask about average response times in your part of the city. A company based in Edmonton will reach you faster than one dispatched from afar.
β Full service range β Choose a provider that handles everything from a simple boost to heavy duty towing β so you don’t need different numbers for different problems.
β Google reviews β Check recent reviews. Look for comments about response time, professionalism, and fair pricing.
β Proper equipment β A company with flatbed tow trucks can handle AWD vehicles, luxury cars, and motorcycles safely.
β οΈ Watch Out for Towing Scams
Some unlicensed operators patrol Edmonton highways looking for stranded drivers. They may offer help but charge inflated prices with no receipt. Always call a specific company yourself β never accept unsolicited help from an unmarked truck. The Alberta Consumer Protection website has more information on your rights.
Areas We Cover for Roadside Assistance in Edmonton
Edmonton Towing provides road side assistance across the entire Edmonton metro area and surrounding communities. Our typical response time is 20β45 minutes depending on your location and traffic conditions.
We frequently service these Edmonton neighbourhoods and surrounding areas:
We also offer long-distance towing for breakdowns between cities β including Edmonton to Calgary, Red Deer, Fort McMurray, and other Alberta destinations.
How to Reduce Your Need for Roadside Assistance
Prevention is always cheaper than emergency service. These simple habits help Edmonton drivers avoid the most common roadside emergencies:
π Test your battery before winter. Most auto shops will test it free. Replace batteries older than 3β4 years before cold season hits.
π Check tire pressure monthly. Under-inflated tires are more prone to flats and blowouts. Edmonton’s temperature swings cause pressure to drop fast.
β½ Don’t let your tank drop below a quarter. In winter, a near-empty tank can lead to frozen fuel lines and condensation problems.
π Keep a spare key accessible. Give one to a family member or use a magnetic key box. This alone prevents hundreds of lockout calls each year.
π§° Keep a winter emergency kit. Jumper cables, a flashlight, warm blankets, and a phone charger can make a big difference while waiting for help.
For a complete checklist, read our guide on winter emergency kits for Edmonton drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roadside Assistance in Edmonton
What does roadside assistance include in Edmonton?
Roadside assistance in Edmonton typically includes battery boost / jump start, flat tire change, fuel delivery, car lockout service, towing, and winching recovery. Some providers also offer minor mechanical repairs on-site depending on the issue.
How much does roadside assistance cost in Edmonton?
Per-call pricing ranges from $50 for a simple battery boost to $250+ for heavy-duty towing. Most common services like tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockout help fall in the $55β$95 range. Annual membership programs like AMA cost $80β$175/year.
Do I need a membership for roadside assistance?
No. Local towing companies like Edmonton Towing provide all the same services on a per-call basis with no membership required. You can call anytime β even at 3 AM β and get immediate dispatch without signing up for anything.
How long does it take for roadside help to arrive in Edmonton?
Most local towing companies respond within 20β45 minutes depending on your location, time of day, and weather conditions. During extreme cold snaps or heavy snowstorms, wait times may increase due to higher call volume across the city.
Is roadside assistance covered by my car insurance in Alberta?
Many Alberta auto insurance policies include towing after an accident under collision coverage. Some policies offer a roadside assistance add-on for $20β$40/year. Check with your insurer β and don’t forget to check your credit card benefits too, as many cards include complimentary roadside help.
What’s the difference between roadside assistance and towing?
Roadside assistance is the broader category that includes on-site services like battery boosts, tire changes, and fuel delivery β plus towing when needed. Towing specifically means transporting your vehicle from one location to another. Many roadside calls don’t actually need a tow at all.
Can I get roadside assistance at night in Edmonton?
Yes. Edmonton Towing and most reputable providers operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week β including nights, weekends, and holidays. Some companies charge a small after-hours surcharge ($25β$50), so ask about pricing when you call.
Is AMA worth it in Edmonton?
AMA membership makes sense if you need help frequently (3+ times per year), drive long distances regularly, or value the extra perks like travel discounts. If you only need help once or twice a year, paying per-call to a local company is usually cheaper and faster.
What should I do if my car breaks down on the Henday or Yellowhead?
Pull onto the shoulder as far as safely possible, turn on your hazard lights, and stay inside your vehicle. Call for roadside assistance immediately β do not attempt to walk along the highway. Share your exact location or the nearest exit number so the driver can find you quickly.
Do you provide roadside assistance for motorcycles?
Yes. Edmonton Towing offers motorcycle towing and roadside assistance using flatbed trucks equipped with proper bike tie-downs. We handle everything from sport bikes to touring motorcycles, ensuring safe and damage-free transport.
Need Roadside Assistance in Edmonton?
No membership. No waiting period. Just fast, affordable help β 24/7.