In my early teenage years, my father instilled in me the importance of defensive driving, regular vehicle maintenance and using winter tires. He also valued his CAA membership even though he hoped he would never require roadside assistance. Each year, he would renew his membership without batting an eye. There was even a time when he would fill up at a particular gas station that offered CAA dollars which would help offset the cost of his yearly membership fee, often to the point where it would fully cover the cost. For him, it had become a habit to carry his membership card and proudly display the CAA decal on the rear window of his vehicle each year. It was the security he felt as a member that stood out most to me, so much so that, once I became an independent driver, I knew I had to become a CAA member as well.

While I am a very confident driver, I have found myself in a handful of situations wherein I have lost partial control of my vehicle. Even with winter tires, it is easy to lose control on black ice. A few winters ago, I found myself on an icy road that dipped in the middle. I couldn't quite make it up the incline since a city bus was slowly trying to gain traction ahead of me. With two young kids in the back seat, I was worried I wouldn't be able to make it home. The only thing that eased my concern was that trusty white card in my wallet that granted access to a variety of roadside services including CAA towing services. Luckily, I was able to turn my vehicle around à la Mr. Bean and take a different route home. 

One of my secret fears about owning a vehicle is experiencing a flat tire while driving. The very thought makes me shudder. I have never changed a tire in my entire life nor have I had to make an emergency pullover on the highway. But let's just say this situation occurs while my husband is driving. Even if he can safely maintain control of our vehicle and can change a tire in sub-zero temperatures, our vehicle’s components may not be entirely up to the challenge. We can easily count on CAA to help out in such a situation, just in case we require auto repair. We have already relied on CAA to help us retrieve keys from our locked car and when our battery died on many an occasion.

Did you know CAA Members get access to towing services, battery replacement, flat tire service, emergency fuel & delivery, lockout services and Member-exclusive savings and rewards? We frequently take advantage of discounts at some of our favourite retailers, when purchasing tickets to movies or shows, or passes to family attractions, and much more. It's also great to know that you can save on holiday gifts at PayLess Shoes, the Banana Republic Factory Store and GAP Factory Store as well.

The best part is Basic Memberships start at just $69 and Roadside Assistance from CAA is available 24/7, 365 days a year!