How Much Does Roadside Assistance Cost in Burnaby? Full Breakdown 2026

Your car dies on Canada Way during rush hour. Your hands are shaking. Your first thought isn’t “at least I have a plan”—it’s “how much is this going to cost me?” You’ve already had an expensive month. The last thing you need is another bill you weren’t prepared for.

You pull out your phone. Your fingers hover over the search box. “Roadside assistance cost Burnaby.” You need actual numbers, not estimates. You need to know if this is going to be $100 or $500. You need to know if you should just call a traditional tow truck or if there’s a better option. And you need to know right now because your car isn’t moving and neither is your schedule.

Here’s what we know about your situation:

You want transparent pricing before you commit. No hidden fees, no “that’ll be extra” conversations after the service
You need to know if roadside assistance is actually worth the money compared to other options
You’re curious what the actual breakdown looks like—battery jump? Tire change? Fuel delivery? Emergency towing? What’s the real price for each?
You want to compare options so you can make the right decision with actual numbers, not guesses
You’re wondering if professional mobile roadside assistance is actually cheaper, more expensive, or somewhere in the middle when you factor in your time

What This Article Covers

We’re breaking down exactly what roadside assistance costs in Burnaby in 2026. Not estimates. Not “it depends.” Actual numbers for actual services. We’ll show you what you pay with us, what you’d pay at a traditional shop, what memberships really cost, and most importantly, what everything actually costs when you factor in your time—because time is money.

If you’re new to roadside assistance altogether, start with our complete guide first. This article is the detailed pricing breakdown. We’re also breaking down how to actually choose between your options if you’re still on the fence.

Need exact pricing right now? Give us a call at (236) 245-1552 — we’ll quote you over the phone with zero obligation. We’re available 24/7.

What Actually Gets Charged for Roadside Assistance?

Before we show you numbers, let’s be clear about what “roadside assistance” actually includes. We’re not talking about full repairs or replacements. We’re talking about getting you moving again—quickly—so you can continue your day or get to a repair shop.

Here’s what we typically charge for:

Battery jump starts — Getting your car running again when the battery’s dead
Tire changes — Swapping a flat for your spare or temporary fix
Car lockout assistance — Getting you back in your car when you’ve locked yourself out
Fuel delivery — Bringing you gas when you’ve run out
Basic roadside mechanical help — Minor fixes that can be done where you sit
Emergency towing — Getting your car to a shop or safe location when it can’t be driven

Each of these has its own pricing because each involves different time, equipment, and expertise. That’s why we break it all down here—so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

How Much Does Mobile Roadside Assistance Actually Cost in Burnaby?

Let’s start with what we charge. We’re upfront about pricing because transparency builds trust.

Our standard service pricing in 2026:

Battery jump start: $85–$120 depending on vehicle type
Tire change or repair: $95–$150 depending on what’s needed
Car lockout assistance: $80–$130 depending on lock complexity
Fuel delivery: $75–$110 depending on quantity needed
Basic mechanical help: $100–$180 depending on the issue
Emergency towing (first 10 km): $150–$220
Additional distance per kilometer: $3–$5 per km after initial distance

What actually affects your price:

Vehicle type — Luxury vehicles, EVs, and specialty cars sometimes require specialized equipment, which can add cost
Time of day — Our pricing is the same 24/7. No surge pricing at 2 AM like some competitors
Complexity of the issue — A simple jump start costs less than a complex lockout situation
Distance to tow — The further you need to go, the more per kilometer
Location challenges — Underground parking or difficult access might affect response time but not our base price

The reason we break this down? We want you to know there are no surprises. We quote you the price before we start. That’s what you pay. No “it turned out to be more complicated” charges added later.

The Traditional Tow Truck Shop Route in Burnaby (And Why It Costs More Than You Think)

If you call a traditional towing company instead of using mobile roadside assistance, here’s what you’re typically looking at.

Traditional shop pricing structure:

Basic tow (standard distance): $100–$160
Specialty equipment tows: $200–$400+
Per kilometer after initial distance: $2.50–$4.50 per km
After-hours premium (nights/weekends): Often 25–50% surcharge
Waiting room time: Your unpaid time (but it costs you money in lost productivity)

The real cost when you add everything up:

Let’s say you break down on a Saturday night near Brentwood. You call a traditional towing shop.

Tow service to the nearest shop: $150
30–45 minute wait for them to arrive
20-minute drive to the shop (during which you’re stuck with no transportation)
1–2 hours sitting in an uncomfortable waiting room drinking bad coffee while they assess your car
You’re looking at approximately 3–4 hours total for a service that costs $150–$250

Time cost calculation: If you make $65,000 annually (typical for Burnaby professionals), your time is worth roughly $31 per hour. Those 3–4 hours cost you approximately $93–$124 in lost productivity. Add that to the $150–$250 towing fee, and you’re at $243–$374 total cost for this one incident.

But here’s what nobody tells you: you still don’t know if the car needs major repairs. You still don’t know if the shop will upsell you on services you don’t need. You still don’t know when you’ll actually get your car back. You’re sitting there, stressed, with zero control over the situation.

Roadside Assistance Memberships: The Confusing Middle Ground

Memberships from companies like CAA, BCAA, or through your insurance seem cheaper upfront. Let’s break down what you’re actually paying.

Membership fee costs:

Basic annual membership: $50–$80
Premium annual membership: $100–$150
Coverage limits: Typically covers first 5–100 km free, then you pay per km
Member discounts: Sometimes 10–20% off tow fees (still not free)

The catch nobody talks about upfront:

According to roadside assistance coverage comparisons from The Zebra, coverage can vary significantly among providers, and many drivers don’t understand what they’re actually getting until they need it. The fine print matters—especially the limits and restrictions. Here’s what the hidden costs typically are:

Real costs of actually using a membership:

Annual fee: $75 (using the middle estimate)
Wait time for dispatch: 30–90 minutes (you’re stuck on the side of the road, stressed)
Response time: 45 minutes to 2+ hours depending on availability in your area
Your time waiting: 2–3 hours worth $62–$93 if you value your time at $31/hour
Tow fee if beyond coverage: $50–$150 (if you’re outside their coverage zone or need specialty equipment)

According to Capital One’s breakdown of roadside assistance coverage, there’s significant fine print around what’s actually covered—including caps on service calls per year, covered towing distances, and whether fuel and replacement parts are free or not. Most drivers don’t discover these limits until they actually need the service.

So your “cheap membership” actually costs:

Year where you don’t break down: $75 (wasted money)
Year where you break down once: $75 + $62–$93 (your time) + potentially $50–$150 (if beyond coverage) = $187–$318 total

Compare that to just paying for one service with us at $150–$220, and you’re already looking at similar numbers—except with us, you’re getting the service faster, with less stress, and without the membership fee you pay every year whether you use it or not.

How Much Does Our Mobile Roadside Assistance Actually Save You?

This is where the real value becomes clear. It’s not about being the cheapest—it’s about what you’re actually paying when you factor in time, stress, and convenience.

Our service cost breakdown (using battery jump as example):

Service charge: $100
Your time waiting and getting helped: 30 minutes ($15.50 at $31/hour)
Total real cost: $115.50

Traditional shop comparison:

Tow fee: $150
Your time (3 hours in waiting room): $93
Total real cost: $243

Savings with us on this one service: $127.50, plus your entire afternoon.

When you multiply this across multiple incidents per year:

If you’re someone who needs roadside assistance even twice per year, you’re looking at:

Traditional shops: $243 × 2 = $486 + stress + lost productivity + uncertainty
Memberships: $75 + ($115 × 2) = $305, but you’re still waiting around stressed
Our mobile service: $115.50 × 2 = $231, with minimal time impact and maximum peace of mind

Plus there’s the stress factor. With us, you know help is coming in 15–20 minutes. You’re not wondering if anyone is actually dispatched. You’re not sitting for hours in the dark. That peace of mind? It’s worth something too. It’s worth a lot, actually.

What About Specialty Services? Do They Cost More?

Yes, sometimes. But not always in the ways you might think.

Services that typically cost more:

EV/Tesla towing — We charge 10–15% more because the equipment and knowledge required is specialized
Luxury vehicle towing — Premium vehicles need premium handling—we charge slightly more to cover specialized equipment
Heavy vehicle towing — Trucks, vans, and larger vehicles cost more because they require different equipment
Complex lockouts — Some vehicles have security systems that make lockouts more time-intensive and expensive

Why we charge more for these:

It’s not price gouging. It’s that we have to invest in specialized equipment, training, and insurance to handle these situations safely. A Tesla requires specific towing procedures to avoid damaging the battery and electrical system. A luxury vehicle needs special equipment so we don’t damage the paint or undercarriage. We charge appropriately for that expertise because it prevents bigger, more expensive problems.

Services that cost the same:

Battery jump for any vehicle: Same price whether it’s a Toyota or a Tesla (we’ve got the right equipment for both)
Fuel delivery: Same price for any size vehicle
Emergency roadside help: Standard pricing across the board
24/7 availability: No surge pricing at any time of day

As NerdWallet details in their roadside assistance guide, you may have additional expenses beyond the base annual price for certain services. For example, a plan might cover fuel delivery but require you to pay for the gas itself. Some policies also limit manual labor hours or how many miles you can be towed before extra fees kick in.

Cost Comparision: Traditional vs. Membership vs. Our Mobile Service

Let’s put this side-by-side so you can actually see the difference in real dollars.

Scenario: Battery dies on a weekday afternoon in Burnaby

	Traditional Shop	Membership	Our Mobile Service
Service charge	$150	$0 (but $75 annual fee)	$100
Time to respond	45–90 min	30–120 min	15–20 min
Your time cost	2.5 hours ($77.50)	2 hours ($62)	30 min ($15.50)
Additional fees	Maybe per km	Sometimes per km	Included
Total cost	$227.50	$137 (annual)	$115.50
Stress level	High	Medium	Low
Peace of mind	Low	Medium	High

Annual picture for someone who breaks down twice:

	Traditional Shop	Membership	Our Mobile Service
Incident 1	$227.50	$137 (annual fee)	$115.50
Incident 2	$227.50	$62 (membership covers)	$115.50
Annual total	$455	$199	$231

What memberships don’t show:

They don’t count the total hours you waste sitting and waiting stressed. They don’t account for the fact that you might not be covered in certain situations. They don’t factor in the hassle of calling a call center, waiting for dispatch, and hoping someone actually shows up when they said they would.

With us, what you see is what you get. Fast. Transparent. Professional. No surprises.

When Is Roadside Assistance Worth the Cost?

Here’s the honest answer: It depends on your situation, but for most Burnaby drivers, it definately makes sense.

Roadside assistance makes sense if:

You drive an older car that breaks down occasionally
You’re far from home when issues happen
You don’t have family nearby who can help immediately
You have kids in the car and need help fast
You can’t afford to lose hours sitting in a waiting room
You drive in winter when breakdowns are more likely
You value your time at more than $20/hour

According to WalletHub’s roadside assistance analysis, roadside assistance is worth it if you have an older car, regularly drive long distances, live somewhere with bad weather (especially snowstorms), or are unfamiliar with car maintenance.

You might not need roadside assistance if:

You have a brand new car under full warranty
You live walking distance from repair shops and friends
You rarely drive far from home
You have unlimited flexibility to spend hours at a shop
You have family who can pick you up immediately

That said, most people in Burnaby fall into the first category. You’re busy. You can’t afford to lose 2–3 hours to a breakdown. You need help fast. Your time matters.

And that’s why understanding the actual costs matters. When you see that roadside assistance costs roughly the same as traditional shops—but saves you 2–3 hours and a ton of stress—the decision becomes pretty clear. It’s not about being frugal. It’s about being efficient with your life.

When Our Mobile Roadside Assistance Isn’t the Right Fit

Here’s where trust gets built—by being honest about what we can’t do.

There are scenarios where we handle the immediate crisis perfectly, and scenarios where you need something else. We’re upfront about this because our goal is to solve your problem, not to pretend we can do everything.

If your car needs major mechanical work beyond a jump start or tow—like if you need a full engine replacement done on the side of the road—that’s not a roadside assistance problem. That’s a repair shop problem, and we get you there safely.

If you’re in a remote area far outside Greater Burnaby or the surrounding regions, our locally-focused service might not reach you, and you’d need a different solution. That’s okay. We’ll tell you that upfront rather than promise something we can’t deliver when you’re already stressed.

If you drive a specialty vehicle with very specific towing requirements (like certain high-end supercars that need specific towing equipment), you should verify with us ahead of time that we have the right gear. Call us. We’d rather you know now than discover it when you’re stranded.

We definately understand that roadside assistance is a specific solution for specific problems. It’s not the answer to everything. But for the most common scenarios—battery dead, tire flat, locked out, out of fuel, minor mechanical issues on the side of the road—it’s exactly what you need, exactly when you need it.

Why Choose Us for Roadside Assistance in Burnaby

Fast Response Time You Can Actually Count On

We don’t promise “we’ll be there in a few hours and give you a vague window.” We position our trucks across Burnaby specifically so response times stay in the 15–20 minute range. You know a truck is coming. You know approximately when. You know who’s driving it and what their vehicle looks like.

This matters more than you think when you’re stressed and stranded. The uncertainty is often worse than the actual problem. We eliminate that uncertainty.

We’ve worked in neighborhoods accross Burnaby—from Brentwood to Central Park to Metrotown to Burnaby Heights and everywhere in between—and we know the roads, the access points, and the challenges specific to each area. When your car breaks down on Hastings Street near the shops, you’re not calling a generic towing company. You’re calling a local team that knows exactly where you are and how to reach you fast.

Clear Pricing, Zero Surprises

When you book with us, you’re told the price upfront. Not estimated. Not “it might be more.” Told clearly before we touch your car.

This is the opposite of traditional tow shops where you don’t find out the real cost until you’re already committed and stressed. We respect your budget because we understand that most people who need roadside assistance are already stressed about money as well as logistics.

You’ll never open an invoice from us and discover charges you didn’t authorize. We explain what factors affect pricing, and we only change the quote with your explicit approval if something changes mid-service. This transparency builds trust because you’re not getting surprised later.

Reviews From People Who Actually Used Us in Crisis

This isn’t theoretical. People in Burnaby have already used us in actual crisis moments.

What you’ll see in our reviews: Fast response. Professional treatment. Fair pricing. Kind, respectful drivers. These aren’t paid testimonials. These are people who were stressed and stranded, and we made their situation better. When you’re in crisis, you want to know that other people like you have already used this service and felt taken care of. That evidence matters. A lot.

Professional Drivers Who Actually Understand Your Situation

Our drivers aren’t just roadside assistance professionals—they’re trained to handle people who are already anxious and stressed.

What this means for you: We understand that you might not know what’s wrong with your car. We don’t condescend. We don’t rush. We explain things clearly and treat you like an intelligent adult who deserves to understand what’s happening with their own vehicle.

We handle all vehicle types—standard cars, trucks, motorcycles, and specialty vehicles. We ask the right questions upfront about your vehicle so we bring the right equipment. We litterally carry equipment for everything from basic battery boosts to complex towing scenarios. More importantly, we’re trained to respond to your emotional state, not just your mechanical problem. We understand that you might be scared, frustrated, or just exhausted. We treat you with kindness and respect. That makes a bigger difference than people realize when you’re already having a bad day.

Bottom Line: What Should You Actually Pay?

Here’s our straight answer: You should pay for convenience and speed, not for suffering.

If you’re going to break down (and statistically, you probably will at some point), you have three options:

Pay traditional shops and lose most of your day
Pay for memberships and still lose time plus a yearly fee
Use our mobile service and keep your afternoon

The cost difference? Usually smaller than you think. The time difference? Huge.

You shouldn’t be choosing based on saving $20–$50 when the real cost is 2–3 hours of your life. That’s not financial sense—that’s just unnecessary stress.

We charge fair prices for fast, professional service. No hidden fees. No surprises. Just honest roadside assistance in Burnaby when you need it.

Book with us now in under 2 minutes or give us a call at (236) 245-1552—we’ll tell you exactly what it costs, no pressure, no obligation. We’re available 24/7 for emergencies in Burnaby.

FAQ: Your Roadside Assistance Pricing Questions, Answered

How long does mobile roadside assistance actually take from start to finish?

Great question. Here’s the real answer: For simple stuff like a battery jump, we’re typically done in 10–15 minutes once we arrive. A tire change usually takes 15–25 minutes depending on your vehicle and the damage. For more complex issues, it might take 30–45 minutes. The thing is, we quote you upfront, and you’re not required to watch us work. You can sit in your car, wait inside a nearby building, or keep working while we handle it. That flexibility matters when you’re already stressed and behind schedule. Litterally the biggest advantage of mobile service is that you don’t lose your entire afternoon waiting around.

Is our mobile roadside assistance more expensive than just going to a shop?

Honestly? It’s comparable upfront. A battery jump with us might be $100, and a traditional shop might charge $80–$120 for the same thing. But when you factor in your time (we’re there in 20 minutes, they might take 2+ hours), the real cost picture changes completely. You’re not paying more—you’re getting more value for roughly the same price. That’s the actual trade-off, and for most people with jobs and schedules, that trade-off makes complete sense.

Can we fix all roadside assistance problems on-site, or are some things beyond what you can handle?

We’re honest about our limitations because wasting your time isn’t helpful. We can handle battery jumps, tire changes, lockouts, fuel delivery, and basic mechanical roadside help. If your car needs serious mechanical work, transmission issues, or something that requires a full shop setup, we tow you to the right place. We won’t attempt impossible repairs on the side of the road. We ask the right questions, assess honestly, and get you where you need to be. That honesty builds trust because you know we’re thinking about your best interest, not just squeezing every dollar out of the situation.

Do I need to stay with my car the whole time you’re working on it?

You absolutely don’t need to stay. In fact, we encourage you to do whatever makes you comfortable. If it’s freezing cold and you can safely wait at a nearby coffee shop or restaurant, go do that. If you need to keep working while your car is being handled, that’s fine too. Just keep your phone on you so we can contact you if something changes. We occassionally need to clarify something with you (like which shop you want to go to), but we’ll call. This is one of the bigger advantages of mobile roadside assistance—you’re not trapped waiting on the side of the road stressed. You’re free to actually live your life while your car situation gets solved.

What if my car can’t be fixed roadside and needs to go to a shop?

This is where our service transitions smoothly. If it’s clear that your car needs more than a quick fix, we tow it to a shop of your choice (if you have one) or to a recommended shop if you need a recommendation. Your car is transported safely using the right equipment for your vehicle type. You get contact information for the shop. You can then figure out repair logistics from there. Our job is getting your car to the right place safely, and we do that part really well. We’re not trying to be everything—we’re trying to solve this specific problem for you right now.

How do I know if we actually cover my area in Burnaby?

We cover Greater Burnaby and the surrounding areas comprehensively. The way to check before you need us is to give us a call at (236) 245-1552 and verify your location. If you’re in a more remote part of the region, we can confirm coverage and let you know if there’s any extra cost for extended areas. This is the kind of thing that’s worth confirming on a calm Tuesday afternoon rather than discovering it when you’re actually stranded and stressed. We’d rather you know now.

What if I need roadside assistance at like 2 AM on a Friday night in Burnaby? Is that more expensive?

Nope. Our pricing is the same 24/7. You don’t get charged an emergency premium at 2 AM like some companies do. We’re here whether it’s noon or midnight, same prices, same service, same professionalism. That consistency matters because breakdowns don’t happen at convenient times. You might break down late at night when you’re tired and worried about safety. We understand that, and we’re equipped to handle it.